Category Archives: Travel & Tourism

IIT-Madras to map Golconda’s Bagh-e-Naya Qila

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Travel & Tourism, World Opinion, , ,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

A tunnel hidden below the garden layout at the Qutb Shahi tombs and connecting with Golconda Fort was unearthed during excavations. File | Photo Credit: G. Ramakrishna
A tunnel hidden below the garden layout at the Qutb Shahi tombs and connecting with Golconda Fort was unearthed during excavations. File | Photo Credit: G. Ramakrishna

ASI wants to ensure medieval relics aren’t destroyed by an expanding golf course

In another instance of modern technology coming to the aid of medieval heritage, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will be using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to map the contours of the area around the Bagh-e-Naya Qila excavated garden inside the Golconda Fort. It has roped in the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M) to carry out the mapping.

This medieval garden in Hyderabad  is the only one of its kind still intact. All the others – built during the Qutb Shahi rule (1518-1687) — have either been built over or have disappeared. The contour mapping was necessitated by the impending advance of the Hyderabad Gold Club, which wants to expand its 18-hole course into a 21-hole one by taking over some of the land adjoining the Bagh-e-Naya Qila site. A GPR map would reveal any medieval relics that may lie buried under the ground, and could thus be saved by the ASI.

“The Hyderabad Golf Club, which has built a golf course in the Naya Qila area, wants to add a few more holes on the other side of the garden. We don’t want to lose any more history. We want to ensure that there are no relics of the Bagh-e-Naya Qila underneath and hence we are planning to map the area with GPR. We would have liked to do this with a Light Detection and Radar (LiDAR) but for that we need the permission of the Defence Ministry,” said ASI Superintending Archaeologist Milan Kumar Chauley.

The Naya Qila garden inside Golconda Fort was built by successive rulers of the Deccan and is one of the few symmetrical gardens extant. In 2014, when the ASI excavated the area after diverting the water flow, it discovered water channels, settlement tanks, walkways, fountains, gravity pumps, and a host of other garden relics.

An earlier excavation unearthed gold coins in the area where the golf course has been created. According to author Ali Akbar Husain, the Naya Qila area also has multiple chabootras (raised platforms) which are remains of garden structures that pre-date the Qutb Shahi rule. In the 1940s, the garden was even used for celebrating Basant Panchami.

The team from IIT-Madras will do a preliminary survey to ascertain the path for the contour-mapping. “We have told the IIT-Madras team that the survey and mapping have to be finished before the monsoon sets in. We will do the preliminary study by end of this month and the mapping might be completed in May,” Mr. Chauley said.

While there is a semi-collapsed ‘baradari’ (a gazebo-like structure with many pillars) in the garden, historians believe that another baradari might lie buried in the ground. GPR uses electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency for imaging sub-surface area.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Serish Naninsetti / Hyderabad – April 17th, 2018

Mohammed Hanish assumes office as KMRL chief

Business & Economy, Leaders, Science & Technology, Travel & Tourism, , , , ,

KERALA :

Kochi :

HaneeshMPOs17apr2018

The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has a new chief.

APM Mohammed Hanish took over the reins on Thursday as Elias George bowed out from the top job after successfully completing five years with Kerala’s prestigious project. After assuming office, Hanish said his primary aim will be to smoothen the path ahead for KMRL. “Our main focus will be the extension of Kochi Metro up to Tripunithura.

Along with that, we will also launch the second phase of the project, from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Kakkanad.

Another project we are carrying forward is the Water Metro, which is expected to revolutionise the transport sector in Kochi,” Hanish said.

However, the newly appointed managing director of KMRL said there are certain challenges in front of KMRL. “These include the land acquisition hurdles,” he said.”We need to speed up the land acquisition proceedings for completing the project in a time-bound manner. I believe my experiences with the Kerala Roads and Bridges Development Corporation (RBDCK) and PWD will help me in achieving the goals. Kochi Metro is, of course, a prestigious project and I’m happy to become a part of it.

The work culture, as well as the office environment, is quite different at KMRL. The young brigade consisting of vibrant staff members is the real strength of KMRL.” The outgoing MD, Elias George, said the new chief will have to undertake some key challenges, including the second phase of expansion of Kochi Metro.

“Personally, I will say that my tenure with KMRL as its MD is one of the most satisfactory jobs that I have undertaken in my whole career,” he said.

