The birth of hyderabad

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, Founder of HyderabadFifth ruler of Qutb Shahi Dynasty(Accession 1580 - Death 1612)

The birth of a city

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, a ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, was the founder of Hyderabad City. In the year 1591, when the Moon was in the constellation of Leo, Jupiter in its own abode and all celestial planets favourably placed, he laid the foundation of a new city which he called Bhagyanagar after his beloved queen ‘Bhagmati’. Bhagmati embraced Islam and took the name Hyder Mahal and consequently Bhagynagar was renamed Hyderabad after her.

City of Love

The fourteen year old crown Sultan of Golconda, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah was madly in love with beautiful Hindu courtesan ‘Bhagmati’, a local dancer. Every evening, the Prince of Golconda would ride to the village of Chichlam across Musi river, to meet his beloved, for he couldn’t live without watching her dance, and listening to her soulful voice.

Legend has it that once heavy rains and thunderstorm lashed Golconda and the city was devastated. Flood water of the Musi river destroyed many homes and lives.

Young Sultan of Golconda, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah was worried for Bhagmati, so he decided to cross the flooded river to meet her. His Royal guards tried to stop him as it was very dangerous for the young sultan, but in vain. Prince rode to the shore of the Musi river. He coerced his horse to step into the river and as soon as it did, a furious current nearly swept it away. It was a miracle that both survived and reached the other end.

After crossing the Musi river, Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah rode towards the Chichlam village; he found many homes and lives were destroyed, he was searching for Bhagmati all the way and was praying for her safety.

Prince of Golconda found Bhagmati alive and felt happy after meeting her. After storm subsided, Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah and Bhagmati left for Golconda.

When Sultan Ibrahim, the father of the young Sultan heard this tale of dangerous passion, he was alarmed and forbade Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah from meeting Bhagmati. Young Sultan was miserable without her. Beautiful women from Armenia, Persia, Arab and different parts of India were brought to entertain the prince, but none could attract his attention away from his beloved ‘Bhagmati’.

Sultan Ibrahim found that his son loved only Bhagmati and no one else, no matter how beautiful she was. After seeing so much love for Bhagmati, Sultan Ibrahim constructed the Purana Pul (Old Bridge) – a massive stone bridge across the Musi River, to make it easy for the young Sultan to reach Chichlam to meet his beloved.

The romance of the crown Prince with a dancer evoked great curiosity and controversy in Golconda. The fact that the Bhagmati was a Hindu courtesan and much older than the prince, created quite a uproar in the court. The orthodox society was not ready to accept her as queen of Golconda. After ascending the throne, Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah defied all traditions, married Bhagmati, and made her his queen. He re-christened her Hyder Mahal, and named the city Hyderabad in honour of her.

The lustrous Pearl History in hyderabad

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.

