Bhatti Vikramarka calls Salar Jung Museum symbol of Hyderabad’s cultural harmony
Hyderabad: The Salar Jung Museum stands as the embodiment of Hyderabad’s soul and a symbol of religious harmony and secular values, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said on Sunday.
He spoke at the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Salar Jung Museum and the 137th birth anniversary of Salar Jung III Mir Yousuf Ali Khan.
Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, AIMIM MLA Mir Zulfeqar Ali and several dignitaries attended the event.
Bhatti Vikramarka described Salar Jung III, the former Prime Minister of the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, as a visionary.
He said Salar Jung III preserved the essence of world civilisation through his vast collection of art and antiques.
The Deputy Chief Minister said collecting more than 43,000 artefacts reflected extraordinary dedication to preserving global heritage.
He praised Salar Jung III for spending his personal resources to acquire rare treasures and share them with the public.
The museum houses Hindu bronze idols, copies of the Holy Quran, Christian Madonna sculptures and Buddhist artefacts under one roof.
Salar Jung Museum to anchor heritage tourism plans
Bhatti Vikramarka said the museum represents the spirit of the Deccan’s Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb.
He said it serves as a living example of secularism.
He also highlighted exhibits that combine symbols of different faiths.
Some ritual objects feature the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu alongside Quranic verses.
Meanwhile, he described the Musi River as a stream carrying Hyderabad’s collective memories.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the government is committed to restoring the Musi and developing an international-standard riverfront.
He said the government envisions the Salar Jung Museum as a cultural landmark within the proposed riverfront project.
Furthermore, Bhatti Vikramarka announced plans to link the museum with Charminar, Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Chowmahalla Palace and Falaknuma Palace through a heritage tourism circuit.
The government also plans to improve transport facilities and promote night tourism.
Additionally, it will introduce guided heritage walks in Telugu, Urdu, Hindi and English.
Bhatti Vikramarka noted that Hyderabad has embraced both heritage and innovation.
He said the city is known for its historic landmarks as well as its growth in information technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and quantum computing.
The Deputy Chief Minister stressed that heritage conservation should create economic opportunities.
He said local guides, artisans and workers in hospitality and transport sectors should benefit from tourism growth.