Stone Chaukhandi

CONSERVATION

18. Stone Chaukhandi

The 1860s archival images from the Alkazi foundation show garden structures or trellis erected in the necropolis that would have possibly been used for vineyard. Numerous archival texts boast of the Qutb Shahi gardens. One such text penned by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in an incomplete poem gives a vivid account of the natural treasure the garden was. He exclusively mentions grape clusters which glimmered like the Pleiades in the overhead trellis (mandva). Based on archival resources, a series of stone trellises have been installed. The form of these trellis is inspired by the stone chaukhandies traditionally crafted in the regions of Telengana.

"Along the river bank to the east was the Bagh-e Muhammad Shahi, as extensive pleasure garden,which Sultan Muhammad Quli himself has described in an incomplete poem. Much of the description reads like a garden qasida (ode) of the Classical Iranian poets the trees of the garden like the heavenly Tuba tree; its flower-reviving breezes the very breath of Jesus; the ten tongues of the sausan (lily) unfolded in praise of the garden. The garden was walled and surrounded by walks, and fruits from its trees hung out above the walls glowing like the candles of a chandelier. The vision of his garden had kindled the bud in the poet’s heart and its fragrance illuminated the entire world. The poet lists some of the fruits in his precious Paradise: coconuts like emerald jars, date clusters like branches of coral, red and white betel-nut clusters ‘like night and day’, and each jaman (Eugenia sp.) an entire sapphire. Grape clusters glimmered like the Pleiades in the overhead trellis (mandva), and each pomegranate was as brilliant as the alam decorating a Qutb Shahi coin (sikka), its seeds like sparkling ruby eyes. Inevitably, there were reminders for the poet of his beloved: the almonds were shaped like her eyes and the champa bud (champa kali) was her nose, the black bee hovering over it as if the mole on her nose. Inevitably, too, the garden was filled with the houris of Paradise and the music of birds, and the dancing houris had so intoxicated the trees that they waved about drunkenly, shaking their bejeweled arms and clapping their hands (leaves)."- Scent in the Islamic Garden (Ali Akbar Khan)

1860s Source: Alkazi Foundation

Installation of stone trellises based on vineyard seen in archival images

ACTION TAKEN:

• Taking reference from the archival images and the existing chaukhandis at site, the size and form of the trellises to be installed was finalized. • Six stone trellises were installed at site along the eastern edge of the pathway of Hamam forecourt to symbolize the existence of vineyard as per historic evidences.

• This includes erection of monolith granite pillars of 3m height, dressing of 20 capitals of size 200 x 200 x 300 mm and Laying of 3m beams on the capitals.

• The trellises are joined together in mortise and tenon joints at capitals which support the stone lintels.

NEXT STEPS

• Local species of grapes will be planted as a tribute to the natural legacy of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and thought for imagination to the visitors.