Hyderabad, India

Hyderabad is the capital city of the Indian state of Telangana. It is also the de jure capital of Andhra Pradesh. The city is known for its rich history, culture, and architecture representing its unique character as a meeting point for North and South India, and also its multilingual culture, both geographically and culturally.

History[edit | edit source]

Hyderabad was established by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 in the southern part of India. The city was ruled by the Qutb Shahi dynasty for nearly a century before it was captured by the Mughals. In the 18th century, the city became the capital of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty, who ruled over the Deccan region for about two centuries. The city continued to be the capital city of the Princely State of Hyderabad under the British rule, and remained so for 150 years. The city was annexed by India in 1948 and has remained an important part of the country ever since.

Geography[edit | edit source]

Hyderabad is located in the northern part of the Deccan Plateau, in Southern India, on the banks of the Musii River. The city has a semi-arid climate and is located in the seismic zone II.

Economy[edit | edit source]

Hyderabad is the economic powerhouse of Telangana. The city is the largest contributor to the state's GDP, tax and other revenues. Major industries in the city include IT and ITES, insurance and financial institutions, pharma and biotech, and real estate and retail. Hyderabad is known as the "Cyberabad" due to the location of major software industries in the city. The city is home to the world's largest film studio, the Ramoji Film City, as well as the Telugu Film Industry, the second-largest in India, known popularly as Tollywood.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Hyderabad is a melting pot of various cultures. The city is known for its Hyderabadi Biryani, a traditional South Indian dish made with basmati rice, meat and various spices. The city is also known for its traditional crafts, including Bidriware and Kalamkari, and its pearls. The city's rich cultural heritage is evident in its numerous monuments, temples, mosques, and bazaars.

Education[edit | edit source]

Hyderabad is home to many schools, colleges, and universities of repute. The city is a major center for scientific and technological research, and is home to institutions like the University of Hyderabad, Osmania University, and the Indian School of Business.

Transport[edit | edit source]

Hyderabad is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The city is served by the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, which is located in the southern part of the city. The city has a modern mass transit system, the Hyderabad Metro, as well as a suburban rail system, the Multi-Modal Transport System.