Hyderabad Diaries

----- Erranuma or TB and Chest Hospital Donated by Nizam -  April 24, 2025 Photo Reference: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/TB_and_Chest_Hospital#/media/File%3AChest_hospital.PNG The Iranuma Palace – Its History and Transformation into TB Hospital Construction and Original Ownership Builder : The Iranuma Palace was constructed in 1888 by Nawab Fakhr ul Mulk, a nobleman during the reign of the sixth Nizam, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan. Source: Wikipedia Purpose : It served as a hunting lodge and was notable for its architectural features, including 125-meter-long corridors, Saracenic column capitals, and horseshoe arches. Source: The Hindu Donation and Conversion Donor : The palace was donated by the seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan. Source: Times of India Year of Donation : 1939 Purpose of Donation : To convert the palace into a hospital, addressing public health needs Inauguration as Hospital : The facility was inaugurated as the Tuberculosis Hospital by Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal N...

Sughra Humayun Mirza (1882–1958), also known as Begum Sughra, was a pioneering Urdu novelist, social reformer, and traveler from Hyderabad, India.  Picture Credit uniquelytelangana Introduction  Sughra Humayun Mirza is recognized as one of Hyderabad's first female novelists, having authored 14 major novels.  ( Sughra Humayun Mirza - Wikipedia ) Pic credit -  Siasat Picture Early Life and Education Born in December 1882 in Hyderabad during the reign of Nizam Asaf Jahi VI, Sughra hailed from an educated Shia Muslim family. Her father, Dr. Safdar Ali Mirza, was a Captain-Surgeon in the Nizam’s Army, and her mother, Maria Begum, was a renowned scholar of Arabic and Persian. Sughra received home tutoring in Persian and Urdu, fostering her literary interests from a young age. ( Begum Sughra Humayun Mirza: Renowned Urdu Novelist And A Social ... , Hyderabad’s Sughra Humayun Mirza has set an example via dedicated work ) Literary Contributions S...

Afzalgunj Hospital, established in 1866, is a cornerstone in the medical history of Hyderabad, India.  It was founded by Sir Salar Jung I, the then Prime Minister of Hyderabad, during the reign of the 6th Nizam, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan.  Named after the 5th Nizam, Afzal-ud-Daulah, the hospital was situated on the northern bank of the Musi River and served as a public hospital aimed at providing medical care to the sick and poor, as well as offering clinical training to students of the Hyderabad Medical School (now Osmania Medical College) citeturn0search4. Dr. Fleming was instrumental in planning and constructing the hospital, followed by Dr. Pamberton, who initiated staff training. Dr. Wyndowe succeeded him and served as Resident Surgeon and Superintendent for 15 years, implementing several improvements.  Dr. Edward Lawrie, who became Residency Surgeon in 1884/85, played a pivotal role in advancing medical practices at the hospital. He conducted significant ...

The Victoria Zenana Hospital, also known as Victoria Maternity Hospital, holds a significant place in Hyderabad's medical and architectural history. Historical Background Established in 1907 during the reign of Nizam VI, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, the Victoria Zenana Hospital was the first hospital in Hyderabad exclusively dedicated to women's healthcare.  The foundation stone was laid in 1905 by the Princess of Wales. Prior to its establishment, women received medical care in separate wards at Afzalgunj Hospital.  The creation of this hospital marked a pivotal advancement in women's healthcare in the region The hospital was constructed in the Asaf Jahi architectural style, also known as Osmanian style, which blends Indo-Saracenic elements.  Notably, Dr. Rupa Bai Furdoonji, recognized as the world's first qualified female anesthetist, practiced here in the early 1900s Transition and Decline In 1957, the hospital was reorganized into the Government Maternity H...

History of Osmania General Hospital in Hyderabad, India: Founded in 1866 : Initially established as Afzal Gunj Hospital during the rule of the 6th Nizam , Nawab Mir Mahboob Ali Pasha. Renamed in 1910s : The hospital was later renamed Osmania General Hospital after Mir Osman Ali Khan , the 7th Nizam, who envisioned a modern medical facility for the public. Inaugurated in 1925 : The current building, known for its Indo-Saracenic architectural style, was completed and inaugurated in 1925 under the Nizam's reign. 1925 - interior view.  Pic Credit - MIT Dome Designed by Vincent Esch : The iconic structure was designed by British architect Vincent Esch , also known for designing the Victoria Memorial in Kolkata. Revisiting the conception and execution of Osmania Hospital: Excerpted from Deccan Chronicle Article https://www.deccanchronicle.com/amp/nation/current-affairs/310723/osmania-general-hospital-the-journey-of-a-masterpiece-on-the-riverfro.html ...

  1955 picture of the Bank. P icture Credit:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Bank_of_Hyderabad#/media/File:SBH_1955_Gunfoundry.jpg "In 1941, the 7th Nizam started his bank, the Hyderabad State Bank.  It was established on 8 August 1941 under the Hyderabad State Bank Act. The bank managed the Osmania Sicca ( Hyderabadi rupee ), the currency of the state of Hyderabad.  It was the only state in India that had  its currency , and the only state in British India where the ruler was allowed to issue currency.  It was later renamed  State Bank of Hyderabad  and merged with the  State Bank of India  as the state's central bank in 2017. " The bank managed the  Osmania Sicca , the currency of Hyderabad state, which covered the present-day  Telangana , some districts later known as  Hyderabad-Karnataka  of  Karnataka  and  Marathwada  of  Maharashtra .  The bank also carried out commercial...

