Pearls
A Pearl City
In the village of Chandanpet just outside Hyderabad, almost the entire population is engaged in the delicate art of drilling pearls. A skill they have practised for generations, making Hyderabad one of the largest drilling centres in India.
Once the pearls are drilled, they are boiled for about four days to bleach them and rid them of their dark color. They are placed in glass bottles containing hydrogen peroxide, water and ether and sunned for four or five days in glass sun boxes with a mirror base. Finally they are washed and separated through series of different shapes and sizes.
Pearls are also graded according to color. While pink pearls and black pearls are also considered to be of good quality, white pearls have traditionally been most popular. A good quality white pearl reflects a lovely sky blue color under ultraviolet light, while a poor quality one has a greenish or mustardish sheen. Black pearls that have a green sheen and baroque (irregular shaped) pearls that reflect a rainbow of colors are also amongst the more valuable varieties. While black and pink pearls are also rare and beautiful, most traditional Hyderabad jewellery is made with white pearls.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Bazaars - Shopping Areas
Bazaars - Shopping Areas
Shopping: Hyderabad has been a trading center for centuries. Old Hyderabad lives in its bazaars…
With the city growing in size by the day, a range of shops offering anything under the sky are available unless you know the right place to shop for the right stuff and have enough disposable income to let your purse strings loose, Hyderabad is a shoppers paradise. The city offers anything from the most expensive automobile to antiques, jewelry, handicrafts, traditional and modern clothes, leather goods, handlooms, ikat fabrics, kalamkari paintings, bidri work, you name it and you have them all available. The economy has brought about a vast change in the lifestyle of the people from shopping to eating habits. Shopping malls have become increasingly popular. Western style outlets - the likes of Shoppers Stop, Westside & Lifestyle are favourite places for the upper crust society. While the burgeoning food store chains departmental stores have taken over the small time kirana merchants and general stores of the past. Self sufficiency, and time factor has become the order of the day. Arts and crafts is an integral part of Hyderabad.
Begum Bazaar
The Begum Bazaar is located two kilometers from the Naya Pul bridge in the Old City. It is an age old retail and wholesale market for household commodities. Of late, several brassware merchants have set up shop in the Begum Bazaar. Begum Bazar is the largest market in the city. House old commodities of all sizes, shapes and brands at the best prizes are available. The only hitch at the bazar is the congestion and the lack of hygiene. Deals worth crores are struck daily. If you are looking for any article at the best prize then Begum Bazar is the best place.
The adjoining Moazzam Jahi market is the largest fruit and vegetable market in the city. This market is being slowly replaced by the market at Kothapet which is there beyond Dilsukhnagar.
General Bazaar
Situated in the heart of Secunderabad, the twin of Hyderabad. It is the second largest whole sale market after Begum Bazar in the city. Household commodities, kids articles and bangles are available at the best prizes.
Adjacent to General Bazar is the Tobacco Bazar, the second biggest Saree wholesale market in the state. Sarees of all types are available.
Sultan Bazaar
Situated between the Residency and the Badi Chowdi, the Sultan Bazaar is the most busy commercial centre in the city. It was formerly called the Residency Bazaar. Today, it brims with the calls of street pedlars and modern, inviting signboards side by side. Anything and everything can be found on this single stretch of road. The best buys include women's wear, slippers & shoes, bangles and other trinkets.
SHILPARAMAM
A crafts village set up at Madhapur beyond Jubilee Hills. It is spread over 30 acres and has annual bazaars where artists and artisans from all over the country participate.The famous arts and crafts exhibition at Shilparamam for 15 days every year and the three day Society Arts and Crafts exhibition conducted every year are a couple of such exhibitions which mark its importance in the city besides a whole lot of shops that cater to the art lovers of the city. For programme details Ph: 300-0688
Jummeraat Bazaar:
Organised at the Pathergatti area every Thursday morning. On sale are antiques, scooters, cycles, bidriwork, imitation jewellery, music and video tapes, duplicate hi-fi audio equipment and the like.
LAAD BAZAR
Lies to the west of Charminar and has a very special Hyderabadi ambience. The narrow lane is filled with burkha-clad women, glistening bangle shops and old buildings with wooden balconies, which make walking along this alley a worthwhile experience. Southeast of Laad Bazar lie the palaces built by different Nizams including the Chowmahalla Palace. Lad Bazaar is the main market for Bangles.
The Char Minar and its bustling bazaars is where the spirit of old Hyderabad lives on. It's here, that you will find age-old nahari stalls that serve the steaming sheep's-trotter broth and kulchas that form the traditional Hyderabad breakfast even today. Try to come is just before sunrise on a winter morning, when there's still a slight shiver in the air and the echoes of the azaan -- the call to prayer - wraps the city. It's here that you'll find the traditional teahouses, known for their hearty repartee and their burqe-vali-chai ('tea that wears a veil' -- a reference to the thick layers of cream on top). Then there are all the narrow little streets with their specialist trades: the street of the silver-beaters, the street of the flower-sellers, the street of the apothecaries and, of course, Laad Bazaar, the street of the bangle-sellers. Named, perhaps appropriately, after a pampered Qutub Shahi princess, Laad Bazaar is lined on one side with shops selling brightly coloured glass bangles -- and on the other side, with those selling traditional Hyderabadi cosmetics, bridal accessories and attar, or perfumes.
Shopping: Hyderabad has been a trading center for centuries. Old Hyderabad lives in its bazaars…
With the city growing in size by the day, a range of shops offering anything under the sky are available unless you know the right place to shop for the right stuff and have enough disposable income to let your purse strings loose, Hyderabad is a shoppers paradise. The city offers anything from the most expensive automobile to antiques, jewelry, handicrafts, traditional and modern clothes, leather goods, handlooms, ikat fabrics, kalamkari paintings, bidri work, you name it and you have them all available. The economy has brought about a vast change in the lifestyle of the people from shopping to eating habits. Shopping malls have become increasingly popular. Western style outlets - the likes of Shoppers Stop, Westside & Lifestyle are favourite places for the upper crust society. While the burgeoning food store chains departmental stores have taken over the small time kirana merchants and general stores of the past. Self sufficiency, and time factor has become the order of the day. Arts and crafts is an integral part of Hyderabad.
Begum Bazaar
The Begum Bazaar is located two kilometers from the Naya Pul bridge in the Old City. It is an age old retail and wholesale market for household commodities. Of late, several brassware merchants have set up shop in the Begum Bazaar. Begum Bazar is the largest market in the city. House old commodities of all sizes, shapes and brands at the best prizes are available. The only hitch at the bazar is the congestion and the lack of hygiene. Deals worth crores are struck daily. If you are looking for any article at the best prize then Begum Bazar is the best place.
The adjoining Moazzam Jahi market is the largest fruit and vegetable market in the city. This market is being slowly replaced by the market at Kothapet which is there beyond Dilsukhnagar.
General Bazaar
Situated in the heart of Secunderabad, the twin of Hyderabad. It is the second largest whole sale market after Begum Bazar in the city. Household commodities, kids articles and bangles are available at the best prizes.
Adjacent to General Bazar is the Tobacco Bazar, the second biggest Saree wholesale market in the state. Sarees of all types are available.
Sultan Bazaar
Situated between the Residency and the Badi Chowdi, the Sultan Bazaar is the most busy commercial centre in the city. It was formerly called the Residency Bazaar. Today, it brims with the calls of street pedlars and modern, inviting signboards side by side. Anything and everything can be found on this single stretch of road. The best buys include women's wear, slippers & shoes, bangles and other trinkets.
SHILPARAMAM
A crafts village set up at Madhapur beyond Jubilee Hills. It is spread over 30 acres and has annual bazaars where artists and artisans from all over the country participate.The famous arts and crafts exhibition at Shilparamam for 15 days every year and the three day Society Arts and Crafts exhibition conducted every year are a couple of such exhibitions which mark its importance in the city besides a whole lot of shops that cater to the art lovers of the city. For programme details Ph: 300-0688
Jummeraat Bazaar:
Organised at the Pathergatti area every Thursday morning. On sale are antiques, scooters, cycles, bidriwork, imitation jewellery, music and video tapes, duplicate hi-fi audio equipment and the like.
