Hyderabad - Its History & Heritage

1. Introduction The archaeological landscape of the Deccan region was indelibly marked by the contributions of Ghulam Yazdani, whose pioneering work in the early to mid-20th century remains a benchmark for heritage documentation and conservation. Serving as the first Director of Archaeology in the Hyderabad State under the Nizam’s dominion, Yazdani not only spearheaded detailed surveys and excavations but also established methodological standards that influenced generations of archaeologists. His investigative rigor and commitment to preserving historical monuments provided a comprehensive record of the ancient cultural and architectural practices prevalent in the region[^Y1]. In an era when systematic research in the Indian subcontinent was still in its formative stages, Yazdani played a pivotal role in integrating scientific methods with traditional conservation techniques. His work, ranging from the meticulous documentation of the Ajanta Caves to the evaluation of Qutb Shahi fortifi...

Life History of Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan (Salar Jung III) Early Life and Family Heritage Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, later renowned as  Salar Jung III , was born in June 1889 in Poona (modern Pune) into the illustrious Salar Jung family of Hyderabad.           The young Salar Jung III The Salar Jungs were among the Deccan’s great noble families, with five members serving as prime ministers to the Nizams of Hyderabad over generations. Yousuf Ali Khan’s father,  Nawab Mir Laiq Ali Khan (Salar Jung II) , tragically died when the infant was only a few weeks old.  Mir Laiq Ali Khan - Salar Jung II -Prime Minister of 6th Nizam Mahbub Ali Pasha and Father of Salar Jung III. His mother, Zainab Begum, brought the baby back to Hyderabad, where the young Nawab was raised under careful guardianship.  At the age of ten, the seventh Nizam formally bestowed upon Yousuf Ali Khan the  family title  of “Salar Jun...

Hyderabad State Before Accession to the Indian Union (pre-1948) Before its accession to the Indian Union in 1948, Hyderabad State under the Asaf Jahi Nizams was the largest and wealthiest princely state in British India. Governed independently under British suzerainty, Hyderabad was a cosmopolitan, multi-lingual, and economically progressive state , often considered ahead of many contemporary princely states in terms of infrastructure, education, and administration. Economic Development Currency & Railways : Hyderabad had its own currency , Hyderabadi Rupee , and an extensive railway network managed by the Nizam's Guaranteed State Railway (NGSR) —one of the few princely states to have such autonomy. Public Institutions : The Nizam established Osmania Bank (1919), which later merged with the State Bank of India, and was the first bank in India to issue credit notes . Industry : Flourishing textile mills, diamond trade (Golconda), and handicrafts suppo...

Shapur Wadi: A Lost Jewel of Hyderabad's Architectural Past Introduction Once standing gracefully on Saifabad Road, facing the serene waters of Hussain Sagar Lake, Shapur Wadi was among the most charming villas in Hyderabad during the late 19th century.  This post revisits its history and architectural elegance, offering a glimpse into a forgotten legacy. The Builder and the Location Shapur Wadi was built in 1878–79 by Mr. Shapurjee Eduljee Chenoi, a respected official who served as Secretary to Sir Khurshed Jah Bahadur.  The villa was located to the northwest of the Black Rocks, nestled under majestic granite outcrops and surrounded by a flourishing garden of flowers, shrubs, and palm trees.   Architecture and Layout Residential Quarters The villa was a stylish, single-story building, split into two main sections connected by a verandah. The main section served as the residential quarters. Its entrance featured a grand portic...

Bibi ka Maqbara Bibi ka Maqbara: A Memorial of Imperial Memory and Moderation In the city of Aurangabad, nestled amidst the rugged landscape of the Deccan, rises a marble-clad mausoleum that has often been called the "Taj of the Deccan." The Bibi ka Maqbara , built between 1651 and 1661 CE , stands as a solemn and graceful tribute to Dilras Banu Begum , the chief consort of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb . It is a rare example of monumental Mughal architecture from Aurangzeb's otherwise austere reign and is imbued with layers of imperial politics, filial devotion, and architectural symbolism. Why Was It Built? The primary purpose of Bibi ka Maqbara was to commemorate Dilras Banu Begum , a Safavid princess and the first wife of Aurangzeb, who died in 1657 after childbirth.         Who Commissioned it?  The tomb was commissioned by her son, Prince Azam Shah , who was deeply attached to her and wished to honor her memory with a monument that echoe...

Miyan Mishk Mahal (also known as Mushk Mahal or Mishk Mahal), is a 17th‑century Qutb Shahi heritage site in Attapur, Hyderabad in a deteriorating state of disrepair: 🏛️ Historical Background & Architecture Constructed in 1678 by Miyan Malik Mishk , an Abyssinian commander (Keeper of the Royal Key and head of the Carnatic forces) under the last Qutb Shahi ruler, Abul Hasan Tana Shah ( deccanchronicle.com ). Originally a three‑storied garden pavilion set across ~10 acres, with water‑works and scenic views of the Musi river, Golconda fort, and Charminar ( newindianexpress.com ). Built using granite, limestone, and stucco—typical of Qutb Shahi style—with oriel windows, arches, a zenana (women’s quarters), and a central fountain ( deccanchronicle.com ). Located near Purana Pul in Attapur on the Musi's northern bank, opposite the historical Masjid-e-Miyan Mishk (which was built 1674–1681) ( ...

Mysorean Rockets: Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan's Forgotten Military Innovation Mysorean Rockets:  In the late 18th century, the kingdom of Mysore under Tipu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali became the birthplace of one of the most significant advancements in early rocketry: the Mysorean rockets .  pic credit Though rockets were not invented by Tipu Sultan , his army was the first in the world to successfully design, mass-produce, and deploy metal-cylinder rockets in warfare . pic credit Unlike earlier rockets used in China and medieval India that relied on paper or bamboo casings, Mysorean rockets featured iron tubes to hold the gunpowder propellant.  This innovation allowed them to withstand higher pressure and travel longer distances—reportedly up to 2 kilometers —making them more effective as weapons of war. Tipu Sultan recognized the strategic potential of this technology. He established a dedicated rocket corps comprising around 5,000 me...