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Chowmahalla Palace | |
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![]() Afzal Mahal, Chowmahalla Palace | |
General information | |
Type | Royal Palace |
Location | Hyderabad, Telangana, India |
Coordinates | 17°21′30″N78°28′18″E / 17.358247°N 78.471701°E |
Construction started | 1750 |
Completed | 1880s |
Awards and prizes | National Tourism Award (Best Maintained and Differently abled Friendly Monument), 2017 |
Original use | Seat of the Nizam of Hyderabad |
Restored | 2005–2010 |
Restored by | Princess Esra |
Owner | Azmet Jah |
Chowmahalla Palace or Chowmahallat is the palace of the Nizams of Hyderabad State located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. [1] It was the seat of power of the Asaf Jahi dynasty (1720-1948) and was the official residence of the Nizams during their reign. Presently the palace is converted into a museum but the ownership still lies with the family. [2]
The palace is constructed at the location of an earlier palace of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty and Asaf Jahi Dynasty [2] close to the Charminar. Construction of the palace as it stands today was started by Nizam Ali Khan Asaf Jah II [3] in 1769. He ordered the building of four palaces from which the nomenclature of Chau Mahalla was acquired. [4] The word chār or chahār, and its variation chow, means "four" and the word mahal means "palace" in Urdu, Hindi and Persian. [5]
While Salabat Jung initiated its construction in 1750, the palace was completed by the period of Afzal ad-Dawlah, Asaf Jah V between 1857 and 1869. [6] [7]
The palace is unique for its style and elegance. Construction began in the late 18th century and over the decades a synthesis of many architectural styles and influences emerged. The palace consists of two courtyards as well as the grand Khilwat (the Darbar Hall), fountains and gardens. [8] The palace originally covered 45 acres (180,000 m2), but only 12 acres (49,000 m2) remain today. [9]
This is the oldest part of the palace, consisting of four palaces Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal and Aftab Maha built symmetrically opposite to each other in Neoclassical style. The forecourt in-between the palaces is adorned with a pond and a beautiful garden. [2]
The neoclassical palaces have double heighted verandahs or facades lined with European style columns. The columns in the Aftab Mahal and Mehtab Mahal are of Iconic order whereas the Afzal Mahal and Tehniyat Mahal have Corinthian columns. [2]
This part has Bara Imam, a long corridor of rooms on the east side facing the central fountain and pool that once housed the administrative wing and Shishe-Alat, meaning mirror image.
It has Mughal domes and arches and many Persian elements such as the ornate stucco works that adorn the Khilwat Mubarak. These were a characteristic of buildings built in Hyderabad at the time.
Opposite the Bara Imam is a building that is its shishe or mirror image. The rooms were once used as guest rooms for officials accompanying visiting dignitaries.
This is heart of Chowmahalla Palace. It is held in high esteem by the people of Hyderabad, as it was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. The grand pillared Durbar Hall has a pure marble platform on which the Takht-e-Nishan or the royal seat was laid. Here the Nizams held their durbar and other religious and symbolic ceremonies. [10] The 19 spectacular Chandeliers of Belgian crystal were recently reinstalled to recreate the lost splendour of this regal hall.
The main gateway to the Chowmahalla Palace on the western hand has a clock tower also known as a Khilafat clock. The tower is three storeys high and consists of balconies and jharokha of Mughal style same as the style of half domes. [10] It has been ticking since 1750. An expert family of horologists winds the mechanical clock every week. [11]
This building housed a rare collection of manuscripts and priceless books. The Nizam often met important officials and dignitaries here. Today it is a venue for temporary exhibitions from the treasures of the Chowmahalla Palace Collection of the bygone era.[ citation needed ]
The Sixth Nizam, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, is believed to have lived here and the building was named after his mother Roshan Begum.
The former Nizam (Barkat Ali Khan Mukarram Jah) and his family decided to restore the Chowmahalla Palace and open it to the public in January 2005. It took over 5 years to document and restore the palaces of the first courtyard to its former glory. The palace also has a collection of vintage cars, including the Rolls-Royce, which was used by the Nizam Kings.[ citation needed ]
The displays in the museum depict the origin and evolution of Hyderabad, achievements and valuable contribution of the Nizams towards the development of the state, and the social lifestyle of the royal family.
The museum is divided into parts arranged around two quadrangle courtyards in North and South.[ citation needed ]
Conservation works were initiated in Chowmahalla Palace from 2000, several conservation architects and experts were involved in more than a decade long journey. [12] The initiative was undertaken by Princess Esra Birgen. Before commencement of the works, the place had fallen into disuse for a prolonged period and had deteriorated over the time. The vision for the restoration project was to rescue the exemplary palatial complex and to establish a contemporary civic use as a museum showcasing the splendour and valour of Nizams. [13]
The restoration process was divided into three stages, first stage involved thorough mapping, a fabric survey, and the development of conservation plans for the buildings' restoration as well as alternative re-use scenarios that might help assess the practicality of these historic buildings. In the second stage, structures that were in danger of collapsing had to be stabilised, and other urgent repairs like waterproofing and propping had to be made to prevent further damage. The complex's physical restoration as well as the addition of amenities to encourage the reuse of these structures were part of the final phase. [14]
In order to preserve the integrity of these ancient structures, their conservation was carried out using traditional craftsmen and techniques, and several building components were saved from demolition. Many architectural features, including granite arches, elaborate lime plaster work, and terracotta balusters, were restored carefully in their original design in addition to structural repairs and stabilisation. [14] Apart from bringing back the past glory of the palace complex and reviving traditional materials and craftsmanship, the project also created a cultural oasis in the heart of the city. [13]
The project was awarded with a UNESCO Asia Pacific Merit award for cultural heritage conservation on March 15, 2010. [13] UNESCO representative Takahiko Makino formally handed over the plaque and certificate to Princess Esra, former wife and GPA holder of Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur. [15] [16]
Hyderabad State or Hyderabad Deccan was a kingdom, country, and princely state in the Deccan with its capital at the city of Hyderabad. It is now divided into the state of Telangana, the Kalyana-Karnataka region of Karnataka, and the Marathwada region of Maharashtra in present-day India, which annexed it in 1948.