Chronology of Events and Dates

Dates	1591	Charminar is built by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah and a new city founded on the south bank of River Musi
	1687	Golconda's capture by Aurangazeb ends Qutub Shahi rule. Mughal rule begins in the Deccan.
	1713	Nizam-ul-Mulk is appointed Subedar of six subas (provinces) of the Deccan and Faujdar of Karnataka.
11 Oct	1724	Nizam-ul-Mulk defeats Mubarez Khan in the battle of Shakar Kheda in Berar and establishes his supremacy in the Deccan
25 June	1725	Emperor Muhammed Shah confers the title of Asaf Jah on Nizam-ul-Mulk.
	1732	Nawab Mir Ahmed Ali Khan, Nasir Jung is married to the daughter of Roshan-ud-Daula Zafar Jung.
	1734	Nizam Ali Khan is born
	1738	Nadir Shah invades India and Nizam-ul-Mulk plays a key role in restoring peace
22 May	1748	Nizam-ul-Mulk dies at the age of 77 and is buried at Khuldabad, near Aurangabad.
25 Dec	1750	Nasar Jung is shot dead by Himayat Khan, the Pathan Nawab of Kurnool
	1750	Chowmahalla Palace is built by Salabat Jung
3rd Feb	1751	Muzaffer Jung is killed in a fight with his Pathan dependents and Bussy proclaims the third son of Nizam-ul-Mulk Salabat Jung as the Subedar of the Deccan.
3rd Feb	1751	Salabat Jung is installed as Subedar of Deccan
Dec	1753	The French are assigned the four districts of Mustafanagar, Rajahmundry, Elur and Chicacole (Srikakulam)
	1756	The French are driven out of the northern Circars by the British force after the out break of war between England and France.
	1759	Salabat Jung concludes a treaty with the British for the grant of Masulipatnam and other districts. French influence comes to an end.
8 July	1762	Nizam Ali Khan assumes the Subedari of the Deccan
7 Sep	1763	Salabat Jung dies
	1763	The capital of Deccan is shifted from Aurangabad to Hyderabad during the reign of Nizam Ali Khan, Asaf Jah II.
April	1779	The first representative of the British, John Holland is sent to Hyderabad to act as an envoy and later as a president.
25 Mar	1798	The French General Micheal Joachin Raymond dies and is buried at Saroornagar
	1798	The Nizam was compelled by the treaty of 1798 to join the British against Tipu Sultan during the fourth Mysore War. The treaty establishes British influence in Hyderabad.
6 Aug	1803	Nizam Ali Khan Asaf Jah II dies.
11 Aug	1803	Sikander Jah Asaf Jah III succeeds as the Subedar of the Deccan
9 May	1804	Arastu Jah dies after serving Hyderabad for almost 3 decades as Minister.
25 July	1804	The construction of Mir-Alam Tank begins. It is completed on 8th June 1806. It is built under the supervision of H Russels of Royal Engineers, Madras regiment.
	1806	Secunderabad is named after Sikender Jah Asaf Jah III with Col. Lang established the headquarters of British Subsidiary force after the Treaty of 1798. It was one of the largest British Cantonments in India.
	1808	Construction of the Residency is completed.
	1812	Raja Chandulal along Hungry Russell establishes a contingent known as the Russell Brigade later known Hyderabad Contingent.
21 May	1829	Sikender Jah dies.
23 May	1829	Naseer-Ud-Daula succeeds as Subedar of the Deccan.
	1846	Hyderabad Medical School established with Dr. William MacLean as its first Principal.
	1853	Berar Treaty is signed by the Nizam giving the management of the Berar district to the British with an annual revenue of Rs. 50 Lakh.
March	1854	Foundation of Dar-ul-Uloom by Sir Salar Jung-I, with facilities for teaching in Arabic, Urdu, Persian, Telugu, Marathi and English.
16 May	1856	Department of Mint and Stamps is established with Major Henry Rocky as the Mint Master.
	1857	Naseer-ud-daula Asaf Jah III dies.
18 May	1857	Afzal-ud-Daula succeeds his father as Subedar of the Deccan.
	1858	A new coinage called "Hali Sicca" is introduced with the inscription "Sicca-e-Nizamul-Mulk Asaf Jah Bahadur". Consequently the coin in the name of Mughal Emperor seized to be used in Hyderabad.
	1858	Army Department was established and Henry Rocks is made first commander -in-chief of the Nizam's army from 1864 to 1874.
31 Aug	1861	The " Order of star of India" is conferred on Afzal-Ud-Daula, Nizam V.
	1867	Government central printing press is established.
6 Jan	1867	Forest Department is established with Byramji Manoji as its first Inspector General.
	1868	Basheer Bagh Palace is constructed by Sir Asman Jah.
6 Mar	1869	Mir Mahboob Ali Khan is proclaimed the Nizam, Asaf Jah VI, when he was hardly 2 years 7 months old.
26 Feb	1869	First adhesive postage stamp is issued in Hyderabad.
	1869	Nizam's State Railway is established.
12 Dec	1872	To inform public about time, Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad organizes cannon fire at 4.30 AM, 12 Noon and 8 PM.
8 Oct	1874	Nizam State Railway is completed and opened to traffic.
	1874	Department of Government Gardens is established with G. Cornish as its first head.
!8 Nov	1876	"SATI" or burning of Hindu widows is prohibited in the state and in this connection posters are printed.
	1876	Foundation of Chaderghat High School.
	1877-78	Foundation of the Madrasa-E-Aliya at Rambold's Koti at Chaderghat by Salar Jung I.
	1879	Horse Racing starts at Malakpet.
	1880	Postal Department is established with Shah Sawar Jung as its chief.
8th Feb	1883	Mir Turab Ali Khan Salar Jung I dies.
	1884	Foundation of Falaknuma Palace is laid on 3rd March 1884 by Sir Viqar-Ul-Umara. Construction completed in 1893.
	1884	Official language of the state is changed from Persian to Urdu.
	1884	Directorate General of Police and Jail Department is established.
4 June	1889	Mir Yusuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III is born in Poona.
4 Dec	1889	Clocks are fixed on four sides of the Charminar.
	1890	Palmoor is named after Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Nizam VI as Mahboobnagar.
	1890	Asafia Library is established.
	1892	Lord And Lady Lansdowne visits Hyderabad.
Jan	1893	Arch Duke France Ferdinand of Austria visits Hyderabad.
	1892	Diarat-Ul-Maarif is founded.
	1893	The Nizam announces constitutional reforms through an order called Qaniunche-i-mubarak.
4 Nov	1895	Syed Hussain Bilgrami (Imad-ul-Mulk) appointed as tutor to Mir Osman Ali Khan (Nizam VII).
15 Nov	1895	Lord and Lady Elgin visit Hyderabad.
20 Aug	1897	Sir Ronald Ross discovers the parasite of Malaria in a dissected Anopheles mosquito at Begumpet.
	1899	Nizam VI along with Mir Osman Ali Khan visits Calcutta.
	1902	Lord and Lady Curzon visit Hyderabad.
25 Aug	1905	Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Nizam VI lays the foundation of Town Hall in Public Gardens on his 40th birthday (now Legislative Assembly Building). It is finished in 1913.
14 Feb	1905	The Victoria Memorial Orphanage is established.
16 Apr	1906	The wedding of Nizam VII is celebrated at Eden Garden
	1907	The Mahboobia Girls ' is founded
22nd feb	1907	Mir Himayat Ali Khan (Azam Jah) is born.
2 Jan	1908	Mir Shujat Ali Khan (Moazzam Jah) is born
28 Sep	1908	Hyderabad witnesses disastrous floods in the river Musi.
	1908	The Nizamia Observatory is established.
	1910	Hyderabad electricity department is established and R.L.Gamlen is appointed its first chief.
29 Aug	1911	Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Nizam VI dies.
29 Aug	1911	Mir Osman Ali Khan is proclaimed as Nizam VII but formal Durbar is held on 12 Sep 1911
	1913	Department of Agriculture (Ziraat) is established with John Henry as its head.
	1914	Archaeological Department is established.
15 Sep	1915	Construction of High Court begins and is completed on 31st March, 1919.
	1917	Osmania University is established.
6 Sep	1917	Bureau of Translation and Compilation is established with Abdul Haq as its head.
	1917-18	First Matriculation examination of Osmania University is held
7 Nov	1919	Nizam VII introduces New Constitution of the Govt. with an Executive Council
	1920	The Construction of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar is completed in 1920 and 1927 respectively.
	1921	The Judiciary is separated from the Executive.
25 Jan	1922	Prince of Wales visits Hyderabad with Lord Louis Mountbatten as one of his A.D.C.s
	1923	Nizam VII celebrates the 200th anniversary of establishment of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
	1923	Jagirdas College is established. (Later converted into Hyderabad Public School)
	1924	Nizam Sagar project is started and completed in 1931.
28 sep	1925	Nawab Imad-ul-Mulk receives the first honorary degree of L.L.D from Osmania University.
	1926	Osmania Medical College is opened.
	1926	The first B.A. examination of the Osmania University is held
	1928	District Water Works department is established with Md. Ahmed Mirza as its chief
	1929	Industrial Trust Fund is created with Rupees 1 Crore to promote local industries.
12 Nov	1931	Azam Jah and Moazzam Jah are married at Nice (France) to Princess Durru Shehvar, Daughter of ex. Sultan Abdul Majeed Khan, Caliph of Muslims and Princess Niloufer (niece of ex. Sultan) respectively
	1931	Osmania University building project is started with Zain Yar Jung as its Chief Architect.
6 Oct	1933	Mir Barkat Ali Khan (Mukarram Jah) is born (grandson of the Seventh Nizam)
14 June	1934	British Govt. restores to the Nizam part of Hyderabad city which for century was known as Residency Bazaar (Now known as Sultan Bazaar).
July	1934	Laying of the foundation stone of Osmania University buildings at Adikmet by His Exalted Highness the Nizam VII
	1935	Construction of Moazzam Jahi Market is completed.
	1935	Broadcasting Department is established under Nawab Ali Yawar Jung
	1935	The Nizam donates Rs.10 lakh to the Aligarh Muslim University.
	1936	Hyderabad State Aero Club, Begumpet is established
	1936	Prince Azam Jah is given the title of Prince of Berar and a grand function is held at Chowmohalla.
13 Feb	1937	Nizam VII celebrates Silver Jubilee of his reign
6 Dec	1945	Nizam VII issues commemorative stamp to celebrate the victory of the allies.
4 Aug	1947	Charles Gordon Herbert, last British Resident, leaves Hyderabad.
29 Nov	1947	Standstill Agreement signed with the Government of India.
13 Sep	1948	The Indian Army begins "Police Action" against Hyderabad.
17 Sep	1948	The State Ministry resigns.
17 Sep	1948	End of the Asaf Jahi era and imposition of military rule, followed by merger of Hyderabad into the Indian Union.
2 Mar	1949	Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III, dies a bachelor.
26 Mar	1950	Mir Osman Ali Khan Nizam VII is made the Rajpramukh of Hyderabad State and remains so up to October, 1956
17 Feb	1953	Clocks presented by his Exalted Highness the Nizam VII in commemoration of his visit to the cathedral at Midnight mass on Christmas Eve 1952- All Saints Church.
24 Feb	1967	Mir Osman Ali Khan, Nizam VII dies.
	1976	Birla Mandir is constructed by the Birla Trust adjacent to Naubat Pahad
	1988	First five-star deluxe hotel Krishna Oberoi is opened in Hyderabad.

