Heartbreak in Hyderabad: A Family of Jewelers Lost in Devastating Fire
Hyderabad is in mourning after a devastating fire ripped through a family-owned jewellery shop near the iconic Charminar, claiming the lives of 17 people, including two patriarchs, their wives, and several children.
A Legacy of Pearls and Prosperity
The Modi family, known for generations as one of Hyderabad’s oldest and most respected jewellers, had been established near Charminar for over a century. While official documentation may be scant, tales abound of their connection to the Nizam of Hyderabad, suggesting they may have held the esteemed title of “Nizam’s Jewellers”.
Bharat Agarwal, a distant relative, spoke to The Indian Express as he navigated the bustling lanes of the Old City, recounting the family’s history. “Their great grandfather J Manoharlal Modi could set up their business near Charminar because they were royal jewellers,” he explained. The family’s pearl trade roots can be traced back to 1906, the year they opened their first shop.
A Community in Grief
The fire, suspected to have been caused by a short circuit, quickly spread through the building, leaving a trail of sorrow in its wake. Two brothers, Prahlad Modi and Rajendra Kumar Modi, along with their wives, Munni and Sumitra, perished in the blaze. Thirteen other family members, including eight children, also lost their lives, most due to asphyxiation.
The tragedy has shaken the entire Charminar area, known for its vibrant jewellery trade. “Poonamchand Jewellery, the oldest shop owned by Prahlad Modi, was located away from the fire site and survived,” said Agarwal. “But 12 members of Prahlad’s family, including his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, were killed.”
Mohammad Safiullah, a local historian, described the Modis as one of many families who have contributed to Charminar’s unique charm. “Most of them have been living there for almost a century and more,” he noted.
Remembering a Generous Spirit
Along with their jewellery business, the Modis were known for their generosity and their celebrations. Sheikh Mohammed, a retailer in the area, recalled, “Celebrations in the old city were always attended by people of different faiths including the Hindus, the Sikhs and the Muslims.”
Asaduddin Owaisi, Hyderabad MP and leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, was among the first to express condolences, calling the Modis “an old family of Charminar who lived there for over a hundred years.” He highlighted the area’s history as a hub for trade, encouraged by the Nizam.
Even as the city continues to mourn this tragedy, the spirit of Hyderabad’s Old City endures. As Sheik Mohammed, who was among the first to reach the scene, said, “This city – the Old City – never sleeps. The Modis will be remembered for the years to come and their surviving family members will continue to live here.”
