US to spend $250,000 for restoration of ancient Hyderabad tombs

HYDERABAD: The US Government announced a $250,000 project to restore and conserve Paigah Tombs, six tombs in Hyderabad built in the 18th and 19th centuries. U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Ambassador Beth Jones, after visiting the Paigah Tombs Complex, announced this project on Tuesday.

Supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), it would be the fifth such conservation project funded by the U.S. Consulate in Hyderabad. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture would be implementing the project.

"This may be my first visit to Hyderabad, but it is not the first time the U.S. government has supported the conservation and restoration of significant historical sites here in the city. We are proud to be part of the Government of Telangana's efforts to conserve these magnificent monuments and I'm grateful to the Aga Khan Trust for Culture for all of its efforts here and throughout India, " said Ambassador Jones.

After announcing the new project, CEO of Aga Khan Trust Ratish Nanda gave a tour of the tombs to Beth Jones and US Consul General Jennifer Larson.

“I had the good fortune to inaugurate one of our earlier ACP projects at the Qutb Shahi Tombs during my first week here in Hyderabad. By working together with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and the State of Telangana, we are able to ensure the integrity of these unique cultural sites for generations to come," said Jennifer Larson.

The US Department of State created the AFC in 2001 to demonstrate American values and respect for other cultures. Since its creation, the AFC provided financial support to more than 1,100 projects in 133 countries around the world. The U.S. Embassy recently commemorated 20 years of cultural collaboration with India through the AFCP with guests from the Ministry of Culture, the private sector and civil society at a special celebration in New Delhi on November 29. In India, the American people invested more than $2 million over the past two decades for the documentation, conservation and restoration of 23 key historic sites and intangible heritage.