Hanish, who also holds the top position with Supplyco, had served as the nodal officer for the FIFA U-17 World Cup matches in Kochi.

He is also the officer-in-charge of the Kochi Smart City Mission.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Kochi / by Express News Service / November 03rd, 2017

Imprint of a saint and a brimming degchi

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Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

The area of Panje Shah houses relics of saints and the Messenger of God and many stories of forgotten riches .

Kali Kaman road in Panje Shah. — Photos: Surya Sridhar
Kali Kaman road in Panje Shah. — Photos: Surya Sridhar

 

The area of Panje shah has a rich history behind it. The word, ‘Panja’ means an ‘imprint of hand’. It is located on the left of the main road leading towards Kaali Kamaan from Aitbaar Chowk. The story goes that during the reign of Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah, a person named Ibn-e-Sher Ali came to Golconda from Najaf-e-Shareef in Iraq, where Hazrat Ali is buried.

He brought an imprint of the Hazrat’s hand and gifted it to the Sultan, who built an Aashoor Khana and installed the imprint there. The imprint is an amalgamation of metals and resembles solid wax. Light brown in colour, it is about 15 inches in length and 8-10 inches in width. The holy names of Prophet Mohammed, Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Bibi Fatima, Hazrat Hasan and Hazrat Hussain are engraved on the Panja. It is covered with a piece of cloth. Above the Panja on a platform is an alam(standard). Since it was installed by the king, the area came to be known as Panje shah.

During the mourning month of Moharram, more alams are set up around it. A round stone cistern is placed in the courtyard, where the sharbat prepared during this month is stored and distributed to the visitors.

On the walls are some paintings depicting the martyrs of Karbala, scenes of strange phenomena like bleeding trees among other subjects of the artworks.

Opposite this holy place is another place of faith called ‘Qadam-e-Rasool’, where a foot-print of Prophet Mohammed is placed. Sayyad Mohammed Ali is said to have got it from Isfahan, Iran, in 1575, along with adequate proof of its authenticity. He bought a large house, got it decorated and installed the footprint there. (Qadam-foot, Rasool-Prophet Mohammed). There are two stone reservoirs at the gate which are filled with milk beverage (sharbat) and distributed to the devotees during Moharram.

The annual Bibi ki Sawari, which arrives on an elephant stops here on the 10th day of Moharram. It is said Bibi Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet and mother of Hazrat Hussain, laments and woes about the merciless killing of her son in Karbala. This scene is so heart-rending that it leaves everybody present in tears and inconsolable.

Apart from the holy footprint, relics such as the hair of Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Hussain are also kept here.

A round stone cistern in the courtyard, where the sharbat prepared during the month of Muharram, is stored and distributed to the visitors. — Photos: Surya Sridhar
A round stone cistern in the courtyard, where the sharbat prepared during the month of Muharram, is stored and distributed to the visitors. — Photos: Surya Sridhar

Gurvanna gali

Opposite Panje shah is a lane named after Hakeem Guruvanna, which leads to Mir Alam Mandi. An important landmark of this lane is Kashmiri Qivam factory, established by the descendants of Guajarati businessman Poorandas Ranchoddas, in 1973. Qivam is a paste made of saffron, tobacco, cardamom and other spices which is added to paan to give it a kick. This Kashmiri Qivam was a favourite with film stars like Sunil Dutt, Meena Kumari and Nargis. Shaik Mujeeb-ur-rahman, the first President of Bangladesh was also a customer. Apart from Qivam, a hair oil named ‘Zulf-e-Kashmir hair oil’ is also prepared here. The factory is spread over a vast area of 3,700 sq yards and is managed by the grandsons of Poorandas ji. A Shivalaya has been constructed here near a large peepal tree.

Deghchi galli

This lane is situated close to Guruvanna galli and owes its name to a fantasy like story. Long ago, a deghchi (a vessel) full of rich gems and jewellery was found here during digging. Close to Panje shah is another lane called Kotaah galli (narrow lane) which is erroneously called Kotta galli.

On the way to Panje shah from Aitbaar Chowk, lies the haveli of Raja Mahipat Ram, an army commander and a minister of the second Nizam. It was called ‘baawan darwaazon ki haveli’ since it had 52 doors. The havelis of Raja Vithal Pershad and Raja Shainblum Pershad were also located here and came on the way to Kaali Kamaan and Gulzar Houz.

