SEMI-LUXURY HOTELS
Hotel Green Park
Greenlands, Begumpet, Hyderabad
Tel: 91-040-23757575
Fax:91-040-23757677
email: hyd@hotelgreenpark.com
Web Site: www.hotelgreenpark.com
Status: 4 Star
3 Km from airport, 6 km from Secunderabad railway station, 148 well furnished rooms, 24 hours check out. Sight seeing tours on request. Secretarial services and business facilities. Travel assistance & car rental. Sight seeing tours on request. Data port in the room.
Tariff: Deluxe Single Rs.2200 & Double Rs.2650, Business Club Single Rs.2650 & Double Rs.3250, Junior Suites Rs.3450, Executive Suites Rs.4250 & Quality Suites Rs. 4450
Amrutha Castle
5-9-16, Saifabad,
Opposite Secretariat
Hyderabad - 500004
Tel: 91-040-55633888
Fax:91-040-55828222
email: amruthacastle@pol.net.in
Status: 4 Star
Hotel Amrutha Castle is situated right opposite the State Secretariat at Saifabad, it is about 20 minutes drive from the Hyderabad Airport. The significant landmarks en-route to Hotel Amrutha Castle are Somajiguda Circle, Necklace Road, British Library and the A.P. State Secretariat. The Hotel is about 6 kms from the Airport and a prepaid taxi from the Airport should cost you around Rs.200/-
Tariff : Rs. 2300 - Rs. 2800
Hotel Golconda
10-1-127, Masab Tank, Hyderabad-500 028
Tel: 91-040-23320202
Fax: 91-040-23320404
email: hotel_golconda@hotmail.com
Website: www.hotelgolconda.com
Status:3 Star
6.5 Km from Begumpet airport, 13 km from Secunderabad railway station, 157 Rooms, 18 Twin Single Rooms, 134 Executive Single Rooms, 2 Executive suites and 3 Deluxe suites.
Tariff: Executive Single Rs.2100 & Double Rs.2400, Executive Suite Rs.2700 and Deluxe Suites Rs. 2900.
Quality Inn Residency
Public Garden Road, Hyderabad
Tel: 91-040-23204060
Fax: 91-040-23204040
emails: reservation@theresidency-hyd.com
Status: 3 Star (Deluxe)
7 km from Begumpet airport, 8 km from Secunderabad railway station and bus station, 95 Rooms, 38 Deluxe Rooms, 36 Executive Club, 9 Junior Suites, 6 Executive Suites and 3 Residency Suites
Tariff: Deluxe Single Rs.1595 & Double Rs. 1995, Executive Club Single Rs. 1795 & 2195, Junior Suite Single Rs. 1995 & Double Rs. 2450, Qulaity Inn Suite Rs.3800 and Residency Suite Rs.3200
Fortune Katriya Hotel
8, Rajbhavan Road, Somajiguda
Tel: 91-040-23325678
Fax: 91-040-23344119
email: mail@fortunekatriya.com
Status: 3 Star
4.5 Km from Airport, 7 Km from Secunderabad Railway station, 144 beautifully appointed rooms including 108 Deluxe Rooms, 28 Fortune Club Rooms, 6 Deluxe Suites and 2 Club Suites, 24 hours Room Service, Doctor on call, Computerized check in /check out fully equipped business center with Internet access, Swimming Pool.
Tariff: Deluxe Single Room Rs.2800 & Double Rs.3300, Fortune Club Single Room Rs.3500 & Double Rs.3800, Deluxe Suites Rs.5000 (rates inclusive of Buffet Breakfast)
Baseraa Inn
5-9-30/16-20,
Opp Ghandhi Medical College
Basheerbagh, Hyderabad
Tel: 91-040-23236504
Fax: 91-040-23298855
email: reserve@baseraa.com
Website: www.baseraa.com
Status: 3 Star
7.5 Km from Begumpet airport 7Km from Secunderabad railway station and bus station. The hotel has 77 spacious and well appointment rooms. The other facilities include Multi-cuisine restaurant, Coffee shop, Ice Cream Parlour, and Pub. The hotel also offers Banqueting & Conference facilities.
Tariff: Standard Single Rs.1650, Deluxe Single Rs.2200, Superior Deluxe Single Rs.2500, Executive Single Rs.2800, Standard Double Rs.1850, Deluxe Double Rs.2700, Superior Deluxe Double Rs.3000, Executive Double Rs.3300, Presidential Suite Rs.5000
Hotel I K London Residency
6-3-656, Kapadia Lane, Somajiguda, Hyderabad
Tel: 91-040-55625555
Fax: 91-040-55759519
email: iklondonresidency@yahoo.com
Status: 3 Star
4.5 Km from airport, 8 Km from Secunderabad railway station, 24 hours check out time. Money Exchange facility, Health Club, Business Center, Airport and Railway Station transfer on request. Personalized valet and mini bars.
Hotel Rukmini Riviera
6-1-1062,
Lakdi ka pool, Hyderabad
Tel: 91-040-55785566
Fax: 91-040-55660631
email: hotelrukminiriviera@yahoo.co.in
Status: 3 Star
6 Km from airport, 8 Km from Secunderabad Railway Station, 24 hour check out, 70 rooms, No charges for children below 8 years
Tariff: Deluxe Room AC Rs.1110 (Single), Rs.1300 (Double)
Deluxe Room AC Rs.825 (Single), Rs.975 (Double)
Kamat Lingapur Hotel
1-10-44/2, Chikoti Gardens, Begumpet, Hyderabad-500 016
Tel: 91-040-27764242
Fax: 91-040-27765151
email: reserve@kamatlingapur.com
Website: www.kamatlingapur.com
Status: 3 Star
Barely a Km from Airport and 4 Km from Secunderabad Railway Station, 77 Rooms, 77 Seatre Multi Cuisine Vegetarian Restaurant serving Indian, Chinese, Continental and Hyderabadi Delicacies, Money Exchange, 24 hours Room Service.
Hotel Deccan Continental
Sir Ronal Ross Road,
Secunderabad-500003
Tel : +91-040-27840981/27819173/55260269
Fax: +91-040-27840980
email: hoteldeccan@satyamonline.com
Status: 3 Star
The hotel is very conveniently located — 1 km from the Rajiv Gandhi airport, 3 km from the Secunderabad railway station, and 1 km from the main shopping area of Secunderabad. It has a fine panoramic view of Hussain Sagar lake. It has 84 rooms well appointed rooms.
The hotel provides several facilities. The hotel has two restaurants: Black Stallion, an a la carte multi cuisine restaurant, and Bear Point, a multi-cuisine food and beverage outlet. The hotel is ideally suited for seminars, conventions, conferences, training programs and weddings.
Tariff: Rs.500 - Rs.1500
Aditya Park Inn
Aditya Trade Center,
Ameerpet, Hyderabad.
Tel : 55788888 55789999 (Fax)
E-Mail: adityaparkinn@vsnl.net
Website: www.sarovarparkplaza.com
Status: 3 Star
Aditya Park Inn International is strategically located at Ameerpet, Hyderabad's hub of activity and is approximately 3 km from the airport. The Hotel provides services as Concierge, Currency exchange, facilities for the physically challenged, laundry, Parking, Valet.
Aditya Hotel provides Banqueting business centre, Conference rooms and Meeting facilities. It also provides Recreational Facilities like Barber, Beauty salon, Gift/souvenir shop, Health and fitness center, Swimming pool.
It has air conditioned rooms with mini bar, Electronic safe, Electric kettle, Hair dryer, Internet connectivity, ISD/STD, Telephone, Bathtub, Rollaway bed/s, Cable TV, VCR.
Tariff : Rs. 2400 - Rs. 2800
Comfort Inn WoodBridge Hotel
11-4-94/C, AC guards, Lakdi ka pool
Hyderabad - 500004
Tel: 91-040-55510001 / 55510004
Fax: 91-040-55666111
email: wood_bridge@usa.net, wood_bridge@hotmail.com
Status: 3 Star
The Hotel Comfort Inn Woodbridge is located at Lakdi-ka-pul, Hyderabad and it’s about 5 Kms from the Airport. The main landmarks on enroute are Somajiguda Square, Punjagutta Square and Lakdi-ka-pul. Prepaid Taxis will charge you around Rs 250/- to the Hotel from the Airport.
Tariff : Rs. 1995 - Rs. 2300
Hotel Asrani International
1-7-179, M.G. Road,
Near Paradise Circle,
Secunderabad-500003,
Tel: 91-040-27846901
Fax: 91-040-27845583
Status: 3 Star
The 3 Star / Private Limited Company consists of total rooms-63, Double-63, (A/C),2 km. from Hyderabad Airport;1.5 km. from Secunderabad Railway Station;1 km. from Jubilee Bus Stand The Hotel provides the facilities of the Hotel Banquet Halls-2, Restaurants-2, Bar-2, Cuisine-Multi-cuisine
Tariff : Rs. 1000 - Rs. 1500
Hotel Tara
Ramoji Film City, Hayatnagar Mandal,
Anajpur Gramam, RR District-501512
Tel : +91-925-246444 / 925-246593 / 925-246424
email: rfcsales@hd2.dot.net.in
Status: 3 Star
Tara is a budget hotel where you experience uncompromising standards of service at an unbelievable price. The hotel's 126 rooms–glowing with understated elegance–are benevolent sanctuaries for refection and leisure. The hotel also has a Conference hall with desired seating arrangements.
