Comprising the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, Hyderabad is the Capital of Andhra
Pradesh. It is famous as the centre of the fabulously wealthy Nizams of Hyderabad.
The city, which is India's fifth largest, was founded in 1590 by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the
fourth of the Qutb Shahi Kings who rules the Deccan from 1512 until 1687 when the last of their
line was defeated by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
After the death of Emperor Aurangzeb, Mughal control over this part of India waned. The viceroys
who had been empowered to look after the interests of the empire, broke away and established
their own independent state, taking the title of Subedar and later, that of Nizam. In the later half of
the 18th century, Maratha raids weakened the kingdom of the Nizams. This and conceding to the
British saw the Nizams relinquishing most of their power.
In 1798, a subsidiary alliance was signed between the Nizam and the British East India Company.
This saw the area north of what is now the Hussain Sagar Lake being established as a cantonment.
The area was named Secunderabad after Sikander Jah, the ruling Nizam at that time.
The cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad grew together and marged to boast of one culture.
After Indian independence, Hyderabad became a part of the union
The 400 year old city of Hyderabad retains much of its old world charm and is quote unlike any
place further south. Here, Muslim and Dravidian India fuse in the colourful hurly-burly of the city.
Hyderabad is just as famous for its minarets and cuisine as it is for pearls. In fact, Hyderabad boasts
of an age-old pearls trade with the middle East. To this day, pearls from all over the world are said
to be brought to Hyderabad for being pierced and strung.
Hyderabad is at an altitude of 536 metres above sea level and covers an area of 259 sq.kms.
While summer temperatures range from a mean maximum of 40 Deg. Centigrade to a mean
minimum of 30 deg. centigrade, winter temperatures range from 22 deg. cen. to 14 deg. cen.
The monsoon season from June to December registers rainfall of about 89 cms.
Hyderabad is at its best between June and February.
