Kotwal House
History
The premises, known as the Commissioner’s Office or "Kotwal Balda", is over 125 years old. The term ‘Kotwal’, of Persian origin, is widely used in Hindi and Urdu, especially in the context of Indian history and administration. The Kotwal, or Police Commissioner, held the highest level of privileges and was looked upon with great respect and honour as the highest ranked Police Officer or Town Magistrate.
Hyderabad has been the capital since the Nizam’s rule. As per available records, the Police Commissionerate system was established in 1271 Fasli, corresponding to 1847 in the Gregorian calendar. The erstwhile State of Hyderabad included present-day Telangana (2025), parts of Andhra Pradesh, Bidar, Raichur, and Gulburga districts of Karnataka, as well as Osmanabad, Bheed, Nanded, Latur, Aurangabad, and Parbhani districts of Maharashtra.
This building was donated by the 6th Nizam, Nawab Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, also known as Asaf Jah VI, who ruled Hyderabad State from 1869 to 1911. Over time, the police force underwent significant reforms and reorganizations, notably in 1955, adopting the Madras City Police model. Today, the Hyderabad City Police, operating under the Government of Telangana, is organized into zones and divisions and is led by the Commissioner of Police, responsible for law and order, crime detection, and prevention.
Architecturally, the Kotwal House reflects a typical colonial style, with a main central hall flanked by verandas on the north and south sides, an arched portico overlooking the courtyard, and Roman columns enhancing the structure's grandeur. The building spans around 4500 square feet, built in stone and lime masonry, with stone plinth beams, and stone-arched windows and doorways—making it sturdy without the need for lintels. However, due to aging and lack of maintenance, the structure was deemed inhabitable and unused for nearly half a decade.
Hyderabad has been the capital since the Nizam’s rule. As per available records, the Police Commissionerate system was established in 1271 Fasli, corresponding to 1847 in the Gregorian calendar. The erstwhile State of Hyderabad included present-day Telangana (2025), parts of Andhra Pradesh, Bidar, Raichur, and Gulburga districts of Karnataka, as well as Osmanabad, Bheed, Nanded, Latur, Aurangabad, and Parbhani districts of Maharashtra.
This building was donated by the 6th Nizam, Nawab Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, also known as Asaf Jah VI, who ruled Hyderabad State from 1869 to 1911. Over time, the police force underwent significant reforms and reorganizations, notably in 1955, adopting the Madras City Police model. Today, the Hyderabad City Police, operating under the Government of Telangana, is organized into zones and divisions and is led by the Commissioner of Police, responsible for law and order, crime detection, and prevention.
Architecturally, the Kotwal House reflects a typical colonial style, with a main central hall flanked by verandas on the north and south sides, an arched portico overlooking the courtyard, and Roman columns enhancing the structure's grandeur. The building spans around 4500 square feet, built in stone and lime masonry, with stone plinth beams, and stone-arched windows and doorways—making it sturdy without the need for lintels. However, due to aging and lack of maintenance, the structure was deemed inhabitable and unused for nearly half a decade.
Restoration
In May 2023, Mr. C. V. Anand I.P.S., D.G. & Police Commissioner of Hyderabad, signed an agreement with Mr. Mir Khan, Conservator in Chief of Deccan Terrain Heritage, a specialized heritage conservation and restoration company. The agreement was to develop a detailed project report and conservation plan for the Kotwal House.
The restoration project received CSR support and funding from Mr. Anil Kumar of Greenko Group, ensuring the revival of this prestigious heritage building. The conservation work was meticulously carried out, focusing on preserving the original colonial architectural features such as the Roman columns, stone-arched doorways and windows, and Madras terrace structure.
The restoration was completed and the fully revitalized heritage building was handed over in May 2025, restoring its historical significance and architectural elegance, and making it functional once again.
The restoration project received CSR support and funding from Mr. Anil Kumar of Greenko Group, ensuring the revival of this prestigious heritage building. The conservation work was meticulously carried out, focusing on preserving the original colonial architectural features such as the Roman columns, stone-arched doorways and windows, and Madras terrace structure.
The restoration was completed and the fully revitalized heritage building was handed over in May 2025, restoring its historical significance and architectural elegance, and making it functional once again.
- Site measurements: Detailed measurement survey conducted.
- Damage assessment: Covering walls, ceilings, roofs, jack arches, and effects of capillary water action.
- Architectural design: Prepared with focus on original structure and heritage value.
- Structural framework: Wooden beams housed on brick and lime walls, supporting a jack arch roof.
- Terrace water tightening: Implemented to prevent leakage and improve durability.