Gulzar Hauz

The text below is an excerpt from an article published in the Hindu titled Glory of the Gates - http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/03/10/stories/2004031000490300.htm.

The vast area between the arches (now shrunk, with buildings and part of Patterghatti built much later, taking over the space) was square and called “Jilu Khana” or the guard’s square. In the centre of the square was the beautiful “Char-Su-Ka-Hauz” (the cistern of four cardinal points), which later came to be known as “Suka-Hauz” and now Gulzar Hauz. In the past it was said to be an octagonal reservoir that was intended for quenching the thirst of the army. It was because of the historical and architectural importance of the “kamans” that they have been protected under the heritage regulation, after the State archaeology department in 1975 surprisingly denotified them.

Much water has flowed down the Musi or should we say Gulzar Houz, since royalty left behind a rich legacy. With the fading away of the Qutb Shahis, the Mughals and the Asaf Jahis, the “kamans” have fallen on bad days. Though a half-hearted attempt by authorities restored a part of their glory during the last two years, they continue to be besieged by encroachments of the worst kind. If Charminar Kaman has petty vendors using it to showcase slippers and jewellery, pearl shops encircle the Kaman-e-Sehar Batil. Perfume vendors and newspaper shops turned into kabab joints occupy Machili Kaman. A newly built place of worship obstructs the view of this arch. A sanitaryware shop functions from the Kali Kaman.

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