Abstract:
The Telangana State Museum project aims to create a cultural centre that celebrates and preserves the rich history of Telangana, a state with a unique creative and historical character. Although Telangana's past extends over millennia, from the ancient Satavahana and Kakatiya kings to the Nizams of Hyderabad, its distinct cultural narrative is frequently overlooked. By establishing a vibrant environment that unites the past and present and promotes pride in the local customs, artwork, and architecture, the museum aims to close this gap.
Located in Secunderabad on the site of the former DRB Mills, the project transforms an industrial artefact into a thriving cultural centre. While taking influence from Telangana's architectural vernacular—such as the majesty of Kakatiya temples and Hyderabad's hybrid Indo-Islamic styles—the design approach incorporates ecological methods and local materials. Showcasing artefacts, traditional crafts, and the development of the area's constructed heritage, the museum's spatial character will strike a balance between immersive displays and interactive zones. Thematic galleries, communal areas for workshops, and manicured areas that showcase the biodiversity of the area are some of its key characteristics.
The design places a strong emphasis on the user experience, using participatory displays and layered narrative to engage a variety of groups, including students, visitors, and residents. The museum will act as a catalyst for urban renewal by repurposing the abandoned mill as a symbol of cultural rebirth, bridging Telangana's past and present. The project will be in line with more general urban and cultural objectives thanks to partnerships with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) and tourism organisations.
In the end, the Telangana State Museum hopes to be more than just a holding facility; it will be a dynamic organisation that inspires, educates, and fortifies community bonds, guaranteeing that the area's legacy lives on for next generations.
Keywords:Telangana heritage, Cultural centre, Museum, History and legacy, Kakatiya, Nizams, Local architecture, Ecological design, DRB Mills reuse, Interactive displays, Community engagement, Urban renewal, HMDA partnership, Education and inspiration
