Hyderabad: Telangana’s cultural heritage took centre stage during Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s visit to Hyderabad, as Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla presented him with traditional artworks representing the state’s rich artistic legacy.
The Governor presented a Cheriyal Nakashi painting depicting rural Telangana life and a Karimnagar Silver Filigree Veena featuring the traditional Hansa (swan) motif to Prince Rahim Aga Khan V at Lok Bhavan in Hyderabad.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Nizari Ismaili Muslim community and Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is on his first official visit to India since assuming the Imamat in 2025.His India visit began on September 9 and includes engagements with senior national and state-level leaders. His schedule has included meetings with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, besides engagements in cities including Hyderabad.The Hyderabad visit highlighted the long-standing connection between Telangana and the Aga Khan Development Network.
The gifts presented by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla were significant not only as ceremonial souvenirs but also as representations of Telangana’s distinctive cultural identity.Cheriyal Nakashi art is associated with Telangana’s traditional storytelling and folk-art heritage. The painting presented to Prince Rahim depicted a rural Telangana scene, showcasing the region’s traditional artistic style.The second gift, a Karimnagar Silver Filigree Veena, represented another important craft tradition from Telangana. The piece featured the elegant Hansa or swan motif, combining traditional craftsmanship with a musical theme.
During the meeting, Governor Shukla called for stronger cooperation between Telangana and the Aga Khan Development Network in areas including education, healthcare, urban development and community welfare.
The Governor also highlighted the AKDN’s work in Telangana, including initiatives related to education, urban renewal, community healthcare, women-led development and employment generation.The Aga Khan Development Network has had a longstanding presence in Hyderabad. The Governor recalled the conservation and restoration work associated with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, including the restored Qutb Shahi complex.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s Hyderabad visit comes at a time when India and the AKDN are looking to strengthen their development partnership.Earlier during his India visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed ways to deepen cooperation with the Aga Khan Development Network in healthcare, agriculture, rural development, youth empowerment and women empowerment.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also met Prince Rahim Aga Khan V and discussed cooperation in areas including social development, irrigation, cooperatives, natural farming and solar energy. Press Information Bureau President Droupadi Murmu separately appreciated the AKDN’s contributions in India across water and sanitation, education, maternal health, urban redevelopment, women’s empowerment and employment generation.
The presentation of Cheriyal art and Karimnagar silver filigree reflects Telangana’s effort to showcase its cultural heritage alongside its development partnerships.Such traditional artworks provide an opportunity to promote the craftsmanship and artistic traditions of the state to national and international audiences. The meeting also underlined the importance of preserving heritage while continuing cooperation in modern development sectors.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s visit is expected to further strengthen the relationship between the Aga Khan Development Network and Telangana, particularly in areas that directly affect communities and urban development.