- There is also Hyderabad, Pakistan, a city in Sindh province in Pakistan.
Hyderabad, the 5th largest metropolis of India [1] (http://www.world-gazetteer.com/t/t_in.htm), is the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is known for its rich history and culture with monuments, mosques, temples, a rich and varied heritage in arts, crafts and dance. Hyderabad and Secunderabad are twin cities, separated by Hussain Sagar (also known as Tank Bund), an artificial lake constructed during the time of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali in 1562.
History
The city is more than 400 years old and is noted for its natural beauty, temples, mosques and minarets, bazars (markets) and bridges, hills and lakes. It lies on the Deccan (Dakkan) plateau, 541 meters (1776 feet) above sea level, and sprawls over an area of 260 km² (100 mile²).
A multitude of influences have shaped the character of the city. Its palaces and buildings, houses and tenements, gardens and streets have a history and an architectural individuality of their own, which makes Hyderabad a city of enchantment.
Hyderabad was founded on the Musi River five miles east of the fortess city of Golconda, in 1591-92 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. The Qutb Shahi dynasty founded and ruled the Kingdom of Golconda, one of the five kingdoms that emerged after the break up of the Bahmani Sultanate. All seven Qutb Shahi sultans were patrons of learning and were great builders. They contributed to the growth and development of Indo-Persian and Indo-Islamic literature and culture in Hyderabad. During the Qutb Shahi reign Golconda became one of the leading markets in the world for diamonds, pearls, steel, arms, and also printed fabric. In the 16th century, the city grew spontaneously to accommodate the surplus population of Golconda, which was the capital of the Qutb Shahi rulers.
In 1687, the Golconda sultanate was conquered by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, and Hyderabad became part of the Mughal Empire. As the empire weakened in the 18th century, provincial officials gained greater autonomy. In 1724, Asif Jah, who had already been granted the title Nizam al Mulk by the Mughal emperor, defeated a rival official to take control of Hyderabad province, and established his independence from the Mughals. His successors ruled as Nizams of Hyderabad. The rule of the seven Nizams saw the growth of Hyderabad both culturally and economically. Huge reservoirs, like the Nizam Sagar, Tungabadra, Osman Sagar, Himayat Sagar, and others were built. Survey work on Nagarjuna Sagar had also begun during this time.
When the British and the French spread their hold over the country, the Nizam won their friendship without bequeathing his power. The title "Faithful Ally of the British Government" was bestowed on Nizam VII. The British stationed a Resident at Hyderabad, but the state continued to be ruled by the Nizam. Hyderabad, under the Nizams, was the largest princely state in India, with an area larger than England and Scotland put together. The State had its own currency, mint, railways, and postal system. There was no income tax.
Soon after India gained independence, it forcefully annexed Hyderabad, which became an Indian state. On November 1, 1956, the map of India was redrawn into linguistic states, and Hyderabad state was divided between Andhra Pradesh, Bombay state (present-day Maharashtra), and Mysore state (present-day Karnataka). Hyderabad and the surrounding area were added to Andhra Pradesh based on Telugu linguistic majority, and Hyderabad became the capital of the state.
Modern Hyderabad
The city population is estimated at over 3.69 million (2001) while the population of the greater metropolitan area is estimated at over 6.35 million. Hyderabad has a large Muslim population. Languages spoken include Urdu, Telugu, and Hindi , with a significant amount of English used in business. People from many other parts of India have adopted Hyderabad as their hometown.
In the late 1990s and the early years of the 21st century, the increasing numbers of IT and ITES companies located here - both home-grown ones as well as offshoots of American companies - have led civic boosters to call their city "Cyberabad".
Hyderabad has made heavy investments in digital infrastructure, and is well known throughout India for its technology sector. An emphasis on education, including female education, is causing productivity and business to thrive, challenging the traditional caste system.
India's fourth largest software company Satyam is headquartered here. Infosys, Microsoft, Oracle, Wipro, Kanbay, GE, Dell, Deloitte, HSBC, Juno, Intergraph, Keane, Baan Tata Consultancy Services and Google are some of the prominent companies that have established centers in the city.
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, an emerging global pharmaceutical company listed on the NYSE, is headquartered here. Ramoji film city, Asia'a largest film production center - India's own 'Universal Studios' - is also located here.
Hyderabad is an important seat of learning in southern India. - it has 8 Universities and professional colleges. It is the home of the famous Osmania University as well as the Central Institute of English & Foreign Languages (CIEFL). In addition, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad, the Indian School of Business (ISB), National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) Engineering Staff College of India (ESCI), Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) are also housed here.
Hyderabad is the city of pearls and pearl ornaments, silverware,
saris; 'Nirmal' and 'Kalamkari' paintings and artefacts; unique 'Bidri'
handicraft items; lacquer bangles studded with stones; and silk and cotton,
handloom clothing materials.
Hyderabad is well linked to other cities in India and to international
destinations including the Middle East and South East Asia, especially Singapore and Malaysia.
Hyderabadi cuisine is very distinct from the rest of Indian cuisine. Some famous dishes include Biryani, Khubani ka Meetha and Double Ka Meetha.
Attractions
- Charminar- a famous landmark with four minarets.
- Makkah Masjid - a stone mosque built next to Charminar.
- Golconda Fort - located just outside the city.
- Husain Sagar - man built lake that seperates the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
- Public Gardens of Hyderabad
- Birla Planetarium
- Birla Mandir - a marble temple built atop a hill
Links to Hyderabad related Pages
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