Hyderabad

Hyderabad is one of India’s most historically layered cities, shaped by medieval Deccan politics, Indo-Islamic culture, princely-state administration, and modern urban growth. Founded in the late 16th century, the city evolved from a planned capital into a global metropolitan centre while retaining a strong historical identity.

Foundation and the Qutb Shahi era

Hyderabad was founded in 1591 CE by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Before Hyderabad, the dynasty ruled from Golconda Fort, which had become overcrowded and faced water shortages. To overcome these issues, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah established a new city on the banks of the Musi River, naming it Hyderabad—often linked to “Hyder,” a title of Imam Ali.

At the heart of the new city stood the Charminar, built as both a ceremonial gateway and a symbol of the city’s foundation. The Qutb Shahis developed Hyderabad as a planned city, with wide streets, markets, gardens, mosques, and caravan routes. Persian, Telugu, and Dakhani Urdu cultural influences blended here, giving Hyderabad a distinct Deccan identity. The rulers were also patrons of literature, architecture, and irrigation works.

Mughal conquest and transition

In 1687, the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb conquered Golconda, bringing Hyderabad under Mughal control. Although Mughal authority weakened in the Deccan over time, the city continued to function as an important administrative and military centre. This period marked a transition rather than decline, as Hyderabad retained its urban and cultural importance.

The Nizam era and princely Hyderabad

A new chapter began in 1724, when Asaf Jah I established the Asaf Jahi dynasty, becoming the first Nizam of Hyderabad. Under the Nizams, Hyderabad emerged as the capital of one of the largest and wealthiest princely states in India. The city expanded with palaces, administrative buildings, railways, and modern institutions.

Landmarks such as Chowmahalla Palace symbolized royal authority, while Osmania University, hospitals, and civic infrastructure reflected early modernization. Urdu became the court language, but Telugu, Marathi, and Kannada were widely spoken, making Hyderabad a multilingual and multicultural city.

Integration into India and modern growth

After Indian independence in 1947, Hyderabad remained a princely state until 1948, when it was integrated into the Indian Union through police action. In 1956, Hyderabad became the capital of Andhra Pradesh, and later, in 2014, it was declared the capital of the newly formed state of Telangana.

Hyderabad today

Modern Hyderabad is known as a technology, pharmaceutical, and education hub, while still preserving its historic core around Charminar and Golconda. The city’s history is visible in layers—from Qutb Shahi monuments and Nizam-era palaces to modern IT corridors—making Hyderabad a rare blend of heritage and innovation, deeply rooted in the Deccan past yet firmly global in outlook.