Upon crossing the Kaali Kamaan, one also gets to see several shops selling kites, thread, maanja and charqas. The kites have many fascinating names like dulhan, pachchisi, langot, aiyyawar, ek qakam, gola suleman, chand-tara, singhada, and lehanga. Similarly, the names of maanja are also very interesting like motiya, gandhak, feroza, and angoori to name a few.

source: http://www.telanganatoday.com / Telangana Today / Home / by Dr. Anand Raj Varma / April 15th, 2018

Try the Turkish sand coffee at Jordan’s in Hyderabad

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Travel & Tourism, World Opinion,

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Jordanian food is delicious with varied dishes paired with Jordanian hospitality, that makes for a once in a lifetime experience. If you can’t make the visit to the country, visit mini Jordan for food in Tolichowki with the same recipe and imported ingredients.

MusharrafNiazi01TELAN10apr2018

Ever see a tiny copper bowl immersed in hot sand to brew coffee? Or even a traditional chicken grilling on charcoal for shawarma? If not, Jordan’s Charcoal Shawarma and Falafel is the place for it. Jordanian food is delicious with varied dishes paired with Jordanian hospitality, that makes for a once in a lifetime experience. If you can’t make the visit to the country, visit mini Jordan for food in Tolichowki with the same recipes and imported ingredients.

MusharrafNiazi02MPOsapr2018

Located near Brindavan Colony Road, Tolichowki, Jordan’s Charcoal Shawarma and Falafel has become a happening hotspot as it offers a nice break from usual hangout spots.
Managed by 19-year-old Musharraf Niazi who is pursuing B.com in Computers, the place is inspired by the spices of Jordan.

“My brother who was working in Riyadh came up with the idea to set up a store with the spices and coffee powder imported from Jordan. We follow the traditional method of making shawarmas on charcoal and coffee on sand.”

Traditional method of cooking is the USP of the place. Here, coffee is brewed on hot sand, as it generates consistent heat. This method of brewing is practiced in Turkey so it’s called Turkish sand coffee. The ingredients in Turkish sand coffee are same as that of a regular coffee – milk, finely-ground coffee beans and sugar, if desired. The shawarmas here are unlike those grilled on gas. The juicy pieces of chicken grilled on charcoal, differ in the aroma and taste from the usual fare.

Their menu is simple with limited options and includes charcoal shawarma roll, charcoal shawarma plate (with hummus), falafel with Indian dressing, hummus and coffee. The price ranges between Rs 20 and Rs 160 inclusive of all taxes.

“I’m a coffee lover, and I usually come here with friends to sip a cup of coffee and have authentic shawarma. Coffee making is what attracts me to visit the place over and over,” says Mohd Taqi, a resident of Tolichowki.

Jordan’s Charcoal shawarma and falafel is open from evening 4 pm to 12 am.

source: http://www.telanganatoday.com / Telangana Today / Home / by Nikisha Uddagiri / April 07th, 2018

Hyderabad: Exhibition brings alive era of Nizam VII on his Birth Anniversary

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Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

A file photo of the iconic Moazzam Jahi Market, photos of which were part of the exhibition organised by the Deccan Heritage Trust in partnership with Heritage Buffs at the Ibrahim Mahal during Nizam VII’s 132nd Birth Anniversary celebrations.
A file photo of the iconic Moazzam Jahi Market, photos of which were part of the exhibition organised by the Deccan Heritage Trust in partnership with Heritage Buffs at the Ibrahim Mahal during Nizam VII’s 132nd Birth Anniversary celebrations.

Hyderabad:

Ninety rare still photographs depicting the public buildings constructed by Mir Osman Ali Khan, the Nizam VII were put on display as part of his 132nd Birth Anniversary celebrations.

The images, drawn from private collections, date back to the Nizam’s rule and include a picture of the Osmania Hospital in the 1920s, and an aerial view of Hussainsagar, showing a functioning thermal power station dating back to the 1940s.

On display was also a picture of the inauguration of a church in Secunderabad, and even rarer images of restoration and conservation work commissioned by the Nizam, of the Ajanta and Ellora caves, undertaken between 1914 and 1932.