Tariff: Rs.500 - Rs.1500
Hotel Ashoka
Beside Central Court, Lakdi ka Pool
Hyderabad.
Tel: 91-040-23230105 / 55510222
Fax: 91-040-55510220
Status: 3 Star
Hotel Ashoka is 3 star rating and consists of 90 rooms, it is situated in the heart of City. Hotel Ashoka is 11 kms. from Airport; 1/2 km. from Railway Station; 5 kms. from Central Bus Stand (M.G.B.S)
Tariff : Rs. 500 - Rs. 840
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Tulip Manohar
Tulip Manohar
Located at the centre of the city, Tulip Manohar offers matchless standards of luxury and comfort if given a try by any tourist visiting Hyderabad.
With 135 sound-proof rooms, and an exclusive Executive Club Floor for the corporate business traveler, the hotel is situated adjacent to the airport exit road.
Address: Adjacent to Airport Exit Road, Begumpet, Hyderabad - 500 016.
Phone: 91-40-2790 3333
Tariff: Standard Single Rs.2900 & Double Rs.3100, Executive Club Single Rs.3500 & Double Rs.3750, Junior Suites Single Rs.4500 & Double Rs.5250, Deluxe Suites Single Rs.5250 & Double Rs.5950 and Presidential Suites Rs.11000
Hotel Viceroy
Hotel Viceroy
Viceroy is a sophisticated new generation award winning hotel. Placed amidst a unique and picturesque precinct, it is an architectural masterpiece with majestic appeal spruced with lush greenery, tranquil fountains and is bestowed with an enchanting view of Lord Buddha in the Hussain Sagar Lake.
Endowed with these distinctions and facilities it is a premium business hotel with paramount concern for hospitality. Situated 3 km away from the airport, it offers 180 well appointed rooms and suites.
Address: Opp. Hussain Sagar Lake Tank Bund Road, Hyderabad 500080
Phone: +91-40-27538383
Url: www.viceroyhotels.com
Tariff: Deluxe Single Rs.2500 & Double Rs.2900, Lake View Single Rs.2800 & Double Rs.3200, Executive Business Rooms Single Rs.3600 & Double Rs.4000 Deluxe Suites Rs.3900 and Corporate Club Suites Rs.4900
ITC Hotel Kakatiya Sheraton & Towers, Hyderabad
ITC Hotel Kakatiya Sheraton & Towers, Hyderabad
Located in the new commercial hub of the city, in Begumpet, the hotel is easily accessible from both Secunderabad and Hyderabad and is 3 km from the airport.
The hotel offers 188 rooms, including suites with an exclusive world where you can experience the finest in hospitality and personalized service in an atmosphere of gracious elegance.
Address: 6-3-1187, Begumpet, Hyderabad 500016
Tel: 91-40-23400132
URl: www.welcomgroup.com
Tariff: Corporate Room Rs. 4500, Executive Club Rs. 5500, Sherton Towers Rs.7500, Club Suites Rs. 10000, Luxury Suites Rs. 20000
Taj Residency
Taj Residency
Located in Hyderabad's elite Banjara Hills, this elegant hotel offers a welcome respite for both leisure and business travellers alike.
Spread over six acres of landscaped gardens, it is conveniently located 6 km from the airport and offers 140 comfortable and spacious rooms including 5 suites
Address: Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 500 034
Tel: 91-40-23393939
URl: www.tajhotels.com
Email: residency.hyderabad@tajhotels.com
Tariff: Standard Single Rs. 3400 & Double Rs. 3900, Residency Room Single Rs. 4200 & Double Rs. 4700, Executive Suites Rs. 8000 & Deluxe Suites Rs. 9500
Taj Krishna
Taj Krishna
RAn architectural masterpiece, Taj Krishna offers a grand staircase, marble pillars, and ornately carved décor that wraps the guests in opulent luxury. The guests can flick of the luxurious comfort in any of the 260 rooms and suites.
Strategically located close to the business and shopping areas of Hyderabad and 7 kms from airport, the hotel rooms offer views of tourist attractions in Hyderabad like Hussain Sagar Lake and the Golconda Fort.
Address: Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 500 034
Tel: 91-40-55662323
URl: www.tajhotels.com
Email: krishna.hyderabad@tajhotels.com
Tariff: Superior Single Rs.5000 & Double Rs.6000, Deluxe Single Rs.5500 & Double Rs. 6500, Taj Club Single Rs.7500 & Double Rs.8750, Executive Suites Rs.10000, Deluxe Suites Rs.14000, Luxury Suites Rs.20000 & Presidential Suite Rs.30000
Luxury hotel - Taj Banjara
Luxury Hotels
Taj Banjara
Situated in Banjara Hills, overlooking its own private lake, this hotel offers tranquil relaxation, spacious comfort and excellent amenities. The hotel offers 118 comfortable and spacious rooms including 8 suites.
The hotel is just a 10-minute drive from the bustling business and shopping districts and 7 kms from the airport.
Address: Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 500 034
Tel: 91-40-55669999
URL: www.tajhotels.com
Email: banjara.hyderabad@tajhotels.com
Tariff: Standard Single Rs. 3400 & Double Rs. 3900, Residency Room Single Rs. 3900 & Double Rs. 4400, Executive Suites Rs. 8000, Deluxe Suites Rs. 9500 & Presidential Suites Rs. 13000
Dhola-Ri-Dhani
Dhola-Ri-Dhani
You must be aware that M/s.Gupta's Hotel & Motels have created "An Ethnic Rajasthani Village" at Kompally on Medchal Highway under the banner of "DHOLA-RI-DHANI" just 11km away from Secunderabad.
The Majestic entrance opens the door to a word of folk love and
culture, an Ethnic fantasy a culmination of the images and dreams of a visitors to experience the true Rajasthani life style. In the evening
the whole village is lit up with 2000 lanterns and village fair goes on
with complete zest.
We also have some unique attractions like Boating, Came/Horse ride,
Puppet show,Rajasthani folk, music and dances along with Disco & Rain dance and not to forget we also have a beautifully laid out Swimming pool to splash off the days heat in style. It is also the corporate suitable structure with the floating public of nearly 550/600 per day and in the weekend upto 1000 and above. You can make every celebration work for you. From get away to get-together, private parties to corporate seminars,Jagrans to dinner, Kitty parties to AGM(S).
The conference Hall by the name 'Tabshila','Sangri', 'Athithi' can
easily accommodate 250/300 people with complete accessories like
Microphone, Podium, Projectors, Carousel, Slide, Overhead screen, with VCR music channel and special lights. We also specialize in holding religious festivals, wedding ceremonies, Jagrans,Poojas, Birthday parties and also theme based programs can be organized. Being an Ideal tourist spot, no wonder that the place is being visited by many people and is also a major locate for film shooting. So come, relish, explore, enjoy and celebrate the centuries old tradition with pride and in style of its own.
Introducing Dhola-ri-Dhani to explore the concept of 'Film Shooting'.
Dhola-ri-Dhani is an ideal place for film shooting too. We have perfect settings with beautiful locations as required for a good film. Many super hit films like Kanyadanam, Sivayya, Suryavansham, Chandralekha etc. people and is also a major locate for film shooting.
Contact Address
Dhola-ri-Dhani
Ethnic Rajasthani Village,
Kompally Village, Medchal Road
(11kms. from Secunderabad),
You must be aware that M/s.Gupta's Hotel & Motels have created "An Ethnic Rajasthani Village" at Kompally on Medchal Highway under the banner of "DHOLA-RI-DHANI" just 11km away from Secunderabad.
The Majestic entrance opens the door to a word of folk love and
culture, an Ethnic fantasy a culmination of the images and dreams of a visitors to experience the true Rajasthani life style. In the evening
the whole village is lit up with 2000 lanterns and village fair goes on
with complete zest.
We also have some unique attractions like Boating, Came/Horse ride,
Puppet show,Rajasthani folk, music and dances along with Disco & Rain dance and not to forget we also have a beautifully laid out Swimming pool to splash off the days heat in style. It is also the corporate suitable structure with the floating public of nearly 550/600 per day and in the weekend upto 1000 and above. You can make every celebration work for you. From get away to get-together, private parties to corporate seminars,Jagrans to dinner, Kitty parties to AGM(S).
The conference Hall by the name 'Tabshila','Sangri', 'Athithi' can
easily accommodate 250/300 people with complete accessories like
Microphone, Podium, Projectors, Carousel, Slide, Overhead screen, with VCR music channel and special lights. We also specialize in holding religious festivals, wedding ceremonies, Jagrans,Poojas, Birthday parties and also theme based programs can be organized. Being an Ideal tourist spot, no wonder that the place is being visited by many people and is also a major locate for film shooting. So come, relish, explore, enjoy and celebrate the centuries old tradition with pride and in style of its own.
Introducing Dhola-ri-Dhani to explore the concept of 'Film Shooting'.
Dhola-ri-Dhani is an ideal place for film shooting too. We have perfect settings with beautiful locations as required for a good film. Many super hit films like Kanyadanam, Sivayya, Suryavansham, Chandralekha etc. people and is also a major locate for film shooting.
