Hyderabad|India|August'2010: Acting Consul General and Public Affairs Office Juliet Wurr inaugurated an exhibition depicting the life of the 18th century poet and courtesan Mah Laqa Bai at Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, on August 25, 2010.

The exhibition will be open to public from August 25 to September 1, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hyderabad-based restoration architects at Heritage Conservation Initiative Consultants (HCIC) have undertaken the renovation work of the tomb and garden of Mah Laqa Bai at Moula Ali. The project is funded by a U.S. Government grant through the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation.

Hyderabad organizations MESCO (Muslim Educational, Social and Cultural Organization) and the Center for Deccan Studies exhibited 17 panels describing the history and significance Mah Laqa Bai. The exhibit presents the story of her life and cultural legacy, though poetry, paintings, maps, architecture and religious sites associated with her.

Mah Laqa Bai is one of the most illustrious women of Hyderabad’s cultural history. Also known as Chanda Bibi, she died in 1824 after leading an exemplary life as the court dancer for the second and third Nizams. She is also important as she was the first woman to author a full collection of Urdu ghazals. She was active in the religious and political life of Hyderabad during the city’s golden age.

Picture Caption: Acting Consul General and Public Affairs Officer Juliet Wurr Cuts inaugurating the exhibition depicting the life of the 18th century poet and courtesan Mah Laqa Bai at Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, on August 25, 2010. Also see Dr. P. Padmavathi, Vice-Chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University.