“These photographs provide a glimpse of the grandeur of the Asaf Jah and bring to life the many influential and multi-faceted contributions of Osman. The photographs also highlight the treasures that Hyderabad is gifted with,” said Sajjad Shahid, convener, Centre for Deccan Studies.

The intention of organising the event was to raise awareness and kindle hope and optimism for the sustainable conservation of Hyderabad’s iconic heritage for the benefit of all.

The event was held at a heritage building, Ibrahim Mahal, La Palais Royal, and was hosted by the Deccan Heritage Trust in partnership with Heritage Buffs, a WhatsApp group of heritage lovers.

“We were delighted to host this first-in-a-series of events to catalyze a beneficial change and make meaningful contributions to the sustainable conservation of Hyderabad’s heritage and highlight its culture,” said Mohammad Safiullah, Head of the Deccan Heritage Trust.

Meanwhile, the members of the Nizam Family Welfare Association and other historians paid floral tributes at the grave of Mir Osman Ali Khan, at Masjid-e-Judi, King Kothi.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / Deccan Chronicle / April 07th, 2018

Heritage enthusiasts pay rich tributes to seventh Nizam

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Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

NizamMPOs08apr2018

Series of public events held to mark his birth anniversary

Hyderabad marked the 132nd birth anniversary of the seventh Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan with rich tributes at his grave near Judi Masjid and a series of public events in different parts of the city. Early in the morning, family members of Nizam offered floral tributes, although they said that they had marked the event as per the Hijri calendar a few days ago.

“We are proud of our heritage. The City Improvement Board was a brilliant idea of Nizam to plan and create the modern city of Hyderabad,” said Sajjad Shahid, convener, Centre for Deccan Studies, speaking at a function organised to showcase achievements of Mir Osman Ali Khan at Ibrahim Mahal in Secunderabad. Rare photographs from the collection of Raja Deen Dayal family were put on display along with a number of firmans and hukums of the seventh Nizam.

Among the rare images were two of Hussainsagar lake with one showing smoke billowing out of the thermal power plant. Another was a document showing the establishment of archaeology department at a cost of ₹ 9,795 on September 30, 1913, with a caveat that the government bear the cost of restoration of murals in the caves of Ajanta. The accompanying photographs showed the before and after effects of Nizam’s intervention in Ajanta caves.

One of the photographs from 1940s showed a paved street near Charkaman. “Visweswariah wanted a dust-free city and the choice was cement. A cement plant was built near Shabad and most of it was used to build road and even the roofing of buildings in Patthergatti are RCC,” informed Mr. Shahid as he narrated the various aspects of Nizam’s rule.

The event was hosted by the Deccan Heritage Trust in partnership with Heritage Buffs, a group of heritage lovers. “We want to make meaningful contributions to sustainable conservation of Hyderabad’s heritage,” said Mohammad Safiullah of Deccan Heritage Trust.

Plea for statue

The Nizam Family Welfare Association made a plea for installation of statues of Mir Osman Ali Khan at Osmania Hospital, Osmania University and NIMS. “The monuments and buildings built by Nizam VII should be protected, preserved and repaired and not demolished,” said Najaf Ali Khan a descendant of Nizam.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – April 07th, 2018

Hyderabad: 400-year-old Makkah Masjid and its grandeur

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Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

MakkaMasjid01MPOs03apr2018

Hyderabad:

Makkah Masjid in Hyderabad is one of the biggest mosques in India and the foundation stone for its construction was laid during 1616-17 CE and the foundation was laid by the Qutub Shahi ruler, Sultan Mohammad Qutub Shah VI.

MakkaMasjid02MPOs03apr2018

The construction was completed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1694 after 77 years.

The mosque is also listed as a heritage building. The Masjid is built in granite and the bricks for its construction were brought from Mecca, the holy city of Saudi Arabia.

source: http://www.siasat.com

The chief mason was Rangaiah Chowdhury while the engineer was Faizullah Baig.

The prayer hall can accommodate 10,000 people owing to its large size with dimensions of 75 feet high, 180 feet long and has a width of 220 feet.

According to the information available on the Hyderabad.org.uk, it is believed that a strand of Prophet Mohammed’s hair is preserved in a room in the mosque’s courtyard.

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There are 15 intricately designed arches that support the roof of the main hall, in which 5 arches were constructed on 3 walls. The mosque is decked with Belgian crystal chandeliers, which adds to the beauty of the exquisitely designed interiors of the mosque. Inside the mosque, there are 5 passageways and tombs of the rulers belonging to the ‘Asaf Jahi’ dynasty.

