The capital with more than 400 year history has a tale few down South can match.
From the Nizam’s rule to being the capital of integrated Andhra Pradesh to tussle between two States; then from being a public sector powerhouse to becoming the IT destination.
There have been books about Hyderabad like William Darlymple’s “White Mughals” taking it to the world stage (now a film in the making), but few journalists dared to embark upon writing on the ever changing face of the city.
Distinguished career
After a distinguished three decade career, first in The Indian Express and later more than two decades in this newspaper J.S. Ifthekar has penned this eminently readable book covering the various facets of the city and its transformations – some gradual, some rapid.
The book covers a period from 1591 with the foundation and building of Charminar before chronicling the times ahead including the renaissance during the time of the seventh Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan and later the construction of Cyberabad.
Apparently, Hyderabad’s history stretches several centuries back as the Musi and its tributaries made it an ideal habitation for thousands of years. Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Bahmanis, Qutb Shahis, Mughals and Asaf Jahis ruled this region. Other nuggets – old city had a granite wall six miles long with 13 gates and was pulled down to decongest it though portions remain. Charminar costed Rs.9 lakh to build, Golconda has eight gates with spikes to stop charging elephants in their tracks, Falaknuma palace (now a star hotel) with scorpion like shape of palace, only brought misery to its builders and occupants so much so that the 7{+t}{+h}Nizam used it only as a guest house out of superstition! The author always had a way with words and this book, “a peep into the splendid past and whet the readers’ appetite” is an excellent example. Adding colour are photos by his erstwhile colleague and noted photographer P.V. Sivakumar.
“Long enough to cover the necessary facts and short enough to read in just one sitting,” the book priced at Rs.700 and published by Kohinoor Book Distributors (Red Hills), is available at all leading stores or call 9440055478.
Former journalist of The Hindu ,
J.S. Ifthekar’s book covers the various facets of the city and its transformations – some gradual, some rapid
