Architecture of Hyderabad

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Panorama of Charminar complex, showing the Charminar, Mecca Masjid and Nizamia Hospital. A typical charminar evening.jpg
Panorama of Charminar complex, showing the Charminar, Mecca Masjid and Nizamia Hospital.

A distinct Indo-Islamic architecture style with local contribution is reflected in the historical buildings of Hyderabad, making it the first and "Best Heritage City of India" as of March 2012. [1] The city houses many famous historical sites constructed during Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi period, including various mosques and palaces. [2]

Contents

Hindu Temple Architecture is also seen in the temples of Hyderabad, including the Birla Mandir, [3] Jagannath Temple and Akanna Madanna Temple. [4] [5] Modern architectural styles are seen in most buildings constructed after independence.

Golconda Sultanate (1591–1687 CE)

One of the Qutb Shahi Tombs Qutb shahi Tombs 4.jpg
One of the Qutb Shahi Tombs

Qutb Shahi architecture of the 16th and early 17th centuries followed classical Persian architecture featuring domes and colossal arches. [6] Inscriptions in Persian and elaborately carved stucco work are found on most of these buildings. The oldest surviving Qutb Shahi structure in Hyderabad is the ruins of Golconda fort built in the 16th century.

Taramati Baradari Taramati-Baradari.jpg
Taramati Baradari

The most important monuments from this time are the Charminar and Mecca Masjid, both built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad. Most of the historical bazaars that still exist were constructed on the street north of Charminar towards the fort. The Charminar has become an icon of the city, located in the center of old Hyderabad. It is a square structure with sides 20 m (66 ft) long and four grand arches each facing a road. At each corner stands a 56 m (184 ft)-high minaret. [7]

To the north of the Charminar is a public square enclosed by four giant arches, known as the Char Kaman. [8] [9] A fountain called Gulzar Houz is at the center of this area.

Another example is the Qutb Shahi Tombs complex, a complex of tombs of the Qutb Shahi rulers, as well as other royals and noblemen. The domes were originally overlaid with blue and green tiles, of which only a few pieces now remain. [10] The tombs are set in a garden. The complex includes a step-well, [11] turkish bath, and a mosque.

The Charminar, Golconda Fort and the Qutb Shahi tombs are considered to be monuments of national importance in India. In 2010, the Indian government proposed that the sites be listed for UNESCO World Heritage status. [12] [13] [14]

The style is also seen in the Taramati Baradari, Khairtabad Mosque, [15] [16] Musheerabad Mosque, [17] Shaikpet Sarai, [18] and Toli Masjid. [19] [20] [21]

Mughal period (1687–1724 CE)

Dabirpura Darwaza, one of the two surviving gateways to the Old City. Old Gate of Dabeerpura.JPG
Dabirpura Darwaza, one of the two surviving gateways to the Old City.

The only significant architectural contribution during the brief Mughal rule in Hyderabad was the construction the city wall of Hyderabad, constructed out of granite in typical Mughal defence architecture. [22] The wall had twelve gateways, each wide enough for an elephant to pass through. [23] Mughal emperor Aurangzeb also completed the construction of the Mecca Masjid, adding a gateway and topping the minarets with domes. [24]

Nizams of Hyderabad (1724-1948 CE)

The Nizams of Hyderabad ruled between the 18th and 20th centuries as vassals of the British Empire. Therefore, European architectural styles became prevalent during this period. [25]

Apart from the Nizams' palaces, the noble families built their own palaces and mansions in Indo-European styles. This includes Diwan Devdi, [26] Asman Garh Palace, Errum Manzil, Khursheed Jah Devdi, Bashir Bagh Palace, Bella Vista, Hill Fort Palace, and Paigah Palace.

With the introduction of a sizable Christian population, churches including the St. Joseph's Cathedral, [27] St. George's Church, [28] [29] CSI Garrison Wesley Church, [30] and Holy Trinity Church were built in the city, especially in and around Secunderabad, the new city built as a British cantonment.

Neoclassical

Falaknuma Palace, completed in 1893. Falaknuma Palace 01.jpg
Falaknuma Palace, completed in 1893.

The British Residency, completed in 1798, was probably the first major example of neoclassical architecture in Hyderabad. [31]

The Falaknuma Palace, used as a guest-house by the Nizam, was inspired by Andrea Palladio's villas. The Nizams applied European styles in some of the palaces such as Falaknuma and King Kothi Palaces. [32] [33]

Indo-Saracenic

Hyderabad High Court, completed in 1919, was designed in the Indo-Saracenic style by Vincent Esch. High court of hyderabad.jpg
Hyderabad High Court, completed in 1919, was designed in the Indo-Saracenic style by Vincent Esch.