Contact Address
Dhola-ri-Dhani
Ethnic Rajasthani Village,
Kompally Village, Medchal Road
(11kms. from Secunderabad),
Ramoji Film City
Ramoji Film City
The largest, most comprehensive and professionally planned film production center in the world - the Ramoji Film City is one of its kinds. It has surpassed the size and facilities offered at the Universal Studios of Hollywood. Located at an hour's distance from Hyderabad, the 10,000 million rupees Film City spreads over an area of more than 1000 acres. A cursory glance at this fantasy world is enough to leave the visitors speechless and awe-struck. Tastefully landscaped, meticulously maintained, exquisitely designed with palace-like edifices, temples, beautiful rock figurines, shopping arcades, railway station, airport and all that a producer can dream of! All a producer has to do is - enter the film city with the script and the cast and leave with the completed film reel!!
Prior permission is required to visit the Ramoji Film City. Visitors have to arrange a private mode of transport to reach the Film City. The visiting charges are as follows:
On Week Days
Rs. 600 for adults and Rs. 300 for children between 5 and 10 yrs., per day.
(Inclusive of breakfast and lunch at the 5-Star Hotel Sitara plus 3-4 hrs. of sightseeing.)
Rs. 400 for adults and Rs. 200 for children between 5 and 10 yrs., per day.
(Inclusive of breakfast and lunch at the 3-Star Hotel Tara plus 3-4 hrs. of sightseeing.)
On Weekends
Rs. 750 for adults and Rs. 375 for children between 5 and 10 yrs., per day.
(Inclusive of breakfast and lunch at the 5-Star Hotel Sitara plus 3-4 hrs. of sightseeing.)
Rs. 550 for adults and Rs. 275 for children between 5 and 10 yrs., per day.
(Inclusive of breakfast and lunch at the 3-Star Hotel Tara plus 3-4 hrs. of sightseeing.)
Package Offer
One Day Stay at 5-Star Hotel Sitara for 2 persons: Rs. 4800 (Food allowance upto Rs. 1000)
One Day Stay at 3-Star Hotel Tara for 2 persons: Rs. 1890 (Food allowance upto Rs. 600)
Down in the clouds
Cinema: A hundred films can be shot
at a time in Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad
RENJI KURIAKOSE in Hyderabad
You can prance in the Alps if you wish or sip ceremonial tea outside a Japanese temple. You can hop from Dharavi, Asia's biggest slum, to Nagpur railway station in a jiffy. The spread of 1,000 acres caters to every whim. Gardens, temples, sprawling countryside, a fort, hotels, city streets, railway stations, a palace, an airport, a mobile kitchen... you name it and it's there.
An instant palace, crafted by skilled artisans
Ramoji Film City, 45 km from Hyderabad, is every film unit's dream come true. The 40 studio floors, a fully-equipped prop shop, a set design and construction division, state-of-the-art equipment, experienced production staff, and hi-tech digital editing, dubbing and sound-recording facility, along with luxury hotels, became functional in September.
There was no inaugural function, only a visit by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on September 9. The shooting of a Telugu film starring Srikanth and Simran, commenced the next day. The Film City has the capacity to shoot 100 films at a time and its target customers are Hindi and Telugu producers. Crores have been invested for packing excellence under one roof.
The unique selling point of the Film City is its capacity to rebuild any place for a shoot. This ensures that no location will become jaded from repeated exposure. You have a vast choice of flexible locations, typical as well as spontaneous.
You can choreograph song sequences in any or all of the gardens and later change the look of the fountain, the layout of the street, the facades of the buildings in the streets or the shape of the multi-dimensional pond to create a totally different locale.
The sets (a street corner at right) can be remodelled to resemble something else at short notice
"A producer can walk in with a script and walk out with the canned film," said media baron Ramoji Rao, the producer and director of this spectacular project. "The idea is to save time, energy and resources and focus on creative excellence, executional quality, economical schedules and meticulous planning."
The chairman of the Eenadu-Margadarshi group, Rao chose Nitish Roy as the creative director of the Film City. The national award-winning art director has worked for directors like Shaym Benegal, Mrinal Sen, Govind Nilhani, Rajkumar Santoshi and Vinod Chopra, besides 5,000 ad films and television serials like Discovery of India, Chanakya and Mirza Ghalib.
John Flynn and Sam Toyoshima of the Acoustics Design Group form the other members of the core team. Assisting them is Dr A. Appa Rao, former vice-chancellor of Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, who has been involved in the landscaping, designing and layout of the 150 exotically-endowed gardens in the Film City.
The meticulously maintained gardens offer a vast, varied and fantastic canvas for films. A filmmaker can recreate an English or a Japanese garden or create his own floral pattern mid-song to suit the heroine's costume. Besides, there is a nursery with tens of thousands of flowering plants from all over the world to take care of floral backdrops. All for a price, of course.
Everything is not make-believe. The Film City boasts of a five-star hotel, Sitara, which comes with all amenities, restaurants, pool, gym and business centre. There is also a three-star hotel, Tara, and for those who would rather opt out of a hotel, there are dormitories well equipped to accommodate even the largest of crews. A special office complex, Samra, houses well-appointed offices and air-conditioned cabins for producers.
There are 40 studio floors of varying sizes, as small as 20 x 30 feet and as large as 135 x 210 feet, and most are adaptable enough for filmmakers to create the settings of their choice. In the workshops of the Film City, over a thousand skilled carpenters, moulders and sculptors help art directors create truly authentic and unique sets.Using wood, fibreglass and plaster of paris, these craftsmen have already created thousands of objets d'art in styles ranging from ancient Greek to Renaissance and ancient Indian to modern and abstract.
The name of prop supply division is 'Parade'. This six-storey structure houses costumes, jewellery, furniture and appliances. Parade's inventory runs into hundreds of categories with an amazing variety of objects, from flutes and fishing rods, Belgian crystal and bullockcarts to hammocks and horse saddles.
The furniture division, 'Harmony', has a pool of designers and carpenters who conjure up traditional Indian or pseudo Chippendale furniture, a Swiss chalet or a mahogany panelled boardroom.
Since the locations scattered over a vast area, the Film City has conveniently provided over 250 make-up rooms at various spots. "You can choose between air-conditioned deluxe rooms and economy ones, each one well-lit and comfortably fitted to provide the relaxed environment your unit needs," said Roy. "Or if your shoot so demands you can even use one of the mobile make-up rooms."
During production and post-production the Film City, which employs 5,000-odd people, can support filmmakers with its own experienced staff of spot boys, electricians, carpenters and painters, even dancers and extras.The filmmakers can also draw an army of editors, recordists, musicians and sound technicians, film editors, Beta editors and dubbing artistes in the City to ensure that post-production runs smoothly.
Besides raw stock and tapes, a complete range of lights, a choice of film cameras, cranes, dollies, booms and whatever else filmmakers need are available on the studio floor and on outdoor locations. The Film City claims to have the country's most advanced processing system, high-quality wet and dry printers and a high-speed inspection station that allows rapid optical sound track checking.
Designed by Acoustics Design Group, a well-known name in the field, the Film City will provide a fully-integrated digital environment for the entire audio post-production process, from dialogue replacement to final mix down. It is equipped with a recording theatre with acoustics that comfortably surpass Dolby and THX standards.
Besides basics like convenient modes of transport and telephones for quick communication, the Film City's huge kitchens are equipped to cook for 2,000 people at a time. Moreover, the City has made provisions to take care of between-meal demands through mobile refreshment vans.The Film City's infrastructure includes its own power sub-station, telephone exchange and post-office. There is an in-house travel agency to look after ticketing, airport pickups, car hiring and other requirements. In case a filmmaker faces a temporary fund problem, the Film City's exclusive financing service can help him out.
It is a self-contained world, perhaps the first of its kind. And it hopes to invigorate the Indian film industry and help produce some of the finest films of our times. Now, how's that for focus.
The largest, most comprehensive and professionally planned film production center in the world - the Ramoji Film City is one of its kinds. It has surpassed the size and facilities offered at the Universal Studios of Hollywood. Located at an hour's distance from Hyderabad, the 10,000 million rupees Film City spreads over an area of more than 1000 acres. A cursory glance at this fantasy world is enough to leave the visitors speechless and awe-struck. Tastefully landscaped, meticulously maintained, exquisitely designed with palace-like edifices, temples, beautiful rock figurines, shopping arcades, railway station, airport and all that a producer can dream of! All a producer has to do is - enter the film city with the script and the cast and leave with the completed film reel!!
Prior permission is required to visit the Ramoji Film City. Visitors have to arrange a private mode of transport to reach the Film City. The visiting charges are as follows:
On Week Days
Rs. 600 for adults and Rs. 300 for children between 5 and 10 yrs., per day.
(Inclusive of breakfast and lunch at the 5-Star Hotel Sitara plus 3-4 hrs. of sightseeing.)
Rs. 400 for adults and Rs. 200 for children between 5 and 10 yrs., per day.
(Inclusive of breakfast and lunch at the 3-Star Hotel Tara plus 3-4 hrs. of sightseeing.)
On Weekends
Rs. 750 for adults and Rs. 375 for children between 5 and 10 yrs., per day.
(Inclusive of breakfast and lunch at the 5-Star Hotel Sitara plus 3-4 hrs. of sightseeing.)
Rs. 550 for adults and Rs. 275 for children between 5 and 10 yrs., per day.
(Inclusive of breakfast and lunch at the 3-Star Hotel Tara plus 3-4 hrs. of sightseeing.)
