A distinctive clock tower was inaugurated at Masab Tank called The Burj on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, adding a new architectural landmark to Hyderabad’s evolving skyline.
Designed by Deccan Terrain Heritage for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the structure aims to revive ancient architectural traditions while celebrating the city’s rich heritage. The tower marks 157 years of municipal administration service that began in 1869.
The tower features a hexagonal design with each side measuring 10 feet wide at the base. Standing 20 feet tall, the structure showcases traditional art, craftsmanship, and architectural elements characteristic of the Deccan Plateau.
The inclined parapet structure draws inspiration from the entrance gate of the Public Gardens and Yousuf Tekri in Towlichowki. This design choice integrates Hyderabad’s historical architectural language into the modern urban landscape.
The construction utilized environmentally conscious materials including pure lime mortar and compressed stabilised Earth blocks (CSEB). The structure features a Madras terrace roof positioned at 14 feet height, supported by robust brick and lime masonry.
Arched doors and windows have been strategically placed throughout the tower to facilitate natural airflow while offering scenic views of the surrounding area.
Historically, bastions served defensive purposes in fortifications across India. They were traditionally constructed using granite stone or burnt bricks bonded with lime mortar, depending on locally available materials. Their durability came from a solid core of packed earth or rubble enclosed between thick masonry walls.
Notable examples of bastions in India include the 87 bastions of Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, the Shah Burj at the Red Fort, and the Diya Burj at Jaigah Fort in Rajasthan. These structures provided vantage points for guards to position cannons during battles.
The new tower can function as a watchtower, continuing the historical tradition of such structures in fortification systems. Bastions are known for their durability, withstanding harsh weather conditions and seismic activity even when built around uneven terrain.
