Architecture of Hyderabad

{{Further|Qutb Shahi architecture}}File:Qutb_shahi_Tombs_4.jpg]]

Qutb Shahi architecture of the 16th and early 17th centuries followed classical Persian architecture featuring domes and colossal arches.{{cite book|title=The new Cambridge history of India, volumes 1–7|last=Michell|first=George|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1987|isbn=0-521-56321-6|pages=218–219}}

• {{cite news|url=http://www.siasat.com/english/news/%E2%80%98jubilee-hall%E2%80%99-masterpiece-asaf-jahi-architecture|title=Jubilee hall a masterpiece of Asaf Jahi architecture|date=31 December 2011|newspaper=The Siasat Daily|access-date=12 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512184548/http://www.siasat.com/english/news/%E2%80%98jubilee-hall%E2%80%99-masterpiece-asaf-jahi-architecture|archive-date=12 May 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}} Inscriptions in Persian and elaborately carved stucco work are found on most of these buildings. The oldest surviving Qutb Shahi structure in Hyderabad is the ruins of Golconda fort built in the 16th century.

File:Taramati-Baradari.jpg]]

The most important monuments from this time are the Charminar and Mecca Masjid, both built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad. Most of the historical bazaars that still exist were constructed on the street north of Charminar towards the fort. The Charminar has become an icon of the city, located in the center of old Hyderabad. It is a square structure with sides {{convert|20|m|ft|abbr=on}} long and four grand arches each facing a road. At each corner stands a {{convert|56|m|ft|abbr=on}}-high minaret.{{sfn|Bilgrami, 1927|pp=17-19}}

To the north of the Charminar is a public square enclosed by four giant arches, known as the Char Kaman.{{sfn|Bilgrami, 1927|pp=19-21}}{{sfn|Haig, 1907|pp=210}} A fountain called Gulzar Houz is at the center of this area.

Another example is the Qutb Shahi Tombs complex, a complex of tombs of the Qutb Shahi rulers, as well as other royals and noblemen. The domes were originally overlaid with blue and green tiles, of which only a few pieces now remain.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/restoration-of-quli-qutub-shahi-tombs/article7813913.ece|title=Restoration of Quli Qutub Shahi tombs|date=2015-10-28|work=The Hindu|access-date=2018-07-29|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}} The tombs are set in a garden. The complex includes a step-well,{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/Badi-Baoli-at-Qutb-Shahi-tombs-restored-to-full-glory/article14482723.ece|title=Badi Baoli at Qutb Shahi tombs restored to full glory|last=Lasania|first=Yunus Y.|date=2016-07-11|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-26|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}} Turkish bath, and a mosque.

The Charminar, Golconda Fort and the Qutb Shahi tombs are considered to be monuments of national importance in India. In 2010, the Indian government proposed that the sites be listed for UNESCO World Heritage status.{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5573/|title=The Qutb Shahi monuments of Hyderabad Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi tombs, Charminar|year=2010|work=UNESCO World Heritage Site|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130222105425/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5573/|archive-date=22 February 2013|access-date=22 February 2013|df=dmy-all}}{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E4l78qG3TkAC|title=Tourist guide to Andhra Pradesh|publisher=Sura Books|year=2006|isbn=978-81-7478-176-5|access-date=22 February 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.aponline.gov.in/quick%20links/hist-cult/architecture_qut.html|title=Qutb Shahi style (mainly in and around Hyderabad city)|publisher=aponline.gov.in|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110075247/http://www.aponline.gov.in/quick%20links/hist-cult/architecture_qut.html|archive-date=10 January 2013|access-date=24 February 2013|df=dmy-all}}

The style is also seen in the Taramati Baradari, Khairtabad Mosque,{{sfn|Bilgrami, 1927|pp=57-58}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/archaeology-dept-turns-its-focus-on-khairatabad-masjid/article25195183.ece|title=Archaeology Dept. turns its focus on Khairatabad Masjid|last=Nanisetti|first=Serish|date=2018-10-11|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-26|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}} Musheerabad Mosque,{{sfn|Bilgrami, 1927|pp=93-94}} Shaikpet Sarai,{{sfn|Khalidi, 2009|pp=45}} and Toli Masjid.{{sfn|Bilgrami, 1927|pp=65-67}}{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/toli-mosque-under-threat-road-works-go-on-brazenly/articleshow/64131892.cms|title=Toli mosque: Toli Mosque under threat; road works go on brazenly | Hyderabad News - Times of India|newspaper=The Times of India |date=12 May 2018 }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.hyderabadtourism.travel/qutub-shahi-tombs-hyderabad|title=Qutub Shahi Tombs Hyderabad, timings, entry ticket cost, price, fee - Hyderabad Tourism 2018|website=www.hyderabadtourism.travel|language=en-GB|access-date=2018-07-19}}

File:Old_Gate_of_Dabeerpura.JPG.]]

