Hyderabad: The Restoration of Nizamia Observatory Still Pending
The plan to restore the historic Nizamia Observatory in Hyderabad remains uncertain. Over a year ago, plans were made to restore and renovate the observatory. While a telescope was installed, no significant action has been taken by the State Government since then.
Some heritage activists and local residents mentioned that during the term of the previous state government, around Rs 2.30 crore was sanctioned to restore the observatory’s dome and telescope. However, after the new government took over, no further progress was made. This has raised concerns that the restoration project may have been just a symbolic gesture. The observatory, located within the Centre for Economic and Social Studies in Begumpet, currently lies abandoned and is slowly deteriorating.
Locals have made several follow-up attempts with the authorities, but nothing has come of it. Heritage activists believe that if the observatory is restored, it will draw attention to its historical significance. Many people are unaware of the observatory’s contribution to astronomy, especially its role in star mapping.
Mohammed Haseeb Ahmed, a heritage activist, expressed his frustration. He said, “Last year, the previous government had plans to restore the structure. But after the new government came into power, the restoration stopped. We’ve been trying to follow up with the officials, but there has been no concrete response. This structure should be restored for both current and future generations to understand its importance. The government could also collaborate with private organizations, as many historic structures have been successfully preserved through such partnerships.”
Brief History of the Nizamia Observatory
The Nizamia Observatory played a critical role in early star cataloguing and mapping. It was established by Nawab Zafar Yar Jung Bahadur, a wealthy nobleman and amateur astronomer. He was also the minister of defense during the reign of the sixth Nizam. In 1901, he bought a small 6-inch telescope from England and installed it at Pisal Banda Palace in Hyderabad, making it the second oldest observatory in India.
For nearly 100 years, the observatory was crucial in observing important astronomical events. These included the passing of Halley’s Comet and Shoemaker-Levy’s Comet, as well as solar eclipses, using its powerful 15-inch Grubb refractor telescope. The observatory also had an eight-inch Cooke Astrograph for capturing images of the stars.
Importantly, the Nizamia Observatory participated in the international program ‘Cart-Du-Ciel,’ which aimed to map the entire sky photographically. It recorded 763,542 star observations, which astronomers still refer to today. However, without proper maintenance, this historic structure is at risk of disappearing altogether.