In the 17th century, Asaf Jahi architecture emerged with palatial style outweighed secular construction. The earliest examples include the Purani Haveli, which served as the seat of the Nizam until the Chowmahalla Palace was constructed. The Chowmahalla Palace, located a stone's throw away from Charminar was constructed over a period of 100 years. It was recently restored and opened to the public. A wide variety of Indian and European styles, ranging from baroque to neoclassical, are seen in the palace [34] [35]

The last Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan is called as the maker of modern Hyderabad. The buildings constructed during his reign are impressive and represent a rich style of Indo-Saracenic architecture, such as the Osmania University [36] and Moazzam Jahi Market. [37] [38] These buildings are quite distinct from their earlier Qutb Shahi counterparts.

In the early 20th century, the Nizam invited British architect Vincent Esch to design four major public buildings of Hyderabad — the Hyderabad High Court, Osmania General Hospital, [39] City College, [40] and Kachiguda Railway Station. [41] Esch, a pioneer of the contemporary Indo-Saracenic style designed these building in this style combining Indo-Islamic and European features.

The Spanish Mosque, Paigah Tombs, [42] Mahbub Mansion, Saidani Ma Tomb, Aza Khana-e-Zohra, [43] Hill Fort Palace, and Nizamia Hospital, also contribute to the architecture of this period.

Art Deco

Art deco buildings were built in the 1930s and 1940s. [25] The Mouzam Jahi Market, SBH Building, and a number of cinema halls are examples.

Post-Independence (1947 CE – present)

Hostel buildings at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad designed by Christopher Benninger. Hyderabadiit-2.jpg
Hostel buildings at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad designed by Christopher Benninger.

Modern architectural styles dominate the newer areas of the city.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deccan sultanates</span> Former states in India

The Deccan Sultanates were five late-medieval Indian kingdoms—on the Deccan Plateau between the Krishna River and the Vindhya Range—that were ruled by Muslim dynasties: namely Ahmadnagar, Berar, Bidar, Bijapur, and Golconda. The sultanates had become independent during the break-up of the Bahmani Sultanate. The five sultanates owed their existence to the declaration of independence of Ahmadnagar in 1490, followed by Bijapur and Berar in the same year. Golconda became independent in 1518, and Bidar in 1528.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charminar</span> Monument in India

The Charminar is a monument located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Constructed in 1591, the landmark is a symbol of Hyderabad and officially incorporated in the emblem of Telangana. The Charminar's long history includes the existence of a mosque on its top floor for more than 425 years. While both historically and religiously significant, it is also known for its popular and busy local markets surrounding the structure, and has become one of the most frequented tourist attractions in Hyderabad. Charminar is also a site of numerous festival celebrations, such as Eid-ul-adha and Eid al-Fitr, as it is adjacent to the city's main mosque, the Makkah Masjid.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Golconda</span> 11th-century citadel in Telangana, India

Golconda is a fortified citadel and ruined city located in the western outskirts of Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The fort was originally built by Kakatiya ruler Pratāparudra in the 11th century out of mud walls. It was ceded to the Bahmani Kings from Musunuri Nayakas during the reign of the Bahmani Sultan Mohammed Shah I, during the first Bahmani-Vijayanagar War. Following the death of Sultan Mahmood Shah, the Sultanate disintegrated and Sultan Quli, who had been appointed as the Governor of Hyderabad by the Bahmani Kings, fortified city and made it the capital of the Golconda Sultanate. Because of the vicinity of diamond mines, especially Kollur Mine, Golconda flourished as a trade centre of large diamonds known as Golconda Diamonds. Golconda fort is currently abandoned and in ruins. The complex was put by UNESCO on its "tentative list" to become a World Heritage Site in 2014, with others in the region, under the name Monuments and Forts of the Deccan Sultanate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Makkah Masjid, Hyderabad</span> Mosque in India

Makkah Masjid or Mecca Masjid, is a congregational mosque in Hyderabad, India. It is the largest mosque in the city, and one of the largest mosques in the country, with a capacity of 10,000 people. The mosque was built during the 17th century, and is a state-protected monument. It serves as the primary mosque for the Old City of Hyderabad, and is located close to the historic landmarks of Charminar, Chowmahalla Palace and Laad Bazaar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Qutb Shahi tombs</span> Necropolis in Hyderabad

The Qutub Shahi Tombs are located in the Ibrahim Bagh, close to the famous Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, India. They contain the tombs and mosques built by the various kings of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. The galleries of the smaller tombs are of a single storey while the larger ones are two storied. In the centre of each tomb is a sarcophagus which overlies the actual burial vault in a crypt below. The domes were originally overlaid with blue and green tiles, of which only a few pieces now remain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Goshamahal</span> Suburb in Hyderabad District, Telangana, India

