Preserving the Deccan’s Heritage: A Personal Mission

Growing up in the Deccan region of India, I was always surrounded by history— the intricate carvings of Golconda in Hyderabad, and the blend of royal splendor and colonial architecture in Bengaluru. But my appreciation for India’s heritage deepened when I learned more about the Deccan’s architectural treasures—many of them forgotten yet still standing as testaments to a once-thriving civilization. Today, as a board member of the American Friends of the Deccan Heritage Foundation, I am honored to contribute to the preservation of this extraordinary legacy.

The Deccan Heritage Foundation (DHF) is dedicated to restoring, maintaining, and promoting the architectural wonders of India’s Deccan region. Founded by esteemed scholars Helen Philon and George Michell, along with Stephane Bloch Saloz as co-founder, the DHF unites academics, philanthropists, and heritage professionals across India, the UK, and the US to support conservation, community engagement, heritage education, and sustainable tourism.

Bringing Life Back to Historic Landmarks

One of the most inspiring aspects of DHF’s work is its commitment to not just restoring buildings but ensuring they remain vital, living spaces for local communities.

Take, for example, Gagan Mahal, a sixteenth-century pavilion in Anegundi, Karnataka, just across the Tungabhadra River from the famed ruins of Hampi Vijayanagara. Thanks to generous support from Ravi and Nalini Saligram, DHF restored this rare architectural gem, transforming it into a vibrant centre for community gatherings, music, and dance performances. It’s a powerful reminder that heritage conservation is not just about the past—it’s about enriching the present and future.

In Mysuru, Karnataka, DHF is leading the restoration of the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion & Folklore Museum, a magnificent palace built in 1901. Once home to Jayalakshmi, the sister Wodeyar ruler Krishnaraja IV, this historic residence houses an invaluable collection of South Indian folk art and cultural artifacts. With the support of the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation and the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, DHF is ensuring that this treasure is not only structurally preserved but also reimagined as a dynamic cultural hub, integrating digital storytelling and innovative museum experiences in partnership with the University of Mysore.

More recently, DHF has taken on an ambitious project—the restoration of the 11th-century Nagakunda Stepwell and temples in Sudi, Karnataka. Under Karnataka’s “Adopt a Monument” scheme, this initiative will revive an ancient water system, conserve historic structures, and create pathways connecting these stunning yet overlooked sites. It’s thrilling to see efforts like these bringing renewed attention to Karnataka’s Chalukyan heritage, an architectural tradition that deserves global recognition.

Sharing the Deccan’s Legacy with the World

Beyond restoration, the DHF is committed to education and exploration. Its travel guides and itineraries—spanning regions from Hampi and Badami to the rock-cut caves of the Western Ghats—offer invaluable resources for anyone eager to discover the Deccan’s hidden gems. Featuring original maps, architectural plans, and expert insights, these books are a must-have for heritage enthusiasts. The newly introduced e-guidebook bundles by state make it even easier to explore the wonders of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana.

Why This Work Matters

As an Indian American, my connection to India’s history has evolved in a deeply personal way. The stories of our ancestors are written in stone, and yet so many of these sites risk being lost to time. Organizations like DHF remind us that heritage preservation is not just about protecting monuments—it’s about honoring identity, supporting local communities, and ensuring that future generations have access to their rich cultural past.

I invite you to join us in this mission. Whether through supporting restoration efforts, exploring DHF’s travel guides, or simply spreading awareness, every contribution helps keep the Deccan’s heritage alive. Let’s work together to safeguard these treasures—because once they are lost, they cannot be replaced. To learn more or get involved, visit Deccan Heritage Foundation or email dhfusa@deccan-heritage-foundation.org.

About the Author

Shranutha Reddy Bhaskar is a board member of The American Friends of the Deccan Heritage Foundation. She has a background in finance and education, including experience in financial consulting and management at Cornerstone Research and at Uncommon Schools in New York. She holds an MBA in finance from the University of Chicago and B.S. magna cum laude from Brandeis University. A native of the Deccan region, she has roots in Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Shranutha lives in New York with her husband and three young children.