Package Offer
One Day Stay at 5-Star Hotel Sitara for 2 persons: Rs. 4800 (Food allowance upto Rs. 1000)
One Day Stay at 3-Star Hotel Tara for 2 persons: Rs. 1890 (Food allowance upto Rs. 600)
Down in the clouds
Cinema: A hundred films can be shot
at a time in Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad
RENJI KURIAKOSE in Hyderabad
You can prance in the Alps if you wish or sip ceremonial tea outside a Japanese temple. You can hop from Dharavi, Asia's biggest slum, to Nagpur railway station in a jiffy. The spread of 1,000 acres caters to every whim. Gardens, temples, sprawling countryside, a fort, hotels, city streets, railway stations, a palace, an airport, a mobile kitchen... you name it and it's there.
An instant palace, crafted by skilled artisans
Ramoji Film City, 45 km from Hyderabad, is every film unit's dream come true. The 40 studio floors, a fully-equipped prop shop, a set design and construction division, state-of-the-art equipment, experienced production staff, and hi-tech digital editing, dubbing and sound-recording facility, along with luxury hotels, became functional in September.
There was no inaugural function, only a visit by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on September 9. The shooting of a Telugu film starring Srikanth and Simran, commenced the next day. The Film City has the capacity to shoot 100 films at a time and its target customers are Hindi and Telugu producers. Crores have been invested for packing excellence under one roof.
The unique selling point of the Film City is its capacity to rebuild any place for a shoot. This ensures that no location will become jaded from repeated exposure. You have a vast choice of flexible locations, typical as well as spontaneous.
You can choreograph song sequences in any or all of the gardens and later change the look of the fountain, the layout of the street, the facades of the buildings in the streets or the shape of the multi-dimensional pond to create a totally different locale.
The sets (a street corner at right) can be remodelled to resemble something else at short notice
"A producer can walk in with a script and walk out with the canned film," said media baron Ramoji Rao, the producer and director of this spectacular project. "The idea is to save time, energy and resources and focus on creative excellence, executional quality, economical schedules and meticulous planning."
The chairman of the Eenadu-Margadarshi group, Rao chose Nitish Roy as the creative director of the Film City. The national award-winning art director has worked for directors like Shaym Benegal, Mrinal Sen, Govind Nilhani, Rajkumar Santoshi and Vinod Chopra, besides 5,000 ad films and television serials like Discovery of India, Chanakya and Mirza Ghalib.
John Flynn and Sam Toyoshima of the Acoustics Design Group form the other members of the core team. Assisting them is Dr A. Appa Rao, former vice-chancellor of Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, who has been involved in the landscaping, designing and layout of the 150 exotically-endowed gardens in the Film City.
The meticulously maintained gardens offer a vast, varied and fantastic canvas for films. A filmmaker can recreate an English or a Japanese garden or create his own floral pattern mid-song to suit the heroine's costume. Besides, there is a nursery with tens of thousands of flowering plants from all over the world to take care of floral backdrops. All for a price, of course.
Everything is not make-believe. The Film City boasts of a five-star hotel, Sitara, which comes with all amenities, restaurants, pool, gym and business centre. There is also a three-star hotel, Tara, and for those who would rather opt out of a hotel, there are dormitories well equipped to accommodate even the largest of crews. A special office complex, Samra, houses well-appointed offices and air-conditioned cabins for producers.
There are 40 studio floors of varying sizes, as small as 20 x 30 feet and as large as 135 x 210 feet, and most are adaptable enough for filmmakers to create the settings of their choice. In the workshops of the Film City, over a thousand skilled carpenters, moulders and sculptors help art directors create truly authentic and unique sets.Using wood, fibreglass and plaster of paris, these craftsmen have already created thousands of objets d'art in styles ranging from ancient Greek to Renaissance and ancient Indian to modern and abstract.
The name of prop supply division is 'Parade'. This six-storey structure houses costumes, jewellery, furniture and appliances. Parade's inventory runs into hundreds of categories with an amazing variety of objects, from flutes and fishing rods, Belgian crystal and bullockcarts to hammocks and horse saddles.
The furniture division, 'Harmony', has a pool of designers and carpenters who conjure up traditional Indian or pseudo Chippendale furniture, a Swiss chalet or a mahogany panelled boardroom.
Since the locations scattered over a vast area, the Film City has conveniently provided over 250 make-up rooms at various spots. "You can choose between air-conditioned deluxe rooms and economy ones, each one well-lit and comfortably fitted to provide the relaxed environment your unit needs," said Roy. "Or if your shoot so demands you can even use one of the mobile make-up rooms."
During production and post-production the Film City, which employs 5,000-odd people, can support filmmakers with its own experienced staff of spot boys, electricians, carpenters and painters, even dancers and extras.The filmmakers can also draw an army of editors, recordists, musicians and sound technicians, film editors, Beta editors and dubbing artistes in the City to ensure that post-production runs smoothly.
Besides raw stock and tapes, a complete range of lights, a choice of film cameras, cranes, dollies, booms and whatever else filmmakers need are available on the studio floor and on outdoor locations. The Film City claims to have the country's most advanced processing system, high-quality wet and dry printers and a high-speed inspection station that allows rapid optical sound track checking.
Designed by Acoustics Design Group, a well-known name in the field, the Film City will provide a fully-integrated digital environment for the entire audio post-production process, from dialogue replacement to final mix down. It is equipped with a recording theatre with acoustics that comfortably surpass Dolby and THX standards.
Besides basics like convenient modes of transport and telephones for quick communication, the Film City's huge kitchens are equipped to cook for 2,000 people at a time. Moreover, the City has made provisions to take care of between-meal demands through mobile refreshment vans.The Film City's infrastructure includes its own power sub-station, telephone exchange and post-office. There is an in-house travel agency to look after ticketing, airport pickups, car hiring and other requirements. In case a filmmaker faces a temporary fund problem, the Film City's exclusive financing service can help him out.
It is a self-contained world, perhaps the first of its kind. And it hopes to invigorate the Indian film industry and help produce some of the finest films of our times. Now, how's that for focus.
Nehru Zoological Park
Nehru Zoological Park
Sprawling across 300 lush green acres, the Nehru Zoological park is one of the biggest zoos in Asia with over 250 species. 2450 animals and birds are kept in natural environment. The lion safari park, the first in Asia, natural history museum, pre-historical animals park, nocturnal birds, a children park with a train ride are other impressive sights. It's special sections and amusement facilities are a popular draw.
Gandipet
Osman Sagar
The Osman Sagar lake lies a few kilometers from the Biradari (Pavilion) of Taramati, a famous dancer of the Qutub Shahi era. The lake is 29 sq kms in area and constitutes the major source of water supply to the city of Hyderabad. It is bordered by parks and grass on all sides and makes for a pleasant picnic spot. Popularly known as Gandipet, is bordered by a landscaped park. The resort facilities offered close by make for a pleasant stay with family or friends.
Hussain Sagar
Hussain Sagar
Hussain Sagar is a large lake in the midst of the city and was constructed in 1562 A.D. The Tank Bund links the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The broad road on the bund is lined with lawns and 33 statues of famous personalities of the State stand along the bund of the lake. The well laid out Lumbini park located in the Buddha Purnima project has a musical fountain.
Buddha Statue at the Hussain Sagar :
The 16 meter tall, 350 tone monolithic colossus rises high from the placid waters of the picturesque Hussain Sagar lake. The statue of Lord Buddha is placed on the rock of Gibraltar in the middle of the Lake.
Birla Mandir
Birla Mandir
Hyderabad reflects a synthesis of varied cultures. It presents a beautiful blend of the northern and southern styles of architecture. One such marvelous edifice is the Birla Mandir. An enchanting temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, the Birla Mandir stands in all its grandeur on the hilltop of Kalapahad. Made of pure white marble from Rajasthan, the Birla Mandir overlooks the serene and placid waters of the Hussain Sagar lake. The magnificent shrine offers a fantastic panoramic view of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The intricate carvings of the temple, the ceiling and the mythological figures are a standing testimony to the dexterity and sculptural excellence of the craftsmen. Beautiful scenes from the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata are finely sculpted in marble.
A number of lofty steps lead the visitor to the sanctum sanctorum. Along the winding path are many a marble statue of gods and goddesses of Hindu mythology located in the midst of verdant gardens, full of blossoms. The Birla Mandir presents a colorful spectacular sight when illuminated at night. The temple is open for visitors from 7 a.m. to 12 noon and 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. all days of the week.
A trip to Hyderabad remains incomplete without a visit to the enchanting Birla Mandir !!
Mecca Masjid
Mecca Masjid
This principal mosque stands 100 yards Southwest of the Charminar. The mosque is said to comprise bricks brought from Mecca built into the central arch, hence the name. The five arched facades were carved out of a single piece of granite, a stone which took five years to quarry. The courtyard houses a large pond flanked by two stone and slab seats. Legend has it that a visitor who sits on one of these seats will definitely return to Hyderabad. A room in the courtyard is said to contain sacred relics, one of which is the hair of Prophet Muhammad.
The construction of the Mecca Masjid was begun under the orders of Sultan Quli Qutub Shah in 1617 and was completed in 1694 under direct orders of Emperor Aurangazeb. The mosque is one of the largest in the country and can accommodate ten thousand people at one time. It is the biggest mosque in Hyderabad and is adjacent to Charminar just across the road. The constructions of this mosque was started by Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah, The work continued during the reign of Abdullah Qutub Shah and Abul Hassan Tana Shah and was completed in 1694 by the Moghal Emperor Aurangzeb.