LAAD BAZAR
Lies to the west of Charminar and has a very special Hyderabadi ambience. The narrow lane is filled with burkha-clad women, glistening bangle shops and old buildings with wooden balconies, which make walking along this alley a worthwhile experience. Southeast of Laad Bazar lie the palaces built by different Nizams including the Chowmahalla Palace. Lad Bazaar is the main market for Bangles.
The Char Minar and its bustling bazaars is where the spirit of old Hyderabad lives on. It's here, that you will find age-old nahari stalls that serve the steaming sheep's-trotter broth and kulchas that form the traditional Hyderabad breakfast even today. Try to come is just before sunrise on a winter morning, when there's still a slight shiver in the air and the echoes of the azaan -- the call to prayer - wraps the city. It's here that you'll find the traditional teahouses, known for their hearty repartee and their burqe-vali-chai ('tea that wears a veil' -- a reference to the thick layers of cream on top). Then there are all the narrow little streets with their specialist trades: the street of the silver-beaters, the street of the flower-sellers, the street of the apothecaries and, of course, Laad Bazaar, the street of the bangle-sellers. Named, perhaps appropriately, after a pampered Qutub Shahi princess, Laad Bazaar is lined on one side with shops selling brightly coloured glass bangles -- and on the other side, with those selling traditional Hyderabadi cosmetics, bridal accessories and attar, or perfumes.
Attars - smell divine
Attars - smell divine
They are are non-alcoholic, pure Oriental perfumes extracted from exotic flowers and symbolise old-world Hyderabad.
Exotic blends are available at the Laad Bazar and the Charminar area. Attars are sold at Rs 40 to Rs 850 per ten grams (or one tola in local parlance).
Though many perfumes come into market, this olden-golden attar will remain forever. those who are aadatsipadhgavi will never go for any other perfumes.
Some of these attars are soo popular that the visitors take bottles and bottles with them, as they will not find like this anywhere else.
Some of the most famous attars are the extracts from Rose, Sandal wood etc... people thrive to get rare and exotic flavours and they r very reasonably priced.
They are are non-alcoholic, pure Oriental perfumes extracted from exotic flowers and symbolise old-world Hyderabad.
Exotic blends are available at the Laad Bazar and the Charminar area. Attars are sold at Rs 40 to Rs 850 per ten grams (or one tola in local parlance).
Though many perfumes come into market, this olden-golden attar will remain forever. those who are aadatsipadhgavi will never go for any other perfumes.
Some of these attars are soo popular that the visitors take bottles and bottles with them, as they will not find like this anywhere else.
Some of the most famous attars are the extracts from Rose, Sandal wood etc... people thrive to get rare and exotic flavours and they r very reasonably priced.
Recreation at Hyderabad
Recreation at Hyderabad
Lumbini Park
Located on the banks of the Hussain Sagar Lake, this Hyderabad Urban Development authority (HUDA) park has the biggest musical fountain in Asia. The park is the only one of its kind in India. A beautiful landscaped park on the banks of the placid Hussain Sagar lake is the Lumbini Park. An ideal meeting place for young lovers, evening strollers and fun loving children, Lumbini park offers a lot of amusement.
Nehru Zoological Park
One of the largest in India, and one of the 10 largest in the world, the zoo is spread over 120 hectares of landscaped gardens. The animals are in enclosures that simulate their natural habitat. Rare species of animals are found here. The newly added nocturnal den and tiger safari are the ones that are worth a special mention. One of the largest and the best zoos in Asia, the Nehru Zoological Park has nearly 1,500 species of animals, birds and reptiles.
ocean park
Located at Gandipet, Ocean Park is one of the first theme parks started in twin-cities and continues to be a great hit especially with children. But it is not the young ones alone who enjoy, even adults can have lots of fun here. The park has a water sports section and another one for amusement games. Here you can relive your childhood or romp around with your children amid the various water bodies. If you enjoy the thrills of the games where the ships and trains make half and full circles, where tea cups juggle in the air and you are literally taken on a ride, then Ocean park is the place for you.
Treasure island
Nestling in a quiet corner of Hyderabad is a vacation paradise. Treasure Island -The ideal getaway you've always dreamt of. Located at a place 16 km from the city, it is just a short drive away. All you have to do is get there - and make any day seek like the perfect vacation. At Treasure Island you'll embark on a journey of discovery and enjoy week long vacations as none other, Where a pleasant surprise awaits you at every corner
Lumbini Park
Located on the banks of the Hussain Sagar Lake, this Hyderabad Urban Development authority (HUDA) park has the biggest musical fountain in Asia. The park is the only one of its kind in India. A beautiful landscaped park on the banks of the placid Hussain Sagar lake is the Lumbini Park. An ideal meeting place for young lovers, evening strollers and fun loving children, Lumbini park offers a lot of amusement.
Nehru Zoological Park
One of the largest in India, and one of the 10 largest in the world, the zoo is spread over 120 hectares of landscaped gardens. The animals are in enclosures that simulate their natural habitat. Rare species of animals are found here. The newly added nocturnal den and tiger safari are the ones that are worth a special mention. One of the largest and the best zoos in Asia, the Nehru Zoological Park has nearly 1,500 species of animals, birds and reptiles.
ocean park
Located at Gandipet, Ocean Park is one of the first theme parks started in twin-cities and continues to be a great hit especially with children. But it is not the young ones alone who enjoy, even adults can have lots of fun here. The park has a water sports section and another one for amusement games. Here you can relive your childhood or romp around with your children amid the various water bodies. If you enjoy the thrills of the games where the ships and trains make half and full circles, where tea cups juggle in the air and you are literally taken on a ride, then Ocean park is the place for you.
Treasure island
Nestling in a quiet corner of Hyderabad is a vacation paradise. Treasure Island -The ideal getaway you've always dreamt of. Located at a place 16 km from the city, it is just a short drive away. All you have to do is get there - and make any day seek like the perfect vacation. At Treasure Island you'll embark on a journey of discovery and enjoy week long vacations as none other, Where a pleasant surprise awaits you at every corner
Hyderabad is historic in Day & magic by night
Hyderabad is historic in Day & magic by night
Welcome to the city of the Charminar, pearls, information technology and biryani, where history, shopping, technology and food can be experienced all in one trip.
The obvious things to do in Hyderabad are sight seeing, shopping, and eating. Check out our extensive sections on eating out and shopping.
Yes, Hyderabad can make you fat (mind your waist) and trendy but between these delightful preoccupations you might want to indulge in some other activities. You'll never get bored here.
Boating
There are a lot of well-developed facilities for boating in the city. Clean lakes and fast boats are available. However, safety measures must be taken before venturing into the water. Swimming abilities are an added advantage. Check our boating section for details.
Markets
One of the most famous markets in the twin cities is the Monda Market located in Secunderabad. The market street is noisy and also has the biggest vegetable market in the city. But buying groceries at the Monda market can be quite an experience, as you have to often jostle for room in the narrow lanes with cows and goats for company. Apart from vegetables, fresh flowers, garlands, poultry and sweets you can find all sorts of goodies at great prices if you have a keen eye for the unusual.
Book Browsing
Every shopping area has many bookshops. Some selling educational books and others sell books of general interest. Bank Street in Koti is lined with pavement bookshops which feature new and used books at throw away prices. The 'Sunday Bazar' as the name suggests happens every Sunday on Abids Road. Look under Shopping for a list of good bookshops.
Sitting in Cafés
This is perhaps one of the oldest and most beloved pastimes of Hyderabadis, a tradition that has been handed down from generation to generation. Hyderabadi cafés are nationally famous for their special 'Irani Chai'. Every colony can be identified by its own café where you find men (surprisingly this kind of entertainment is restricted only to men folk) of various age groups, from different backgrounds meeting over a cup of tea and sharing the day's happenings and of course the latest gossip.
Net Surfing
Net surfing now competes with bowling and pool as after-hours entertainment. You will find these places crowded with people of all ages, although there is a predominance of Generation X surfers. Some try their luck at love, others mean serious business and many people merely hang around. Internet cafes are great places to study the native Hyderabadi and his changing attitude. No colony is complete without a cyber café and depending on ambience and area prices vary from Rs 30 to Rs 70 per hour.
Strolling
Hyderabad's most popular promenade, the Tank Bund is a 3 km stretch of road over the man-made Hussain Sagar Lake. It is lined with 33 statues of famous personalities of the state. You can also wander on the other side of Hussain Sagar commonly known as Necklace Road featuring tempting kebab stalls, ice- cream, and peanut vendors. Every Sunday evening cultural programmes are conducted and admission is free. A recently installed 350 tonne monolith of Buddha on a small island called the Rock of Gibraltar is at the centre of the lake, which is the venue for many water sporting events.