The only significant architectural contribution during the brief Mughal rule in Hyderabad was the construction the city wall of Hyderabad, constructed out of granite in typical Mughal defence architecture.{{sfn|Bilgrami, 1927|pp=94-95}} The wall had twelve gateways, each wide enough for an elephant to pass through.{{sfn|Khalidi, 2009|pp=24-30}} Mughal emperor Aurangzeb also completed the construction of the Mecca Masjid, adding a gateway and topping the minarets with domes.{{Cite book|last=Khalidi|first=Omar|url=https://archnet.org/authorities/2736/publications/12049|title=A Guide to Architecture in Hyderabad, Deccan, India|publisher=Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture & MIT Libraries|year=2009|pages=41}}

The Nizams of Hyderabad ruled between the 18th and 20th centuries as vassals of the British Empire. Therefore, European architectural styles became prevalent during this period.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/mapping-the-art-deco-beauties-before-they-vanish/article19388196.ece|title=Mapping the Art Deco beauties before they vanish|last=Nanisetti|first=Serish|date=2017-07-29|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616153001/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/mapping-the-art-deco-beauties-before-they-vanish/article19388196.ece|archive-date=2019-06-16|url-status=live|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}

File:Sitaram Bagh Temple entrance gate, January 2022.jpg built during the Nizam period.]]

Apart from the Nizams' palaces, the noble families built their own palaces and mansions in Indo-European styles. This includes Diwan Devdi,{{sfn|Khalidi, 2009|pp=121-122}} Asman Garh Palace, Errum Manzil, Khursheed Jah Devdi, Bashir Bagh Palace, Bella Vista, Hill Fort Palace, and Paigah Palace.

File:Gandhi and the Government.jpg

With the introduction of a sizable Christian population, churches including the St. Joseph's Cathedral,{{sfn|Khalidi, 2009|pp=103}} St. George's Church,{{sfn|Khalidi, 2009|pp=104}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/St.-Georges-Church-turns-143/article16135265.ece|title=St. George's Church turns 143|author=Staff Reporter|date=2010-08-17|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-28|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}} CSI Garrison Wesley Church,{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/162yearold-church-in-secunderabad-restored/article6711410.ece|title=162-year-old church in Secunderabad restored|last=Reddy|first=Ravi|date=2014-12-21|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-28|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}} and Holy Trinity Church were built in the city, especially in and around Secunderabad, the new city built as a British cantonment.

File:Falaknuma_Palace_01.jpg, completed in 1893.|alt=|left]]

File:Koti Residency Deborah Hutton.jpg|alt=|right]]

The British Residency, completed in 1798, was probably the first major example of neoclassical architecture in Hyderabad.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/iconic-residency-suffers-damage/article7829467.ece|title=Iconic Residency suffers damage|last=Nanisetti|first=Serish|date=2015-11-01|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-25|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}

The other examples of neo-classical architecture in Hyderabad includes the various buildings of Chowmahalla Palace

The Falaknuma Palace, used as a guest-house by the Nizam, was inspired by Andrea Palladio's villas. The Nizams applied European styles in some of the palaces such as Falaknuma and King Kothi Palaces.{{cite book|title=The New Cambridge History of India, Volumes 1–7|author=George Michell|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1987|isbn=0-521-56321-6|pages=218–219}}{{cite news|url=http://www.siasat.com/english/news/%E2%80%98jubilee-hall%E2%80%99-masterpiece-asaf-jahi-architecture|title=Jubilee Hall a masterpiece of Asaf Jahi architecture|date=31 December 2011|work=The Siasat Daily|access-date=12 April 2012}}

File:High_court_of_hyderabad.jpg style by Vincent Esch.]]

File:Mojam Jahi front.jpg|alt=|right]]

File:Kachiguda Railway Station Hyderabad.jpg|alt=|right]]

In the 17th century, Asaf Jahi architecture emerged with palatial style outweighed secular construction. The earliest examples include the Purani Haveli, which served as the seat of the Nizam until the Chowmahalla Palace was constructed. The Chowmahalla Palace, located a stone's throw away from Charminar was constructed over a period of 100 years. It was recently restored and opened to the public. A wide variety of Indian and European styles, ranging from baroque to neoclassical, are seen in the palace{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/chowmahalla-palace-grandeur-to-be-restored-before-monsoon/articleshow/64365671.cms|title=Chowmahalla Palace grandeur to be restored before monsoon - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-07-20}}{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/chowmahalla-wins-natl-tourism-award/articleshow/60878949.cms|title=Chowmahalla wins National Tourism Award - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-07-20}}

The last Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan is called as the maker of modern Hyderabad. The buildings constructed during his reign are impressive and represent a rich style of Indo-Saracenic architecture, such as the Osmania University{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/arts-college-building-a-hand-me-down-architectural-gem/article17895207.ece|title=Arts College building, a hand-me-down architectural gem|last=Nanisetti|first=Serish|date=2017-04-08|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-26|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}} and Moazzam Jahi Market.{{sfn|Khalidi, 2009|pp=257}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/moazzam-jahi-market-to-be-restored-in-4-months/article23358368.ece|title=Moazzam Jahi Market to be restored in 4 months|last=Nanisetti|first=Serish|date=2018-03-27|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-25|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}} These buildings are quite distinct from their earlier Qutb Shahi counterparts.