The hall of the mosque is about 75 feet high, 220 feet wide and 180 feet long, Each of the two octagonal columns on either side are made out of a single piece of granite, It took about 8000 Masons and laborers and 77 years to complete.
It is said that when the foundation stone was being laid, Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah invited all the pious religious elders of
the city. It was announced that the king wanted the foundation stone to be laid by one who had never missed his prayers. None
came forward, therefore Sultan Muhammad himself laid the foundation for he had never missed even his midnight prayer since
the age of 12.
Salarjung Museum
Salarjung Museum
Salarjung Museum the single largest one- man collections of the world. If this one-man had not chosen to remain a bachelor the world would have been bereft of one of the greatest collection of antiques. We are talking about art objects collected by Yusuf Ali Salar Jung, the prime minister to the Nizam. Though Salar Jung III is credited with this fantastic collections, it all started with his father and grandfather.
In 1912, at the age of 23 he became the prime minister to Nizam, but resigned two and a half years later. Thereafter, antiques and art were the only passions in his lonely life. Besides of course patronizing poets, artists and sportsmen.
Salarjung had passion for the rarest of antiques and interesting bric-a-brac. It is believed that he spent half his income and his entire life towards collecting the art objects, rare manuscripts and paintings from all over the world. No wonder more than 40,000 of them are housed in the famous Salarjung museum located in old city area in Hyderabad.
He collected sculptures, wood carvings, religious objects, swords, daggers, armours, manuscripts, furniture, vases, snuff boxes, utensils, archer’s rings, ornaments, pottery, clocks, miniature paintings, portraits, silver, costumes and even toys !!
And they came from all over the world, France, England, Switzerland, Germany, Persia, China, Japan, Burma, Sri Lanka. The artifacts were originally in Diwan Devdi his residence. It was shifted to the present building in 1968 and declared an "institution of national importance" by an act of parliament in 1961.
The highlights in the museum include the "veiled Rebecca", "Mestophiles" and "the Lady with the lamp". In the jade room one can see the swords, daggers and the clothing of the Mughal emperors and of Tipu Sultan. The clock room is one of the best galleries with a collection of more than 300 clocks and the famous musical clock with a toy figure of watchman, who pushes open the door every hour in a great hurry, to beat the melodious gong.
If you are visiting Hyderabad it will be truly incomplete if you do not visit this simple building on the banks of Musi river.
Qutub Shahi Tombs
Quite close to the Golconda fort are the tombs of the seven Qutub Shahi rulers in the Ibrahim Bagh.
The galleries of the smaller tombs are of a single story while the larger ones are two storied. In the center of each tomb is a sarcophagus which overlies the actual burial vault in a crypt below. The domes were originally overlaid with blue and green tiles, of which only a few pieces now remain.
The tombs are domed structures built on a square base surrounded by pointed arches. The mausoleums of the Sultans of Golconda, the founding rulers of Hyderabad are truly magnificent monuments that have stood the test of time and braved the elements. They lie about a kilometer north of the outer perimeter wall of Golconda Fort's Banjara Darwaza amidst the Ibrahim bagh.
The tombs form a large cluster and stand on a raised platform. They display a distinctive style, a mixture of Persian, Pathan and Hindu forms. The tombs are graceful structures with intricately carved stonework and are surrounded by landscaped gardens.
The tombs were once furnished with carpets, chandeliers and velvet canopies on silver poles. Qurans were kept on supports and readers recited verses from the holy book at regular intervals. Golden spires were fitted over the tombs of the Sultans to distinguish their tombs from those of other members of the royal family.
During the Qutub Shahi period, these tombs were held in such great veneration that criminals who took refuge there were granted pardon. But after their reign, the tombs were neglected, till Sir Salar Jung III ordered their restoration in the early 19th century. A pretty garden was laid out, and a compound wall built. And, once again, the tomb-garden of the Qutub Shahi family became a place of serene beauty. All, except the last, of the Qutub Shahi monarchs lie buried here.
Sultan Quli's tomb, the style of which set the example for the tombs of his descendants, is situated on an elevated terrace measuring 30 m each way. The tomb chamber proper is octagonal, with each side measuring around 10 m. The whole structure is crowned by a circular dome. There are three graves in this tomb chamber and 21 on the terrace outside, all uninscribed, except for the main tomb. The inscription on Sultan Quli's tomb is in three bands, in the Naskh and Tauq scripts. The inscription refers to Sultan Quli as Bada Malik (The
Great Master) - the endearing term by which all people of the Deccan used to refer to him. The tomb was built in 1543 A.D. by the Sultan, during his lifetime itself, as was the prevalent custom.
Near the tomb of Sultan Quli is that of his son, Jamshed, the second in the line of Qutub Shahi kings. Built in 1550 A.D., this is the only Qutub Shahi tomb which has not been fashioned from shining black basalt. Its appearance too, is quite unlike the other tombs in the garden - it rises gracefully in two stories, unlike the squat tombs of the other kings. Jamshed's is also only tomb of a Qutub Shahi ruler without any inscriptions; of course, Jamshed's son, Subhan Quli's tomb too does not have any inscriptions. But Subhan Quli ruled for too short a while to really matter. Subhan's tomb stands mid-way between the tombs of his father and grandfather. He was popularly called Chhote Malik (small master).
Sultan lbrahim's-tomb, built in 1580, after his death, is slightly larger than Sultan Quli's tomb. Traces of the enameled tiles ,which once adorned this mausoleum can still be seen on the southern wall. The tomb has two graves in the main chamber and 16 graves on the terrace, some of them probably those of his six sons and three, daughters. There are inscriptions in the Thulth script on all faces of the sarcophagus. It is interesting to note that the three famous calligraphists - Isphalan, Ismail and Taqiuddiii Muhammad Salih - who left a store of Naskh, Tulth and Nastaliq inscriptions on the many Qutub Shahi edifices in the city, were all contemporaries of Ibrahim Shah.
Sultan Muhammad Quli's mausoleum is, by far, the grandest of the Qutub Shahi tombs. Built in 1602 A.D., the tomb is situated on a terrace 65 m square and 4 m high. A flight of steps leads to the mausoleum proper, which is 22 m square on the outside and 11 m square on the inside. There are entrances on the southern and eastern sides. The tomb itself is situated in a vault below the terrace. Inscriptions in Persian and the Naskh scripts decorate the tomb.
Another grand mausoleum is that of the sixth Sultan, Mohanunad Qutub Shah. The facade of this tomb was once decorated with enameled tiles, only traces of which are now evident. There are six graves altogether in this tomb and inscriptions in Tulth and Naskh. The mausoleum was built in 1626. Sultan Abdullah's tomb is the last of the royal tombs, as Abdul Hasaii (Taiia Sliah), the last Qutub Stlafii king, was a prisoner in the Ciiini Mahal in the fortress of Daulatabad, near Aurangabad, when he died.
While the tombs of those who ruled dominate the area, interspersed are many other monuments too, most of them tombs of other members of the Royal family.
The tomb of Fatima Sultan, with its bulbuous dome, is near the entrance to the tomb-garden. Fatima was the sister of Mohammad Qutub Shah. Her tomb houses several graves, two of them with inscriptions. Immediately to the south of Muhammed Qul's tomb are three uninscribed tombs There are the mausoleums of Kulthoom, Mohammad Qutub Shahi's grand-daughter born of be son of The Sultan's favourite wife, Khurshid Bibi, her (Kulthoom's) husband and daughter. Kulthoom's Tomb- is one on the west of this cluster.
The twin-tombs of the two favouritc hakims (physicians) ot'Sultan Abdullah-Nizamuddin Ahamad Gilani and Abdul Jabbar Gilani - were built in 1651. They are among the few Qutub Shahi tombs that are not of Royalty.
Another pair of tombs are those of Premamati and Taramati - the favourites of Sultan Abdullah Shah. These lively beauties, who are believed to have once danced on ropes tied between their pavilion and Abdullah's palace, were laid to rest beside the tomb of their patron. One other tomb which is not that of a Qutub Shahi family member is the tomb of Neknam Khan. Neknam Khan, who served in Abdullah's army, was the commander-in-chief of the Carnatic.
Talboys Wheeler, in his book Madras in the Olden Times,records that the cowle (contract) handing over Madraspattnam to the British, was obtained from Nekam Khan, after the Raja of Chandragiri - whose property Madraspattnam was had fled. His tomb is situated on a platform outside the mausoleum of Ibrahim Qutub Shah. It was built in 1672, two years after the death of Nekam Khan.
The mausoleum which Abdul Hasan, the last Qutub Shahi Sultan, began building for himself, actually houses the grave of Mir Ahmad, the son born of Sultan Abdullah's son-in-law's relationship with the sister of Abbas II Safair, the Shah of Persia. The tomb of Fadma Khanum, one of Sultan Abdullah's daughters, stands near the mausoleum of her husband, Mir Ahamad. Hers is the only Qutub Shahi tomb not surmounted by a dome.
To the west of the tombs lies the dargah of Husain Shah Wali, the revered Sufi Saint, He is affectionately remembered by people of all faiths as the builder of Husain Sagar in 1562. Among other monuments in the garden, that are not tombs, the most important are the Mortuary Bath and the Mosque of Hayat Bakshi Begum.
