Hyderabad history

Foundation and Early Period

The city of Hyderabad was founded in 1591 by the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. The emergence of the city was dictated by the need to move the capital due to a water shortage in the old fortress of Golconda. The new capital was laid out on the banks of the Musi River. According to one legend, the city was named after the Sultan's beloved wife, Hyder Mahal. One of the first and most iconic structures was the Charminar monument, built in the city centre.

Key Factors of Formation

Several key factors contributed to the development of Hyderabad:

• Strategic Location: The city was founded as the new capital of the Golconda Sultanate, which immediately defined its high political status.
• Trade: Hyderabad quickly turned into a major commercial hub. It became world-renowned as a centre for the trade of diamonds, mined in the famous Golconda mines, as well as pearls, earning it the nickname "City of Pearls".
• Cultural Synthesis: The city became a melting pot of local Deccani and Persian cultures, which was reflected in its architecture, language, and art.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period of its history, Hyderabad flourished as a centre of art and trade. The rulers of the Qutb Shahi dynasty were patrons of literature and architecture, and the city's founder himself was a renowned poet. The city's economy relied on the thriving trade of precious stones and craft production. The Golconda Sultanate, with Hyderabad as its capital, maintained active trade and cultural ties, particularly with Persia. This period laid the foundation for the rich cultural heritage for which the city is famous today.

Key Dates in the History of Hyderabad

• 1591 — Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah founds the city of Hyderabad as the new capital of the Golconda Sultanate.
• 1687 — The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb captures Golconda, and Hyderabad comes under the rule of the Mughal Empire.
• 1724 — The Mughal Viceroy Asaf Jah I declares independence, establishing the Asaf Jahi (Nizam) dynasty and the sovereign princely state of Hyderabad.
• 1798 — The Nizam of Hyderabad signs a subsidiary alliance with the British East India Company, leading to the state losing its foreign policy independence.
• 1908 — A devastating flood on the Musi River claims thousands of lives and triggers a massive modernisation and replanning of the city.
• 1947 — Following India's independence, the last Nizam, Osman Ali Khan, refuses to join the Indian Union and declares the sovereignty of Hyderabad.
• 1948 — As a result of the five-day military operation "Polo", the princely state of Hyderabad is integrated into India.
• 1956 — During administrative reforms, Hyderabad becomes the capital of the newly formed state of Andhra Pradesh.
• 2014 — Hyderabad officially becomes the capital of the new state of Telangana, created from part of the territories of Andhra Pradesh.

Major Milestones in the City's Development

The history of the city's transformation from a medieval sultanate capital into a global technology hub spans over four centuries. Here are the key stages that defined the modern appearance and status of the metropolis:

• Establishment of a Planned Capital (1591): Building the city on the banks of the Musi River was not just a relocation of the court, but an ambitious urban planning project. Hyderabad became the first city in the region designed according to a clear plan with wide streets and squares, centred around the monumental Charminar.
• Economic Flourishing of the "City of Pearls" (18th–19th centuries): During the reign of the Nizams, the city established itself as a global centre for the trade of precious stones and pearls. The concentration of colossal wealth contributed to the flourishing of a unique culture, crafts, and jewellery art, the fame of which resounded far beyond the region.
• Urban Modernisation (1908–1940s): The devastating flood of 1908 triggered a radical reconstruction. Under the guidance of prominent engineers, a modern drainage system was created, reservoirs and wide avenues were built, and the foundations for railway communication and electrification were laid.
• Integration and Change of Order (1948): The entry of the princely state into the independent nation of India ended the era of feudal monarchy. This event opened the city to democratic transformations, a national market, and the free movement of capital and people.
• Emergence as a Scientific and Industrial Centre (1960s–1980s): The location of headquarters for strategic state enterprises and research institutes (defence, pharmaceuticals) in the city created a strong base for the development of exact sciences and prepared qualified personnel for future growth.
• IT Revolution and the Birth of "Cyberabad" (1990s): The construction of the HITEC City district radically changed the vector of economic development. The arrival of global technology giants (Microsoft, Google) turned the city into one of Asia's leading IT clusters, forming a new image and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
• Infrastructure Boom and Capital Status (since 2014): Becoming the capital of the new state of Telangana, the city received a powerful impulse for expansion. The construction of a modern international airport, metro system, and ring roads secured its status as one of the most dynamically developing metropolises in the country.