Amusement Parks
Hyderabad has a number of arcades that offer bowling, pool and video game parlours. Keep away from betting in these places, which is illegal. If you wager (against our advise) watch out for the sharks.
Children would love Ocean Park or Eless World for Roller Coaster Rides and the Tora Tora. Look in the Amusement Park Section for further details.
Hyderabad By Night
Pubs
Nearly all the medium and bigger hotels in Hyderabad have a bar or pub attached. Usually open from 1100- 2300 you can indulge in the aperitif, the cocktail and snacks.
Discos
There are very few discos in Hyderabad, a few 5- star hotels have a disco attached and all of them operate on Saturdays and entry is for couples only for a certain fee. The most famous and one of the best is The Disco at Treasure Island, a resort about 15 kms away from the city. The disco is open for non-members on Saturdays.
Celluloid dreams:
People of Andhra Pradesh love movies. In fact, they worship the actors and actress as demi gods and goddesses. This is one of reasons why even the most popular politicians turn filmstars. Almost the entire N T Rama Rao clan, have dabbled with films. Hyderabad has many film studios, all busy with round-the-clock film shootings.
Welcome to the city of the Charminar, pearls, information technology and biryani, where history, shopping, technology and food can be experienced all in one trip.
The obvious things to do in Hyderabad are sight seeing, shopping, and eating. Check out our extensive sections on eating out and shopping.
Yes, Hyderabad can make you fat (mind your waist) and trendy but between these delightful preoccupations you might want to indulge in some other activities. You'll never get bored here.
Boating
There are a lot of well-developed facilities for boating in the city. Clean lakes and fast boats are available. However, safety measures must be taken before venturing into the water. Swimming abilities are an added advantage. Check our boating section for details.
Markets
One of the most famous markets in the twin cities is the Monda Market located in Secunderabad. The market street is noisy and also has the biggest vegetable market in the city. But buying groceries at the Monda market can be quite an experience, as you have to often jostle for room in the narrow lanes with cows and goats for company. Apart from vegetables, fresh flowers, garlands, poultry and sweets you can find all sorts of goodies at great prices if you have a keen eye for the unusual.
Book Browsing
Every shopping area has many bookshops. Some selling educational books and others sell books of general interest. Bank Street in Koti is lined with pavement bookshops which feature new and used books at throw away prices. The 'Sunday Bazar' as the name suggests happens every Sunday on Abids Road. Look under Shopping for a list of good bookshops.
Sitting in Cafés
This is perhaps one of the oldest and most beloved pastimes of Hyderabadis, a tradition that has been handed down from generation to generation. Hyderabadi cafés are nationally famous for their special 'Irani Chai'. Every colony can be identified by its own café where you find men (surprisingly this kind of entertainment is restricted only to men folk) of various age groups, from different backgrounds meeting over a cup of tea and sharing the day's happenings and of course the latest gossip.
Net Surfing
Net surfing now competes with bowling and pool as after-hours entertainment. You will find these places crowded with people of all ages, although there is a predominance of Generation X surfers. Some try their luck at love, others mean serious business and many people merely hang around. Internet cafes are great places to study the native Hyderabadi and his changing attitude. No colony is complete without a cyber café and depending on ambience and area prices vary from Rs 30 to Rs 70 per hour.
Strolling
Hyderabad's most popular promenade, the Tank Bund is a 3 km stretch of road over the man-made Hussain Sagar Lake. It is lined with 33 statues of famous personalities of the state. You can also wander on the other side of Hussain Sagar commonly known as Necklace Road featuring tempting kebab stalls, ice- cream, and peanut vendors. Every Sunday evening cultural programmes are conducted and admission is free. A recently installed 350 tonne monolith of Buddha on a small island called the Rock of Gibraltar is at the centre of the lake, which is the venue for many water sporting events.
Amusement Parks
Hyderabad has a number of arcades that offer bowling, pool and video game parlours. Keep away from betting in these places, which is illegal. If you wager (against our advise) watch out for the sharks.
Children would love Ocean Park or Eless World for Roller Coaster Rides and the Tora Tora. Look in the Amusement Park Section for further details.
Hyderabad By Night
Pubs
Nearly all the medium and bigger hotels in Hyderabad have a bar or pub attached. Usually open from 1100- 2300 you can indulge in the aperitif, the cocktail and snacks.
Discos
There are very few discos in Hyderabad, a few 5- star hotels have a disco attached and all of them operate on Saturdays and entry is for couples only for a certain fee. The most famous and one of the best is The Disco at Treasure Island, a resort about 15 kms away from the city. The disco is open for non-members on Saturdays.
Celluloid dreams:
People of Andhra Pradesh love movies. In fact, they worship the actors and actress as demi gods and goddesses. This is one of reasons why even the most popular politicians turn filmstars. Almost the entire N T Rama Rao clan, have dabbled with films. Hyderabad has many film studios, all busy with round-the-clock film shootings.
Hyderabad Specialities
Hyderabad Specialities
Hyderabad Bangles
In the Hyderabad's history of enchanting pearls, Beautiful poetry, mouth-watering multi-cuisine, we also have the Hyderabadi Bangles. Since time immemorial, bangles, like Bindhi, has become an integral part of an Indian woman, more so, for a traditional Hyderabadi woman. They love to adorn their wrists with colorful bangles and their elders simply love the sound of "chan-chan" on their younger women folk. Bangles are not just a decoration for a woman but is a beauty in itself, ask any Hyderabadi man and he will vouch for it!!!! There are many types of bangles and roughly a couple of hundreds of shops are present near and around Charminar itself, where bangle sellers weave a web of magic around your wrists. The most famous is the Hyderabadi Lacquered Bangles, molded out of pure lac and studded with glittering and beautifully cut glass pieces of various colors. These bangles are a must for every Hyderabadi bride.Lad Bazaar is the main market for Bangles.
Cultured pearls in gold and silver jewellery are Hyderabad's speciality. The rice-pearl, a tiny variety of pearl lends itself to exquisite designs. The precious Basra, a pearl unmatched in lustre, color and price is also available.
Bidriware
Bidriware, is the most well-known of Andhra's handicrafts. Black metal inlaid with silver is the local speciality. Glass and studded bangles of bidri are a favorite with women Believed to have originated in Iran seven centuries ago, the black art reflects the Sufi influence even today. Moghul royals decorated their weapons on bidri style. Typical bidri items include plates, bowls vases., ashtrays, trinket boxes, huqqa bases, jewellery. The black colour is the result of the heating the zinc and copper surface gently and applying sal ammoniac with old fort earth. Main shopping areas are Abids, Basheerbagh, Nampally and Sultan Bazar in Hyderabad and MG Road and Rashtrapati Road in Secunderabad. The markets around Charminar are favoured for bangles and pearls.
Bronze Casting
Bronze casting is another speciality. Metal working has been transformed into a work of art by the artisans of Andhra Pradesh. Icons of various gods and goddesses are moulded to perfection in bronze. The beauty and grandeur of the realistic bronze castings are treasured items of those who buy it.
America : Coke :: Chai : Hyderabad
What is Coke to America, Irani Chai is to Hyderabad. Hyderabad is synonymous with Hyderbadi Irani Tea, locally called Chai, thanks mainly to the Iranians who have set up Tea Cafes in almost each and every Galli (ByLane) of Hyderabad.
It is not 5 star restaurants, it is not banquet halls, and it is not the posh lunch tables, but it is the Irani Cafes where many business meetings are held over a cup of Tea. Visit any Irani Cafe and you can invariably find groups of people rich or poor discussing everything under the Sun and even about the tasty Tea they are having at that moment. In Hyderabad, "From Pin to Government movements will done in IraniChai Cafe."
Maybe in no other city of India would you find so many Irani Cafes like the ones springing up in Hyderabad. Another notable feature is that almost every Irani Cafe has got a small cabin outside just attached to the Cafe which is more famously called as 'Paan Dabba', where people after having tea will buy a Cigarette or a 'Paan' (Betel leaves on which the Paan specialists mix many different eatables substances to get many distinct flavors).