The Mortuary Bath, which stands opposite the tomb of Muhammad Quli, was built by Sultan Quli to facilitate the ritual washing of the bodies of the dead kings and others of the Royal Family before they were carried to their final resting place. The practice followed was to bring the body out of the fort, through the Banjara Gate, to this bath, before carrying it away for burial with the ritualistic pomp that was required to mark the occasion. A large number of people, fond subjects, friends and relatives attended. The bath itself is one of the finest existing specimens of ancient Persian or Turkish baths.
The Qutub Shahis built a number of mosques all over Golconda and Hyderabad, and almost every tomb has a mosque adjacent. The biggest and the grandest such mosque is by the mausoleum of Hayat Bakshi Begum. Popularly known as the great mosque of the Golconda tombs, it was built in 1666 A.D. Fifteen cupolas decorate the roof and the prayer-hall is flanked by two lofty minarets. The impression, as a whole, is one of majesty and splendour. The inscriptions in the mosque are master-pieces of calligraphic art.
Hayath Bakshi Begum was the daughter of Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth king, the wife of the sixth king, Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah and the mother of Abdullah Quli Qutub Shah, the seventh king. Affectionately known as 'Ma Saheba' (Revered Mother), she was guide and mentor to all three kings. Several monuments survive in her memory in and around Hyderabad. Hayath Nagar Palace (16 kms. east of Hyderabad), where the ceremony of Sultan Abdullah Qutub Shah's first shave was celebrated with pomp and grandeur for twelve days, the Rayath Nagar Mosque which bears testimony to the greatness of Qutub Shahi architecture, the Caravan Sarai (or the Sarai of Ma Saheba), (sarai or rest house - was a
combination of a waterhole and oasis for weary travellers) comprising several hundred rooms intended for the use of travellers, and Ma Saheba Tank, enroute to Golconda. The tomb-garden of the Kings of Golconda was known as Lagar-e-Faiz Athar (a place for bountiful
entertainment) in the days of the Qutub Shahi kings, for some item or song or dance or even an occasional play was staged here every evening, free of cost, to entertain the poor.The present caretaker of the tombs is a descendant of the one appointed by Sir Salar Jung. It is a hereditary occupation.
Falaknuma Palace
Falaknuma Palace
One of the finest palaces in Hyderabad, the monument is situated on a hill 2000 feet high, located 5 Km. south of Charminar. Built by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra, the fifth Paigah Emir, it was purchased by Nizam VI in 1897 as was used as a royal guest house and is now the property of Nawab Mukarramjah Bahadur, the grandson of Nizam VII.
The palace was designed by an Italian architect and its foundation was laid on the 3rd of March, 1884, it took 9 years to complete the construction of the Palace. The palace boasts of one of the most lavishly decorated interiors.
This exquisite palace made of Italian marble was built by one of the Paigah nobles Nawab Vicar Ul Umra in 1892. A majesty testimony to the glory of the Nizams, it stands atop a hill 2000 feet high. It has often been referred to as the 'Mirror of the Sky'. The palace was designed by a Italian architect and follows a western architectural style. Falaknuma houses a large collection of rare treasures collected by the Nizam including paintings, statues, furniture, manuscripts and books. The Jade collection of the Palace is considered to be unique in the world.
The palace is laid out in the shape of a scorpion with two stings spread out as wings on the north. The middle part is occupied by the main building and the kitchen and harem quarters stretch to the south. The Nawab being an avid traveller, various influences show on the palace architecture Louis XIV-style decor co-exists with a lavish Mughal ambience, Italian marble staircases and ornate fountains. Its glass stained windows throw a spectrum of colors into the rooms. The palace has a library with a walnut carved roof, a replica of the one at Windsor Castle. The library had one of the finest collections of the holy Quran in India.
One of the finest palaces in Hyderabad, the monument is situated on a hill 2000 feet high, located 5 Km. south of Charminar. Built by Nawab Vikar-ul-Umra, the fifth Paigah Emir, it was purchased by Nizam VI in 1897 as was used as a royal guest house and is now the property of Nawab Mukarramjah Bahadur, the grandson of Nizam VII.
The palace was designed by an Italian architect and its foundation was laid on the 3rd of March, 1884, it took 9 years to complete the construction of the Palace. The palace boasts of one of the most lavishly decorated interiors.
This exquisite palace made of Italian marble was built by one of the Paigah nobles Nawab Vicar Ul Umra in 1892. A majesty testimony to the glory of the Nizams, it stands atop a hill 2000 feet high. It has often been referred to as the 'Mirror of the Sky'. The palace was designed by a Italian architect and follows a western architectural style. Falaknuma houses a large collection of rare treasures collected by the Nizam including paintings, statues, furniture, manuscripts and books. The Jade collection of the Palace is considered to be unique in the world.
The palace is laid out in the shape of a scorpion with two stings spread out as wings on the north. The middle part is occupied by the main building and the kitchen and harem quarters stretch to the south. The Nawab being an avid traveller, various influences show on the palace architecture Louis XIV-style decor co-exists with a lavish Mughal ambience, Italian marble staircases and ornate fountains. Its glass stained windows throw a spectrum of colors into the rooms. The palace has a library with a walnut carved roof, a replica of the one at Windsor Castle. The library had one of the finest collections of the holy Quran in India.
Sound and Light Show
Sound and Light Show
Sound and Light Show at Golconda
The dazzling Sound and Light show at Golconda Fort holds the audiance spellbound. Not only for those who are interested in history but also for those who have come to spend a quite evening, this show will definitely grab the attention.
The show has Amitabh Bachan's voice as its voice over, taking the audience down the history lane. Events of the bygone era are narrated. The event that unfolded reverberates in Bacchan's booming voice and the place on the fort is tastefully illuminated. This colorful spectacle is organised by the AP Tourism Department. The show can be watched in English, Hindi, and Telugu.
Show timings
Winter (Nov-Feb) 6.30 p.m
Summer (March-Oct) 7.00 p.m
Duration : 55 minutes
English : Wednesday, Sunday
Hindi : Tuesday, Friday, Saturday
Telugu : Thursday,
Closed on Mondays.
Advance booking at Yatri Nivas
10 a.m. to 12 noon. Current booking at Golconda Fort from 5 p.m. onwards. Ticket Rs.20/- per head. Children below 5 years are not allowed. Coach fare and show ticket Rs.45/- (Subject to 50% occupancy).
Sound and Light Show at Golconda
The dazzling Sound and Light show at Golconda Fort holds the audiance spellbound. Not only for those who are interested in history but also for those who have come to spend a quite evening, this show will definitely grab the attention.
The show has Amitabh Bachan's voice as its voice over, taking the audience down the history lane. Events of the bygone era are narrated. The event that unfolded reverberates in Bacchan's booming voice and the place on the fort is tastefully illuminated. This colorful spectacle is organised by the AP Tourism Department. The show can be watched in English, Hindi, and Telugu.
Show timings
Winter (Nov-Feb) 6.30 p.m
Summer (March-Oct) 7.00 p.m
Duration : 55 minutes
English : Wednesday, Sunday
Hindi : Tuesday, Friday, Saturday
Telugu : Thursday,
Closed on Mondays.
Advance booking at Yatri Nivas
10 a.m. to 12 noon. Current booking at Golconda Fort from 5 p.m. onwards. Ticket Rs.20/- per head. Children below 5 years are not allowed. Coach fare and show ticket Rs.45/- (Subject to 50% occupancy).
Golconda Fort
Golconda Fort
Founded originally by the Kakatiyas in the year 1140, Golconda was expanded by the Qutub Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite with walls and ramparts extending to a length of 5km in circumference. This fort was built by Kakatiya kings. From this fort they ruled the nearby areas even when their capital was based in Warangal. This massive fort is 11 km in perimeter and its walls are 15 to 18 ft high. The whole fort is built in granite and is flanked by 70 ramparts and 8 huge gates. Previously the whole fort was surrounded by a deep gorge but slowly this was filled up. While entering from the main gate of the fort, if one claps below the Grand Portico, echoes are heard in a Darbar hall some 128 meters away.
The fortress city within the walls was famous for the diamond trade and is said to been the origin of the famous Koh-i-noor diamond. The historic fort lies 11kms west of the city of Hyderabad. The name originates from the Telugu words "Golla" meaning Shepard and "Konda" or hill - The 'shepherd's hill'. The fort was later taken over by the Bahamani kings, subsequently passing into the hands of the Qutub Shahis, who held it from 1512 to 1687 AD. The first three Qutub Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda over a span of 62 years.
Famous features of Golconda include it's system of acoustics, palaces, factories, the water supply system. The famous Rahban cannon was used during the last seize of Golconda by Aurangazeb to whom the fort ultimately fell.
A.P.Tourism's dazzling Light and Sound Show every evening reenacts the glory and grandeur of the Qutub Shahi dynasty.
To reach Golconda
Frequent local buses, rickshaws, autorikshaws, taxis are available.
The Charminar
The Charminar
Just around four centuries ago, a devastating epidemic of plague gradually abated in the fabulous kingdom of Golconda, South India. The King, Qutub Shah in thanksgiving decided to build a square pavilion with tall towers at the four corners.
This symmetrical and charming edifice is the landmark of the town of Hyderabad, as the Statue of Liberty is to New York or the Arc of Triumph to Paris.
It is built of the local granite. The design is said to be based on Shia "tazias" erected in honor of Hussain, the son in law of Prophet Mohammad.
