Hyderabad Tourism, Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad History

Hyderabad was founded by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth sultan of Qutb Shahi dynasty, after he seized the reign from Bahamani kingdom in 1512 and established the Golconda fort. Hyderabad was founded as a new virgin city that was planned after epidemic struck Golconda with the plans of expansion. The city 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. During the Qutb Shahi reign Golconda became one of the leading markets in the world for diamonds, pearls, steel, arms, and also printed fabric.

Hyderabad's fame, strategic location and Golconda's legendary wealth attracted Aurangazeb who captured Golconda after a long seize in 1687. Under Mughal Empire's rule the importance of Hyderabad declined and the city fell into partial ruins. However, very soon the Moghul empire decayed and began to disintegrate, and the viceroy, Asaf Jah I proclaimed himself the Nizam and established independence rule of the Deccan. Hyderabad once again became a major capital city, ruled by successive Nizams of the Asaf Jahi dynasty until the state was merged into Indian Union in 1948.

About Hyderabad

Hyderabad, also known as Pearl City, offers attractions ranging from heritage monuments, religious structures, gardens, parks and lakes. Hyderabad provides a fascinating cultural and religious experience for tourists that resulted from the 400 long years of rule of princely states. The city of Hyderabad is also known for the beautiful pearl jewellery and tourists flock to the ‘Patther Gatti’ – street with rows of shops selling Pearl Jewellery.