And last but not the least, if you happen to go past an Irani Cafe with your friends for the first time, please don't forget to taste the Hyderabadi Tea and also don't forget to ask for a 1/2 Chai, which is a True Hyderabadi Tradition and Hospitality. So, try our Hyderabadi Chai and with it you will discover the Vigor, the Vitality, and the Friendly faces of Hyderabad.
Right now, the only competition faced by Irani Cafes are the growing number of Internet Cafes. The choice is yours, Chai or the Chip. Ofcourse In-Biz.net recommends best of both worlds. Why don't you have a cup of Tea while on the internet?
Hyderabad is also the place for a variety of thin and delicately worked silver jewelry and the delicate craftsmanship is the hallmark of silver filigree work here. Intricately twisted strands of silver are braided together, hammered out into a gentle latticework of frail artistic grandeur. Typical filigree work can be found in key chains, boxes, trays, etc.
Mirror work:
With just a thread and needle, the tribal Banjara women transforms any ordinary cloth into a colorful piece of art. The distinctive feature of Banjara designs are the extensive use of mirrors. Typical items include cushion covers, bags, shirts, kurtas, bedspreads etc.
Ikat weaving:
To bring back a typical Hyderabadi souvenior,buy a specimen of Ikat weaving. It is one of the most unique of Andhra's handloom heritage, a craft that survives even today. Weavers prepare the yarn for weaving by dipping it in oil. Then the yarn is woven into fabric. The semi-finished fabric is waxed and covered in clay as per the design. This enables the subsequent dying process to take place in a select manner. Typical items include sarees, blankets, mats,carpets,coasters,fancy bags etc.
Lacquer ware:
Colorful and bright, these lacquered wooden shaped wares make an interesting in your drawing room. Decorative objects like flower vases, dolls, small containers, bowls are lacquered. The traditional styles have undergone change; today intricate designs embellished with stones, mirror glass and beads are available.
Wood carvings
with themes like gods, goddesses, figurines, birds, animals etc are a must-buy. They are breathtakingly beautiful and minutely sculpted. The wood with its distinctive reddish brown tinge, makes stylish artifacts of panels, columns and relieves.
For food stuff and dry fruits, Begum Bazar in Alfganj is very famous. Majemjahi market is the whole sale market for flowers and fruits. The Andhra Pradesh cooperative store, APCO is located at Abids. The best place to buy handicrafts is Kalanjali on Nampally High Road.
Hyderabad Bangles
In the Hyderabad's history of enchanting pearls, Beautiful poetry, mouth-watering multi-cuisine, we also have the Hyderabadi Bangles. Since time immemorial, bangles, like Bindhi, has become an integral part of an Indian woman, more so, for a traditional Hyderabadi woman. They love to adorn their wrists with colorful bangles and their elders simply love the sound of "chan-chan" on their younger women folk. Bangles are not just a decoration for a woman but is a beauty in itself, ask any Hyderabadi man and he will vouch for it!!!! There are many types of bangles and roughly a couple of hundreds of shops are present near and around Charminar itself, where bangle sellers weave a web of magic around your wrists. The most famous is the Hyderabadi Lacquered Bangles, molded out of pure lac and studded with glittering and beautifully cut glass pieces of various colors. These bangles are a must for every Hyderabadi bride.Lad Bazaar is the main market for Bangles.
Cultured pearls in gold and silver jewellery are Hyderabad's speciality. The rice-pearl, a tiny variety of pearl lends itself to exquisite designs. The precious Basra, a pearl unmatched in lustre, color and price is also available.
Bidriware
Bidriware, is the most well-known of Andhra's handicrafts. Black metal inlaid with silver is the local speciality. Glass and studded bangles of bidri are a favorite with women Believed to have originated in Iran seven centuries ago, the black art reflects the Sufi influence even today. Moghul royals decorated their weapons on bidri style. Typical bidri items include plates, bowls vases., ashtrays, trinket boxes, huqqa bases, jewellery. The black colour is the result of the heating the zinc and copper surface gently and applying sal ammoniac with old fort earth. Main shopping areas are Abids, Basheerbagh, Nampally and Sultan Bazar in Hyderabad and MG Road and Rashtrapati Road in Secunderabad. The markets around Charminar are favoured for bangles and pearls.
Bronze Casting
Bronze casting is another speciality. Metal working has been transformed into a work of art by the artisans of Andhra Pradesh. Icons of various gods and goddesses are moulded to perfection in bronze. The beauty and grandeur of the realistic bronze castings are treasured items of those who buy it.
America : Coke :: Chai : Hyderabad
What is Coke to America, Irani Chai is to Hyderabad. Hyderabad is synonymous with Hyderbadi Irani Tea, locally called Chai, thanks mainly to the Iranians who have set up Tea Cafes in almost each and every Galli (ByLane) of Hyderabad.
It is not 5 star restaurants, it is not banquet halls, and it is not the posh lunch tables, but it is the Irani Cafes where many business meetings are held over a cup of Tea. Visit any Irani Cafe and you can invariably find groups of people rich or poor discussing everything under the Sun and even about the tasty Tea they are having at that moment. In Hyderabad, "From Pin to Government movements will done in IraniChai Cafe."
Maybe in no other city of India would you find so many Irani Cafes like the ones springing up in Hyderabad. Another notable feature is that almost every Irani Cafe has got a small cabin outside just attached to the Cafe which is more famously called as 'Paan Dabba', where people after having tea will buy a Cigarette or a 'Paan' (Betel leaves on which the Paan specialists mix many different eatables substances to get many distinct flavors).
And last but not the least, if you happen to go past an Irani Cafe with your friends for the first time, please don't forget to taste the Hyderabadi Tea and also don't forget to ask for a 1/2 Chai, which is a True Hyderabadi Tradition and Hospitality. So, try our Hyderabadi Chai and with it you will discover the Vigor, the Vitality, and the Friendly faces of Hyderabad.
Right now, the only competition faced by Irani Cafes are the growing number of Internet Cafes. The choice is yours, Chai or the Chip. Ofcourse In-Biz.net recommends best of both worlds. Why don't you have a cup of Tea while on the internet?
Hyderabad is also the place for a variety of thin and delicately worked silver jewelry and the delicate craftsmanship is the hallmark of silver filigree work here. Intricately twisted strands of silver are braided together, hammered out into a gentle latticework of frail artistic grandeur. Typical filigree work can be found in key chains, boxes, trays, etc.
Mirror work:
With just a thread and needle, the tribal Banjara women transforms any ordinary cloth into a colorful piece of art. The distinctive feature of Banjara designs are the extensive use of mirrors. Typical items include cushion covers, bags, shirts, kurtas, bedspreads etc.
Ikat weaving:
To bring back a typical Hyderabadi souvenior,buy a specimen of Ikat weaving. It is one of the most unique of Andhra's handloom heritage, a craft that survives even today. Weavers prepare the yarn for weaving by dipping it in oil. Then the yarn is woven into fabric. The semi-finished fabric is waxed and covered in clay as per the design. This enables the subsequent dying process to take place in a select manner. Typical items include sarees, blankets, mats,carpets,coasters,fancy bags etc.
Lacquer ware:
Colorful and bright, these lacquered wooden shaped wares make an interesting in your drawing room. Decorative objects like flower vases, dolls, small containers, bowls are lacquered. The traditional styles have undergone change; today intricate designs embellished with stones, mirror glass and beads are available.
Wood carvings
with themes like gods, goddesses, figurines, birds, animals etc are a must-buy. They are breathtakingly beautiful and minutely sculpted. The wood with its distinctive reddish brown tinge, makes stylish artifacts of panels, columns and relieves.
For food stuff and dry fruits, Begum Bazar in Alfganj is very famous. Majemjahi market is the whole sale market for flowers and fruits. The Andhra Pradesh cooperative store, APCO is located at Abids. The best place to buy handicrafts is Kalanjali on Nampally High Road.
Vital Statistics (click here for a city map of Hyderabad)
Vital Statistics
Area : 260 Sq. Km
Population : Approx 7 million (1991 Census : 3,145,939)
Growth Rate : 9.5%
Land Use : Urban 93% [including industrial]; Agriculture 1.7%; Water Spread 5.3%
Altitude : 536 metres above sea level
Languages : Urdu, Telgu, Hindi, English
Industries : Cotton and silk textiles, cigarettes, paper, pottery, glassware and more recently information technology and call centres.