Goshamahal is a suburb in Hyderabad City, Telangana, India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Old City (Hyderabad, India)</span> Walled city in Telangana, India

The Old City of Hyderabad is a walled city of Hyderabad, Telangana, India, located on the banks of the Musi River built by Qutb Shahi sultan Muhammed Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 AD. There used to be a wall surrounding the Old City, most of which is destroyed. Mubariz Khan, the Mughal governor of Deccan Subah, had fortified the city in 1712 and was completed by Nizam of Hyderabad.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Char Kaman</span> Arch

Char Kaman are four historical structures in Hyderabad, India. It is located near Charminar. After the completion of Charminar, at about 75m feet to its north, four lofty arches known as Charkaman were built in 1592 by the Qutb Shahi dynasty along with Gulzar Houz.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Culture of Hyderabad</span> Overview of the culture of Hyderabad (India)

The culture of Hyderabad, also known as Hyderabadi Tehzeeb or Dakhini Tehzeeb, is the traditional cultural lifestyle of the Hyderabadi Muslims, and characterizes distinct linguistic and cultural traditions of North and South India, which meet and mingle in the city and erstwhile kingdom. This blending was the result of the geographic location of the region and the variety of historical dynasties that ruled the city across different periods—its inception by the Qutub Shahi dynasty in 1591 AD, the occupation by the Mughal Empire and its decline, and the patronage under the Asaf Jahi dynasty.

Hyderabad was the capital of the Indian states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It is a historic city noted for its many monuments, temples, mosques and bazaars. A multitude of influences has shaped the character of the city in the last 400 years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Musheerabad Mosque</span> Mosque Build in 1611

The Musheerabad MasjidOr MASJID E KALAN, is a mosque located in the Musheerabad locality of Hyderabad, India. The original portion was constructed in 1560 AD by Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, the fourth Sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and is identical to the Hayat Bakshi Mosque located in Hayathnagar area of Hyderabad.

The localities and neighborhoods of Hyderabad have unique oral histories, dating to the time of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, over 400 years ago, and are named after various people and things. Some are named after a major building or structure in the locality, others named for individuals. The names are mostly in Telugu and Urdu, the major languages of the city. This is a list of localities, neighborhoods and streets of Hyderabad and their etymology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daira Mir Momin</span>

Daira Mir Momin,, is a Muslim cemetery located in the Old City of Hyderabad.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Architecture of Telangana</span>

The architecture of Telangana dates back over two thousand years. The Indian state of Telangana is in the Deccan plateau, bordering the coastal plain of Andhra Pradesh. It has produced regional variants of wider styles of Indian architecture, both in Hindu temple architecture and Indo-Islamic architecture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Qutb Shahi architecture</span> Indo-Islamic architectural style

Qutb Shahi architecture is the distinct style of Indo-Islamic architecture developed during the reign of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, also known as the Golconda Sultanate.

Hyderabad is the capital of the Indian state of Telangana and de jure capital of Andhra Pradesh. It was established by Qutb Shahi sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 AD to expand their capital beyond the Golconda fort. The Charminar Masjid was constructed upon the inception of Hyderabad, the iconic mosques of Mecca Masjid and Hayat Bakshi Mosque were constructed during this dynasty and these style of architecture is known as Qutb Shahi Masajid—(Qutb Shahi Mosques). In 1769 AD when the city became capital of the Nizams of Hyderabad—(also known as Asaf Jahi dynasty), they had constructed many mosques in the process to expand the city, Afzal Gunj Masjid and Shahi Masjid are the resemblance of Asaf Jahi Masajid—(Asaf Jahi Mosques). Some of the iconic mosques in Hyderabad such as Toli Masjid, Mian Mishk Masjid, Spanish Mosque and Paigah Mosque were constructed by the prominent nobles of the former rulers of Hyderabad state.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jama Mosque, Golconda</span> Indian Mosque

Jama Masjid is a 505 year old Mosque in Golconda, Hyderabad, India. It was constructed in 1518 by the first Qutb Shahi ruler Sultan Quli Qutb Shah - while he was governor of the Bahmani Sultanate in current Telangana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tomb of Abdul Qadir Amin Khan</span> Historic site in Hyderabad, India

The Tomb of Abdul Qadir Amin Khan is a tomb located in Patancheru, Hyderabad. It was completed in 1568.