The Charminar was the axis of the planned city of Hyderabad. While the Charminar was being completed, broad roads were laid out in a grid iron pattern. Four symmetric gateways called Kamans also were built. There were also a couple of palaces according to medieval travellers but the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb got them burnt down on the fall of the Qutub Shahis. Recently some arched and vaulted foundations were discovered in the area during excavation.
The Charminar is the focus of a characteristic culture which sprang up in Golconda and Hyderabad. Based on the vigorous native Telugu, Kannada and Marathi cultures, Persian culture from Iran, a bit from Arabia and some north Indian immigration have all combined to make "Hyderabadi" a recognizable people's culture. In fact locals insist that Urdu language came into existence here, and not elsewhere attested by the fact that the earliest urdu was called Dakhni language
( of the Deccan, Dakshinapatha).
The streets around the Charminar are still lively today, a bit crowded maybe, and the little shops are thronged by residents and tourists alike.
A characteristic type of wrist bracelet or bangle is made here and is very popular. Although the Charminar and Hyderabad are far away from the sea, it is the centre of pearl Jewellery trade in India.
And more ...
The architectural jewel of Hyderabad, Charminar stands within the four arches of the Charkaman. It is said that Sultan Quli knelt at a crossroads and prayed to the gods when a terrible pestilence swept his kingdom. After it subsided he decide to build a structure at the very spot as thanksgiving to the gods. The structure built in 1591 was the Charminar. Often referred to as the 'Arc of the Triumph' of the East, the Charminar comprises four graceful minarets with its central structure soaring to a height of 180 feet. Centuries old bazaars surrounding the monument throb with the hectic trading of pearls, lac bangles and other accessories fit for a bride.
How to get there..
Buses with Nos. 8 from Secunderabad Bus station will take the visitor to the charming Charminar. Richshaw's and Taxi's are the other modes of Transport to get to Charminar.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing
Discerning wayfarers down the ages have found the city a place to behold, as charming as it is captivating. Added to which, the efforts of the administration of the past decade or so have breathed into the city a look and feel you would love. Hyderabad provides the gamut of sightseeing, shopping, facilities, fun and frolic to fill any visit with wonder. A collage of cultural fervor and activity, every journey into this kingdom becomes a very valuable and very personal discovery.
These special places you could enjoy visiting have been categorized into sites of Historical significance, Worship, Bazaars and places of Fun 'n' Frolic. So take a virtual tour around Hyderabad.
Discerning wayfarers down the ages have found the city a place to behold, as charming as it is captivating. Added to which, the efforts of the administration of the past decade or so have breathed into the city a look and feel you would love. Hyderabad provides the gamut of sightseeing, shopping, facilities, fun and frolic to fill any visit with wonder. A collage of cultural fervor and activity, every journey into this kingdom becomes a very valuable and very personal discovery.
These special places you could enjoy visiting have been categorized into sites of Historical significance, Worship, Bazaars and places of Fun 'n' Frolic. So take a virtual tour around Hyderabad.
Shopping : Pearls
Shopping : Pearls
The Story of the Pearl :
An oyster may be a lowly creature to look at, but pry it open and it could be akin to opening a small Pandora's box. This is just what an obscure Chinese fisherman did, around 4000 years ago, and voila!, he chanced upon what was probably the first pearl to be found by man. The pearl has enamored mankind ever since. As early as 2000 years ago, divers in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean launched themselves into the deep, dark sea, risking life and limb in the quest to find the perfect pearl. They, like the Chinese and the Arabs, dived to depths of over 40 feet with only their lungs drawing the line between life and death.
In an attempt to speed up the process of pearl formation, Kokichi Mikimoto of Japan came up with the cultured pearl in the 1920's. One clever innovation led to another - and today pearls are cultured in hundreds of underwater cages called 'Oyester Farms', predominantly in Japan and China.
During the glorious era of the Nizams, pearls of various types were showered on the subjects by their patrons. Similarly, the kings received choice pearls as 'nazranas' or gifts, especially the Asif Jahis and the Qutub Shahis - The two dynasties that permanently set the pearl on Indian ornamental history.
The Formation of the Pearl :
The process of pearl formation is as rare as it is fascinating. It starts when an external irritant such as a grain of sand accidentally enters an oyster shell. The oyster, in response to this intrusion, slowly secretes layer after layer of a substance called 'Nacre' or 'Mother-of-Pearl' around the irritant. The oyster may toil away at this for up to three years, which finally results in the formation of a beautiful pearl.
Where to shop for pearls :
1. Aabhushan Pearls & Jewelers
(Pearls, precious stones & silver gift articles)
Shop no. 2, Lower Ground Floor, Liberty Plaza,
Basheerbagh,
2. Arial's Jewelers & Pearls
5-9-43/56, Opp. Gandhi Medical college,
Basheerbagh,
HYD 500 029
3. Boorugu Gems & Pearls
Pop. Amrutha Topaz, Punjagutta,
HYD 500 082
4. Boorugu Jewelers & Pearls Shoppe
95, Parklane, Opp. Chenoy Trade center,
Sec'bad 500 003
5. Chandubhai Jewellers
Block C-16, Mayur Kushal complex,
Gunfoundry, Abids
6.(*) Devi Jewelers & Pearls
47, Babukhan Estate, Basheerbagh, HYD. 500 029
(*) Shopping Arcade, Hotel Viceroy,
Tankbund Road,
HYD.
7. Durga Jewellery
(Pearls, Precious stones, Gold Jewellery)
2-4-45, Near James street Police station,
M.G. Road,
Sec'bad 500 003
8. Dwarakadas Mukundas & Sons Jewelers
(Precious, Semi-Precious stones, Antique Jewellery)
4-3-355/1, Bank Street,
HYD 500 095
9. Gupta Pearls & Jewels
(Dealers in Pearls & Semi-Precious stone Jewellery)
6-3-668/9/B, Melinda Junior college lane,
Opp. Pantaloon, Model House, Punjagutta,
10. Jagadamba Jewellers & Pearls
Gupta Estate, Basheerbagh,
HYD 500 029
11. Kedarnathji Motiwale Jewelers
(Pearls, Gems, Diamonds, Gold, Silver Jewellery)
(*) 36, Babukhan Estate,Hyd 500 001
(*) Beside Bata, Watergate,
HYD. 500 002
12. Krishna Pearls
(*) 22-6-209, Pattergatti, Near Charminar,
HYD 500 002
(*) Cellar, Hotel Krishna Oberoi, Road No.1, Banjara Hills,
HYD. 500 034
(*) Green Park Hotel, Ameerpet,
Hyd 500 016
13. K.Chandrakant & Sons Pearls
7-1-923, R.P. Road, Opp. Canara Bank,
Kingsway,
Sec'bad.
14. K.Liluram Jewellers
21-2-182, Char Kaman, HYD 500 002
15. Kedarnathji Pearls
Shop no. 17, H.A.C.P Colony,
Near Secunderabad Club,
Karkhana, Sec'bad 500 009
16. Mangatrai Pearls & Jewellery
(Precious stones)
Opp. Hotel Nagarjuna, Basheerbagh,
HYD 500 029
17. Mangatrai Ramkumar Pearls
22-6-191, Pattergatti,
HYD 500 002
18. Mode Pearls
95 C, Parklane, Hyd 500 003
19. Meera Pearls & Jewellers
55, Babukhan Estate, Basheerbagh,
Hyd 500 001
20. New Kedarnath's Pearls
Orient Estate, Abids Road,
Hyd 500 001
21. Om Prakash & Sons Jewellers
(*)Machalikaman, Pattergatti,
HYD 500 002
(*)R.P.Road, Sec'bad 500 003
22. P.Satyanarayana & Sons Jewellers
Opp. Gandhi Medical college, Basheerbagh,
Hyd 500 029
23. Pradeep Pearls & Exports
206, A-Block, Maheshwari Towers,
Adj. Sindhuja Supermarket,
Road No.1, Banjara Hills,
Hyd 500 034
24. Raj Jewellers & Pearls
1-6-56, Gandhi Statue, M.G.Road,
Sec'bad 500 003
25. R.R.Thangamaligai Jewellers
Shop No. 1, Sharma Complex, Punjagutta, Hyd
26. Saincher Jewellers
Lower Ground floor, Amrutha Mall, Somajiguda, HYD 500 016
27. Sri Ohm Prakash & Sons Pearls & Jewellers
7-1-938, Kingsway Circle, R.P. Road, Sec'bad 500 003
28. Suraj Bhan Jewellers & Pearls
Opp. Lady Hydri Club, Basheerbagh, Hyd 500 001
29. Suraj Jewellers
21-2-131/7-9, Gupta Complex, Char Kaman, Hyd 500 002
30. Totaram Papalal Sons (Exclusive Silverware)
4-1-966 F.F, Opp.Santosh Talkies, Abid Road, HYD 500 001
31. Vandana Pearls & Jewellers
Royal Plaza, C-9, K.S.Lane, Sultan Bazar, HYD 500 195
The Story of the Pearl :
An oyster may be a lowly creature to look at, but pry it open and it could be akin to opening a small Pandora's box. This is just what an obscure Chinese fisherman did, around 4000 years ago, and voila!, he chanced upon what was probably the first pearl to be found by man. The pearl has enamored mankind ever since. As early as 2000 years ago, divers in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean launched themselves into the deep, dark sea, risking life and limb in the quest to find the perfect pearl. They, like the Chinese and the Arabs, dived to depths of over 40 feet with only their lungs drawing the line between life and death.