The Qutub Shahi Dynasty

A brief History of the Qutub Shahi dynasty

In 1463, disturbances broke out in the Telangana area of the Bahamani kingdom of Deccan. Sultan Quli Qutbul Mulk, a Turk who was a high ranking military officer under Muhammad Shah Bahamani, was sent to quell the trouble. He was successful and was rewarded by being made the Subedar of Telangana in 1495, with Golconda as his head- quarters. Subsequently, with the disintegration of the Bahamani Kingdom in the early 16th century, Sultan Quli assumed virtual independence. Thus he founded the Qutub Shahi dynasty that lasted from 1518 right up to 1687 when Aurangzeb's armies swept the Deccan.

This dynasty spanned 171 years in the history of South India. The eight kings of this royal line have left a firm impression of their strong personalities upon the land and its people.
The Qutub Shahi rulers were great builders and patrons of learning. They not only patronized the Persian culture but also the regional culture of the Deccan, symbolized by the Telugu language and the newly developed Deccani idiom.


Qutub Shah 1 : SULTAN QULI QUTBUL MULK (1518 - 1543)
The founder of the Qutub Shahi kingdom did much to strengthen and improve the capital Golconda. He beautified his fortress capital with mosques, palaces and gardens. On the foundations of the old mud fort Sultan Quli built a massive citadel. This city called Muhammad Nagar, soon grew rapidly and earned fame as one of the leading cities of the east, well known for its trade in diamonds and precious stones.
Sultan Quli's subjects thought highly of him and he governed kindly and well. But at the age of 99, the king died at the hands of his own son Jamsheed Quli.

Qutub Shah 2 : JAMSHEED QULI QUTUB SHAH (1543 - 1550)
Jamsheed, the third son, took over the reins of government with blood stained hands. His seven years reign was marked by the people's resentment over his patricide. However, Jamsheed Quli was educated and loved poetry. He died in 1550 of on incurable disease.

Qutub Shah 3 : IBRAHIM QULI QUTUB SHAH (1550 -- 1580)
The youngest son of Sultan Quli Qutub Shah, Ibrahim, lived in exile as an honored quest of the Raja of Vijayanagar. It was during this sojourn that he learnt to love Telugu and speak it almost as his second mother tongue. When he ascended the throne, Ibrahim patronized and encouraged the learning and writing of Telugu as few Muslim or non-Muslim rulers had done before him. Poets from all over the Deccan converged at Ibrahim's court.
During his reign, Golconda was further strengthened. Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah invited his nobles to construct buildings within its walls, Mosques, Schools, Alms houses, and the Dam at Hussain Sagar, Budwel and Ibrahimpatnam were all to his credit. Besides, Ibrahim was noted for his able administration.

Qutub Shah 4 : MUHAMMAD QULI QUTUB SHAH (1580 -- 1612)
It was in the long, peaceful and prosperous reign of the fifth king Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah that the Qutub Shahi dynasty reached its zenith.
Muhammad Quli was crowned king when only 15 years of age. He is best remembered as the great planner and founder of the city of Hyderabad. According to popular legend, the king was enamored of a dancer called Bhagmati, belonging to a small village of Chichelam where the famous Charminar now stands. He found Bhagnagar to perpetuate his love for her, the name of the city was accordingly changed by the king to HYDERABAD.
Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, like Ibrahim, patronized and encouraged the Telugu language as much as he did Arabic and Persian. He was himself an accomplished poet in Telugu and fostered local traditions and rituals. He was also the creator of the first Deccani poetry.
Muhammad Quli was hardly 48 when he died in 1612 after a fairy long reign of 32 years. He was a humane and just king, besides being a great builder and man of letters. Hayath Bakshi Begum was his only daughter who was married to his nephew and successor, Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah.