References

Citations

  1. ↑ "Heritage award for Hyderabad raises many eyebrows". The Times of India . 2 March 2012. Archived from the original on 7 May 2013. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  2. ↑ "UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation". UNESCO . 2010. Archived from the original on 3 April 2012. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
  3. ↑ Khalidi, 2009, pp. 98.
  4. ↑ "Rambagh temple, a hidden gem in the Hyderabad". Deccan Chronicle. 5 November 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  5. ↑ "Divine Destinations in Hyderabad :: Telangana Tourism". Archived from the original on 21 July 2018. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  6. ↑ Michell, George (1987). The new Cambridge history of India, volumes 1–7. Cambridge University Press. pp. 218–219. ISBN   0-521-56321-6.
  7. ↑ Bilgrami, 1927, pp. 17–19.
  8. ↑ Bilgrami, 1927, pp. 19–21.
  9. ↑ Haig, 1907, pp. 210.
  10. ↑ "Restoration of Quli Qutub Shahi tombs". The Hindu. 28 October 2015. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  11. ↑ Lasania, Yunus Y. (11 July 2016). "Badi Baoli at Qutb Shahi tombs restored to full glory". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  12. ↑ "The Qutb Shahi monuments of Hyderabad Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi tombs, Charminar". UNESCO World Heritage Site . 2010. Archived from the original on 22 February 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  13. ↑ Tourist guide to Andhra Pradesh. Sura Books. 2006. ISBN   978-81-7478-176-5 . Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  14. ↑ "Qutb Shahi style (mainly in and around Hyderabad city)". aponline.gov.in. Archived from the original on 10 January 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2013.
  15. ↑ Bilgrami, 1927, pp. 57–58.
  16. ↑ Nanisetti, Serish (11 October 2018). "Archaeology Dept. turns its focus on Khairatabad Masjid". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  17. ↑ Bilgrami, 1927, pp. 93–94.
  18. ↑ Khalidi, 2009, pp. 45.
  19. ↑ Bilgrami, 1927, pp. 65–67.
  20. ↑ "Toli mosque: Toli Mosque under threat; road works go on brazenly | Hyderabad News - Times of India". The Times of India. 12 May 2018.
  21. ↑ "Qutub Shahi Tombs Hyderabad, timings, entry ticket cost, price, fee - Hyderabad Tourism 2018". www.hyderabadtourism.travel. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  22. ↑ Bilgrami, 1927, pp. 94–95.
  23. ↑ Khalidi, 2009, pp. 24–30.
  24. ↑ Khalidi, Omar (2009). A Guide to Architecture in Hyderabad, Deccan, India. Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture & MIT Libraries. p. 41.
  25. 1 2 Nanisetti, Serish (29 July 2017). "Mapping the Art Deco beauties before they vanish". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X. Archived from the original on 16 June 2019. Retrieved 16 June 2019.
  26. ↑ Khalidi, 2009, pp. 121–122.
  27. ↑ Khalidi, 2009, pp. 103.
  28. ↑ Khalidi, 2009, pp. 104.
  29. ↑ Staff Reporter (17 August 2010). "St. George's Church turns 143". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  30. ↑ Reddy, Ravi (21 December 2014). "162-year-old church in Secunderabad restored". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  31. ↑ Nanisetti, Serish (1 November 2015). "Iconic Residency suffers damage". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  32. ↑ George Michell (1987). The New Cambridge History of India, Volumes 1–7. Cambridge University Press. pp. 218–219. ISBN   0-521-56321-6.
  33. ↑ "Jubilee Hall a masterpiece of Asaf Jahi architecture". The Siasat Daily . 31 December 2011. Retrieved 12 April 2012.
  34. ↑ "Chowmahalla Palace grandeur to be restored before monsoon - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
  35. ↑ "Chowmahalla wins National Tourism Award - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
  36. ↑ Nanisetti, Serish (8 April 2017). "Arts College building, a hand-me-down architectural gem". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  37. ↑ Khalidi, 2009, pp. 257.
  38. ↑ Nanisetti, Serish (27 March 2018). "Moazzam Jahi Market to be restored in 4 months". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  39. ↑ Chandrashekhar, B. (14 April 2018). "Nizam's kin urge State to restore Osmania Hospital". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  40. ↑ Nanisetti, Serish (13 January 2018). "Government City College radiates the charm of a bygone era". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X. Archived from the original on 15 January 2018. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  41. ↑ Nanisetti, Serish (9 June 2018). "Kacheguda Railway Station: a precursor of the architectural idiom". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  42. ↑ Safvi, Rana (21 January 2018). "The Paigah's necropolis". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X. Archived from the original on 25 September 2019. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  43. ↑ Nanisetti, Serish (24 September 2018). "Aza Khana e Zehra, a monument for mourners". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X. Archived from the original on 26 September 2019. Retrieved 26 September 2019.

Bibliography


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