The City of Hyderabad, originally known as Bhagyanagar, was named after a local dancer Bhagmati. Md.Quli Qutub Shah, who ousted the Bahamani dynasty in 1512 to establish the fortress city of Golconda, then gave it its name Hyderabad.Legend has it that the young sultan rode out from the Golconda Fort to meet his beloved braving the flood waters of the river Musi.He re-christened her Hyder Mahal, and named teh city Hyderabad in honour of her.
The history of Hyderabad is inextricably linked with the rise and fall of various kingdoms,which flourished in the Deccan region during the medieval and modern times.It was the famous Qutub Shahi's rule that opened the glorious chapter in the annals of Hyderabad.During the early part of his reign,Golconda became famous for its diamonds,steel and printed cloth.Commercial activity drew merchants from Asia and Europe.Hyderabad's fame,strategic location and Golconda's legendary wealth attracted Aurangazeb who captured Golconda after a lonfg seige in 1687 and made it a part of the Mughal empire, with Asaf Jah as the part Prime Minister of the Deccan.As the Mughal empire began to disntegrate, Asaf Jah proclaimed himself the master of the Deccan and the commencement of the modern period, which was identical with the end of Mughal hegemony and the definite establishment of the Asaf Jah rule.
The State and the dynasty so founded by Asaf Jah-I witnessed
many intersting events in the evolution of Hyderabad state.He also instituted
the title of Nizam which became the title of the successive rulers of this state
under whose reign the city reached its zenit in terms of size and power.
In
1798, a subsidiary alliance for millitary and political cooperation was signed
between the then Nizam and the British East India Company.Thereafter,an area
north of what is now the Hussain Sagar Lake was established as a cantonment and
named Secunderabad after Nizam Sikander Jah.
The Nizams ruled Hyderabad until the state was merged into the Indian Union in 1948, after the nation attained the independencefrom the British.Hyderabad, significantly was the largest princely state in India, with its own flag,currency,coins,popstal system,railways and even its own radio.It was the unique state in which the ruler received the allegiance of families holding the estates, which in size and richness surpassed the territories of several other Indian states.
After the re-organisation of states in 1956,Hyderabad city was merged with the new state of Andhra Pradesh carved out of the composite state of Madras and the city became the new capital of Andhra Pradesh.Hyderabad along with its twin sister, Secunderabad are endearingly called "twin cities". The 400 year old metrapolis, a mix of varied cultures, magnificent momnuments and mansions, speaks the language and glory of the past heritage.
Hyderabad today hosts some of the best buildings, both heritage and modern.Structures put up centuries ago are still preserved as monuments. Parks and gardens have been revived and the number of water bodies in and around the city rejuvenated to recreate the splendor of a thriving modern city that retains its old heritage witha sense of pride and belonging.
Malls and shopping complexes in multi storied structures abound
but the old ambience remains.A special charm is very much there.Amidst all this
romantic environment, industries have come up. Some of the M.N.C's have set up
branches here, a number of state and Indian government units including
prestigious research and development as well as defense establishments have made
Hyderabad their home. Their staff, drawn from all parts of country, feel at home
in the new environment and culture.
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