History of Hyderabad (India)

The city of Hyderabad is a historic city noted for its many monuments, temples, churches, mosques, and bazaars. A multitude of influences has shaped the character of the city in the last 400 years.

The city is changing its role and outlook as part of the booming service industry revolution, and is trying to preserve and popularize its history.

Before the city was founded

Ancient history

The area around Hyderabad was ruled by the Mauryan Empire in the third century B.C during the reign of Ashoka.

Medieval history

Various Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms ruled the area during the subsequent centuries. The area was ruled by the Kalyani branch of the Chalukya kings. When the Chalukya kingdom became weaker, Kakatiyas, who were feudal chieftains of Chalukya, declared independence and setup their kingdom around Warangal.The fall of Warangal to Muhammad bin Tughluq's forces from the Delhi Sultanate in 1321 AD brought anarchy to the region. For the next few decades, the Bahmani Sultanate of the Deccan fought the Musunuri Nayakas on the north and the Vijayanagara Rayas on the south for control of the region. By the middle of the 15th century, the region was under the firm control of the Bahmani Sultanate which controlled the Deccan north of the Krishna River from coast to coast.

The Qutb Shahis

The Golconda Sultanate

In 1463, Sultan Mohammad Shah Bahmani dispatched Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk to the Telangana region to quell disturbances. Sultan Quli quelled the disturbance and was rewarded as the administrator of the region. He established a base at Kakatiya hill fortress of Golconda which he strengthened and expanded considerably. By the end of the century, Quli ruled from Golconda as the Subedar of Telangana. Quli enjoyed virtual independence from Bidar, where the Bahmani sultanate was then based. In 1518, he declared independence from the Bahmani Sultanate and established the Golconda Sultanate under the title Sultan Quli Qutub Shah. This was the start of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty. The Bahmani Sultanate disintegrated into five different kingdoms, with the others based in Ahmednagar, Berar, Bidar and Bijapur.

The Founding of a New City

Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah of Qutb Shahi dynasty, built the city of Hyderabad {formerly known as Bhagyanagar} on the Musi River,five miles (8 km) east of Golconda in 1589 and dedicated it to his beloved Hindu wife Bhagyamathi (popularly known as Bhagmathi) He also ordered the construction of the Char Minar, the iconic monument of the city, in 1591, reportedly in gratitude to the almighty for arresting a plague epidemic before it did irreversible damage to his new city. The Purana Pul ("old bridge") spanning the Musi was built a few years earlier, enabling quick travel between Golconda and Hyderabad.

Legend has it that the bridge was built by Mohammad Quli's father Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah so his son's life would not be endangered when he went to visit his future wife during the monsoon months.

The New City Flourishes

The early history of Hyderabad is inextricably intertwined with the history of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. As Qutb Shahi power and fortune rose during the 16th and early 17th centuries, Hyderabad became a center of a vibrant diamond trade. All seven Qutb Shahi sultans were patrons of learning and were great builders. They contributed to the growth and development of Indo-Persian and Indo-Islamic literature and culture in Hyderabad. Some of the sultans were known as patrons of local Telugu culture as well. During the Qutb Shahi reign Golconda became one of the leading markets in the world for diamonds, pearls, steel, arms, and also printed fabric. In the 16th century the city grew to accommodate the surplus population of Golconda and eventually became the capital of the Qutb Shahi rulers. Hyderabad became known for its gardens (called baghs) and its comfortable climate. Visitors from other lands compared the city most to the beautiful city of Isfahan in Iran.

Mughal conquest and rule

The Beginning of the End of the Mughal Empire

By the mid-17th century, politics in the Deccan were ready for yet another tectonic shift. Mughal prince Aurangzeb spent most of his time in the Deccan fighting local Hindu and Muslim kingdoms to establish and enforce Mughal Sovereignty. The rise of Maratha power under Shivaji kept the Mughals constantly challenged. After the death of Shah Jahan in 1666, Aurangzeb consolidated his power in Delhi as Emperor and returned to the south. He spent most of his imperial reign in military camps in the Deccan, in an almost desperate campaign to expand the empire beyond the greatest extent it had reached under Akbar. The biggest prize in his eyes was the rich city of Hyderabad, protected by the reportedly impregnable fort of Golconda.

