400 YEARS OF HYDERABAD...From the Qutub Shahs to the Asaf Jahs

It was more than 400 years ago that the fifth sultan of the Qutub Shahi dynasty, Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah founded the city of Hyderabad, a few miles away from the seat of power, Golconda fort across the Musi river. The Charminar was built in 1591 as the focal point of the city which was in a grid iron pattern reflective of well related precincts. Around the Char Kamaan were the palaces and beautiful wooded lands lush with greenery, thus deriving the name Baagnagar. The Qutub Shahi dynasty ruled over the lands for over 177 years and seven generations.

Hyderabad's fame, strategic location and Golconda's legendary wealth attracted Aurangazeb who captured Golconda after a long seize in 1687. The last of the sultans, Sultan Abul Hassan Tana Shah, the seventh king of the dynasty, was taken prisoner. The Mughals plundered this rich city and in the next four decades Hyderabad lost its luster.

With the emaciation of the Mughal Empire after Aurangzeb's death in 1707, Mir Quamaruddin, the Governor of the Deccan, who bore the title of Nizam-ul-Mulk Feroze Jung Asif Jah, declared his independence from Mughal rule in 1724.He thus became the first Nizam and the founder of the Asif Jahi dynasty. Asif Jah I continued to maintain Aruangabad, which had been founded by the Mughal rulers as the capital of his new state. In 1769, Nizam Ali Khan Asif Jah II, shifted the capital to Hyderabad. The seven Nizam's of the Asif Jahi dynasty ruled the Deccan for nearly 224 years, right up to 1948.

This walk offers a fascinating panorama of the past, with richly mixed cultural and historical tradition spanning over 400 years in a short time of 3 hours.
It covers the history of all the three ruling dynasties and connected noblemen and life of such times.
A rare peek into the past bringing back imaginations of splendor, regality and opulence.

The rate: For Indian nationality. Includes tickets to the Chowmahalla. Contact me.
The Start point: Charminar.
The End Point: Chowmahalla.
Duration: 3 hours.
What to get: A bottle of water, comfortable footwear and an attitude to enjoy while soaking in the heritage.
Note: Talk will be in English.