Character : The area exhibits undulating topography with number of tanks and hill ranges. The elevation ranging between 500 to 600m. While Banjara, Jubilee, Golconda, Nawabat Pahad, Tirumalagiri and Moula Ali are prominent hill ranges, Hussain Sagar and Mir Alam are prominent tanks located within the city. Hussain Sagar located in the heart of the city bifurcates it into Secunderabad and Hyderabad. The Musi river passing through the middle of Hyderabad city flows in an easterly direction.
Weather : Summer temperatures range from a mean maximum of 40 deg centigrade to a mean minimum of 30 deg centigrade. Winter temperatures range from 22 deg centigrade. to 14 deg centrigrade. The monsoon season normally occurs from June to December. Registers rainfall of about 89 cms.
Area : 260 Sq. Km
Population : Approx 7 million (1991 Census : 3,145,939)
Growth Rate : 9.5%
Land Use : Urban 93% [including industrial]; Agriculture 1.7%; Water Spread 5.3%
Altitude : 536 metres above sea level
Languages : Urdu, Telgu, Hindi, English
Industries : Cotton and silk textiles, cigarettes, paper, pottery, glassware and more recently information technology and call centres.
Character : The area exhibits undulating topography with number of tanks and hill ranges. The elevation ranging between 500 to 600m. While Banjara, Jubilee, Golconda, Nawabat Pahad, Tirumalagiri and Moula Ali are prominent hill ranges, Hussain Sagar and Mir Alam are prominent tanks located within the city. Hussain Sagar located in the heart of the city bifurcates it into Secunderabad and Hyderabad. The Musi river passing through the middle of Hyderabad city flows in an easterly direction.
Weather : Summer temperatures range from a mean maximum of 40 deg centigrade to a mean minimum of 30 deg centigrade. Winter temperatures range from 22 deg centigrade. to 14 deg centrigrade. The monsoon season normally occurs from June to December. Registers rainfall of about 89 cms.
Other Attractions of Hyderabad
Salrajung Museum
A collection of art objects by Nawab Salar Jung III, this museum houses magnificent exhibits of European and Indian paintings and statuary. Of special interest is the Jade Room containing priceless objects which belonged to ancient Indian rulers like Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan.
Find out more at www.salarjungmuseum.com
Birlar Mandir
Overlooking the Tank Bund, the Birla Mandir presents an arresting sight when illuminated in the evening. This magnificent structure built entirely out of marble from Rajasthan, stands atop the Kala Pahad, the twin hillock of the Naubat Pahad. Built by a Birla Foundation over a span of ten years, the main temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara.
Tank Bund
Hyderabad's most popular promenade, the Tank Bund dams the Hussain Sagar lake. It is lined with 33 statues of famous personalities of the state. Recently installed is the monolith of Buddha at the centre of the lake. This lake is the venue of many water sport events.
Birla Planetarium
In the heart of the city is the B.M. Birla Planetarium, one of the newest and the most modern in India. It is being developed into a centre for the study of astronomy.
Nehru Zoological Park
This zoo spreads over 300 acres and is one of the largest in Asia. Over 3000 different species of birds and animals can be seen here. It has a unique nocturnal zoo which houses animals not normally seen during the day. The Natural History Museum has rare and interesting exhibits. Large recreational parks, gardens, a mini train and animal rides, make it an ideal spot for a picnic.
Public Gardens
Originally called the Bagh-e-aam, it consists of well laid out gardens. It also houses the imposing State Legislative Assembly building, the Jubilee Hall, the Jawahar Bal Bhavan, the Health Museum and the State Archaeological Museum.
Lad Bazaar
The street leading from Charminar to the square on the west called the Chowk, is known as Lad Bazaar. It is a shopping centre of the old city specialising in bridal ware. Here you will find the famous glass bangles of Hyderabad. Midway to the Chowk on the left, you will marvel at the splendid pink gates and semi-circular outer walls of the Nizam's Jillukhana (Parade Grounds) built in the French-Islamic style during Nizam VI reign. The troops were quartered here and the large gateway facilitated the easy movement of elephants.
A collection of art objects by Nawab Salar Jung III, this museum houses magnificent exhibits of European and Indian paintings and statuary. Of special interest is the Jade Room containing priceless objects which belonged to ancient Indian rulers like Aurangzeb and Tipu Sultan.
Find out more at www.salarjungmuseum.com
Birlar Mandir
Overlooking the Tank Bund, the Birla Mandir presents an arresting sight when illuminated in the evening. This magnificent structure built entirely out of marble from Rajasthan, stands atop the Kala Pahad, the twin hillock of the Naubat Pahad. Built by a Birla Foundation over a span of ten years, the main temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara.
Tank Bund
Hyderabad's most popular promenade, the Tank Bund dams the Hussain Sagar lake. It is lined with 33 statues of famous personalities of the state. Recently installed is the monolith of Buddha at the centre of the lake. This lake is the venue of many water sport events.
Birla Planetarium
In the heart of the city is the B.M. Birla Planetarium, one of the newest and the most modern in India. It is being developed into a centre for the study of astronomy.
Nehru Zoological Park
This zoo spreads over 300 acres and is one of the largest in Asia. Over 3000 different species of birds and animals can be seen here. It has a unique nocturnal zoo which houses animals not normally seen during the day. The Natural History Museum has rare and interesting exhibits. Large recreational parks, gardens, a mini train and animal rides, make it an ideal spot for a picnic.
Public Gardens
Originally called the Bagh-e-aam, it consists of well laid out gardens. It also houses the imposing State Legislative Assembly building, the Jubilee Hall, the Jawahar Bal Bhavan, the Health Museum and the State Archaeological Museum.
Lad Bazaar
The street leading from Charminar to the square on the west called the Chowk, is known as Lad Bazaar. It is a shopping centre of the old city specialising in bridal ware. Here you will find the famous glass bangles of Hyderabad. Midway to the Chowk on the left, you will marvel at the splendid pink gates and semi-circular outer walls of the Nizam's Jillukhana (Parade Grounds) built in the French-Islamic style during Nizam VI reign. The troops were quartered here and the large gateway facilitated the easy movement of elephants.
Historical Sites of Hyderabad
Charminar
Charminar, the edifice of four minarets, is the legendary masterpiece of the Qutb Shahis. The awesome rectangular structure was built upon four grand arches by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 to commemorate the end of the plague.
The plan is a square, each side 20 meters long, while the four arches are 11 meters wide and rise 20 meters from the plinth. The four storied minarets rise 20 meters from the roof of the massive monument and measures 24 meters from the plinth. The western section of the roof contains a mosque with 45 prayer spaces with a large open space in front to accommodate more for Friday prayers. To the east of this space is a veranda with a large open arch in the centre, flanked by smaller ones both sides.
Golconda Fort
Founded originally by the Kakatiyas in the 13th century, the existing structure was expanded by the Qutb Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite with walls and ramparts extending some 7kms in circumference. The fortress city within the walls was famous for the diamond trade and the Koh-i-noor diamond is said to have come from here.
Mecca Masjid
This is the biggest mosque in Hyderabad and lies 100 yards south-west of Charminar. The name is derived from the Grand Mosque at Mecca on which it is patterned. The hall is 67 meters by 54 meters and 23 meters high. The roof is supported by 15 arches, five on each of the three sides. The western side is blocked by a high wall to provide the Mehrab. At each end are two huge octagonal columns made out of a single piece of granite each topped by an arched gallery that is crowned by a dome. The mosque is one of the largest in India and can accommodate ten thousand people at a time.
Qutb Shahi Tombs
The tombs erected in the memory of the departed kings of Golconda are truly magnificent monuments that have stood the test of time and the vagaries of nature. They stand a kilometre north of Golconda fort's Banjara Darwaza.
Falaknuma Palace
Built by one of the Paigh nobles Sir Vicar ul Umra, and later bought by the Nizam, the Falaknuma Palace (meaning "Mirror in the Sky") is 5km south of the Charminar. This palace was designed by an Italian architect and houses some rare treasures collected by the Nizam.
Charminar, the edifice of four minarets, is the legendary masterpiece of the Qutb Shahis. The awesome rectangular structure was built upon four grand arches by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 to commemorate the end of the plague.
The plan is a square, each side 20 meters long, while the four arches are 11 meters wide and rise 20 meters from the plinth. The four storied minarets rise 20 meters from the roof of the massive monument and measures 24 meters from the plinth. The western section of the roof contains a mosque with 45 prayer spaces with a large open space in front to accommodate more for Friday prayers. To the east of this space is a veranda with a large open arch in the centre, flanked by smaller ones both sides.
