Rich History of Hyderabad

400 Years Rich History of Hyderabad

City of Pearls / City of Nawabs / City of Nizams / IT Hub / City of Unity & Diversity, How or what ever you call it, I say it’s my home.

Historically, Hyderabad has been the city where distinct cultural and linguistic traditions of North India and South India meet. Hyderabadis, as residents of the city have developed a distinctive culture which is a mixture of Hindu and Muslim traditions. A typical Hyderabadi could be either a Telugu or an Urdu-speaking person that has decided to make Hyderabad his/her home.

One of Hyderabad's public carnivals is the annual immersion of Lord Ganesh idols after the 10 day Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations on Ananta Chaturdashi (locally known as the Ganesh Nimajjanam). Bonalu is a vernacular festival that is celebrated with great fervour. The Muslims fast for 30 days during their holy month of Ramzan, observed in piety and charity, and celebrated at the end by Eid ul-Fitr, three days of festivities with greetings and joy by everyone. At Eid a traditional sweet is made known as Sheer Qorma..

Hyderabadi cuisine is a blend of Traditional South Indian Mughal and Persian cuisine. Hyderabadi Biryani is an iconic dish of the region. Other native preparations include Qubani ka meetha, Double ka meetha, Phirni, Nahari Kulche also known as paya and Haleem (a meat dish traditionally eaten during the holy month of Ramzan), Kaddu Ki Kheer (a sweet porridge made with sweet gourd), Sheer Qorma (a sweet liquid dish cooked with vermicelli and milk), Mirchi ka saalan, Bagaare baigan, Khatti dal, Khichdi and Khatta, Til ki chutney, Baigan Ki Chutney, Til ka khatta, Aam ka achaar, Gosht ka achaar, Peosi (a sweet prepared with egg whites and milk), Shahi tukde, Kheema aaloo etc.

Hyderabadi sweets are known for their ghee-based items. Famous sweet shops include the traditionally made. Pulla Reddy and Rami Reddy sweets are the two famous Pure Ghee Sweet Multi location chain in Hyderabad. Widely found on street-corners are Irani café's that offer Irani chai, Irani samosa and Osmania biscuit.Italian, Mexican, Chinese and Continental cuisine are all popular in the city along with typical Andhra and other South Indian cuisine. Pub culture is taking over Hyderabad.

Now Lets go through our History

The history of Hyderabad city is rich and an intriguing one. While touring the city of Nizams, you might want to know the history behind certain places. Thus it is always better to have some primary information about the ancestral past and origin of Hyderabad so that you get an idea as to how the place used to be and how has it evolved into the present city that it is now, city has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties.

Theories explaining the origins and etymology behind Hyderabad's name differ. A popular theory suggests that after founding the city, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah fell in love with and married a local nautch girl known as Bhagmathi or Bhagyavathi, and named the city Bhagyanagaram meaning the city of good fortune. Later, it came to be known as Hyderabad. The city of Hyderabad presents an attractive composition of old world charm together with the exuberance of growth and enterprise

Ancient History

The area around Hyderabad was ruled by the Mauryan Empire in the third century B.C during the reign of Ashoka the Great.

Medieval 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. Huge reservoirs, like the Nizam Sagar, Tungabhadra, Osman Sagar, Himayat Sagar, and others were built. These reservoirs were named after Islamic names during the time of Nizams.

The fall of Warangal to Muhammad bin Tughluq's 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.

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 atKakatiya hill fortress of Golconda which he strengthened and expanded considerably. By the end of the century, Quli ruled from Golconda as the Subedar of Andhra Pradesh. 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 Sultan Quli Qutub Shah. 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.