Nizam of Hyderabad was the title of the ruler of Hyderabad State. Nizam is a shortened form of Niẓām ul-Mulk, which means Administrator of the Realm, and was the title bestowed upon Asaf Jah I when he was appointed Viceroy of the Deccan by the Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar. In addition to being the Mughal Viceroy (Naib) of the Deccan, Asaf Jah I was also the premier courtier of the Mughal Empire until 1724, when he established the independent monarchy of Hyderabad and adopted the title "Nizam of Hyderabad".
Purani Haveli, also known as Masarrat Mahal palace, is a Haveli located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It was the official residence of the Nizam. It was also known as Haveli Kadeem, which means old mansion, was constructed for Sikander Jah, Asaf Jah III (1803–1829) by his father Ali Khan Bahadur, Asaf Jah II.
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.
Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park is a national park located in Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The park has an approximate area of 390-acre (1.6 km2). The palace complex was given to Prince Mukarram Jah on his coronation by his father Prince Azam Jah in 1967. It was declared as a National park by the Andhra Pradesh state government after getting approval from the central government in the year 1998. It is located centrally in Jubilee Hills and is described as a jungle amidst the concrete jungle.The Eco sensitive zone was declared on 27 October 2020 by Govt. of India
Mirza Nizam Ali Khan Siddiqi, Asaf Jah II was the 5th Nizam of Hyderabad State between 1762 and 1803. He was born on 7 March 1734 as fourth son to Asaf Jah I and Umda Begum. His official name is Asaf Jah II, Nizam ul-Mulk, Nizam ud-Daula, Nawab Mir Nizam 'Ali Khan Siddiqi, Fateh Jang, Sipah Salar, Nawab Subedar of the Deccan. Sawānih-i-Deccan, a Persian work compiled by Munim Khan, a military commander during the era of Asaf Jah II gave more insight about administration of Asaf Jahis.
Sikander Jah, Asaf Jah III, was the 6th Nizam of Hyderabad, India from 1803 to 1829. He was born in Chowmahalla Palace in the Khilwath, the second son of Asaf Jah II and Tahniat un-nisa Begum.
Afzal ad-Dawlah, Asaf Jah VMir Tahniyat Ali Khan Siddiqi was the eighth Nizam of Hyderabad, India, from 1857 to 1869.
Hatice Hayriye Ayşe Dürrüşehvar Sultan, after marriage Durru Shehvar Durdana Begum Sahiba, Princess of Berar; was an Ottoman princess, the only daughter of the last caliph Abdulmejid II, who was the last heir apparent to the Ottoman Imperial throne and the last Caliph of the Ottoman Caliphate.
Nizam Mir Barkat Ali Khan Siddiqi Mukarram Jah, Asaf Jah VIII, less formally known as Mukarram Jah, was the titular Nizam of Hyderabad between 1967 and 1971. He was the head of the House of Asaf Jah until he died in 2023.
The Asaf Jahi was a Muslim dynasty that ruled the Hyderabad State. The family came to India in the late 17th century and became employees of the Mughal Empire. They were great patrons of Indo-Persian culture, language, and literature, and the family found ready patronage.
Princess Esra Birgen is a Hyderabadi Noble from Turkey, who was once married to Crown Prince Mukarram Jah, the Head of the House of Asaf Jah of the Kingdom of Hyderabad
Nizam Mir Muhammad Azmet Ali Khan, Asaf Jah IX, known as Azmet Jah, is the current head of the House of Asaf Jah and claims the title of Nizam of Hyderabad and Berar since 20 January 2023, though the government of India has not recognised such titles since 1971.
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.
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.
Khilwat is a historically significant area in the midst of Old City, Hyderabad, India. The area is in the vicinity of the Chowmohalla Palace, which was developed by the Asaf Jahi dynasty. The area has many pre-historic buildings with intricate architecture which lends itself to a lavish lifestyle. Some of the wealthiest figures live in this part of Hyderabad. The Khilwat area is said to have many hidden treasures. This can be traced back to the olden days, when it was believed that there were no banks or government institutions holding valuable goods. Instead, rich people used to hide them in the earth so that they wouldn't be stolen. Only a few family members knew the exact location of these hidden treasures.
Nawab Mir Najaf Ali Khan is a grandson of the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan and is a prominent figure known for heritage conservation, social initiatives, and legal representation of the Nizam's family.
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. The city houses many famous historical sites constructed during Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi period, including various mosques and palaces.
Amir-e-Paigah-e-Asman Jahi, Moin-ud-Daula Bahadur Innayath Jung, commonly known as Sir Nawab Muhammed Moin Uddin Khan born at Basheer Bagh Palace in 1891 was an Indian nobleman and member of the Paigah Nobility and the Amir of the Asman Jahi Paigah one of the 3 great Paigahs of Hyderabad State The Paigah Nobility was the second most powerful family in Deccan Hyderabad State maintaining their own court and army bound with Asaf Jahi dynasty by matrimonial relationship, Moin-ud-doula and his father Asman Jah was one of those fortunate individuals to whom it has been given by fate to write their names large in the annals of their country, Moin-ud-doula's father Asman Jah who served as co-regent and Prime Minister of Hyderabad created several marvelous architects throughout the city maintained his army court in his domain Shamshabad, was granted the title of Order of the Indian Empire,
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