How far would you go for love? Would you be willing to break all barriers of social convention to protect something you once loved? Sounds a little far-fetched, doesn’t it? On this world heritage day read on to know more about Princess Esra Jah, a Turkish born royal, who broke all norms to help restore the heritage of the city she fell in love with. Princess Esra was married to Prince Mukarram Jah the 8th Nizam of Hyderabad.
Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan had gotten his children married to Turkish Princesses. He wasn’t very keen on getting Turkish matches for his grandchildren as well. However, his daughter-in-law, Princess Durru Shevar’s efforts prevailed and Prince Mukarram Jah was married to Princes Esra. The marriage did not last very long due to Prince Mukarram’s mismanagement of his legacy and strict day-to-day protocols. Princess Esra moved to England in 1978 and then to America later on. Her love for Hyderabad however was not dampened even a little bit.
In the early 80’s Prince Mukarram Jah, who inherited one of the greatest fortunes of the 20th century, had almost squandered it away completely. Debts were rising, public controversies were brewing and the estate was heavily tied up in criminal litigation. The Falaknuma and Chowmahalla palaces were systematically pillaged and very near boarded up. After exhausting all other options, the Prince rushed to his ex-wife to help him salvage what was left. She leapt to his rescue without a moment’s hesitation.
Princess Esra was not interested in any personal glory. She loved Hyderabad deeply and wanted to be able preserve the heritage of the Nizam dynasty for future generations. The ruinous state of the estate hurt her deeply. Princess Esra is deeply protective of her family. She strived to make sure that the Nawabs would forever be remembered with reverence and their memories live on as a part of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan, a man responsible for much of Hyderabad’s infrastructure, deserved the respect of future generations.
The Taj Falaknuma Palace
The Chowmahalla Palace
The monumental task of restoration required that Princess Esra stayed here in Hyderabad. She returned to the city after 2 decades. She masterminded the monumental renovation efforts with support from several leading architects like Rahul Mehrotra and the Taj group. Falaknuma was leased to the Taj group of hotels; it is one of the best names in Indian Palace hotels since it opened in 2010. The Chowmahalla has been turned into a museum that attracts thousands of visitors every day. The Zeal of Esra has ensured that Hyderabad’s cultural heritage landmarks are back to their former glory. The Turkish Princess Esra Jah’s efforts to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Hyderabad and the Nawabs will be remembered with immense reverence by generations to come.
Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan had gotten his children married to Turkish Princesses. He wasn’t very keen on getting Turkish matches for his grandchildren as well. However, his daughter-in-law, Princess Durru Shevar’s efforts prevailed and Prince Mukarram Jah was married to Princes Esra. The marriage did not last very long due to Prince Mukarram’s mismanagement of his legacy and strict day-to-day protocols. Princess Esra moved to England in 1978 and then to America later on. Her love for Hyderabad however was not dampened even a little bit.
In the early 80’s Prince Mukarram Jah, who inherited one of the greatest fortunes of the 20th century, had almost squandered it away completely. Debts were rising, public controversies were brewing and the estate was heavily tied up in criminal litigation. The Falaknuma and Chowmahalla palaces were systematically pillaged and very near boarded up. After exhausting all other options, the Prince rushed to his ex-wife to help him salvage what was left. She leapt to his rescue without a moment’s hesitation.
Princess Esra was not interested in any personal glory. She loved Hyderabad deeply and wanted to be able preserve the heritage of the Nizam dynasty for future generations. The ruinous state of the estate hurt her deeply. Princess Esra is deeply protective of her family. She strived to make sure that the Nawabs would forever be remembered with reverence and their memories live on as a part of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan, a man responsible for much of Hyderabad’s infrastructure, deserved the respect of future generations.
The Taj Falaknuma Palace
The Chowmahalla Palace
The monumental task of restoration required that Princess Esra stayed here in Hyderabad. She returned to the city after 2 decades. She masterminded the monumental renovation efforts with support from several leading architects like Rahul Mehrotra and the Taj group. Falaknuma was leased to the Taj group of hotels; it is one of the best names in Indian Palace hotels since it opened in 2010. The Chowmahalla has been turned into a museum that attracts thousands of visitors every day. The Zeal of Esra has ensured that Hyderabad’s cultural heritage landmarks are back to their former glory. The Turkish Princess Esra Jah’s efforts to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Hyderabad and the Nawabs will be remembered with immense reverence by generations to come.