Qutub Shah 6 : SULTAN MUHAMMAD QUTUB SHAH (1612 -- 1626)
The nephew and son-in-law of Muhammad Quli, Sultan Muhammad ascended the throne as the sixth Qutub Shah. A well versed scholar, he had a deeply religious temperament and was a connoisseur of good books. The Qutub Shahi chronicles were completed during his reign. He further contributed to the architectural achievements of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. The foundation of the principal mosque Mecca Masjid was laid during his reign in 1617. He also began the construction of the building of Sultan Nagar. These projects were however not completed in his lifetime.

Qutub Shah 6 : ABDULLAH QUTUB SHAH (1626-1672)
Son of Sultan Muhammad, Abdullah ascended the throne at the age of 12, his mother administering the kingdom till he attained maturity. He lived a life of pleasure and ease. Though the Kingdom was extended during his rule, it came under Mughal pressure in 1636. Golconda was attacked in 1656 and as a result, heavy indemnity had to be paid. He died on 1st May, 1672.

Qutub Shah 7 : ABUL HASAN TANA SHAH (1672 -- 1699)
Abul Hasan, also known as Tana Shah, was Abdullah Qutub Shah's son-in-law. He proved an able ruler and a staunch defender in the face of the Mughal might. He is remembered as a benign and tolerant king who placed his people's prosperity and well-being above everything else.
Tana Shah was the last king of Golconda. During his rule, the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb seized the fortress of Golconda for a period of 8 continuous months. In 1687, the Mughals finally stormed the fortress after the gates were opened by a traitor. Abul Hasan was taken prisoner. He was held captive first at Bidar and then at Daulatabad (Aurangabad) where he died in prison after 12 years of captivity. Jan Sapar Khan, one of the nobles of Aurangazeb, accompanied Abul Hasan up to Daulatabad. He was later made the governor of the Deccan under the kingdom of Aurangazeb.

History of Nizams

THE SEVEN NIZAMS





A Brief History of the Asif Jahi ( Nizams ) Dynasty
After the illustrious era of the Qutub Shahis, the city of Hyderabad came under the rule of the mighty Mughal Aurangazeb. Mir Qamaruddin, the son of an able officer of Aurangazeb was a favorite of the emperor. He served as a minister under the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah and was conferred with the title of Asif Jah. Consequently he rose to the post of the Viceroy of Deccan while still very young. In due course, he wielded such undisputed power that the enraged Aurangazeb ordered his assassination. The task was entrusted to Mobariz Khan, the local governor of Hyderabad. But this was not to happen. The attempt backfired and Mobariz Khan was killed in A.D. 1724.

Mir Qamaruddin assumed the title of Nizam-ul-Mulk and conducted himself as a independent prince. This led to the establishment of the Asif Jahi dynasty, named after the title of it's founder.

The Asif Jahi dynasty spanned seven generations from A.D. 1724 to 1948, a period much longer than the preceding Qutub Shahis. The state covered an extensive 95,337 sq. miles - An area larger than Mysore or Gwalior and the size of Nepal and Kashmir put together! With the diversity of languages and peoples, sheer size and culture Hyderabad gained a nationwide importance under this dynasty. Historians however, are quick to mention that the Nizams could not parallel the contributions made to the state by the Qutb Shahis.

Nizam 1 : MIR QAMARUDDIN (1671-1748)
Born on 11th August 1691, Mir Qamaruddin was a courageous warrior and extremely loyal to the Mughal emperor. Aurangazeb gave him the name Qamaruddin. At the age of six he came to the court with his father and work awarded the title of "Munsab". The emperor took a special liking to the boy and predicted his future greatness. At the age of 20 he received the title "Chin Qalich Khan" from emperor Aurangazeb and was soon given the governorship of the Bijapur.

Nadir Shah's invasion of Delhi took place in 1738. It was Mir Qamaruddin who intervened and negotiated a successful truce. Impressed with the Nizam-ul-Mulk's ability, the Shah offered the empire of India to him. Mir Qzmzruddin refused, owing allegiance to the Emperor. Such was his loyalty.

Asif Jah passed away in 1948, at the ripe old age of 77. He is remembered as a resolute and able administrator, yet devoted to his family and friends. He laid the firm foundations of the Asif Jahi dynasty in the Deccan.

Nizam 2 : NIZAM ALI KHAN (1734-1803)
The fourth son of the Nizam-ul-Mulk, Nizam Ali Khan was born on 24th February, 1734. He assumed the Subedari of the Deccan at the age of 28 years and ruled the Deccan for almost 42 years - The longest period among the Nizams. His reign was one of the most important chapters in the history of the Asaf Juhi dynasty. Among his efforts to consolidate the Nizam empire was the shift of the Deccan capital from Aurangabad to Hyderabad. He ruled the Deccan at a most critical period. He protected the Deccan from the attack of the Marathas and Tippu Sultan of Mysore by signing a mutual protection treaty with the British.

After a reign that played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Nizam dynasty, Nizam Ali Khan died in 1803 at the age of 69. He was buried at the Mecca Masjid alongside the tomb of his mother Umda Begum.

Nizam 3 : MIR AKBAR ALI KHAN (1768-1829)
This Akbar Ali Khan Sikander Jah was born on 11th Nov 1768 .After the death of the Nizam Ali Khan he became the Subedar Jah was ratified by the emperor Shah Alam Khan and he also conferred all his father's titles on Sikander Jah.

Nizam 4 : MIR FARKUNDA ALI KHAN (1794-1857)
Mir Farkhanda Ali Khan Nusir-ud-Daulu was born in Bidar on 25 th April 1794. He was the eldest son of Sikander Jan and after his father's death he succeeded him on 23 rd may 1829.During the reign of his father a number of British officers were employed on several civil services. Hence on ascending the throne is 1829 one of the first ads of this highness was to request the Governor general ,Lord William Bentick to the European officers.

Nizam 5 : MIR TAHNIATH ALI KHAN (1827-1869)
Mir Tahniath Ali Khan Afzal-ud-daula was born on 11th October 1827 .He was teh eldest son of Nawab Nasir-ud-daula .He ascended the throne on 18th may 1857 and Indian mutiny was stated on 17th July 1857 Rohilas attacked the residency but Sir Salar Jung put down he attack with a firm hand. Similarly trouble was stated in Sholapur but the maharaja of Sholapur was unable to control transferred to the Nizam by the English yielding retained of Rs. 21 lakh per annum but Derar was retained in trust by the British for the purpose specified in the treaty of 1853.

