Salar Jung Museum, 75, reflects Hyderabad’s journey between heritage and progress

Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar at the 75th anniversary celebrations of Salar Jung Museum and birth anniversary of Salar Jung III, Mir Yousuf Ali Khan on Sunday. | Photo credit: RAMAKRISHNA G.

As Hyderabad celebrated 75 years of the Salar Jung Museum on Sunday, the celebrations served as a reminder that the city’s identity is shaped by its rich heritage and collective memory as well as its aspirations for the future. The occasion also coincided with the 137th birth anniversary of Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said Hyderabad’s identity cannot be reduced to Charminar alone, arguing that the Salar Jung Museum occupies an equally important place in the city’s cultural consciousness. The museum is a living testament to Telangana’s rich historical and cultural heritage, he said, paying tribute to Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, whose vision and foresight created a national treasure that continues to enrich generations.

Referring to Golconda’s legendary diamonds, including the Koh-i-Noor, Hope and Regent diamonds, the governor said the region has long enjoyed a global reputation for its treasures. Following this tradition, Salar Jung III collected priceless works of art from Persia, Egypt, China, Japan and Europe, reflecting Hyderabad’s openness to the world.

The governor also expressed confidence that the state government’s plans to rejuvenate and clean the Musi River will add to the attractiveness of the historic heritage site.

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka described Salar Jung Museum as the soul of Hyderabad and Musi as the stream of Hyderabadi memories.

Mr. Vikramarka said the Telangana government was determined to restore the long-neglected Musi river and transform it into an international-standard embankment comparable to the Thames in London and the Seine in Paris. He envisioned the Salar Jung Museum to become the cultural crown jewel of a rejuvenated waterfront with tourists traveling along the river, exploring the historic lanes and engaging with historical artefacts.

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and Charminar MLA Mir Zulfiqar Ali also recalled the historical connection between the Salar Jung family and the Hyderabad administration, noting that five Prime Ministers of Hyderabad had emerged from the famous family.

As part of the platinum jubilee celebrations, the museum will hold several events until June 21.

Published – 14 Jun 2026 20:04 IST