Centuries-Old Hand-Painted Signboards in Old Hyderabad Markets Showcase Rich Multilingual Heritage A heritage typography walk through Moazzam Jahi Market and Osman Ganj highlighted vintage hand-lettered signboards that reflect the city's shared history and artistic craftsmanship. The bustling streets of historic Hyderabad narrate tales of commercial heritage and visual culture through their traditional signboards and handmade typography. Over thirty design enthusiasts gathered at Moazzam Jahi Market in the morning hours to take part in the Lettering Landscapes Walk, led by book designer Ragini Siruguri. The initiative aimed to explore the urban history, indigenous culture, and craft of typography preserved on storefront boards across the city's commercial hubs, demonstrating how everyday shop boards serve as enduring artifacts of civic life. Typographic Identity at Moazzam Jahi Market The walking tour commenced at Moazzam Jahi Market, illustrating how shopkeepers historically staked claim to their physical surroundings through creative lettering. For instance, iron chairs placed in the market courtyard feature stenciled lettering of famous establishments, subtly welcoming visitors into the brand's immediate sphere. Meanwhile, the central facade of the market still displays striking Urdu script engraved in metal dating back to 1935, preserving the grand architectural ethos and precision of that period. Diverse Craft Mediums Across Osman Ganj Entering the narrow alleys of Osman Ganj reveals an eclectic array of signage traditions. Rather than relying solely on conventional modern boards, the market features varied mediums including wood, neon fixtures, acrylic sheets, hand-painted sheet metal, and carved stone surfaces. Several shops incorporate monograms combining business initials alongside Art Deco-inspired motifs painted directly onto building facades, presenting a rich archive of vernacular graphic design. Preserving Artistry and Century-Old Artifacts Handcrafted commercial boards in the area preserve two distinct layers of memory: the heritage of the business, with establishment dates such as 1932, and the identity of the sign painter along with their contact number. Participants documented a wooden signboard over 100 years old outside a modest stove-repair shop, carefully preserved with pride by its owner. Local painters, working without formal design academy training, exhibited mastery over color balance, shading, and figurative illustration that continues to inspire modern design professionals. Multilingual Harmony in a Rapidly Modernizing City A defining hallmark of Osman Ganj is its vibrant multilingual presentation, where single boards frequently feature Telugu, Urdu, Hindi, and English displayed side by side in harmony. While newly developed corporate districts like HITEC City are dominated by standardized plastic and digital displays, the traditional hand-lettering craft continues to breathe in this historic market. This coexistence of four scripts reflects India's organic composite culture. In an era dominated by digital production and artificial intelligence, this handmade lettering art keeps the authentic soul and human ingenuity of Hyderabad intact. What this means for you This documentation fosters greater appreciation for vernacular design traditions and urban heritage conservation. • Across India: Design researchers and cultural enthusiasts gain valuable insights into informal indigenous commercial art practices across historic markets. It highlights the importance of archiving regional multilingual typography before it gets replaced entirely by digital alternatives. • In Hyderabad: Local residents and visitors develop a deeper connection with the twin cities' unique linguistic and commercial roots. It brings much-needed recognition to generational shopkeepers and traditional sign painters in the Old City. Why this happened The walk was organized to document and celebrate traditional commercial signage that is increasingly disappearing in the digital era. • Need for Heritage Preservation: With mass-produced vinyl and acrylic signage dominating contemporary commercial spaces, traditional hand-painting techniques face the threat of extinction. The walk sought to document surviving examples and honor the mastery of informal commercial artists. • Documenting Linguistic Harmony: Osman Ganj's signboards offer rare physical evidence of organic four-script multilingualism in daily trade. Documenting these spaces helps bridge historical civic identity with modern urban life. Questions & Answers 1. Who led the Lettering Landscapes Walk? The heritage walk was led by book designer Ragini Siruguri. 2. How many people participated and where did the walk begin? More than thirty participants gathered in the morning at Moazzam Jahi Market. 3. Which languages are commonly featured on Osman Ganj signboards? Signboards in Osman Ganj prominently feature Telugu, Urdu, Hindi, and English together on the same board. 4. What was the oldest artifact observed during the walk? Participants documented a hand-preserved wooden signboard over 100 years old outside a stove-repair shop. https://trendkia.com/en/culture/hyderabad-ke-purane-bazaron-men-hatha-se-rnge-sainaborda-bayan-kara-rahe-sajhi-snskriti-aura-sadiyon-purani-kala-37061 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.