Nizam 6 : MIR MAHBOOB ALI KHAN (1866-1911)
Mir Mahaboob Ali Khan was born on 17th August 186. He was the only son of Nawab Afzal-ud-Daula .When his father died he was two years and seven months old. He was installed as the Munsab by Sir Salar Jung the Great, Nawab Rasheeduddin Khan, Shar-ul-Ummul and the Resident, there functioned as the Reyab. Shar-ul-Ummul passed away on 12th Decemer,1881 and Salar Jung become the sole regent. He was remembered administrator and regent till his death.

Nizam 7 : MIR OSMAN ALI KHAN (1886-1967)
Mir Osman Ali Khan was born in Hyderabad on 5th April, 1886 at Purani Haveli. Since he was the heir-apparent, great attention was paid to his education, and eminent scholars were engaged to teach him English, Urdu, Persian. On 14th April, 1906 he was married to Dulhan Pasha Begum, daughter of Nawab Jahangir Jung, at Eden Bagh at the age 21.

Construction of charminar

Charminar has the signature style of Islamic architecture. This great tribute to aesthetics looks sturdy and solid from a distance but as one moves closer, it emerges as an elegant and romantic edifice proclaiming its architectural eminence in all its detail and dignity. Charminar looks equally spectacular at night when it is illuminated. Apart from being the core of the city’s cultural milieu, it has become a brand name.

Charminar is a beautiful and impressive square monument. Each side measures 20 m, and each of the corners has a tall, pointed minaret. These four gracefully carved minarets soar to a height of 48.7 m above the ground, commanding the landscape for miles around. Each minaret has four stories, marked by a delicately carved ring around the minaret. Unlike the Taj Mahal, Charminar's four fluted minarets of Charminar are built into the main structure. Inside the minarets 149 winding steps guide the visitor to the top floor, the highest point one can reach, which provides a panoramic view of the city.

The actual masjid occupies the top floor of the four-storey structure. Madame Blavatsky reports that each of the floors was meant for a separate branch of learning - before the structure was transformed by the Imperial British administration into a warehouse for opium and liqueurs.
Each side of the structure opens into a plaza through giant arches that overlook four major thoroughfares, which once were royal roads. The arches dwarf other features of the building except the minarets. Each arch is 11 m wide and rises 20 m to the pinnacle from the plinth, which is a large table raised seven or eight feet from the ground with steps that go up to it. Today, the four arches each have a clock, which was installed in 1889. This monument is equally graceful on the inside having intricate designs. The painstaking details result in a graceful and quite elegant look.

A vault that appears from inside like a dome, supports two galleries within the Charminar, one over another, and above those a terrace that serves as a roof, bordered with a stone balcony. The main gallery has 45 covered prayer spaces with a large open space in front to accommodate more people for Friday prayers.

It is said that, during the Mughal Governorship between Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi rule, the south western minaret "fell to pieces" after being struck by lightning, but "was forthwith repaired" at a cost of Rs 60,000.[citation needed] In 1824, the monument was replastered at a cost of Rs 100,000.

The monument overlooks another beautiful and grand masjid called Makkah Masjid. The area surrounding Charminar is also known by same name. A thriving market still lies around the Charminar, attracting people and merchandise of every description. In its heyday, the Charminar market had some 14,000 shops; today the famous markets known as Laad Baazar and Pather Gatti, near the Charminar, are a favourite of both tourists and locals alike for jewellery, especially known for exquisite bangles and pearls respectively.

Hyderabad Tourist Spots

Hyderabad, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh is also a hot destination for travel and tourism. It offers a fascinating panorama of the past and enthralling modernity of the present. It is unique in being one of the most beautiful cities of India owing to the presence of awe inspiring prehistoric rocks and natural lakes, along with a variety of flora and fauna.

Located in the heart of Deccan Plateau, 1760 ft. above the sea level, Hyderabad has a very salubrious climate with hills, tanks, and forests. The city is studded with architectural monuments, museums, gardens and other hot spots. The landmark is the Charminar which is located in the heart of the city. Among other attractions are the Falaknuma Palace and Ramoji Film City.

The “Nawabi’ atmosphere of the city speaks of the 400 year old history of Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties who had given a new shape to the city by establishing awe inspiring monuments of architectural ambience.

Hyderabad has emerged as an educational destination of the country. One of the India’s oldest universities, the Osmania University is located here which was established in the year 1891. In contemporary days, the city has reached the utmost level of progress in the field of Computers and IT. The entertainment industry has also grown to a considerable level and it has become the heart of Telugu film industry. The largest Film city – Ramoji Film city is located here which attracts millions of visitors from India and abroad to engulf the natural beauty designed in an artificial mode.

Facts and Figures of hyderabad

State Capital of Andhra Pradesh
Area 260 Sq. Km
Population 5,533,640
Population Density 14,192/km²
Population Growth 9.5%
Language Urdu, Telugu, Hindi, English
Latitude 17.366° N
Longitude 78.476° E
Literacy Rate 70.7 %
Altitude 536 m from sea level
Temperature 40 °C – summer (max.); 12 °C – winter (min.)
Time Zone IST (UTC+5:30)
STD Code +91-40
Postal Code 500 xxx
Vehicle Code AP9, AP10, AP11, AP12, AP13, AP28, AP29
Average Rain fall 90 cms
Religion Hindu, Muslim, Christian
Land Use Urban 93% [including industrial]; Agriculture 1.7%;
Water Spread 5.3%

Cultural Spirit in hyd

Hyderabad – “The City of Nawabs” is a captivating combination of old and new. The city is a melting pot of various religions and cultures. Its well preserved cultural heritage creates nostalgia among old residents for its fine arts and architectural ambience. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru described the city as “Microcosm of Indian culture”. It is a city of joy; a charming city where secularism has been existing for centuries. The Muslim culture is fused with the South Indian tradition and it has manifested a symbol of secularism in India.