MakkaMasjid04MPOs03apr2018

According to the news reported in Times of India, during the Qutub Shahi rule, Iran was specifically mentioned in Friday sermons in all mosques in Hyderabad and elsewhere in the Qutub Shahi kingdom.

According to the historian Abdul Majeed Siddique in his ‘History of Golcunda (1956)’ one of the reasons for the Mughal rulers to attack the Qutub Shahi kingdom was the recital of the name of the Shah of Iran (Safavid dynasty) in Friday sermons. Emperor Shahjahan was so angry that he sent a letter to Abdullah Qutub Shah VII to stop mentioning the name of the Shah.

Historian Abdul Majeed Siddique quotes Emperor Shahjahan’s words that order “the abandonment of the name of the Safavid King and replacement thereof by the emperor’s own name in both, the Friday sermons and coins”.

Currently, the restoration works are being done to welcome the Iranian President Dr. Hassan Rouhani who will be the first Iranian President to address the congregation, though he is the second leader to visit the mosque. After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Mohammad Khatami became the first Iranian President to visit Hyderabad (January 28, 2004), but he did not participate in the Friday congregation.

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Hyderabad> News> Top Stories / February 15th, 2018

Dir museums receives Gaurav Samman award

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JAMMU & KASHMIR :

ShafiZahid01MPOs28mar2018

Srinagar:

India International Friendship Society on Monday awarded Muhammad Shafi Zahid, Director Department of Archives, Archeology and Museums with ‘Rashtriya Gaurav Award’ at India International Centre, New Delhi.
The award was conferred to him for his contribution in the archeological studies and preservation of artifacts during his tenure in the Department, a statement said.
“The major archaeological discoveries were made during the time of Mohammad Shafi Zahid in early decades of 21st century AD. This young scholar, who had got training from M.S University Baroda (Gujarat and had a passion to explore the hidden treasures.

He excavated the Buddhist site at Letpora (Pulwama) in 2004, wherefrom, he exhumed a treasure of wonderful terracotta heads, busts and jewelry artifacts of early 8th century AD of Karkota Period.

This discovery was followed by another Buddhist site of Kushan era (100-400 AD) at Kotebal in south Kashmir (2005) where a magnificent terracotta tile pavement was exposed,” said the citation received by him.
The department was earlier headed by several learned historians and archaeologists including Prof P N Pushup, Fida Mohammad Hussnain, Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Iqbal and Mohammad Shafi Zahid.
The citation said that Zahid had made remarkable numismatic discoveries of ancient copper Coin hoards, (1500 coins) at Watnar Kokernag, (193coins) at Charari Sharef, Budgam and (850 coins) at Nunar Budgam, in the years 2011, 2014 and 2016 respectively.
“As such he brought to light the numismatic evidences of Hindu Rajas, Muslims sultans and Mughal Emperors of Jammu and Kashmir.

He also discovered a number of rare stone and bronze sculptures from the length and breadth of the state.

At Qasbiyar in District Pulwama, he recovered an exquisite Sculpture identified as Ek Mukh Linga of the 9th century AD.

The most outstanding sculpture discovery was made at Zurhama Kupwara in 2006 where from a treasure trove of rare bronze images of the 9th century AD, was recovered by him,” the citation reads.
“These all archaeological discoveries made by the archaeologist are housed and exhibited in this gallery of the museum. It is in place to mention here that the state archaeology is the main source for the archaeology and numismatic galleries of this museum.”

source: http://www.kashmirreader.com / Kashmir Reader / Home / by Reader Correspondent / March 27th,2018

Women in Lucknow participate in car and two-wheeler rally

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Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH :

L-R) Neelima Gupta, Andrea Gomes Megrath, Jyoti Mishra and Purvi Singh ( BCCL/ Farhan Ahmad Siddiqui)
L-R) Neelima Gupta, Andrea Gomes Megrath, Jyoti Mishra and Purvi Singh ( BCCL/ Farhan Ahmad Siddiqui)

To promote the spirit of womanhood, a car and two-wheeler rally was organized at Awadh Girls’ Degree College, recently.

