History has left a significant mark on the city of Hyderabad.
As my days at Hyderabad were spent busy with my work and travel, I found a weekend to explore some of the remnants of the fallen kingdoms that ruled the city from the 13th to the 17th century. Charminar, Chowmahalla palace, Golconda fort, and the Qutb Shahi tombs leave a significant historical mark on the city. If you search for things to do in HYDERABAD, these were a few of the places recommended by Google. So I planned a day to explore these four sites to immerse myself in the history of the culture of the yesteryear kingdoms.
Charminar
Char which means four and Minar which means tower, a literary translation of the name that means four towers. It is the most significant monument which depicts itself as the identity of Hyderabad. Built in 1591, by the Qutb Shahi dynasty, to represent the new capital of their kingdom, Hyderabad. Two of the towers make entry and exit way stairs to people visiting the upper level. Be prepared to feel like a 7-foot giant while climbing the 2 ft steps that curve around the tower to reach the top. The upper-level offer is a magnificent view of the city from all directions especially covering the four entryways to the Charminar. The historical significance of this place is quite well-known, I was kind of flat down because of the surroundings of the place itself. There was even a temple attached to one of Charminar’s towers which baffles my mind as it was not part of the original structure.
Chowmahalla palace
Built-in the 1750s, Chowmahalla palace would act as a place of residence and governance for the Nizams. Mughals defeated the Qutb Shahi dynasty and appointed Nizams as the governors of the Deccan regions. Nissan’s reign was a constant struggle for existence where they welcomed British government partnership to modernize the Deccan region. The building, the carvings, and the decor are only matched by the peace and tranquility the place offers to visitors. The collection of vintage cars and motorcycles only paints a vague picture of the glamour of their time. Overall, it’s a place for historians to geek out over the details of yesteryear’s glory.
Golconda Fort
Capital of the Golconda sultanate, it is one of the oldest historical sites you can visit in Hyderabad. Built-in the 13th century, is located on top of a hill and has been constantly renovated until the 17th century. It is also popularly known for diamond trades in its time known as Golconda diamonds. Allegedly, Golconda fort was once the resting place of Koh-i-Noor and Hope diamonds. It’s a bit of a track to reach the top one. But once you’re there you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the greenery that surrounds the fort. The ruins and empty hallways only add to the mystery of its benevolence and its heyday. I actually visited this place twice. I was so mesmerized by the location, the architecture and the significance it held for its time can only be matched by its impact on the regions around.
Qutb Shahi tombs
Tombs are never my favorite things. They represent an attempt by the fallen kings or queens to remain immortal. A case in point is the Taj Mahal. Qutb Shahi tombs were built around the 16th and 17th century are some of the last few historical buildings built by the Qutb dynasty. You can actually see some of these tunes from the top of Golconda fort. Beware of the fake tour guides and workers, who will try to take advantage of your naïve approach to the historical sites and offer you information that is publicly available to you.
I felt my day of immersing in the historical monuments of Hyderabad was a good reflection of what India is made of. It’s a representation of the time of constant conflict, an omaĝe to Hyderanad’s great past filled with riches that attracted the western world to India. Yet here we are in an era that does not have any relevance to its great past.
Roy D