MY HOME TOWN
HYDERABAD
The city of Hyderabad is a historic city noted for its many monuments, temples, churches, mosques, and bazaars. A multitude of influences has shaped the character of the city in the last 400 years.
The city is changing its role and outlook as part of the booming service industry revolution, and is trying to preserve and popularize its history.
History:
Various Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms ruled the area during the subsequent centuries. The area was ruled by the Kalyani branch of the Chalukya kings. When the Chalukya kingdom became weaker, Kakatiyas, who were feudal chieftains of Chalukya, declared independence and setup their kingdom around Warangal. The fall of Warangal to Muhammad bin Tughluq forces from the Delhi Sultanate in 1321 AD brought anarchy to the region. For the next few decades, the Bahmani Sultanate of the Deccan fought the Musunuri Nayakas on the north and the Vijayanagara Rayas on the south for control of the region. By the middle of the 15th century, the region was under the firm control of the Bahmani Sultanate which controlled the Deccan north of the Krishna River from coast to coast. Hyderabad is known as the city of love. It was for the love of Bhagmathi that the fifth king of Golkonda Mohd. Quli Qutub Shah founded the city of Bhagyanagar in 1589. When the lady joined the Royal house she got the title “Hyder Mahal”, then he renamed the city as Hyderabad.
Hyderabad city, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, is a city of oriental glory, reminiscent of the great days of the Indo-Muslim culture. The beautiful city is situated 536 meters above the sea level on the Southern bank of the river Musi. It is well known for its hospitality and a visitor to the city finds a pleasant welcome.
The Qutb Shahis
The Golconda Sultanate
In 1463, Sultan Mohammad Shah Bahmani dispatched Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk to the Telangana region to quell disturbances. Sultan Quli quelled the disturbance and was rewarded as the administrator of the region. He established a base at Kakatiya hill fortress of Golconda which he strengthened and expanded considerably. By the end of the century, Quli ruled from Golconda as the Subedar of Telangana. Quli enjoyed virtual independence from Bidar, where the Bahmani sultanate was then based. In 1518, he declared independence from the Bahmani Sultanate and established the Golconda Sultanate under the title. This was the start of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty. The Bahmani Sultanate disintegrated into five different kingdoms, with the others based in Ahmednagar Berar, Bidar and Bijapur.
Places to see
Golconda Fort
The name originates from the telugu word “Golla Konda” “Shephard’s Hill”, Earlier it was a mud fort and existing structure was expanded by Qutub Shai kings into a massive fort of granite with walls having eight gates and 87 bastions extending upto 7 kms, in circumference over a span of 62 years.
The fort which passed to Bahami dynasty and later to Qutub Shahi who held it from 1518 A.D. and finally fell to Aurangzeb in 1687. It is famous for its acoustic system, palaces and ingenious water supply system.
It was once famous for Diamond market. The world famous diamond “kohinoor” is said to have come from here.
Qutub Shahi Tombs
Just half a km. away from Golconda Fort lie the Royal Tombs of Qutub Shahi Kings where seven of the sultans lie buried in the midst of the Ibrahim Bagh.
Charminar
This is a symbolic monument with its four imposing minarets each 54 meters high, well decorated with lotus buds and petals. It also houses a mosque.
It was built by Mohd. Quli Qutub Shah in 1591 to commemorate the cessation of plague in the city.
Hyderabad is also known as “City of Pearls”. Also famous for stone studded colored bangles and other bridal finery is the Lad Bazar which provides a feast for the eyes.
Mecca Masjid
A stone’s throw away from Charminar one can see Mecca Masjid. Its foundation was laid by Sultan Mohd. Qutub Shah in 1614 and was completed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1694. The mosque is said to have bricks from Mecca were placed on the top of central arch. hence it is called Mecca masjid. It is the biggest mosque in South India accommodating 10,000 persons for prayer at a time. In the chamber adjoining Mecca masjid are the tombs of the Asaf Jahi rulers.
Salarjung Museum
The Salarjung Museum houses one of the biggest one man collection of priceless antiques in the world, displayed in 35 rooms. Among them Jade room contains priceless objects belonged to former Indian rulers like Aurangzeb, Tipu Sultan, Shahjahan and the Asaf Jahis of Hyderabad.
Public Garden
One of the best laid out gardens in the country, it houses the State Legislature, State Archaeological Museum, Jublee Hall, Jawahar Bal Bhavan and Telugu Lalitha Kala Thoranaman open air theater.
Hussain Sagar
Hussain Sagar Lake which links twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad was constructed during the reign of Ibrahim Qutub Shah, by Hussainshah Wali, in 1562. There are 33 statues of historical personage of Andhra Desha placed along the bund of the lake. Another major attraction of Hussain Sagar Lake is the installation of an 18 meter high 350 ton monolithic statue of Lord Buddha on the rock of Gibraltor in the middle of the Lake. Boat rides and musical fountain in the Lumbini Park located in Buddha Purnima are popular attractions. Buddha Purnima are popular attractions.