Hyderabad is a unique cosmopolitan city and home to people following Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism. Hyderabadis (people ofHyderabad ) have developed their own distinctive culture, which is a fusion of the centuries old Islamic Culture and the Hindu traditions of the Telugu people.

Urdu and Telugu are the most commonly spoken languages of Hyderabad. A large section of the Telugu speaking population lives here who have migrated from different parts of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad’s rich cultural heritage of Telugu and Urdu literature, music and dance is perpetuated in universities and different performing art centres located at various parts of the city. The Osmania University, located in the heart of the city, was the first Urdu medium university in India.

Festivity pours happiness to the lives of millions of Hyderabadis. The city celebrates a number of fairs and festivals which signify unity and prosperity among people. Apart from religious festivals it also organizes several modern dance and music festivals to raise the cultural creativity among people. Diwali, Eid and Christmas are celebrated by all the city dwellers with equal fervor and enthusiasm. Dance and music are popular events during these occasions and special food items are prepared to make the celebration more captivating.

Economy & Industry in hyd

Hyderabad is one of India’s most important economic centres and is also gaining much importance in the IT sector. The city is known for its booming IT and IT Enabled Services, Pharmaceuticals and Entertainment industries. Many call centers, Business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, dealing with IT and other technological services were set up in the late 20th century making it one of the major regions for call center setups in India.

The city is the foremost destination for Microsoft Development Centre in India. The growth of Hyderabad’s economy is largely due to the software services. Hyderabad's IT export revenue was Rs.81,450,000,000, an increase of 62% from fiscal 2004. The city is sometime referred to as “Cyberabad” owing to the presence of large numbers of IT Firms in the city.

The Government of Andhra Pradesh gives highest priority to the industrial sector on account of the vital role it plays in balanced and sustainable economic growth. It plays a crucial role in the process of economic development by value addition, employment generation, equitable distribution of national income, regional dispersal of industries, and mobilization of capital, entrepreneur skills and contribution to exports. The state’s industrial policy is very liberal for huge investment in sectors like IT, Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals. Traditional sectors such as textiles, leather, minerals, and food processing are also being developed for high value addition. Hyderabad being the capital of the state enjoys highest priority for investment.

Areas of Industrial Growth in Hyderabad

* Automobile and Auto Components Industry
* IT Industry
* Textiles and Apparels
* Spices
* Poultry Farming
* Bulk Drugs and Pharmaceuticals
* Tourism and Entertainment Industry
* Food & Agro processing except traditional industries
* Petroleum, Petro-chemicals
* Chemicals & Fertilizers
* Mineral based industries
* Biotechnology
* Energy Saving Devices, Appliances, etc.

Geographical Location

Hyderabad is located in central Andhra Pradesh and is spread over an area of 260 square km. The city lies in the Deccan Plateau and rises to an average height of 540 m above the sea level. The original city was founded on the banks of river Musi and has grown over centuries on the both banks of the river. The city lies at 17.366° N latitude and 78.476° E longitude.

Hyderabad is blessed with a unique landscape – spectacular rock formations which are about 2,500 million years old; amongst the oldest and hardest rocks in the world. Rocky and hilly regions around the city are under obliteration for urbanization. Granite ridges and hillocks weathered into picturesque balancing forms are a part of the Deccan Shield area. The city’s soil type is mainly red sandy with areas of black cotton soil.Hyderabad falls in the seismic zone-I and is seismically least exposed to earthquakes.

Charminar

">FACTS & FIGURES

Built in	:	1591 AD
Built by	:	Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah
Location	:	Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh)

JEWEL OF HYDERABAD

Hyderabad, the capital city of the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, is famous all over the world for its magnificent Charminar (four minarets). Often called "The Arc de triomphe of the East", Charminar was built by Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah, the erstwhile Qutub Shahi Sultan of Golconda, in 1591. It was the centre of attraction of the magnificent capital city of Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah. In spite of it being dwarfed by present day buildings, the Charminar has not lost its erstwhile majesty and continues to attract travellers. Presently, Charminar stands with pride, at the centre of the old city.

"> INDO-ISLAMIC STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE

Indo-Islamic style of architecture is neither a local variant of Islamic architecture that reached India in the middle ages, nor a modification of Hindu art, but it is an assimilation of both the styles, though not always in an equal degree. It is so because each region in India has its own form of Indo-Islamic architecture, which varies from place to place and there is no standardization. On the other hand Islamic art itself was a composite style, which had various Muslims influences like Turkish, Persian and Arabic.

Rulers from different parts of the Muslim world, who came and settled in India, brought with them the artistic traditions of their regions. The intermingling of such traditions with local Indian practices resulted in different forms of Indo-Islamic art. In Delhi, Islamic influences dominated while in the Deccan, local styles were more prominent in the buildings. In Bengal, the indigenous practice of using bricks for building was adopted and the monuments were richly decorated with chiselled and moulded decorations typical of Hindu temples.

Though both the Indian and Islamic styles have their own distinctive features, there are some common characteristics, which made fusion and adaptation easy. Both the styles favour ornamentation, and buildings belonging to both these styles are marked by the presence of an open court encompassed by chambers or colonnades.

The Charminar is an excellent example of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The four arched gates and the four towering minarets of this building reflect its Islamic lineage but the overall rendering of the building reflects a strong local influence. The decorations on the main structure and the minarets are ample evidence of local architectural traditions.

"> CHARMINAR

The Charminar is an imposing monument, which reflects the glory of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. It is a massive square structure, 56 m (183.72 ft) high and 30 m (98.42 ft) wide. This monument is built entirely of granite and lime mortar. It has 4 minarets one on each of its corners. These fluted minarets are attached to the main building and rise towards the sky to a height of 56 m (183.72 ft). Each minaret of the Charminar has a double balcony. A small bulbous cupola crowns each of these beautiful minarets, which is decorated with petal like formations. A short pointed spire crowns all the minarets.