The 7th Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan , known for his secular and philanthropic nature, donated ₹82,825 to the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Yadagirigutta .  Pic Source This historical donation underscores the Nizam’s patronage toward Hindu temples during his rule, despite being a Muslim monarch.  His contributions extended to many religious institutions across communities, reflecting his inclusive approach to governance. Mir Osman Ali Khan - 7th Nizam. Pic Source In modern times, the Nizam's descendants have continued this legacy.  In February 2023 , Princess Esra , representing the Nizam’s family, donated a 67-gram gold necklace and ₹6 lakh during the Brahmotsavam festival at the same temple, now known as the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam , located in Yadadri, Telangana . The Telangana state government has also played a significant role in the temple’s revival, investing more than ₹1,800 crore to renovate and elevate it as a key spiritual ...

  Source: https://archive.siasat.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Farmaan-Mir-Osman-Ali_Khan1.jpg 1930s – Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore Amount: ₹1,00,000 Cause: Advancement of scientific research Source: Siasat Archive  https://archive.siasat.com/news/farmaan-nizam-vii-proved-he-donated-generously-hindu-educational-institutions-1410949/ 

The Rashtrapati Nilayam  The Rashtrapati Nilayam , formerly known as the  Bolarum Palace    originally built in 1860 by the 5th Nizam of Hyderabad. It was built specifically for use as a state guesthouse for visiting British officials and dignitaries. Builder/Commissioner : The Nizam of Hyderabad , during the reign of Nizam V – Afzal-ud-Daulah (1857–1869) . Purpose : A state guesthouse and occasional residence, especially for the British Resident and high-ranking visitors. Architecture : Though commissioned by the Nizam, the building was constructed in European colonial style , which gives it a distinctly British look. Post-1948: After our Independence After the merger of Hyderabad into the Indian Union , it was handed over to the Government of India and officially designated as the Southern Presidential Retreat . For a nominal fee, It is now open to the people when the President of India is not in residence.  Sources:  Pictures - https:...

The document is  firman,  a royal decree, issued by the Delhi Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II,  also known as Abul Muzaffar Jalaluddin Muhammad. This Firman is  around 250-years-old and says no levies to be imposed  on Pilgrims going for the Holy Dip in the Ganga. | Photo Credit: Syed Mohammed.  Textual Credit -   https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/over-250-years-old-mughal-document-throws-light-on-tax-waiver-for-pilgrims-at-allahabad/article69439862.ece https://search.app/xxGzM Sourced from above Hindu Article: The firman can be found at the Telangana State Archives and Research Institute (TSARI) in Telangana. The Firman was issued in 1773 and written in shikasta script, also known as "broken script." The firman was issued in the 14th regnal year of Mughal emperor Shah Alam II. It gives directions to the officials of the Allahabad subah aka province) -  not to charge any taxies/ levies or fees on the pilgrims. The govern...

H.E.H. the Nizam's Charitable Trust is one of the oldest and most prominent charitable organizations in India, established by His Exalted Highness (H.E.H.) the Nizam of Hyderabad , primarily Mir Osman Ali Khan , the last ruling Nizam of the princely state of Hyderabad. The trust continues to operate to this day, upholding the philanthropic legacy of the Nizam family. Examples of the contributions made by H.E.H. the Nizam's Charitable Trust. 🎓 1. Educational Scholarships The Trust has been a significant benefactor in the field of education Annual Scholarships :It grants scholarships to approximately 2,000 students each year, supporting those from 5th to 10th class, intermediate, and degree levels, primarily in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Notable Beneficiaries : Renowned poet and freedom fighter Sarojini Naidu received a scholarship from the Trust, enabling her to study at King's College London and Girton College, Cambridge 🏥 2. Healthcare Assistance The Tru...

📚 Contributions to Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute Picture Credit - Hindustantimes.com Financial Support for Mahabharata Publication (1932): Recognizing the importance of preserving ancient Indian texts, Mir Osman Ali Khan provided an annual grant of ₹1,000 for 11 years to support BORI's critical edition of the Mahabharata.  Construction of Nizam Guest House: In response to the need for accommodating visiting scholars, he donated ₹50,000 for building a guest house on BORI's campus. This structure, known as the "Nizam Guest House," has hosted numerous scholars and served various academic purposes over the years. (Indian Express) 🏛️ Architectural and Academic Significance The Nizam Guest House showcases a blend of Indian and classical British architectural styles, featuring high ceilings, spacious rooms, and intricate detailing.  Beyond housing scholars, the guest house played a pivotal role in academia; it temporarily served as the administrative ...

Section 1 - The 6th Nizam's Scholarship to Sarojini Naidu Picture Credit -  https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/nizams-kin-pulls-out-firmans-showing-last-rulers-generosity/articleshow/67416257.cms Sarojini Naidu , known as the "Nightingale of India," was a celebrated poet and a prominent figure in India’s freedom struggle.  Born in Hyderabad in 1879, she showed prodigious talent in poetry and academics from an early age.  Recognizing her exceptional brilliance,  Mir Mahbub Ali Pasha , the sixth  Nizam of Hyderabad , awarded her a scholarship that enabled her to pursue higher education in England.  A brief Background of Hyderabad's 6th Nizam The 6th Nizam made considerable intiatives in the field of Education (see Section 2 below for more details). Awarding Scholarships to meritorious students was one of the intiatives undertaken by the 6th and then the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad.   The award of an academic scholarship to a woman student...