List of Books on Hyderabad's History and its Peoples

 Cover of Vanaja Banagiri's Hyderabad Hazir Hai 

                                                                                         

New to Hyderabad? Or just want to learn more about this fabulous city of pearls, diamonds, rocks, and biryani? If yes, then please scroll below to see a specially curated list of several books on Hyderabad with a brief blurb. 

• "The Last Nizam: The Rise and Fall of India's Greatest Princely State" by John Zubrzycki - This book delves into the fascinating story of the Nizams of Hyderabad, their opulent lifestyle, and the eventual decline of their princely state in the face of political and social changes in India.
• "Hyderabad: A Biography" by Narendra Luther - This book presents a detailed account of the rich history of Hyderabad, including its architecture, culture, and its role in shaping the history of the Deccan region.
•  "City Improbable: An Anthology of Writings on Hyderabad" edited by Vinay Chandran - This anthology brings together essays, stories, and poems by various authors that provide diverse perspectives on the city of Hyderabad, capturing its multi-layered history, culture, and people.
• "Hyderabad: Memoirs of a City" by Narendra Luther - In this memoir, the author shares his personal experiences and insights on Hyderabad, providing a unique perspective on the city's history, culture, and transformation over time.
• "Hyderabad: The Pearl City" by Manju Kak - This book offers an in-depth exploration of Hyderabad's iconic landmarks, including the Charminar, Golconda Fort, and the Qutb Shahi Tombs, shedding light on their historical significance and architectural splendor.
• "The White Mughals: Love and Betrayal in Eighteenth-Century India" by William Dalrymple - While not solely focused on Hyderabad, this book explores the relationship between British and Indian cultures during the 18th century, including the lives of British officials and their interactions with the ruling elite in Hyderabad.
• "Hyderabad: Musi River and its Heritage" by Anuradha Reddy - This book delves into the history and cultural significance of the Musi River, which flows through Hyderabad, and its impact on the city's heritage, architecture, and people.
• "Hyderabad: A Graphic Novel" by Jai Undurti and Harsho Mohan Chattoraj - This unique graphic novel presents the history and culture of Hyderabad in an engaging visual format, combining illustrations with storytelling to create a visually rich and informative narrative.
• "Feasts and Fasts: A History of Food in India" by Colleen Taylor Sen - While not exclusively focused on Hyderabad, this book provides insights into the culinary traditions and food culture of India, including the unique cuisine of Hyderabad, known for its rich flavors and diverse influences.
• "Hyderabad Hazir Hai: Writings from the City" edited by Raza Rumi - This anthology features essays, stories, and poems by contemporary writers from Hyderabad, capturing the city's vibrant literary scene and providing glimpses into its cultural and social fabric.
• "The Deccan Before Shivaji: New Perspectives on Vijayanagara" edited by Anila Verghese - This book delves into the history of the Deccan region, including Hyderabad, before the rise of the Maratha king Shivaji, shedding light on the political, social, and cultural dynamics of the region during the Vijayanagara period.
• "Biryani: A Celebration of Food and Culture" by Pratibha Karan - While not solely focused on Hyderabad, this book explores the history, culture, and culinary significance of biryani, a beloved dish that has deep roots in Hyderabad and is an integral part of its gastronomic heritage.
• "The Charminar: History and Architecture" by Anuradha Reddy - This book provides a detailed account of the iconic Charminar, a historic monument in Hyderabad, including its architectural features, historical significance, and cultural importance as a symbol of the city.
• "The Unseen Hyderabad" by Syed Akbar Hyder - This book offers a unique perspective on Hyderabad, uncovering lesser-known aspects of the city's history, culture, and heritage through personal anecdotes, stories, and observations by the author, who grew up in Hyderabad.
• "Hyderabad: A Royal Legacy" by Omar Khalidi - This book delves into the royal heritage of Hyderabad, exploring its palaces, forts, and tombs, and shedding light on the opulent lifestyle, architecture, and artistic traditions of the ruling elite.
• "A Princess Remembers: The Memoirs of the Maharani of Jaipur" by Gayatri Devi - While not exclusively focused on Hyderabad, this memoir by the Maharani of Jaipur provides insights into the lives of Indian royalty during the 20th century, including her interactions with the Nizams of Hyderabad and the social and cultural milieu of the time.
• "Hyderabad: Through the Ages" by M.A. Nayeem - This comprehensive book traces the history of Hyderabad from its early origins to the modern-day city, covering its political, social, cultural, and economic developments over the centuries.
• "Hyderabad: The Good, the Bad, and the Biryani" by Sidharth Bhatia - This book offers a contemporary take on Hyderabad, providing a journalistic account of the city's diverse facets, from its history and politics to its people, culture, and cuisine, offering a nuanced perspective on the city's complexities.

These books are a good place to start and they offer a wide range of perspectives on Hyderabad, focusing on its rich history, culture, heritage, architecture, cuisine, and people, and thereby offering the readers a deeper understanding of this uniquely vibrant city.

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Cover picture is courtesy Amazon.in