INTACH Honors Hyderabad’s Iconic Historic Buildings
Six centuries-old iconic heritage buildings in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad have received INTACH Heritage Awards 2026, recognizing architectural and cultural significance across institutional, religious, and defence sites. The awards from the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, Hyderabad Chapter spotlight ongoing preservation efforts in the city’s built environment.
The Chemistry building at Osmania University was honoured for its Osmanian architectural style, featuring a grand pointed arch, intricate stone carvings, and a double-height central hall blending Jaina, Buddhist, and Hindu elements. Dating to a Royal Chapter in 1917 under Nawab Osman Ali Khan, it marks over 100 years of academic legacy. The Navigation Training School in Begumpet was cited for its heritage value as a premier military aviation training institution, established in 1946 and shifted to the Begumpet Air Force Station building in 1967.
CSI Wesley Church near the clock tower in Secunderabad, built in neo-Gothic style in 1916, was recognized for 110 years of historic existence. Its robust granite and limestone structure uses teak, rosewood, stained glass, and solid wooden beams. Sri Puri Jagannath Temple in General Bazar was honoured for its synthesis of Rajasthani influence and local heritage, with nakashi embossments, cusped arches, and decorative medallions. The Institute of Engineers (India) Telangana State Centre in Khairatabad, designed by Erric Marretti with modernist and art deco influence, was also awarded.
College of Defence Management House in Secunderabad Cantonment, built in 1885, received the award for its architectural approach suited to the Deccan Region. Characterized by deep verandas and projecting gazebos shielding interiors from heat, it serves as the Commandant’s residence and reflects associations with knowledge and skill development for the Defence Forces. The foundation stone for the Institute of Engineers building was laid in 1945 and occupied in 1947.
Since 1996, the INTACH Hyderabad Chapter has presented awards to structures regarded as historic and iconic, placing them under heritage listing. Convenor Anuradha Reddy said the recognition applies to a set of landmarks that define the city’s architectural identity. The listings reinforce the role of adaptive reuse, material INTACH Heritage Awards 2026, Hyderabad heritage buildings, Osmania University, CSI Wesley Church, Secunderabad architecture, College of Defence Management House, Institute of Engineers Khairatabad, Navigation Training School Begumpet, heritage conservation, Indian architecture, Telangana conservation, and institutional stewardship in protecting Hyderabad’s real estate and cultural fabric. For more on the awards visit INTACH. Explore related insights on heritage conservation in Indian architecture.
Image Courtesy: Telangana Today
