State capital of: Andhra Pradesh

Main languages: Telugu, Kannada, English, Urdu and Hindi

 

History:

 

Hyderabad is the capital city of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh and the fifth largest in India. The city has rich history, culture and architecture which reflect the meeting of northern India with southern India. Hyderabad is also known as the City of Nizams and The City of Pearls due to its cultural history. It is said that the name of the city was given after Quli Qutb Shah fell in love with and married a local Banjara girl known as Bhagyamathi. The city was named Bhagya Nagaram after her, but after her conversion to Islam the city was renamed Hyderabad, after her new name Hyder Mahal. Nizam Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, of the Qutb Shahi ruled this city. The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb captured Hyderabad in 1687 but the city gained autonomy soon. In 1724, Asaf Jah I, became the Nizam-ul-Mulk or "Governor of the country". Under the British rule also the Nizams operated independently. After the Indian independence in 1947 the Nizam wanted to remain independent or join Pakistan but on November 1, 1956, the states of India were reorganized on linguistic grounds and Hyderabad was added to Andhra Pradesh, based on the Telugu speaking community. 

 

Geography and climate:

 

The city is situated on the Deccan Plateau and has an average elevation of about 500 meters with rocky terrain. The city had been founded on the banks of river Musi which is now a part of the "Old City". The city has a tropical wet and dry climate and November to May is the driest period of the year. The temperatures at night go as low as 10 C. July to October is the wet season in Hyderabad. 

 

Demographics

 

As per the 2001 census Hyderabad had a population of 5,952,000.

 

Economy:

 

Hyderabad is the largest contributor to the state's gross domestic product, state tax and excise revenues. Service industry is the primary contributor to the economy along with tourism, trade, transport, commerce, storage, communication etc. The city is also known for its IT industries and local trades. The products like silverware, saris, and Kalamkari paintings and artifacts are sold here. Other cottage industries and handicrafts also flourish here. It is also the centre for major pharmaceuticals and bio-technology companies.

 

Culture:

 

Hinduism is the practiced culture here along with vast influences of Islamic cultures. The city is the home to cosmopolitan groups due to its metropolitan occupancy. The

Sikh community, Gujaratis, Bengalis, Christians, etc. live here peacefully. The city is divided between old and new Hyderabad. The city has emerged as one of the most posh cities of India. Public carnivals like annual immersion of Lord Ganesh along with Bonalu a vernacular festival is celebrated with great fervor. Procession of Muharram along other festivals is also celebrated here. A mixture of Mughal and Persian cuisine is seen here and the Hyderabadi biryani still reigns as the popular food. Sweets like Qubani ka meetha, double ka meetha, Phirni along with various chats and delicacies are still served here. The local biscuits in this city are also very popular.

 

Tourism:

 

Various attractions here are Charminar, Falaknuma Palace, Golconda Fort, Chowmahalla Palace, Salar Jung Museum, Taramati Baradari, Mecca Masjid, Birla Mandir, Birla Science Museum, Birla, Purani Haveli, King Kothi, Qutb Shahi Tombs,

Lumbini Park, the lake and endless other places.

 

Transportation:

 

The city is well connected through roads and railway stations. The new Hyderabad international airport connects the city to all major Indian and international cities. 

 

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