Authorities put little effort to protect elite schools

Hyderabad : Historical buildings that house some of the premier schools in the city lie in a state of neglect as authorities pay little attention to their condition. Among them are the Mahboobia School and the Madrasa-e-Aliya (or Aliya High School). Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, the sixth Nizam, founded the Mahboobia Girls School to promote women’s education. Aspects of Mughal and Qutb Shahi styles of architecture are apparent in the structure. The building, which was constructed in the early 19th century, is located adjacent to the Telangana Department of Heritage.

The marvellous structure has deteriorated. Shrubs grow out of the gaps in stones, the lime mortar ceiling has caved in many places and the minarets have also suffered extensive damage. A high school and an intermediate college continue to operate out of the building. E. Suhashini, the principal of Mahboobia Junior College said “We have informed the higher authorities about it.”  Ironically, despite it being a heritage structure, a hoarding has been erected blocking the view on the premises.

A stone’s throw away is the Madrasa-e-Aliya, which was established in 1872. Mir Osman Ali Khan, and his sons Mukarram and Mufakkam Jah, studied here. The school was shifted to its present premises in the mid-19th century. Now, visitors are greeted by crumbling roofs, swaying pillars and skeletal walls. Enrolment at the school is also dwindling. Only 110 students are currently on the rolls of the school. A junior college also functions on the premises.

“A portion of the building collapsed during the rains. We have submitted a report to the higher authorities and await their response. The college has been shifted to a new building behind the original one,” said a lecturer. Until a few years ago, there was tough competition for admission into this institution. Now, the school is willing to welcome anyone who is interested in taking admission.  “Only those who have studied here send their children here. Though the building is not in a good condition, the staff is experienced and committed,” said a teacher of the school.

The building in which the school functions was once the Nizam’s secretariat. Before that, it served as the secretariat of the late Nawab Fakhrul Mulk Bahadur. The building which houses the Nizam College, which was established in 1887, is not much different. The college management has recently taken up repairs with the available funds. However, a complete overhaul is awaited.