Nearly two-century-old Munshi Naan faces demolition threat for Hyderabad Old City metro
Hyderabad: As the demolition works are underway in Moghalpura and Kotla Ali Jah for the Old City metro corridor, Munshi Naan, one of the oldest shops, which is famous for making soft and crispy naan, is facing demolition.
The naan outlet has existed at the crossroads near Purani Haveli since it was established in 1851. Now, the historic naan shop is forced to make way for the extension of the metro corridor through the bustling streets of Old City.
The work on the 5-kilometre long elevated metro corridor has sparked a debate over its impact on the city’s cultural and historical landscape. Along the way, the authorities have marked nearly 1,100 properties, including schools, homes and iconic landmarks for demolition and Munshi Naan shop is one of them.
The Khadeem Munshi Naan shop is popular for its ‘Chaar koni Naan’ in the city. The 173-old naan outlet was founded by Mohammed Hussain Saheb during the era of Nizams in Hyderabad. Hussain Saheb would work as an accountant clerk (Munshi in Urdu or Persian) during the rule of Bahadur Asif Jah, the fourth Nizam of Hyderabad State.
While working for the then government, he opened a shop in Purani Haveli where he began baking naans for the common people. As the customers knew the owner, they started referring to the outlet as ‘Munshi Naan’ and the name stuck till date. The shop is now run by his fourth generation. According to the current owner of the outlet, Khaja Abdul Hameedm they sell over 1,000 freshly baked naan every day.
Even though some people are opposing the extension of the metro corridor in the Old City, the owner of Munshi Naan is looking to shift their historic shop to a suitable location in the vicinity.