In an attempt to speed up the process of pearl formation, Kokichi Mikimoto of Japan came up with the cultured pearl in the 1920's. One clever innovation led to another - and today pearls are cultured in hundreds of underwater cages called 'Oyester Farms', predominantly in Japan and China.
During the glorious era of the Nizams, pearls of various types were showered on the subjects by their patrons. Similarly, the kings received choice pearls as 'nazranas' or gifts, especially the Asif Jahis and the Qutub Shahis - The two dynasties that permanently set the pearl on Indian ornamental history.
The Formation of the Pearl :
The process of pearl formation is as rare as it is fascinating. It starts when an external irritant such as a grain of sand accidentally enters an oyster shell. The oyster, in response to this intrusion, slowly secretes layer after layer of a substance called 'Nacre' or 'Mother-of-Pearl' around the irritant. The oyster may toil away at this for up to three years, which finally results in the formation of a beautiful pearl.
Where to shop for pearls :
1. Aabhushan Pearls & Jewelers
(Pearls, precious stones & silver gift articles)
Shop no. 2, Lower Ground Floor, Liberty Plaza,
Basheerbagh,
2. Arial's Jewelers & Pearls
5-9-43/56, Opp. Gandhi Medical college,
Basheerbagh,
HYD 500 029
3. Boorugu Gems & Pearls
Pop. Amrutha Topaz, Punjagutta,
HYD 500 082
4. Boorugu Jewelers & Pearls Shoppe
95, Parklane, Opp. Chenoy Trade center,
Sec'bad 500 003
5. Chandubhai Jewellers
Block C-16, Mayur Kushal complex,
Gunfoundry, Abids
6.(*) Devi Jewelers & Pearls
47, Babukhan Estate, Basheerbagh, HYD. 500 029
(*) Shopping Arcade, Hotel Viceroy,
Tankbund Road,
HYD.
7. Durga Jewellery
(Pearls, Precious stones, Gold Jewellery)
2-4-45, Near James street Police station,
M.G. Road,
Sec'bad 500 003
8. Dwarakadas Mukundas & Sons Jewelers
(Precious, Semi-Precious stones, Antique Jewellery)
4-3-355/1, Bank Street,
HYD 500 095
9. Gupta Pearls & Jewels
(Dealers in Pearls & Semi-Precious stone Jewellery)
6-3-668/9/B, Melinda Junior college lane,
Opp. Pantaloon, Model House, Punjagutta,
10. Jagadamba Jewellers & Pearls
Gupta Estate, Basheerbagh,
HYD 500 029
11. Kedarnathji Motiwale Jewelers
(Pearls, Gems, Diamonds, Gold, Silver Jewellery)
(*) 36, Babukhan Estate,Hyd 500 001
(*) Beside Bata, Watergate,
HYD. 500 002
12. Krishna Pearls
(*) 22-6-209, Pattergatti, Near Charminar,
HYD 500 002
(*) Cellar, Hotel Krishna Oberoi, Road No.1, Banjara Hills,
HYD. 500 034
(*) Green Park Hotel, Ameerpet,
Hyd 500 016
13. K.Chandrakant & Sons Pearls
7-1-923, R.P. Road, Opp. Canara Bank,
Kingsway,
Sec'bad.
14. K.Liluram Jewellers
21-2-182, Char Kaman, HYD 500 002
15. Kedarnathji Pearls
Shop no. 17, H.A.C.P Colony,
Near Secunderabad Club,
Karkhana, Sec'bad 500 009
16. Mangatrai Pearls & Jewellery
(Precious stones)
Opp. Hotel Nagarjuna, Basheerbagh,
HYD 500 029
17. Mangatrai Ramkumar Pearls
22-6-191, Pattergatti,
HYD 500 002
18. Mode Pearls
95 C, Parklane, Hyd 500 003
19. Meera Pearls & Jewellers
55, Babukhan Estate, Basheerbagh,
Hyd 500 001
20. New Kedarnath's Pearls
Orient Estate, Abids Road,
Hyd 500 001
21. Om Prakash & Sons Jewellers
(*)Machalikaman, Pattergatti,
HYD 500 002
(*)R.P.Road, Sec'bad 500 003
22. P.Satyanarayana & Sons Jewellers
Opp. Gandhi Medical college, Basheerbagh,
Hyd 500 029
23. Pradeep Pearls & Exports
206, A-Block, Maheshwari Towers,
Adj. Sindhuja Supermarket,
Road No.1, Banjara Hills,
Hyd 500 034
24. Raj Jewellers & Pearls
1-6-56, Gandhi Statue, M.G.Road,
Sec'bad 500 003
25. R.R.Thangamaligai Jewellers
Shop No. 1, Sharma Complex, Punjagutta, Hyd
26. Saincher Jewellers
Lower Ground floor, Amrutha Mall, Somajiguda, HYD 500 016
27. Sri Ohm Prakash & Sons Pearls & Jewellers
7-1-938, Kingsway Circle, R.P. Road, Sec'bad 500 003
28. Suraj Bhan Jewellers & Pearls
Opp. Lady Hydri Club, Basheerbagh, Hyd 500 001
29. Suraj Jewellers
21-2-131/7-9, Gupta Complex, Char Kaman, Hyd 500 002
30. Totaram Papalal Sons (Exclusive Silverware)
4-1-966 F.F, Opp.Santosh Talkies, Abid Road, HYD 500 001
31. Vandana Pearls & Jewellers
Royal Plaza, C-9, K.S.Lane, Sultan Bazar, HYD 500 195
The lustrous Pearl History
The lustrous Pearl History
The Pearl Culture of Hyderabad
Who hasn't heard of the soft, rounded, lustrous, tear drop pearl of Hyderabad? People form everywhere flock here to possess a few of these pearls. Strange that there is no sea anywhere near the city. Yet it has become almost synonymous with quality pearls. Well, read on the pearl story .....
Hyderabad was a princely state and a very rich one too! The royal patronage ensured flourishing of arts, crafts and cuisine. The affluent lifestyle beckoned many a craftsman from distant parts of the world, especially the Arabian Gulf where the rare original pearls are found in abundance. Hence, Hyderabad became the one-stop-destination for pearls. There is an entire street which only comprises of pearl shops named - Patther Gatti.
The Pearl in Hyderabad Today
Jewelers in the pearl markets of Hyderabad have for centuries combined pearls with the glitter of gold, the richness of rubies and the ecstasy of emeralds. It is indeed amazing and heartwarming to see traditional designs still surviving the march of history in the narrow alleys of the Old City today.
Several styles of ornaments using pearls evolved along with the pearl trade. The 'Satlada' and 'Panchlada Haar' are seven and five stringed necklaces. They are often interspersed with emeralds or onyx beads set in nine carat gold. Earrings such as 'Karanphool' and 'Cholaphool', set with uncut diamonds and pearls, are also very popular among the ladies of the city. The pearl markets of the city also offer unlimited varieties of chokers and lockets. The last few decades have witnessed a gradual influence of western designs on the Hyderabadi pearl market. However, the City of Pearls has retained it's luster...
The Bangle Bazaar
In the land of beautiful women, beautiful poetry, beautiful cuisine and beautiful pearls, add one more to the beautiful string, i.e. the breathtaking bangles. Down the centuries, the lure of bangles still draws millions of women who love to adorn their arms with a dazzling set of Hyderabadi bangles. There are about 450 shops flanking either side of the world famous Charminar with around 2,500 craftsmen molding their magic around your arms.
The Pearl Culture of Hyderabad
Who hasn't heard of the soft, rounded, lustrous, tear drop pearl of Hyderabad? People form everywhere flock here to possess a few of these pearls. Strange that there is no sea anywhere near the city. Yet it has become almost synonymous with quality pearls. Well, read on the pearl story .....
Hyderabad was a princely state and a very rich one too! The royal patronage ensured flourishing of arts, crafts and cuisine. The affluent lifestyle beckoned many a craftsman from distant parts of the world, especially the Arabian Gulf where the rare original pearls are found in abundance. Hence, Hyderabad became the one-stop-destination for pearls. There is an entire street which only comprises of pearl shops named - Patther Gatti.
The Pearl in Hyderabad Today
Jewelers in the pearl markets of Hyderabad have for centuries combined pearls with the glitter of gold, the richness of rubies and the ecstasy of emeralds. It is indeed amazing and heartwarming to see traditional designs still surviving the march of history in the narrow alleys of the Old City today.
Several styles of ornaments using pearls evolved along with the pearl trade. The 'Satlada' and 'Panchlada Haar' are seven and five stringed necklaces. They are often interspersed with emeralds or onyx beads set in nine carat gold. Earrings such as 'Karanphool' and 'Cholaphool', set with uncut diamonds and pearls, are also very popular among the ladies of the city. The pearl markets of the city also offer unlimited varieties of chokers and lockets. The last few decades have witnessed a gradual influence of western designs on the Hyderabadi pearl market. However, the City of Pearls has retained it's luster...
The Bangle Bazaar
In the land of beautiful women, beautiful poetry, beautiful cuisine and beautiful pearls, add one more to the beautiful string, i.e. the breathtaking bangles. Down the centuries, the lure of bangles still draws millions of women who love to adorn their arms with a dazzling set of Hyderabadi bangles. There are about 450 shops flanking either side of the world famous Charminar with around 2,500 craftsmen molding their magic around your arms.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Pearls
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.
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.
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.
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