Qutb Shahi dynasty

I. Sultan Quli Qutbul Mulk

1518 - 1543

Founder and first ruler of Qutb Shahi Dynasty

II. Jamsheed Quli Qutb Shah

1543 - 1550

Second ruler of Qutb Shahi Dynasty

III. Subhan Quli Qutb Shah

1550

Third king of Qutb Shahi Dynasty

IV. Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah

1550 - 1580

Fourth ruler of Qutb Shahi Dynasty

V. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah

1580 - 1612

Fifth ruler of Qutb Shahi Dynasty & Founder of Hyderabad City

VI. Muhammad Qutb Shah

1612 - 1626

Sixth ruler of Qutb Shahi Dynasty

VII. Abdullah Qutb Shahi

1626 - 1672

Seventh ruler of Qutb Shahi Dynasty

VIII. Abul Hasan Tana Shah

1672 - 1687

Eighth & last ruler of Qutb Shahi Dynasty

The Founding of a New City

Portrait of Muhammed Quli Qutb Shah

YSR of the Qutub Shahi dynasty built the city of Hyderabad on the Musi River five miles (8 km) east ofGolconda in 1591. The Purana Pul ("old bridge") spanning the Musi was built a few years earlier, enabling quick travel between Golconda and Hyderabad. Hyderabad was named as the City of Hyderafter the title of the Fourth Caliph Ali. Many people though, commonly believe that the city of "Hyderabad" was named after the people as their residence as "City of the Brave" from the Persian words "Hyder/Haider" (Persian and Urdu meaning lion or brave and "Abad/Abaad" (Persian and Urdu meaning abode or populated) after surviving the plaque epidemic that ravaged Golkonda. There is another urban myth and folklore which may be an apocryphal that the Sultan named it after his wife Hyder Mahal (not likely he gave her a male name or title). Lack of space for expansion in Golconda fort city made the Sultan called up his best of advisers to search for a new virgin wooded elevated land site near a river void of any man-made structures or monuments. The city concept was planned on grid-iron pattern reflective of well related precincts with an iconic monument as the main foci. He also ordered the construction of the Char Minar in 1591 a tall structure to oversee the urban development and to keep watch of the river banks flooding the nearby areas causing epidemics of grave nature.

The New City Flourishes

The early history of Hyderabad is inextricably intertwined with the fortune rose during the 16th and early 17th centuries, Hyderabad became a centre of a vibrant diamond trade. 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. Some of the sultans were known as patrons of local Telugu culture as well. 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 to accommodate the surplus population of Golconda and eventually became the capital of the Qutb Shahi rulers. Hyderabad became known for its gardens (called baghs) and its comfortable climate. Visitors from other lands compared the city most to the beautiful city of Isfahan inIran.

Mughal conquest and rule

By the mid-17th century, politics in the Deccan were ready for yet another tectonic shift. Mughal prince Aurangzeb spent most of his time in the Deccan fighting local Hindu and Muslim kingdoms to establish and enforce Mughal Sovereignty. After the death of Shah Jahan in 1666, Aurangzeb consolidated his power in Delhi as Emperor and returned to the south. He spent most of his imperial reign in military camps in the Deccan, in an almost desperate campaign to expand the empire beyond the greatest extent it had reached under Akbar. The biggest prize in his eyes was the rich city of Hyderabad, protected by the reportedly impregnable fort of Golconda.

Hyderabad Falls to the Mughals

Aurangzeb with his brave commanders Khwaja Abid Siddiqi (Qulich Khan) and Qaziuddin Siddiqi (Feroze Jung) father and son laid siege to Golconda in 1686. Golconda held fast under months of siege, and Aurangzeb had to retreat in frustration. Aurangzeb returned in 1687 and laid siege for 9 months camping in the Fateh Maidan ("victory field," now the Lal Bahadur Stadium). Khwaja Abid Siddiqi (Qulich Khan) died in these war and was buried near Attapur. Local legend has it that the fortress held on, but the gates were opened at night by a saboteur Abdullah Khan Pani who was bribed by Aurangzeb. Sultan Abul Hassan Tana Shah, the seventh king of the dynasty, was taken prisoner.Hyderabad's independence was eclipsed. Aurangzeb's efforts would turn out largely in vain, withHyderabad remaining in Mughal hands for less than four decades.

For a few decades, Hyderabad declined, and its vibrant diamond trade was all but destroyed. Aurangzeb's attention moved away quickly to other parts of the Deccan, with the Marathas slowly but steadily gaining ground against the Mughals.

ASAF JAHI DYNASTY

Qamaruddin Khan, Asaf Jah

With the emaciation of the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb's death in 1707, the Mughal-appointed governors of Hyderabad gained more autonomy from Delhi. In 1724,Chin Qulich Khan Asaf Jah IMir Qamaruddin Siddiqi son of Qaziuddin Siddiqi and grandson of Khwaja Abid siddiqi(Qulich Khan), who was granted the title Nizam-ul-Mulk ("governor of the country") by the Mughal emperor, defeated a rival official to establish control over Hyderabad. Thus began the Asaf Jahi dynasty that would rule Hyderabad until a year after India's independence from Britain.