The four grand arches of the Charminar face the four cardinal directions. Once upon a time each of these arches led to four royal roads. Each of the four arches is decorated on its sides with a row of small arched niches. The Charminar is a two-storied building with the first floor being covered. The elegant balconies on this floor provide excellent vantage point for viewing the surrounding areas. There is a small mosque on the top floor of the building, which can be reached by climbing a total of 149 steps. The mosque is situated on the western side facing the Muslim holy city of Mecca. There are as many as 45 prayer spaces on this floor, which does not have a roof on top of it. It is said that people thronged this mosque to offer Friday prayers, during the reign of the Qutub Shahi dynasty in Hyderabad. This mosque is the oldest surviving mosque in the city of Hyderabad. The panoramic view of the city from the top is simply breathtaking.

The Charminar is a unique blend of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture that flourished in India during the medieval period. The beauty of this enchanting monument is accentuated every evening when it is illuminated.

">HOW TO REACH

Hyderabad and Secunderabad are twin cities, and share the same airport - Begumpet airport that is well connected by air with important Indian cities. It is located at a distance of six kilometres from Secunderabad and is 15 km from Old City (Old City of Hyderabad), where Charminar is situated. Taxis are easily available from the airport for the twin cities.

Hyderabad is also well connected by train and road with important destinations in India. To travel to the Charminar, you can make use of local buses (that ply on fixed routes within the city), taxis or auto-rickshaws. Rented cars available in Hyderabad are ideally suited for exploring the city and places around it.

Makkah Masjid

Hyderabad and one of the biggest in India. Mecca Masjid is a listed heritage building located close to the historic landmarks of Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace and Laad Bazaar. Muhammed Quli Qutub Shah commissioned bricks to be made from earth brought from Mecca and inducted them into the construction of the central arch of the masjid, which explains its name.

The Masjid has Imam of Sunni Barelwi Movement from the beginning.Mecca Masjid was built during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah, the 6th Qutub Shahi Sultan of Hyderabad. The work began in 1617 and continued during the reigns of Abdullah Qutub Shah and Abul Hassan Tana Shah and was finally completed in 1694 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. It took 77 years to come up as the magnificent edifice we see today.

Like many other ancient buildings in the city, the masjid is an awe-inspiring granite giant. The main hall of the masjid is 75 feet high, 220 feet wide and 180 feet long, big enough to accommodate ten thousand worshippers at a time. Fifteen graceful arches support the roof of the main hall, five on each of the three sides. A sheer wall rises on the fourth side to provide mehrab. The three arched facades have been carved from a single piece of granite, which took five years to quarry. More than 8,000 workers were employed to build this grand masjid. Muhammed Qutub Shah himself laid the foundation stone of the masjid. “It is about 50 years since they began to build a splendid pagoda in the town which will be the grandest in all India when it is completed. The size of the stone is the subject of special accomplishment, and that of a niche, which is its place for prayer, is an entire rock of such enormous size that they spent five years in quarrying it, and 500 to 600 men were employed continually on its work. It required still more time to roll it up on to conveyance by which they brought it to the pagoda; and they took 1400 oxen to draw it”, said Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, the French explorer, in his travelogue.

As the tourist gets past the main gateway and enters a huge plaza, a large man-made pond of bluish waters greets him. On the edge of the pond are two stone and slab benches and whoever sits on them, according to legend, returns to sit on them again. A room in the courtyard is believed to house the hair of the Islamic prophet Muhammed. At the peak of the minarets flanking the masjid is an arched gallery and above that a smallish dome and a spire. Inscriptions from the Quran adorn many of the arches and doors. The main structure of the masjid is sandwiched between two massive octagonal columns hewn out of a single piece of granite. The cornices running around the entire mosque structure and the floral motifs and friezes over the arches remind the tourist of the great attention paid to detail in Qutub Shahi architecture. They have a close resemblance to the ones the tourist sees on the arches at Charminar and Golkonda fort.

Though an overview of the masjid yields a picture of a massive rectangular granite monolith, closer scrutiny discloses the sculptural excellence of this axis of Muslim faith and of the parts that constitute its sum. If the tourist can deflect his gaze from the sheerness of the façade, everything from the cornices, the alcoves, the balconies to the parapets and the sundry, reveals an unparalleled aesthetic brilliance. Look at the cornice running on the four sides of the masjid, you will find 25 windows which have awnings positioned between the consoles.

On the four sides of the roof of the main masjid are ramparts made up of granite planks in the shape of inverted conches perched on pedestals. From the cornice of the masjid, its minarets are not as high as the minarets on the mazaar (Nizams’ tombs) haven from their cornice. The octagonal columns have arched balconies on level with the roof of the masjid with an awning for a canopy above which the column continues upwards till it is crowned by a dome and spire.

As the tourist enters the great courtyard of the masjid, to his left he will find an exquisitely graceful, rectangular, arched and canopied building housing the marble graves of Asaf Jahi rulers. This structure came up during the rule of the Asaf Jah rulers. It contains the tombs of the Nizams and their family. At both ends of this resting place for the Asaf Jahs and very much a part of it, are two rectangular blocks with four minarets each. These minarets have elegant and circular balconies with low ornamental walls and arches. Above them is an octagonal inverted platter from which the rest of the minaret soars till it is arrested by a dome and a spire. This mazaar sanctuary is in reality a far greater specimen of architectural sophistication than the principal masjid and proclaims the artistic penchant of the Asaf Jahi

ST. MARY'S CHURCH IN SECUNDERABAD

St. Mary's Church is dedicated to the blessed Virgin Mary. It is specially built to honour her as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. This church is one among the many magnificent mansions of Mother Mary in India. It has a remarkably beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This statue of the blessed Mother has a solemn, yet a very tranquil appearance. It embodies a divine serenity and an aura of love around it.

Located in the heart of Secunderabad, this church draws hundreds of devotees towards our Blessed Mother. An imposing Gothic structure with exquisite architecture, St. Mary's Church has an arresting facade with its domineering tall tower crested by a crucifix. Enshrined in the central niche of the tower is the statue of OUR LADY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, serene with her eyes looking towards heaven, her hands joint in prayer, her appearance gentle and divine.

