AFCP Projects in Chennai
Preservation of Palm leaf manuscripts and rare books at the United Theological College, Bengaluru. The manuscripts date back to 1523 and contain treasures such as the Kannada translations of the Vyasa’s Mahabharata and Valmiki’s Ramayana and other epic works from that era. The rare books and other publications, mostly from the 18th century onwards, contain material regularly used by theological and secular scholars from India and abroad. (next two photos)

AFCP project to digitize and microfilm rare palm-leaf manuscripts
Brass plaque unveiled on October 29, 2007 by Mr. Fredrick Kaplan, former Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate General Chennai to mark the completion of the AFCP project to digitize and microfilm rare palm-leaf manuscripts dating back to early 1500s, rare books and publications from the 18th century.
AFCP partner: The United Theological College, Bengaluru

Preservation of rare books
Rare books belonging to American Arcot Mission of the Reformed Church of America.
AFCP partner: The United Theological College, Bengaluru
AFCP Projects in Hyderabad
The U.S. Consulate in Hyderabad has executed four AFCP grants to date (see below). The projects promoted respect for Hyderabad’s history and heritage and partnerships with local organizations and like-minded individuals. They paid tribute to influential women in Deccan region’s history like Maha Laqa Bai, Taramati and Premamati. While comprehensive documentation of the Qutb Shahi Tomb’s architectural and archaeological values provided a stunning testimony of the innovative synthesis of Persian and Indian cultural traditions, the conservation of five step wells on site helped highlight the centuries old, traditional knowledge systems of water conservation in India.
AFCP – Conservation of five 16-17th century heritage stepwells
Conservation of heritage stepwells inside the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park, Hyderabad (next two photos)

Idgah Baoli (stepwell), Hyderabad
Restored stepwell near the Idgah inside the Qutb Shahi Tombs Complex.
AFCP Partner: Aga Khan Foundation

Idgah Baoli (stepwell), Hyderabad
Stepwell near the Idgah inside the Qutb Shahi Tombs Complex (Before restoration).
AFCP Partner: Aga Khan Foundation
AFCP - Restoration of Tomb of Mah Laqa Bai, Hyderabad
Restoration of the 19th century garden Tomb of Mah Laqa Bai, Hyderabad (next two photos)

Mah Laqa Bai Chanda’s tomb garden, Hyderabad
AFCP restoration completion ceremony.
AFCP Partner: Aga Khan Foundation

Mah Laqa Bai Chanda’s tomb garden, Hyderabad
Restoration of platform and pillars of Mah Laqa Bai Chanda’s tomb (before and after), Hyderabad.
AFCP Partner: Aga Khan Foundation
AFCP – Documentation of Qili Qutb Shah necropolis, Hyderabad
Documentation of the 16-17th century Qili Qutb Shah necropolis, Hyderabad (next two photos)

Qutb Shahi tombs complex
Qutb Shahi tombs complex – Archeological area north of the royal hamam.
AFCP Partner: Aga Khan Foundation

Sultan Quli Qutb Shah's mausoleum, Hyderabad
Excavation which revealed the remains of the enclosure wall on the southern side of Sultan Quli Qutb Shah’s mausoleum, Hyderabad.
AFCP partner: Aga Khan Foundation
AFCP – Conversation of the 17th century Tombs of Taramati and Premamati, Hyderabad
Conversation of Tombs of Taramati and Premamati, Hyderabad (next two photos)

Taramati and Premamati mausoleums
Taramati and Premamati mausoleums after AFCP conservation, Hyderabad.
AFCP Partner: Aga Khan Foundation

Taramati's mausoleum, Hyderabad
Installation of the repaired pieces of copper finial atop the dome of Taramati’s mausoleum, Hyderabad.
AFCP Partner: Aga Khan Foundation