Rajapatni.com: Surabaya (11/24) – The name Nizam Al Mulk is not that strange to Indian citizens, especially those who live in Tengelana State, which is in the south-central part of India. Nizam Al Mulk came from the Asaf Jahi Dynasty, which ruled Hyderabad State from 1724-1948.
At that time, the State of Hyderabad was the richest state among the princely states in India. The splendor and prosperity of his state is reflected in the figure of the palace where Nizam Al Mulk lived and managed the state. This is the Chowmahalla Palace.
Now, the Chowmahalla Palace is used as a museum worthy of a visit by tourists from within the country and abroad. Even though it has been opened to the public, ownership of the palace is still in the hands of the Nizam family. Chowmahalla Palace was built by Nizam Ali Khan Asaf Jahi in 1769. This palace was built on the site of the Old Palace which was once occupied by the Qutb Shani Dynasty and the Asaf Jahi Dynasty
In this palace museum, all of Nizam Al Mulk’s relics, including paintings, furniture and much more, are displayed, all of which are still neatly arranged in their places. Visitors when entering the museum are like visiting the residence of the ruler of Hyderabad, including ITEC participants.
ITEC (The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) scholarship participants from several countries are invited to see the rich history and culture of India on Saturday (9/11/24) such as Chowmahalla Palace, Qutb Shani Dynasty Tombs and Golconda Fort.
One of the participants in the ITEC program is Ita Surojoyo from the Puri Aksara Rajapatni Community, Indonesia. There are dozens of countries in the program, which is specifically designed by the Government of India for lecturers and English language teaching practitioners with the aim of improving English language skills (English Proficiency). They study at the English Foreign Language University Campus.
However, in between formal learning activities, they are introduced to Indian culture and history. On the occasion of the first week, on Saturday (9/11/24) they are invited to Chowmahalla Palace, Qutb Shani Tomb and Golconda Fort
“Tomorrow’s schedule from campus is a historical tour of Hyderabad,” said Ita briefly.
Ita Surojoyo, founder of Puri Aksara Rajapatni, not only cultivates Javanese script literacy in between her daily activities as an English teacher and overseas education consultant, Ita also introduces Javanese culture through clothing. Not infrequently she wears a kebaya in everyday life, both at the office and at social activities.
The opportunity to get a scholarship in India is an opportunity to introduce Indonesian fashion abroad. Ita wears a kebaya on campus and when traveling to historical places in Hyderabad. From the Kebaya clothing she wears, it can be identified that she is from Indonesia.
Looking at the Chowmahalla Palace which was built in 1769 and until now, 2024, the physical condition of the building is still good (255 years), showing that civilization in Hyderabad was already high. The engineering and civil engineering technology is very good. Presumably the Chowmahalla Palace is not alone as proof of India’s high civilization, there are many others. Ita Surojoyo still has other stories. (PAR/nng).