At one time, St Mary's Church was a cathedral. There is a strange foreshadowing of India's independence in the history of St. Mary's Church. Its foundation was laid by the saintly Irish Bishop Daniel Murphy on 15th of August 1847. This Church was the venue of Bishop Murphy's victory over the then Viceroy Lord Dalhousie. The Bishop got the Viceroy's order expelling him reversed.

This Church was also the principle venue of the stormy celebration at the time of the visit of the pilgrim statue of Our Lady of Fatima in 1950, when some miracles took place. Besides all these, St Mary's Church has always been and will always be transcendent, unique, spiritual center stage for the spiritual upliftment of the people. People flock here for the Sunday masses from different places. People of different faiths call her 'Mother" who is given to us from the cross by her Son, Jesus Christ.

Secunderabad History

Secunderabad has a rich history that is almost akin to that of Hyderabad. The origin of Secunderabad goes back to the time when Hyderabad was formed. The history of Secunderabad runs parallel to that of the Hyderabad. The cities have grown together and developed into major commercial centres of the present century. Secunderabad is separated from Hyderabad by a manmade lake called Hussain Sagar. The place served as a British military base during their rule in the nineteenth century. Hyderabad and Secunderabad both share a single airport that is located within its boundaries.

Secunderabad is popularly known as the twin city of Hyderabad. It is located to the north of Hyderabad. Secunderabad has many places to visit of tourists' interest. The town is provided with all the basic arrangements for tourists. The place comes at par with the capital city of Hyderabad as it is provided with the latest amenities and facilities to cater to its tourists. Visitors to this region usually visit famous towns situated in the district that include Begumpet, Bolarum, Marredpalli, Trimulgherry, and Sanathnagar. Secunderabad, like Hyderabad boasts of a number of upcoming business and suburban places in Andhra Pradesh state that are in high demand.

HYD HISTORY

Hyderabad the capital of Andhra Pradesh, founded in the year 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth sultan of Qutb Shahi dynasty, offers a fascinating panorama of the past, with richly mixed cultural and historical tradition spanning over 400 years. It is one of the fastest growing cities of India and has emerged as a strong industrial, commercial, technology center, gives a picture of glimpses of past splenders and the legacy of its old history.The history of Hyderabad begins with the establishment of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Quli Qutb Shah seized the reins of power from the Bahamani kingdom in 1512 and established the fortress city of Golconda. Inadequacy of water, and frequent epidemics of plague and cholera persuaded Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah to venture outward to establish new city with the Charminar at its centre and with four great roads fanning out four cardinal directions. Hyderabad's fame, strategic location and Golconda's legendary wealth attracted Aurangazeb who captured Golconda after a long seize in 1687.

After this defeat the importance of Hyderabad declined and the city fell into partial ruins. As the Moghul empire decayed and began to disintegrate, the viceroy, Asaf Jah I proclaimed himself the Nizam and established independence rule of the Deccan. Hyderabad once again became a major capital city, ruled by successive Nizams of the Asaf Jahi dynasty until the state was merged into Indian Union in 1948.

SECUNDERABAD: In 1798, a subsidiary alliance for military and political cooperation was signed between the Nizam and the British East India company.

There after an area north of what is now the Hussain Sagar was established as a cantonment. The area was named Secunderabad after the then Nizam, Sikander Jah.

From nawabs and pearls to the world's hi-tech happening point, the city's journey is fascinating. The sprawling metropolis is coming to terms with itself at the start of the new millenium. The Qutb Shahi dynasty founded the Kingdom of Golconda, one of the five kingdoms that emerged after the break up of the Bahamani Kingdom. The Qutb Shahis ruled the Deccan for almost 171 years.All the seven rulers were patrons of learning and were great builders. They contributed to the growth and development of Indo-Persian and Indo-Islamic literature and culture in Hyderabad. During the Qutb Shahi reign Golconda became one of the leading markets in the world of diamonds, pearls, steel for arms, and also printed fabric. The glory of the Golconda kingdom ended in 1687, after a valiant struggle. Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal ruler, captured Golconda after a siege that lasted eight months.

Abul Hasan Tana Shah, the last king of Golconda, was imprisoned at Daulatabad, where he died after twelve years in captivity. With the conquest of the Deccan and the South, Aurangzeb succeeded in expanding the Mughal Empire to cover the entire sub-continent. However, after his death in 1707, the Empire rapidly declined. At that time , the Deccan was administered by a Subedar or viceroy of the Mughal Emperor. Mir Quamaruddin, the Governor of the Deccan, who bore the title of Nizam-ul-Mulk Feroze Jung Asif Jah, declared his independence from Mughal rule in 1724.

He thus became the first Nizam and the founder of the Asif Jahi dynasty. Asif Jah I continued to maintain Aruangabad, which had been founded by the Mughal rulers as the capital of his new state. In 1769, Nizam Ali Khan Asif Jah II, shifted the capital to Hyderabad. The seven Nizam's of the Asif Jahi dynasty ruled the Deccan for nearly 224 years, right up to 1948. During the Asif Jahi period, Persian, Urdu, Telugu and Marathi developed simultaneously. The highest official positions were given to deserving persons irrespective of their religion.

Persian was the official language up to 1893 and then Urdu up to 1948. When the British and the French spread their hold over the country, the Nizam soon won their friendship without bequeathing his power. The title "Faithful. Ally of the British Government" was bestowed on Nizam VII. The British stationed a Resident at Hyderabad, but the state continued to be ruled by the Nizam.

The rule of the seven Nizam's saw the growth of Hyderabad both culturally and economically. Huge reservoirs, like the Nizam Sagar, Tungabadra, Osman Sagar, Himayath Sagar, and others were built. Survey work on Nagarjuna Sagar had also begun during this time. Hyderabad, under the Nizam's, was the largest princely state in India. Area wise it was as big as England and Scotland put together. The State had its own currency, mint, railways, and postal system. There was no income tax. Soon after India gained independence, Hyderabad State merged with the Union of India. On November 1, 1956 the map of India was redrawn into linguistic states, and Hyderabad became the capital of Andhra Pradesh.