Victoria Zenana Hospital - 118 year old, exclusive Women's Hospital built by the 6th Nizam in 1907
The Victoria Zenana Hospital, also known as Victoria Maternity Hospital, holds a significant place in Hyderabad's medical and architectural history.
Historical Background
Established in 1907 during the reign of Nizam VI, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, the Victoria Zenana Hospital was the first hospital in Hyderabad exclusively dedicated to women's healthcare.
The foundation stone was laid in 1905 by the Princess of Wales. Prior to its establishment, women received medical care in separate wards at Afzalgunj Hospital.
The creation of this hospital marked a pivotal advancement in women's healthcare in the region
The hospital was constructed in the Asaf Jahi architectural style, also known as Osmanian style, which blends Indo-Saracenic elements.
Notably, Dr. Rupa Bai Furdoonji, recognized as the world's first qualified female anesthetist, practiced here in the early 1900s
Transition and Decline
In 1957, the hospital was reorganized into the Government Maternity Hospital, with maternity and gynecology beds transferred from Osmania General Hospital.
Hospital Shifted. Building attached to High Court for Fire engines
Eventually, the hospital was relocated to Petlaburj, and the original building was repurposed as the H-Block of the Telangana High Court, housing fire engines.
Building Delisted despite Heritage Value
Despite its historical significance, the building was delisted from Hyderabad's heritage structures in 2010, paving the way for its proposed demolition to construct a multi-level parking facility for the High Court
Heritage Preservation Efforts
The demolition plans faced opposition from heritage activists and concerned citizens.
May 2019 - Demolition Stayed
In May 2019, the Telangana High Court issued a stay on the demolition following appeals from these groups.
Qutub Shahi Heritage Relic
The hospital premises also house a Qutb Shahi-era fountain, known as the "Dog Fountain," which is considered a relic from the time of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad.
Uncertain Future
The fate of the Victoria Zenana Hospital building remains uncertain, reflecting the ongoing tension between urban development and heritage conservation in Hyderabad.
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Resources & Further Readings:
Here are the references and sources for the information on the Victoria Zenana Hospital:
Siasat.com – Heritage of Hyderabad: Dwindling Day by Day
Discusses the historical significance and decline of heritage structures like Victoria Zenana Hospital.
[https://www.siasat.com/the-heritage-of-hyderabad-dwindling-day-by-day-2589401](https://www.siasat.com/the-heritage-of-hyderabad-dwindling-day-by-day-2589401)
Wikipedia – Victoria Maternity Hospital, Hyderabad
Provides historical background, notable medical professionals like Dr. Rupa Bai Furdoonji, and architectural details.
Times of India – Zenana Hospital Will Be History
Reports on the delisting of the hospital from heritage status and the proposed demolition.
-Siasat.com – Demolition of Historic Victoria Zenana Building Stopped
Covers the legal intervention halting demolition plans.
NewsHyd.com – Historic Victoria Zanana Hospital on Edge of Erasing Medical History
Highlights heritage concerns and the existence of the Qutb Shahi-era fountain on the premises.
[https://newshyd.com/historic-victoria-zanana-hospital-on-edge-of-erasing-medical-history-in-hyderabad](https://newshyd.com/historic-victoria-zanana-hospital-on-edge-of-erasing-medical-history-in-hyderabad)
Pictures
Picture Credit - Wikipedia.
Fire Engine Picture Credit
Dog Fountain Picture Credit
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