Hyderabad's Chowmahalla Palace became the first monument in the State to get the award of merit in the 2010 UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award for cultural heritage conservation. Takahiko Makino, programme specialist, culture, of UNESCO, presented the award to Princess Esra Jah at a simple ceremony at the picturesque palace in the city on Tuesday evening.

Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur's sons, Prince Azam Jah and Prince Azmath Jah, and daughter, Princess Shekiyar Jah, were present on the occasion. Mr. Makino congratulated Princess Esra for the restoration of the Chowmahalla Palace and said that the UNESCO award recognised the private sector's efforts in successfully conserving buildings of heritage value. An overwhelmed Princess Esra said the award was not just for her but for the whole of Hyderabad.

Published Date : Wednesday, 16/3/2011 4:19 PM IST