Hyderabad Falls to the Mughals

Aurangzeb laid siege to Golconda in 1686. Golconda held fast under months of siege, and Aurangzeb had to retreat in frustration. Aurangzeb returned in 1687 and laid siege for 9 months camping in the Fateh Maidan ("victory field," now the Lal Bahadur Stadium). Local legend has it that the fortress held on, but the gates were opened at night by a saboteur who was bribed by Aurangzeb. Sultan Abul Hassan Tana Shah, the seventh king of the dynasty, was taken prisoner. Hyderabad's independence was eclipsed. Aurangzeb's efforts would turn out largely in vain, with Hyderabad remaining in Mughal hands for less than four decades.

For a few decades, Hyderabad declined, and its vibrant diamond trade was all but destroyed. Aurangzeb's attention moved away quickly to other parts of the Deccan, with the Marathas slowly but steadily gaining ground against the Mughals.

The Asaf Jahis

Viceroys Become Kings

With the emaciation of the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb's death in 1707, the Mughal-appointed governors of Hyderabad gained more autonomy from Delhi. In 1724, Asaf Jah I, who was granted the title Nizam-ul-Mulk ("governor of the country") by the Mughal emperor, defeated a rival official to establish control over Hyderabad. Thus began the Asaf Jahi dynasty that would rule Hyderabad until a year after India's independence from Britain.

Hyderabad Starts Growing Again

Asaf Jah's successors ruled as Nizams of Hyderabad. The rule of the seven Nizams saw the growth of Hyderabad both culturally and economically. Hyderabad became the formal capital of the kingdom and Golconda, the former capital, was all but abandoned. Huge reservoirs, like the Nizam Sagar, Tungabhadra, Osman Sagar, Himayat Sagar, and others were built. Survey work on Nagarjuna Sagar had also begun during this time.

A Delicate Balancing Game

When the British and the French spread their hold over the country, successive Nizams won their friendship without bequeathing their power. The Nizams allied themselves with each side at different times, playing a significant role in the wars involving Tipu Sultan of Mysore, the British and the French. During the reign of the third Nizam, Sikandar Jah, the city of Secunderabad was founded to station French troops and subsequently, British troops. The British stationed a Resident at Hyderabad and their own troops at Secunderabad, but the state continued to be ruled by the Nizam. Hyderabad, under the Nizams, was the largest princely state in India, with an area larger than England, Scotland and Wales combined. It was considered the "senior-most" princely-state, and within the elaborate protocols of the Raj, its ruler the Nizam was accorded a 21-gun salute. The State had its own currency, mint, railways, and postal system. There was no income tax.

urrounded, Isolated but well Governed

Although The Hyderabad State was surrounded by The British India, the state was politically isolated from the rest of India. The Nizams were reputed to be autocratic but benevolent rulers. They pledged allegiance to the King of England in order to retain control over their vast dominions. By the 20th century, they had the titles "Faithful Ally of the British Empire," and "His Exalted Highness." A title bestowed on no one else. It was the only Princely state of that size. He was given this title for exemplary administration and the prosperity the State ushered in.

From a bankrupt state The seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, made it into the wealthiest state in the sub-continent. He was considered the world's richest man (Time cover story Feb. 22, 1937), and he was famous for patronage to learning and institutions. Some eccentricities included the use the 400 carat (80 g) Jacob Diamond as a paperweight.

Mir Osman Ali Khan founded number of institutions the world over including the eponymous Osmania General Hospital and Osmania University -- the first modern university to teach in an Indian language (Urdu and many others). Above all there was total harmony Fact|date=June 2008. There was never a riotFact|date=June 2008. People lived in total peace and harmony in the upwardly mobile composite Hindu Muslim fraternal societyFact|date=June 2008. The law prevailedFact|date=June 2008. No one including the ruler was above the law and the state and judiciary was separate.Fact|date=June 2008

Integration into Indian Union

When India gained independence in 1947, the Nizam declared his intention to remain independent, either as a sovereign ruler or by acquiring Dominion status within the British Empire. In order to keep essential trade and supplies flowing, he signed a Standstill Agreement with the Indian Union which surrounded him on all sides. The law and order situation soon deteriorated, with escalating violence between the private Razakar army fighting for continuation of the Nizam's rule and the people with the support of the Congress leaders like Swami Ramanand Tirtha and the communists of Telangana, were fighting for joining in the Indian Union. As the violence spiraled out of control with refugees flowing into the coastal Andhra region of the Madras state of India, the Indian Government under Home Minister Sardar Patel initiated a police action titled Operation Polo.

