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Hyderabad, the fifth largest metropolis of India, is the state
capital of Andhra Pradesh, known for its rich history and culture
with monuments, mosques, temples, a rich and varied heritage
in arts, crafts and dance.
It is rare to come across a place that welcomes the 21st century
with an 'adaab'. Hyderabad is one such place. There is so much
here to awe the senses. From the magnificent food to the majestic
monuments, from its terrific landscapes to a populace steeped
in respect and tradition. Consisting of the twin cities of Hyderabad
and Secunderabad, Hyderabad is also the capital of the state
of Andhra Pradesh. Once the largest princely state in India,
Hyderabad had its own flag, currency, railway, and postal system,
before being incorporated into the Indian nation.
With a rich history, Hyderabad boasts of some fine examples
of Qutub Shahi architecture - the Jami Masjid, the Mecca Masjid,
Toli Masjid and of course, the impressive symbol of Hyderabad,
the Charminar.
A unique feature of the city is that it is the only city in
the south, where the major language spoken is Urdu.
Home to the Nizams, reportedly, the world's richest royals,
Hyderabad is also home to famous folk arts like shadow puppetry
and kuchipudi.
Nizams of Hyderabad
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
General Info about city
Area : 260 Sq. Km
Population : Approx 7 million
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.
Best times to visit : Though the climate is suitable
for visit anytime of the year, the best season is between October-February.
Just avoid June when it is too hot to sightsee. |
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Charminar
The principle landmark of Hyderabad is the Charminar (four towers),
the massive arch built by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah in 1591 to
commemorate the end of a devastating epidemic of the plague.
There is a small mosque on the second floor, which is the oldest
in Hyderabad. In the south-east corner is a small Hindu shrine
honoring Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. Each evening, the arch
is illuminated and is a sight worth seeing.
Salar Jung Museum
One of Hyderabad's prime attractions is the Salar Jung Museum,
the world's largest collection by a single individual, Sir Yusaf
Ali Salar Jung III. The 36 rooms, house around 35,000 exhibits
from all over the world including sculptures, illuminated manuscripts,
unusual collections of jade, marble statues, rare manuscripts,
Persian miniature paintings, Chinese porcelain and other objects
d'art. The collected items in the museum could be far better
classified because a lot of the really good pieces of art need
to be hunted for. Whatever the inevitable drawbacks of a one
man collection, a must visit. The museum is closed on Fridays.
Mecca Masjid
One of the largest mosques in the world, the Mecca Masjid is
said to accommodate upto 10,000 worshippers. The foundation
of the mosque was laid during the reign of Mohammed Quli Qutub
Shah in 1614, but was completed only in 1687, when the Golconda
Kingdom was annexed by Emperor Aurangzeb.
Nehru Zoological Park
Hyderabad also boasts of one of the largest zoos in India, the
Nehru Zoological Park. It is spread over 1.2 sq. kms of landscaped
gardens and houses about 3000 animals. There's a prehistoric
animal section, a toy train ride around the park, a lion safari
and a nocturnal section.
The Birla Mandir (Naubat Prahad)
The Birla Mandir stands on a hill overlooking the south end
of Hussain Sagar. It is a splendid temple built entirely out
of white marble. The Birla Planetarium is also quite a crowd-puller.
Golconda Fort
A short distance away from the city, looms one of the most magnificent
fortresses in India, the Golconda Fort. The fort dates back
to the time of the Qutub Shahi kings, though its origin has
been traced to earlier periods, to the reign of the Yadavas
and later the Kakatiyas. The fortress is built on a granite
hill 120 metres high. Its gates are studded with menacing iron
spikes, intended to discourage elephants from battering them
down.
What is unique about this fort is its system of acoustics. The
sound of hands clapped at the entry gate can be heard quite
clearly at the top of the hill, at a height of 61m. The stately
tombs of the Qutub Shahi rulers lie just outside the outer wall
of the Golconda fort. They lie amidst beautifully kept gardens
and a number of them have intricately carved stonework. |
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Hyderabad
has a rich cultural heritage, which encloses within itself an
amalgam of various religious and cultural communities. While
many of these are common with the rest of the country, some
are celebrated with a distinct touch that carries the flavor
of the city. One has to remember that Hyderabad is a predominantly
Islamic state and therefore, it stands to reason that the festivals
that stand out will be those of the Muslims. But then again,
like the rest of India, there are festivals that are celebrated
by all, regardless of one's own religion.
Til Sankranti:
In January, Til Sankranti marks the entry of the sun into the
northern hemisphere. The day, held auspicious by Hindus is marked
by worship of the Sun God. Houses are decorated with rangolis.
This festival is also known as the harvest festival.
Ugadi:
Ugadi (March/April) is the Telugu New Year. On this day, houses
are cleaned, painted and a 'toran' or string of mango leaves
is strung up in front of each house.
Muharram:
Muharram (June-July), the day of martyrdom of the grandsons
of Prophet Mohammad is celebrated with piety. Traditionally,
the Muharram period lasts over a month and is observed by Muslims
and Hindus with temperance. On the 8th and 10th days of Muharram,
people of all religions pay respect at Chote Hazrat ki Dargah,
inside Devan Devadi, in Hyderabad.
Bathkamma:
Bathkamma (October/November) is special to the Telangana region.
In the month-long festival, Goddess Bathkamma's idol is worshipped
and taken to rivers and lakes and floated in the evening. |
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By Road
: Hyderabad is well connected with almost every major South
Indian city.
By Air : Hyderabad is extremely well connected by air
with major cities in India and is served by Indian Airlines,
Jet airways and Sahara Airlines with frequent flights. Hyderabad
is now an International Airport as well and is currently served
by Qatar Airways, Emirates, Malaysian Airlines, Indian Airlines,
Air India and a few other International Airlines.
By Rail : Hyderabad is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai,
Chennai, Bangalore and to almost all other cities in Southern
India by a network of Super fast trains. |
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