What is there in the Article:

  • Introduction
  • Contributions of Aga Khan in Preserving Indian Historical Monuments
  • Contributions in Other Fields
  • Previous Year Mains Questions

Introduction to Prince Agha Khan (Aga Khan IV)

  • Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Nizari Ismaili Muslims, is a global humanitarian, philanthropist, and advocate for cultural preservation.
  • Born in 1936, he leads the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of agencies addressing socio-economic and cultural challenges worldwide.
  • Passed a
  • His contributions span education, healthcare, rural development, and heritage conservation, with significant impacts in India, particularly in Hyderabad.

Contributions to Preserving Historical Monuments

1. India-Wide Initiatives
  • Humayun’s Tomb Restoration (Delhi):
    • The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) partnered with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to restore Humayun’s Tomb (2007–2013), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • The project revived Mughal-era gardens, water channels, and 30 monuments in the complex using traditional materials like lime mortar.
    • This set a precedent for public-private partnerships in conservation.
  • Sundar Nursery Revival (Delhi):
    • AKTC transformed the 16th-century Sundar Nursery into a 90-acre urban biodiversity park, integrating 15 Mughal-era monuments with native flora.
    • It now serves as a model for sustainable urban planning.
2. Hyderabad-Specific Projects
  • Qutb Shahi Tombs Conservation:
    • Since 2013, AKTC has been restoring the 16th-century Qutb Shahi Tombs, a necropolis of the Golconda rulers.
    • The project includes structural stabilization, garden restoration, and creating a museum.
    • This initiative is part of Hyderabad’s urban renewal, enhancing tourism and local livelihoods.
    • It aligns with India’s focus on urban renewal (e.g., Smart Cities Mission ).
  • Golconda Fort Documentation:
    • AKTC conducted detailed archival research and 3D mapping of Golconda Fort to guide future conservation efforts, preserving its architectural legacy.

Contributions in Other Fields

  1. Education
    • Established the Aga Khan Academy (Hyderabad), part of a global network offering the International Baccalaureate curriculum with a focus on pluralism and leadership.
    • Supports scholarships and teacher training programs in rural India.
  2. Healthcare
    • The Aga Khan Health Services operates clinics in Maharashtra and Gujarat, focusing on maternal health and disease prevention.
  3. Architecture & Urban Planning
    • The Aga Khan Award for Architecture recognizes projects combining innovation with cultural sensitivity, inspiring sustainable design in India.
Indian Government Honored him with Padma Vibhushan:
  • The Aga Khan IV was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, in 2015. This award recognized his significant contributions to social development in India.

Previous Questions:

UPSC CSE (Mains)
  • “Discuss the role of non-state actors in preserving India’s cultural heritage.” (UPSC 2021)
  • “Examine the significance of medieval Indian architecture.” (UPSC 2020)