Hyderabad - Its History & Heritage

History of the Malakpet Race Course The Malakpet Race Course is one of the oldest surviving racecourses in India and is deeply connected with the history of the Nizams of Hyderabad. Origins: Racing Begins at Moula Ali (1868) Horse racing in Hyderabad began in 1868 during the reign of Mir Mahbub Ali Khan. The first race meetings were held at Moula Ali and were known as the "Deccan Races." Horse racing was a major aristocratic pastime in Hyderabad, reflecting the Nizam's strong interest in horses and cavalry traditions. ( Wikipedia ) Shift to Malakpet (1886) In 1886 , the racecourse was shifted from Moula Ali to Malakpet. The move was made because the Sixth Nizam wanted the racecourse closer to his residence, Mahbub Mansion , which overlooked the track. This effectively made the racecourse part of the royal estate and daily life of the Nizam. ( hydraces.com ) A unique fact often mentioned in racing circles is that the Malakpet racecourse was effectively the Nizam's pr...

From the evidence available, Goshamahal Baradari was originally a Qutb Shahi royal palace complex , not a public building. It was built in the late 17th century as part of the royal residences of Hyderabad. ( Scribd ) Who built it? There are two traditions: Most commonly cited: It was built by Abul Hasan Tana Shah , the last ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, around 1682–1684. ( Wikipedia ) A more detailed account: Construction was begun during the reign of Abdullah Qutb Shah and completed by Abul Hasan Tana Shah . ( Facebook ) What was it used for? The name itself gives the clue: "Gosha" refers to women living in seclusion or purdah. "Mahal" means palace. "Baradari" is a pavilion or palace hall with multiple openings. ( The New Indian Express ) It was constructed as a summer palace and retreat for the royal women of the Qutb Shahi court , including the harem and female members of the royal household. The idea was to provide a cooler and more pleasant ...

Nawab Zain Yar Jung (1889–1961) was one of the most influential architects in the history of Hyderabad State and served as the Chief Architect of Hyderabad during the reign of the seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan. He was not merely an architect but also an administrator, minister, diplomat, and later a recipient of the Padma Bhushan . ( Wikipedia ) Early Life Born as Syed Zainuddin Hussain Khan in 1889. Later granted the title "Zain Yar Jung" by the Nizam in recognition of his services. Trained as an engineer and architect in Hyderabad State's Public Works Department (PWD). ( Wikipedia ) His Architectural Legacy He helped shape much of "modern Nizam-era Hyderabad" between roughly 1910 and 1948. 1. Osmania University His most famous contribution was the planning and execution of the iconic Osmania University Arts College building. In 1930, the Nizam sent Zain Yar Jung and engineer Syed Ali Raza on a world tour to study leading universities and architectural...

During the British Raj, Secunderabad Cantonment developed into one of the largest British military garrisons in India. It was strategically split into different areas like Trimulgherry (Thirumalagiri), Bolarum, and Bowenpally. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] Because it was a massive garrison housing infantry, cavalry, artillery, and auxiliary units, several distinct "Lines" were established. Due to recent efforts by the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) to strip away colonial-era nomenclature, many of these historical names are actively transitioning to honor Indian war heroes. [4, 6, 7, 8] Ten prominent "Lines" that historically existed within the Secunderabad Cantonment include: 1. British Infantry Lines (Trimulgherry) The massive residential barracks designated exclusively for European foot soldiers. Located in the core military zone of Trimulgherry, these lines housed notable regiments over the decades, including the Black Watch and the Royal Scots. [9] 2. British Cavalry...

Polo in Hyderabad has a surprisingly deep history, and for a period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hyderabad was one of the important polo centres of princely India. How polo came to Hyderabad Polo itself originated in ancient Central Asia and Persia, though the modern game played today was standardized in British India after British officers encountered polo in Manipur during the 19th century. ( Wikipedia ) In Hyderabad, polo arrived through two channels: The Hyderabad State cavalry and aristocracy , who already had a strong horse-riding tradition. British military officers stationed in Secunderabad Cantonment , where equestrian sports were popular. ( Wikipedia ) Because Hyderabad was one of the richest princely states in India and maintained its own army, cavalry, horse-breeding facilities, and noble estates, polo found fertile ground. The primary patrons The Nizams The biggest patrons were the Asaf Jahi rulers themselves. Particularly: Mahbub Ali Khan (6th Nizam) Mir Osm...

Nawab Muhammad Zahir ud-Din Khan Bahadur, better known as Zaheer (Zahir) Yar Jung , was one of the leading nobles of the erstwhile Hyderabad State and the last Amir (head) of the Asman Jahi branch of the Paigah family , the most powerful aristocratic house after the Nizam's own family. ( Wikitia ) Who was he? Born around 1910 into the prestigious Paigah family of Hyderabad. ( Wikitia ) Son of Moin-ud-Daula Bahadur Asman Jahi and grandson of the famous Paigah noble and former Prime Minister of Hyderabad, Sir Asman Jah . ( Wikitia ) Educated at Nizam College and later Osmania University , where he completed a B.A. in 1934. ( Wikitia ) Served on the Executive Council of H.E.H. the Nizam , participating in the administration of Hyderabad State before 1948. ( Wikitia ) Why is he significant? 1. Last Amir of the Asman Jahi Paigah The Paigahs were Hyderabad's premier noble family. Their members intermarried with the Nizams and held some of the largest estates, palaces and military ...

The Nizams were among the most important royal patrons of sport in princely India. While they are often remembered for architecture, education, railways, and public works, they also helped create a sporting culture that produced national-level athletes in cricket, football, hockey, polo, horse racing, and tennis. ( Wikipedia ) Sports under the Nizams During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Nizams and the Hyderabad nobility (especially the Paigahs, Salar Jungs, and Moin-ud-Dowlah family) funded clubs, grounds, tournaments, and sporting institutions. Sport was seen as both a gentlemanly pursuit and a mark of a modern state. ( Wikipedia ) Some examples: Horse racing was a particular passion of the 6th Nizam, Mahbub Ali Khan, who helped establish the foundations of organized racing in Hyderabad. ( Wikipedia ) Polo was widely played by the aristocracy and cavalry officers. Cricket received extensive patronage from nobles such as Nawab Moin-ud-Dowla and Maharaja Kishen Pershad. ( ...