Hyderabad Starts Growing Again

Asaf Jah's successors ruled as Nizams of Hyderabad. The rule of the seven Nizams saw the growth of Hyderabad both culturally and economically. Hyderabad became the formal capital of the kingdom and Golconda, the former capital, was all but abandoned. Survey work on Nagarjuna Sagar had also begun during this time.

A Delicate Balancing Game

When the British and the French spread their hold over the country, successive Nizams won their friendship without bequeathing their power. The Nizams allied themselves with each side at different times, playing a significant role in the wars involving Tipu Sultan of Mysore, the British and the French. During the reign of the third Nizam, Sikandar Jah, the city of Secunderabad was founded to station French troops and subsequently, British troops. The British stationed a Resident at Hyderabad and their own troops at Secunderabad, 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, Scotland and Wales combined. It was considered the "senior-most" princely-state, and within the elaborate protocols of the Raj, its ruler the Nizam was accorded a 21-gun salute. The State had its own currency, mint, railways, and postal system. There was no income tax.

Falaknamar Palace

Industrialisation

Various industries emerged in pre-independence Hyderabad, the major industries that were established in various parts of Hyderabad/Telengana are:

Industries in pre-Independence Hyderabad

Company

Singareni Collieries - 1921

Nizam Sugar Factory - 1937

Allwyn Metal Works - 1942

Praga Tools - 1943

Sirsilk - 1946

Hyderabad Asbestos - 1947

Integration into Indian Union

Operation Polo and Telengana Rebellion

When India gained independence in 1947, the Nizam declared his intention to remain independent, either as a sovereign ruler or by acquiring Dominion status within the British Empire. In order to keep essential trade and supplies flowing, he signed a Standstill Agreement with the Indian Union which surrounded him on all sides. The law and order situation soon deteriorated, with escalating violence between the private Razakar army fighting for continuation of the Nizam's rule and the people with the support of the Congress leaders like Swami Ramanand Tirtha and the communists of Telangana, were fighting for joining in the Indian Union. As the violence spiralled out of control with refugees flowing into the coastal Andhra region of the Madras state of India, the Indian Government under Home Minister Sardar Patel initiated a police action titled Operation Polo.

On September 16, 1948, Indian Army moved in to Hyderabad State from five fronts. Four days later, the Hyderabad forces surrendered. The number of dead was a little over 800. The Police Action achieved success within a matter of days.

The Nizam finally surrendered and signed the Instrument of Accession to the Indian Union and Hyderabad was integrated into the Indian Union as a state.

Hyderabad State

The state got its first democractic government and the representatives of its 18 million people were admitted to the Constituent Assembly drafting a constitution for free India. For the next eight years, Hyderabad continued as a separate state within the union.

Reorganization of States and Formation of Andhra Pradesh

On November 1, 1956, the states of India were reorganized on linguistic grounds. Consequently, the terrorities of the State of Hyderabad were divided between newly created Andhra Pradesh, Bombay state (later Maharashtra), and Karnataka. Hyderabad and the surrounding areas were annexed into India, and later to Andhra Pradesh based on Telugu linguistic majority, and Hyderabad became the capital of the new state of Andhra Pradesh.

Mir Osman Ali Khan withdrew completely from public life and chooses to lead a quiet, secluded life with his family. He had wisely formed a number of trusts that took care of his family's need and funded his various charitable institutions.

In 1967 Osman Ali Khan passed away and his eldest grandson, Mukarram Jah, became the new Nizam - a designation that had no meaning, no duties and no responsibilities any more.

In 1972, the Indian Prime Minister, Ms Indira Gahndhi abolished the 'privy purse’ and monarchs and royal families lost all their privileges at one go. Prince Mukarram Jah migrated to Australia and while most of his estate is being managed by the trusts formed by his grandfather, some of it has been acquired by the government.

Thus an era became history and a Asaf Jahi dynasty spanning seven generations faded into the twilight leaving behind an indelible print on the sand of time.

***** More about our history in my next Blog *****

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