In the early 20th century, the Nizam invited British architect Vincent Esch to design four major public buildings of Hyderabad — the Hyderabad High Court, Osmania General Hospital,{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/nizams-kin-urge-state-to-restore-osmania-hospital/article23543403.ece|title=Nizam's kin urge State to restore Osmania Hospital|last=Chandrashekhar|first=B.|date=2018-04-14|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-26|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}} City College,{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/government-city-college-radiates-the-charm-of-a-bygone-era/article22438106.ece|title=Government City College radiates the charm of a bygone era|last=Nanisetti|first=Serish|date=2018-01-13|work=The Hindu|access-date=2018-07-19|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115230220/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/government-city-college-radiates-the-charm-of-a-bygone-era/article22438106.ece|archive-date=2018-01-15|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}} and Kachiguda Railway Station.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/kacheguda-railway-station-is-a-precursor-of-the-architectural-idiom/article24121598.ece|title=Kacheguda Railway Station: a precursor of the architectural idiom|last=Nanisetti|first=Serish|date=2018-06-09|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-26|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}} Esch, a pioneer of the contemporary Indo-Saracenic style designed these building in this style combining Indo-Islamic and European features.

The Spanish Mosque, Paigah Tombs,{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/the-paigahs-necropolis/article22481683.ece|title=The Paigah's necropolis|last=Safvi|first=Rana|date=2018-01-21|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-25|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925134939/https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/the-paigahs-necropolis/article22481683.ece|archive-date=2019-09-25|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}} Mahbub Mansion, Saidani Ma Tomb, Aza Khana-e-Zohra,{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/built-by-the-nizam-as-a-symbol-of-love-for-his-mother-aza-khana-e-zehra-the-house-of-mourning-dispels-religious-barriers/article25026294.ece|title=Aza Khana e Zehra, a monument for mourners|last=Nanisetti|first=Serish|date=2018-09-24|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-26|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926125939/https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/built-by-the-nizam-as-a-symbol-of-love-for-his-mother-aza-khana-e-zehra-the-house-of-mourning-dispels-religious-barriers/article25026294.ece|archive-date=2019-09-26|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}} Hill Fort Palace, and Nizamia Hospital, also contribute to the architecture of this period.

File:SBH 1955 Gunfoundry.jpg.|alt=|left]]

File:Alhambra1 Hyderabad.jpg.|alt=|right]]

Art deco buildings were built in the 1930s and 1940s. Art Deco style was introduced to Hyderabad by a German architect called Karl Heinz.{{Cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2021/May/01/art-decothe-secret-language-of-buildings-2297031.html|title=Art Deco, the secret language of buildings|newspaper=The New Indian Express|date=2021-05-01|last1=Mukherjee|first1=Kakholi}} The Moazzam Jahi Market, SBH Building, buildings by Mohammed Fayazuddin and a number of cinema halls are examples of such architecture.

File:Hyderabadiit-2.jpg designed by Christopher Benninger. ]]

Modern architectural styles with skyscrapers of glass and steel dominate the newer areas of the city. These include the new airport at Shamshabad, Cyber Towers in Hi-Tec City etc.

{{Reflist}}

• {{cite book |title=Landmarks of the Deccan |last1=Bilgrami |first1=Syed Ali Asgar |year=1927 |publisher=Government Central Press, Hyderabad |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.63136/page/n5 |ref={{sfnref|Bilgrami, 1927}}}}
• {{cite book |title=Historic Landmarks of the Deccan |last1=Haig |first1=Major T. W. |year=1907 |publisher=Pioneer Press, Allahabad |url=https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Historic_Landmarks_of_the_Deccan |ref={{sfnref|Haig, 1907}}}}
• {{cite book |title=Pictorial Hyderabad |last1=Mudiraj |first1=K. Krishnaswamy |year=1929 |publisher=The Chandrakanth Press, Hyderabad |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.388502/page/n1 |ref={{sfnref|1929}}}}
• {{cite book |title=A Guide to Architecture in Hyderabad, Deccan, India |last1=Khalidi |first1=Omar |year=2009 |url=https://libraries.mit.edu/img/libs/rotch/HyderabadGuide_2009.pdf |ref={{sfnref|Khalidi, 2009}} |access-date=2019-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313131458/https://libraries.mit.edu/img/libs/rotch/HyderabadGuide_2009.pdf |archive-date=2020-03-13 |url-status=dead }}

{{Architecture of India}}

• [https://www.jstor.org/stable/42930820?read-now=1&refreqid=excelsior%3A64c0dabb15b84e8cd023730ef1f04f34#metadata_info_tab_contents Bulletin of the Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Volume 22 (1963)]
• Vottery, Madhu (2010), A Guide to the Heritage of Hyderabad, Rupa Publications, Hyderabad

{{Hyderabad topics}}

Hyderabad