On September 16, 1948, Indian Army moved in to Hyderabad State from five fronts. Four days later, the Hyderabad forces surrendered. The number of dead was a little over 800. The Police Action achieved success within a matter of days.

The Nizam finally surrendered and signed the Instrument of Accession to the Indian Union and Hyderabad was integrated into the Indian Union as a state.

Hyderabad's Contribution to Pakistan

The Nizam of Hyderabad remained a staunch supporter of Pakistan. Upon the creation of Pakistan on August 14, 1947, the Nizam was isolated since the State of Hyderabad was surrounded by the newly independent Republic of India. Under these conditions, the Nizam could not declare accession to Pakistan out of fear that India would invade the State of Hyderabad which it did a year later.

During this period, the new state of Pakistan had tremendous financial problems as India had not released Pakistan's share to it in hopes that Pakistan would collapse economically.

Recalling the incidents of that period, Mr. Farooq Ahmed Khan, Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police recalls some of the most important incidents of this episode stating "Not many people know that at the time when Pakistan came into existence in 1947; and before the fall of Hyderabad, due to unprovoked Indian military aggression in 1948. The Government of Pakistan had to start a new country from scratch. And India had purposely not given the share, which Pakistan was supposed to get under the “Partition Agreement”; because in the beginning Pakistan did not even have the money to pay the salaries of the Government officers and employees. Although the morale of the people was high, and the people were ready to make sacrifices for the new country, which they had aspired for, and had now finally become a reality. At that critical period, it was Hyderabad State, which came forward to help Pakistan, and rescue the country from bankruptcy or collapse.

"For this purpose, a novel scheme was implemented. An adventurous British commercial pilot was contacted and engaged in his private capacity to secretly fly loads of gold from Hyderabad to Pakistan, eluding the Indian planes, which could have stopped the flight or shut down the plane.

"This rescue project for Pakistan was the idea of Qasim Rizvi, the leader, who was then in power in Hyderabad. Nizam had also given his consent for this noble action, undertaken at great risk.

"Fortunately this scheme worked, which helped to keep going the newly formed Pakistan. Needless to say, that this invaluable and timely help from Hyderabad to Pakistan, at such a critical juncture, cannot be forgotten." [http://www.pakistanlink.com/Letters/99/Jan/29/09.html]

The most famous case still pending in the UK in this regard relates to the 1,007,940 pounds sterling that the Nizam had transferred through the National Westminster Bank in 1948 favouring the Pakistan High Commissioner in London Mr. H.I. Rahimtoola. This money is now worth over 30 million pounds sterlin. The Govt of India laid claim to the money against the claim of the Govt of Pakistan. The case is still sub judice. [http://www.zimbio.com/Hyderabad+India/articles/25/India+illegal+occupation+Hyderabad+legacy] [http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/21/stories/2008042151340200.htm] [http://www.merinews.com/catFull.jsp?articleID=132309] [http://www.defence.pk/forums/military-history/10903-out-court-deal-unlock-nizam-hyderabads-millions.html]

Hyderabad State

The state got its first democractic government and the representatives of its 18 million people were admitted to theConstituent Assembly drafting a constitution for free India. For the next eight years, Hyderabad continued as a separate state within the union.

Reorganization of States and Formation of Andhra Pradesh

On November 1, 1956, the states of India were reorganized on linguistic grounds. Consequently, the terrorities of the State of Hyderabad were divided between newly created Andhra Pradesh, Bombay state (later Maharashtra), and Karnataka. Hyderabad and the surrounding areas were annexed into India, and later to Andhra Pradesh based on Telugu linguistic majority, and Hyderabad became the capital of the new state of Andhra Pradesh.

Footnotes

References

* Zubrzycki, John. (2006) "The Last Nizam: An Indian Prince in the Australian Outback". Pan Macmillan, Australia. ISBN 978-0-3304-2321-2.

External links

* [http://www.hyderabadplanet.com/hyderabad-history.html Photos of Hyderabad History, from Qutb Shahi, Asaf Jahi to till-date]