Architectural Eras and Urban Planning of Hyderabad

The architectural appearance of Hyderabad represents a unique blend of eras and styles, reflecting its rich history from a sultanate capital to a modern IT metropolis. Several key periods are clearly traceable in the city's urban fabric, each leaving its unique mark.

• Architecture of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty (16th–17th centuries)

  The initial stage of the city's development was defined by the Indo-Islamic style with strong Persian influence. The city's founder, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, laid out a capital with a carefully thought-out layout, centered on the Charminar monument. This style is characterised by monumentality, the use of arches, domes, and richly decorated minarets. The brightest examples of this era are the triumphal arch of Charminar itself, which became the symbol of the city, and the majestic Golconda fortress, known for its unique acoustics and water supply system.

• Style of the Nizam Era and European Influence (18th – early 20th centuries)

  With the rise of the Nizam dynasty, a new stage began in Hyderabad's architecture, marked by a synthesis of Mughal, Rajasthani, and European styles. The Indo-Saracenic style, combining elements of Islamic, Hindu, and European Gothic architecture, manifested itself particularly brightly. During this period, magnificent palaces and public buildings were constructed. Key monuments include the Chowmahalla Palace, which was the official residence of the rulers, and the luxurious Falaknuma Palace in a European style reminiscent of Palladio's works. The High Court building and the Osmania University complex are also outstanding examples of architecture from this period, demonstrating the grandeur and eclecticism of the era.

• Modernism and Contemporary Architecture (mid-20th century – present day)

  Hyderabad's transformation into one of India's main technology hubs marked a new era in its urban planning. Starting from the late 20th century, modernist and postmodernist styles have been actively developing in the city. The epicentre of these changes was the business district of HITEC City, also known as "Cyberabad". Its appearance is formed by modern office buildings made of glass and concrete, such as the famous Cyber Towers, which have become a symbol of Hyderabad's new economic era. This architecture contrasts with the historic centre but simultaneously reflects the dynamic development and the city's status as the "Silicon Valley of India".

Distinguished Figures Associated with Hyderabad

The history of Hyderabad is inextricably linked with the names of many outstanding figures who made significant contributions to politics, culture, science, and sports. Here are just a few of them:

• Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah (1565–1612)
  The fifth Sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and founder of Hyderabad. He not only established the city in 1591 but was also a patron of the arts and a recognised poet who wrote in Farsi, Telugu, and the Urdu dialect. His reign was marked by the construction of the iconic Charminar monument, which became the symbol of the city.
• Asaf Jah I (1671–1748)
  Founder of the Nizam dynasty. While serving as the Mughal Viceroy in the Deccan, he declared independence and founded the sovereign princely state of Hyderabad in 1724. His rule began the nearly 225-year era of the Nizams' power, which shaped the political and cultural landscape of the city.
• Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII (1886–1967)
  The last Nizam of Hyderabad. He ruled from 1911 to 1948 and was known for his colossal wealth, at one time considered the richest man in the world. His era was marked by the massive modernisation of the city, the founding of Osmania University, and ultimately, the integration of the princely state into independent India.
• Sarojini Naidu (1879–1949)
  Poetess, freedom fighter, and political figure. Known as the "Nightingale of India", she was born and raised in Hyderabad. Sarojini Naidu was a key figure in the Indian independence movement, an associate of Mahatma Gandhi, and the first woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress.
• Zakir Husain (1897–1969)
  The third President of India. Born in Hyderabad to a family of scholars. Zakir Husain was an outstanding intellectual and educator who made a huge contribution to the development of the country's education system. His presidency (1967–1969) was the pinnacle of his long career in public service.
• Shyam Benegal (born 1934)
  Distinguished film director and screenwriter. Born in the vicinity of Hyderabad, Benegal is one of the pioneers of "parallel cinema" in India. His films, which have received numerous national and international awards, are known for their realism and social commentary.
• Satya Nadella (born 1967)
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Microsoft. Born and raised in Hyderabad. His career and rise to the top of one of the world's largest technology companies symbolise Hyderabad's transformation into a global IT hub known as "Cyberabad".
• P. V. Sindhu (born 1995)
  World-renowned badminton player. Pusarla Venkata Sindhu, who lives and trains in Hyderabad, is one of India's most decorated athletes. She is the first Indian woman to become a World Badminton Champion, as well as the holder of two Olympic medals, making her an icon of modern Indian sports.