Organized by the alumnae association of the college, the rally was flagged off by Brijesh Pathak, cabinet minister, Law, Justice and Alternate Energy Resources, Namrata Pathak, former chairperson, UP Women’s Commission and a social activist, and Upma Chaturvedi, principal of the college. “It gives me a great pleasure to be a part of this event. I think talking about women empowerment will not help unless and until we incorporate it with events like these,” said Brijesh.

The rally started from the college campus and covered five major checkpoints in the city which were provided to the participants in the form of riddles.

(L-R) Neena, Meeti, Baby and Biba (BCCL/ Farhan Ahmad Siddiqui
(L-R) Neena, Meeti, Baby and Biba (BCCL/ Farhan Ahmad Siddiqui
(L-R) Saher Bano, Rana Khan, Sheeba Mushahid and Sabina Ahmad (BCCL/ Farhan Ahmad Siddiqui)
(L-R) Saher Bano, Rana Khan, Sheeba Mushahid and Sabina Ahmad (BCCL/ Farhan Ahmad Siddiqui)
Shakun Prakash (BCCL/ Farhan Ahmad Siddiqui)
Shakun Prakash (BCCL/ Farhan Ahmad Siddiqui)
Dia Ahuja (L) and Vidhi Agarwal (BCCL/ Farhan Ahmad Siddiqui)
Dia Ahuja (L) and Vidhi Agarwal (BCCL/ Farhan Ahmad Siddiqui)
Namrata Pathak (R) Ria and Caroline (BCCL/ Farhan Ahmad Siddiqui)
Namrata Pathak (R) Ria and Caroline (BCCL/ Farhan Ahmad Siddiqui)

The best part about the treasure hunt was that each participant had to click a selfie on the spots that they cover.
Several cars and bikes were decorated with various themes. While a few had pictures of Sridevi, giving her a tribute, others had several messages of women empowerment.

Farhana Khan (R) Shachi Singh and Simran (BCCL/ Farhan Ahmad Siddiqui)
Farhana Khan (R) Shachi Singh and Simran (BCCL/ Farhan Ahmad Siddiqui)
Nidhi Praksh, Surya & Suparna Sarkar, Upma Chaturvedi (BCCL/ Farhan Ahmad
Nidhi Praksh, Surya & Suparna Sarkar, Upma Chaturvedi (BCCL/ Farhan Ahmad

Finally, Priyanka Malik and Abeeha Rizvi bagged the first position in the car category while Suparna Sarkar bagged the first position in the two-wheeler category, and were felicitated by Major General Vinod Sharma and Namrata Pathak.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> Entertainment> Hindi> Events> Lucknow /  by Prachi Arya / TNN / March 22nd, 2018

Saleem Beg is member National Monument Authority

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UTTARAKHAND / JAMMU & KASHMIR :

Srinagar :

Prominent name in heritage conservation and former bureaucrat from Srinagar City, Muhammad Saleem Beg has been appointed as a member of the prestigious National Monument Authority(NMA), Government of India.
Former Director General Tourism, Beg is also the INTACH’s convener for the state chapter. An official handout said Beg has been appointed as whole time member of the NMA. “The Authority has been setup as per provisions of The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains AMASR (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010 which was enacted by the Parliament in March, 2010,” it added.
“The Authority has eminent historians and renowned cultural personalities as its whole time and part-time members. The Authority is mandated to engage with States and central agencies for conservation and preservation of the historic monuments,” the handout added.
Beg’s appointment is being credited to his marathon experience of heritage conservation in Kashmir, particularly in the architectural sector.
The man who accomplished projects like restoration of Aali Masjid and Thag Baab Sahib (RA) shrine apart from conservation of Mughal monuments, Beg is associated with many national and international organizations in the field of art and culture.
He has also been associated with UNESCO, World Monument Fund, Indian Heritage Cities Network as a trustee and other cultural organizations nationally and internationally.
Pundits said under his leadership INTACH has emerged as a premier organization and a credible voice in advocacy and promotion of art and culture. “His work with universities like Jamia Milia Islamia, Kashmir University and University of Illinios, USA has given him high academic credentials in art and heritage,” said an observer.
Since 2006, Beg has been struggling to seek conservation of heritage sites in  Kashmir particularly  Srinagar, which INTACH has listed after a marathon survey.

source: http://www.greaterkashmir.com / Greater Kashmir / Home> Srinagar / November 04th, 2018