Golconda Fort
Founded originally by the Kakatiyas in the 13th century, the existing structure was expanded by the Qutb Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite with walls and ramparts extending some 7kms in circumference. The fortress city within the walls was famous for the diamond trade and the Koh-i-noor diamond is said to have come from here.
Mecca Masjid
This is the biggest mosque in Hyderabad and lies 100 yards south-west of Charminar. The name is derived from the Grand Mosque at Mecca on which it is patterned. The hall is 67 meters by 54 meters and 23 meters high. The roof is supported by 15 arches, five on each of the three sides. The western side is blocked by a high wall to provide the Mehrab. At each end are two huge octagonal columns made out of a single piece of granite each topped by an arched gallery that is crowned by a dome. The mosque is one of the largest in India and can accommodate ten thousand people at a time.
Qutb Shahi Tombs
The tombs erected in the memory of the departed kings of Golconda are truly magnificent monuments that have stood the test of time and the vagaries of nature. They stand a kilometre north of Golconda fort's Banjara Darwaza.
Falaknuma Palace
Built by one of the Paigh nobles Sir Vicar ul Umra, and later bought by the Nizam, the Falaknuma Palace (meaning "Mirror in the Sky") is 5km south of the Charminar. This palace was designed by an Italian architect and houses some rare treasures collected by the Nizam.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
The seven rulers of the Asif Jahi Dynasty
The seven rulers of the Asif Jahi Dynasty
Jewels of the Nizams @ amazon.com
amazon.co.uk
In 1724 Nizam-ul-Mulk Asif Jah I founded the Asif Jahi Dynasty and seven generations of the family ruled the Deccan for 224 years up to 1948. During this period several buildings of archaeological and public importance were built. Notable among them are: Purani Haveli, Chow Mahalla Palace, Osmania University, Jubilee Hall, Assembly Building, Asifia Library, Osmania Hospital, High Court, and all the buildings in the Public Garden.
I
Nizam-ul-Mulk
1724 - 1748
II Nizam Ali Khan 1762 - 1803
III Sikander Jah 1803 - 1829
IV Nasir-ud-Dowla 1829 - 1857
V Afzal-ud-Dowla 1857 - 1869
VI Mahboob Ali Pasha 1869 - 1911
VII Mir Osman Ali Khan 1911 - 1948
The origins of the Asif Jahi dynasty can be traced to Chin Qalich Khan who was the grandfather of the first Nizam and the commander of the Mughal army during Aurangzeb’s reign. Chin Qalich Khan led the attack of the Mughal army into the Deccan under his Emperor’s ambitious plans of expanding the Mughal empire. During Aurangzeb’s last siege of Golconda in 1687, Chin Qalich Khan was wounded. He died in Atapur village near Himayath Sagar.
Chin Qalich Khan’s son, Nawab Ghaziuddin Khan, married the daughter of Sadullah Khan, Prime Minister of Aurangzeb. A son was born, and the Emperor named him Mir Qumaruddin. At the age of six, Mir Qumaruddin accompanied his father to the Mughal court. Aurangzeb awarded him a mansab, and said to his father, “The star of destiny shines on the forehead of your son”. Mir Qumaruddin displayed considerable skill as a warrior and at the age of nineteen, the Emperor bestowed on him the title “Chin Fateh Khan”. At 26, he was appointed Commander in Chief and Viceroy, first at Bijapur, then Malwa and later of the Deccan.
Subsequently, the Mughal empire declined. There was much confusion after the death of Aurangzeb, and Mir Qumaruddin established his position as Viceroy Farukh Siar who was the Mughal Emperor for a brief tenure conferred on Mir Qumaruddin the title Nizam-ul-mulk Fateh Jung. He thus became the first Nizam. A subsequent Emperor, Muhammad Shah bestowed on him the title Asif Jah. The dynasty of the Nizam's of Hyderabad thus came to be known as the Asif Jahi Dynasty.
Unrest and claims to the throne continued after the death of Aurangzeb, and amidst the general confusion, Asif Jah had little difficulty in asserting his independence from the weak occupants of the Delhi throne. At that time, Asif Jah was the Sudedar of Malwa. However, his independence was the cause of much jealousy, and the Delhi court secretly instructed Mubrez Khan, the Subedar of the Deccan, to oppose him. A battle was fought at Shakar-Khelda in the district of Berer in 1724, where Mubrez Khan was defeated and killed. This battle established Asif Jah's supremacy in the Deccan. After gaining independence, Asif Jah came to be known as Nizam-ul-Mulk. He first set up his capital at Auragabad but later moved to Hyderabad, which became the capital of the Asif Jahi dynasty.
Nizam-ul-Mulk's greatest achievement was the foundation of the Hyderabad Dominion. He attained his object by waging a struggle against the Marhattas and by the policy of non-involvement in the rivalry for power between the British and the French. His policy has been justified by later events as Hyderabad state survived right through the period of British rule up to the time of Indian independence.
Asif Jah ruled wisely and established an independent state in the Deccan. He was one of the ablest statesmen. However, his death at Burhanpur on 21st May 1748 at the age of 78, was followed by a struggle for the throne. By this time, foreign powers were spreading their tentacles. Asif Jah's second son Nasir Jung was supported by the British whereas Muzafar Jung, grandson of Asif Jah, was supported by the French. Nasir Jung succeeded; but after a brief rule he was slain in 1750 in an encounter with the French troops at Arcot. Thereupon, Muzafar Jung ascended the throne. In the following year he was murdered and his son Salabath Jung was put on the throne. In 1762 Salabeth Jung was dethroned by his brother Nizam Ali Khan, and confined at Bidar where he died in 1793.
Hence, Nasir Jung, Muzafar Jung and Salabath Jung, who were contestants for the sovereignty of the Deccan in the short span of thirteen years between the death of Asif Jah and accession of Nizam Ali Khan, have not been historically recognised as reigning Nizams. If they had been, Nizam Ali Khan would have been known as the fifth Nizam and not the second.
Nizam Ali Khan ascended the throne in 1763 and he ruled Hyderabad for almost forty years. This was one of the eventful periods in the history of India. Foremost among competitors for supremacy in the Deccan were the Marhattas and it was during this period that the famous French adventurer Monsieur Raymond was employed by Nizam Ali Khan.
Nizam Ali Khan died in August 1803 at the age of 72 years after a long and strenuous reign.
The succession of Sikandar Jah as Nizam was undisputed and he appointed Mir Alam as his Prime Minister. With the accession to the throne by Sikander Jah and end of war with the Marhattas, there commenced an entirely new era for Hyderabad. Unfortunately in 1808 the able Minister Mir Alam died and it was he who was responsible for maintaining good relations wit the British. In 1809, Mir Alam’s son Munir-ul-Mulk was appointed as Minister.
Sikander Jah died in May 1829 at the age of 62 after reigning for almost 26 years. Secunderbad was named after him. Sikander Jah was succeeded by his eldest son Nasir-ud-Dowla. It was during his reign that Salar Jung was appointed as the Minister in 1853. Salar Jung guided the affairs of the Deccan with great wisdom and introduced several reforms to improve the finances of the Dominion.
On 17 May 1857 Nasir-ud-Daula died and his son Afzal-ud-Daula became the fifth Nizam. This was the first time the first war of Indian Independence was fought in the North and there was general disorder in the Deccan.
After a reign of twelve years, Afzal-ud-Daula expired on 26 February 1869 at the young age of forty three years, leaving behind the infant prince Mir Mahboob Ali Khan who was hardly three years old.
Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, who was born on 18 August 1866, was the only son of Afzal-ud-Dowla. He was installed on the masnad by the British Resident and Sir Salar Jung, who also acted as the co-regent. Salar Jung died in 1883 and a provisional council, consisting of five members, with Mahboob Ali Khan as president and Mir Laiq Ali Khan, son of Salar Jung, as secretary was appointed for administrative purposes.
Special attention was paid to the education of Mahboob Ali Khan. With the concurrence of Salar Jung, Capt. John Clerk was appointed as his tutor. However, the personality of Salar Jung had a great influence on his life. Brought up under the guidance of this great statesman, Mahboob Ali Khan grew in his later years to be one of the greatest rulers of his time. He was a respected and dignified personality and was popularly know as ‘Mahboob Ali Pasha’. He died on Tuesday 31 August 1911.
Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh and the last Nizam of Hyderabad ruled for 37 years (1911 - 1948). His Dominion was lager than England and Scotland put together, with an area of 86,000 Sq. miles.
The seventh Nizam led a very simple life, yet he was one of the richest men in the world. He donated generously to every cause in India as well as abroad irrespective of caste and religion. If it was the Muslim theological school at Deoband which received financial help, it was also the privilege of the Benaras Hindu University. His list of donations included Rabindranth Tagore’s Shantiniketan and several other institutions including hospitals, schools, for famine relief, etc. The golden temple in Amritsar also enjoyed an annual donation.
The Nizam’s rule saw the growth of Hyderabad economically and culturally. Electricity, railways, roads and airways developed. Huge reservoirs and irrigation projects such as the Tungabhadra, and Nizamsagar were completed. The early work on Nagarjunasagar was undertaken. The Osmania University, Colleges and Schools were founded throughout the state. Nearly all the public buildings currently in such as the Osmania General Hospital, High Court, Central State Library, Assembly Hall, Jubilee Hall and other buildings in the Public Garden were built during Osman Ali Khan’s reign.
Soon after India gained independence in 1947, all princely states were invited to join the Republic. Nizam VII was reluctant to do so; but in 1948, after the Police Action, his state was merged into the Indian Union. Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam, died on Friday 24 February 1967. It was the end of the princely era.
Jewels of the Nizams @ amazon.com
amazon.co.uk
In 1724 Nizam-ul-Mulk Asif Jah I founded the Asif Jahi Dynasty and seven generations of the family ruled the Deccan for 224 years up to 1948. During this period several buildings of archaeological and public importance were built. Notable among them are: Purani Haveli, Chow Mahalla Palace, Osmania University, Jubilee Hall, Assembly Building, Asifia Library, Osmania Hospital, High Court, and all the buildings in the Public Garden.
I
Nizam-ul-Mulk
1724 - 1748
II Nizam Ali Khan 1762 - 1803
III Sikander Jah 1803 - 1829
IV Nasir-ud-Dowla 1829 - 1857
V Afzal-ud-Dowla 1857 - 1869
VI Mahboob Ali Pasha 1869 - 1911
VII Mir Osman Ali Khan 1911 - 1948
The origins of the Asif Jahi dynasty can be traced to Chin Qalich Khan who was the grandfather of the first Nizam and the commander of the Mughal army during Aurangzeb’s reign. Chin Qalich Khan led the attack of the Mughal army into the Deccan under his Emperor’s ambitious plans of expanding the Mughal empire. During Aurangzeb’s last siege of Golconda in 1687, Chin Qalich Khan was wounded. He died in Atapur village near Himayath Sagar.
Chin Qalich Khan’s son, Nawab Ghaziuddin Khan, married the daughter of Sadullah Khan, Prime Minister of Aurangzeb. A son was born, and the Emperor named him Mir Qumaruddin. At the age of six, Mir Qumaruddin accompanied his father to the Mughal court. Aurangzeb awarded him a mansab, and said to his father, “The star of destiny shines on the forehead of your son”. Mir Qumaruddin displayed considerable skill as a warrior and at the age of nineteen, the Emperor bestowed on him the title “Chin Fateh Khan”. At 26, he was appointed Commander in Chief and Viceroy, first at Bijapur, then Malwa and later of the Deccan.
Subsequently, the Mughal empire declined. There was much confusion after the death of Aurangzeb, and Mir Qumaruddin established his position as Viceroy Farukh Siar who was the Mughal Emperor for a brief tenure conferred on Mir Qumaruddin the title Nizam-ul-mulk Fateh Jung. He thus became the first Nizam. A subsequent Emperor, Muhammad Shah bestowed on him the title Asif Jah. The dynasty of the Nizam's of Hyderabad thus came to be known as the Asif Jahi Dynasty.
Unrest and claims to the throne continued after the death of Aurangzeb, and amidst the general confusion, Asif Jah had little difficulty in asserting his independence from the weak occupants of the Delhi throne. At that time, Asif Jah was the Sudedar of Malwa. However, his independence was the cause of much jealousy, and the Delhi court secretly instructed Mubrez Khan, the Subedar of the Deccan, to oppose him. A battle was fought at Shakar-Khelda in the district of Berer in 1724, where Mubrez Khan was defeated and killed. This battle established Asif Jah's supremacy in the Deccan. After gaining independence, Asif Jah came to be known as Nizam-ul-Mulk. He first set up his capital at Auragabad but later moved to Hyderabad, which became the capital of the Asif Jahi dynasty.
Nizam-ul-Mulk's greatest achievement was the foundation of the Hyderabad Dominion. He attained his object by waging a struggle against the Marhattas and by the policy of non-involvement in the rivalry for power between the British and the French. His policy has been justified by later events as Hyderabad state survived right through the period of British rule up to the time of Indian independence.
Asif Jah ruled wisely and established an independent state in the Deccan. He was one of the ablest statesmen. However, his death at Burhanpur on 21st May 1748 at the age of 78, was followed by a struggle for the throne. By this time, foreign powers were spreading their tentacles. Asif Jah's second son Nasir Jung was supported by the British whereas Muzafar Jung, grandson of Asif Jah, was supported by the French. Nasir Jung succeeded; but after a brief rule he was slain in 1750 in an encounter with the French troops at Arcot. Thereupon, Muzafar Jung ascended the throne. In the following year he was murdered and his son Salabath Jung was put on the throne. In 1762 Salabeth Jung was dethroned by his brother Nizam Ali Khan, and confined at Bidar where he died in 1793.
Hence, Nasir Jung, Muzafar Jung and Salabath Jung, who were contestants for the sovereignty of the Deccan in the short span of thirteen years between the death of Asif Jah and accession of Nizam Ali Khan, have not been historically recognised as reigning Nizams. If they had been, Nizam Ali Khan would have been known as the fifth Nizam and not the second.
Nizam Ali Khan ascended the throne in 1763 and he ruled Hyderabad for almost forty years. This was one of the eventful periods in the history of India. Foremost among competitors for supremacy in the Deccan were the Marhattas and it was during this period that the famous French adventurer Monsieur Raymond was employed by Nizam Ali Khan.
Nizam Ali Khan died in August 1803 at the age of 72 years after a long and strenuous reign.
The succession of Sikandar Jah as Nizam was undisputed and he appointed Mir Alam as his Prime Minister. With the accession to the throne by Sikander Jah and end of war with the Marhattas, there commenced an entirely new era for Hyderabad. Unfortunately in 1808 the able Minister Mir Alam died and it was he who was responsible for maintaining good relations wit the British. In 1809, Mir Alam’s son Munir-ul-Mulk was appointed as Minister.
Sikander Jah died in May 1829 at the age of 62 after reigning for almost 26 years. Secunderbad was named after him. Sikander Jah was succeeded by his eldest son Nasir-ud-Dowla. It was during his reign that Salar Jung was appointed as the Minister in 1853. Salar Jung guided the affairs of the Deccan with great wisdom and introduced several reforms to improve the finances of the Dominion.
On 17 May 1857 Nasir-ud-Daula died and his son Afzal-ud-Daula became the fifth Nizam. This was the first time the first war of Indian Independence was fought in the North and there was general disorder in the Deccan.
After a reign of twelve years, Afzal-ud-Daula expired on 26 February 1869 at the young age of forty three years, leaving behind the infant prince Mir Mahboob Ali Khan who was hardly three years old.
Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, who was born on 18 August 1866, was the only son of Afzal-ud-Dowla. He was installed on the masnad by the British Resident and Sir Salar Jung, who also acted as the co-regent. Salar Jung died in 1883 and a provisional council, consisting of five members, with Mahboob Ali Khan as president and Mir Laiq Ali Khan, son of Salar Jung, as secretary was appointed for administrative purposes.
Special attention was paid to the education of Mahboob Ali Khan. With the concurrence of Salar Jung, Capt. John Clerk was appointed as his tutor. However, the personality of Salar Jung had a great influence on his life. Brought up under the guidance of this great statesman, Mahboob Ali Khan grew in his later years to be one of the greatest rulers of his time. He was a respected and dignified personality and was popularly know as ‘Mahboob Ali Pasha’. He died on Tuesday 31 August 1911.
Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh and the last Nizam of Hyderabad ruled for 37 years (1911 - 1948). His Dominion was lager than England and Scotland put together, with an area of 86,000 Sq. miles.
The seventh Nizam led a very simple life, yet he was one of the richest men in the world. He donated generously to every cause in India as well as abroad irrespective of caste and religion. If it was the Muslim theological school at Deoband which received financial help, it was also the privilege of the Benaras Hindu University. His list of donations included Rabindranth Tagore’s Shantiniketan and several other institutions including hospitals, schools, for famine relief, etc. The golden temple in Amritsar also enjoyed an annual donation.
The Nizam’s rule saw the growth of Hyderabad economically and culturally. Electricity, railways, roads and airways developed. Huge reservoirs and irrigation projects such as the Tungabhadra, and Nizamsagar were completed. The early work on Nagarjunasagar was undertaken. The Osmania University, Colleges and Schools were founded throughout the state. Nearly all the public buildings currently in such as the Osmania General Hospital, High Court, Central State Library, Assembly Hall, Jubilee Hall and other buildings in the Public Garden were built during Osman Ali Khan’s reign.
Soon after India gained independence in 1947, all princely states were invited to join the Republic. Nizam VII was reluctant to do so; but in 1948, after the Police Action, his state was merged into the Indian Union. Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam, died on Friday 24 February 1967. It was the end of the princely era.
An Introduction to Hyderabad
The capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad is the fifth largest city in India with an ancient civilisation and culture. Attached to the city is its twin , Secunderbad, which is part of Hyderabad. The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderbad are separated by the Husain Sagar, an artificial lake constructed during the time of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali in 1562 A.D.
The city is nearly 400 years old and is noted for its natural beauty, mosques and minarets, bazaars and bridges, hills and lakes. It is perched on the top of the Deccan Plateau, 1776ft., above sea level, and sprawls over an area of 100 Sq. miles.
A multitude of influences have shaped the character of the city. Its palaces and buildings, houses and tenements, gardens and streets have a history and an architectural individuality of their own, which makes Hyderabad a city of enchantment.
Hyderabad was founded on the River Musi five miles east of Golconda, in 1591-92 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. In the 16th century the city grew spontaneously to accommodate the surplus population of Golconda, which was the capital of the Qutb Shahi rulers. Many buildings sprang up along the River Musi. Gradually the city grew.
The Qutb Shahi dynasty founded the Kingdom of Golconda, one of the five kingdoms that emerged after the break up of the Bahamani Kingdom. The Qutb Shahis ruled the Deccan for almost 171 years. All the seven rulers were patrons of learning and were great builders. They contributed to the growth and development of Indo-Persian and Indo-Islamic literature and culture in Hyderabad. During the Qutb Shahi reign Golconda became one of the leading markets in the world of diamonds, pearls, steel for arms, and also printed fabric.
The glory of the Golconda kingdom ended in 1687, after a valiant struggle. Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal ruler, captured Golconda after a siege that lasted eight months. Abul Hasan Tana Shah, the last king of Golconda, was imprisoned at Daulatabad, where he died after twelve years in captivity.
With the conquest of the Deccan and the South, Aurangzeb succeeded in expanding the Mughal Empire to cover the entire sub-continent. However, after his death in 1707, the Empire rapidly declined.
At that time , the Deccan was administered by a Subedar or viceroy of the Mughal Emperor. Mir Quamaruddin, the Governor of the Deccan, who bore the title of Nizam-ul-Mulk Feroze Jung Asif Jah, declared his independence from Mughal rule in 1724. He thus became the first Nizam and the founder of the Asif Jahi dynasty.
Asif Jah I continued to maintain Aruangabad, which had been founded by the Mughal rulers as the capital of his new state. In 1769, Nizam Ali Khan Asif Jah II, shifted the capital to Hyderabad. The seven Nizam's of the Asif Jahi dynasty ruled the Deccan for nearly 224 years, right up to 1948.
During the Asif Jahi period, Persian, Urdu, Telgu and Marathi developed simultaneously. The highest official positions were given to deserving persons irrespective of their religion. Persian was the official language up to 1893 and then Urdu up to 1948.
When the British and the French spread their hold over the country, the Nizam soon won their friendship without bequeathing his power. The title "Faithful. Ally of the British Government" was bestowed on Nizam VII. The British stationed a Resident at Hyderabad, but the state continued to be ruled by the Nizam.
The rule of the seven Nizam's saw the growth of Hyderabad both culturally and economically. Huge reservoirs, like the Nizam Sagar, Tungabadra, Osman Sagar, Himayath Sagar, and others were built. Survey work on Nagarjuna Sagar had also begun during this time.
Hyderabad, under the Nizam's, was the largest princely state in India. Area wise it was as big as England and Scotland put together. The State had its own currency, mint, railways, and postal system. There was no income tax.
Soon after India gained independence, Hyderabad State merged with the Union of India. On November 1, 1956 the map of India was redrawn into linguistic states, and Hyderabad became the capital of Andhra Pradesh.
The city is nearly 400 years old and is noted for its natural beauty, mosques and minarets, bazaars and bridges, hills and lakes. It is perched on the top of the Deccan Plateau, 1776ft., above sea level, and sprawls over an area of 100 Sq. miles.
A multitude of influences have shaped the character of the city. Its palaces and buildings, houses and tenements, gardens and streets have a history and an architectural individuality of their own, which makes Hyderabad a city of enchantment.
Hyderabad was founded on the River Musi five miles east of Golconda, in 1591-92 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. In the 16th century the city grew spontaneously to accommodate the surplus population of Golconda, which was the capital of the Qutb Shahi rulers. Many buildings sprang up along the River Musi. Gradually the city grew.
The Qutb Shahi dynasty founded the Kingdom of Golconda, one of the five kingdoms that emerged after the break up of the Bahamani Kingdom. The Qutb Shahis ruled the Deccan for almost 171 years. All the seven rulers were patrons of learning and were great builders. They contributed to the growth and development of Indo-Persian and Indo-Islamic literature and culture in Hyderabad. During the Qutb Shahi reign Golconda became one of the leading markets in the world of diamonds, pearls, steel for arms, and also printed fabric.
The glory of the Golconda kingdom ended in 1687, after a valiant struggle. Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal ruler, captured Golconda after a siege that lasted eight months. Abul Hasan Tana Shah, the last king of Golconda, was imprisoned at Daulatabad, where he died after twelve years in captivity.
With the conquest of the Deccan and the South, Aurangzeb succeeded in expanding the Mughal Empire to cover the entire sub-continent. However, after his death in 1707, the Empire rapidly declined.
At that time , the Deccan was administered by a Subedar or viceroy of the Mughal Emperor. Mir Quamaruddin, the Governor of the Deccan, who bore the title of Nizam-ul-Mulk Feroze Jung Asif Jah, declared his independence from Mughal rule in 1724. He thus became the first Nizam and the founder of the Asif Jahi dynasty.
Asif Jah I continued to maintain Aruangabad, which had been founded by the Mughal rulers as the capital of his new state. In 1769, Nizam Ali Khan Asif Jah II, shifted the capital to Hyderabad. The seven Nizam's of the Asif Jahi dynasty ruled the Deccan for nearly 224 years, right up to 1948.
During the Asif Jahi period, Persian, Urdu, Telgu and Marathi developed simultaneously. The highest official positions were given to deserving persons irrespective of their religion. Persian was the official language up to 1893 and then Urdu up to 1948.
When the British and the French spread their hold over the country, the Nizam soon won their friendship without bequeathing his power. The title "Faithful. Ally of the British Government" was bestowed on Nizam VII. The British stationed a Resident at Hyderabad, but the state continued to be ruled by the Nizam.
The rule of the seven Nizam's saw the growth of Hyderabad both culturally and economically. Huge reservoirs, like the Nizam Sagar, Tungabadra, Osman Sagar, Himayath Sagar, and others were built. Survey work on Nagarjuna Sagar had also begun during this time.
Hyderabad, under the Nizam's, was the largest princely state in India. Area wise it was as big as England and Scotland put together. The State had its own currency, mint, railways, and postal system. There was no income tax.
Soon after India gained independence, Hyderabad State merged with the Union of India. On November 1, 1956 the map of India was redrawn into linguistic states, and Hyderabad became the capital of Andhra Pradesh.
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