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There is also Hyderabad, Pakistan, a city in Sindh province in Pakistan.

Charminar: the old landmark

Hyderābād, the fifth largest metropolis of India, is the state capital of Andhra Pradesh, India. Also called as Bhagyanagar, it is known for its rich history and culture with monuments, mosques, temples, a rich and varied heritage in arts, crafts and dance. Hyderabad and Secunderabad are twin cities, separated by Hussain Sagar, an artificial lake constructed during the time of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali in 1562 A.D.

History

The city is more than 400 years old and is noted for its natural beauty, temples, mosques and minarets, bazaars and bridges, hills and lakes. It is perched on the top of the Deccan Plateau, 1776 ft (541 m), above sea level, and sprawls over an area of 100 mile&sup2 (260 km&sup2).

A multitude of influences have shaped the character of the city. Its palaces and buildings, houses and tenements, gardens and streets have a history and an architectural individuality of their own, which makes Hyderabad a city of enchantment.

Hyderabad was founded on the River Musi five miles east of Golconda, in 1591-92 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. In the 16th century the city grew spontaneously to accommodate the surplus population of Golconda, which was the capital of the Qutb Shahi rulers.

The Qutb Shahi dynasty founded the Kingdom of Golconda, one of the five kingdoms that emerged after the break up of the Bahamani Kingdom. All the seven rulers were patrons of learning and were great builders. They contributed to the growth and development of Indo-Persian and Indo-Islamic literature and culture in Hyderabad. During the Qutb Shahi reign Golconda became one of the leading markets in the world for diamonds, pearls, ,] arms, and also printed fabric.

When the British and the French spread their hold over the country, the Nizam won their friendship without bequeathing his power. The title "Faithful Ally of the British Government" was bestowed on Nizam VII. The British stationed a Resident at Hyderabad, but the state continued to be ruled by the Nizam.

The rule of the seven Nizams saw the growth of Hyderabad both culturally and economically. Huge reservoirs, like the Nizam Sagar, Tungabadra, Osman Sagar, Himayath Sagar, and others were built. Survey work on Nagarjuna Sagar had also begun during this time. Hyderabad, under the Nizams, was the largest princely state in India. Area wise it is as big as England and Scotland put together. The State had its own currency, mint, railways, and postal system. There was no income tax.

Soon after India gained independence, Hyderabad State merged with the Union of India. On November 1, 1956 the map of India was redrawn into linguistic states, and Hyderabad became the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

Modern Hyderabad

The population is estimated at over 7 million. Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh have a high Muslim population in comparison to the rest of India. Languages spoken include Telugu, Hindi and Urdu, with a significant amount of English used in business.

The city and the state are the fore-runners in deploying Information Technology in India. It is called "cyberabad" for this reason. Its comprehensive infrastructure facilities make Hyderabad one of the most sought after base for software development, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Biotechnology.

One of India's largest software companies Satyam is headquartered here. Microsoft, Oracle, Wipro, GE, Dell, Deloitte, HSBC, Intergraph, ADP India Inc, Keane and Baan are some of the prominent companies having development centres in the city. More and more companies are now opening centres in Hyderabad.

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, an emerging global pharmaceutical company listed on the NYSE, is headquartered here.

Hyderabad is a seat of learning - it has 8 Universities, professional colleges, more than 200 engineering colleges, the International Institute of Information Technology(IIIT), the Indian School of Business (ISB), the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Engineering Staff College of India (ESCI), to name only a few.

Hyderabad is the city of pearls and pearl ornaments, silverware, saris; 'Nirmal' and 'Kalamkari' paintings and artefacts; unique 'Bidri' handicraft items; lacquer bangles studded with stones; and silk and cotton, handloom clothing materials.

Hyderabad is well linked to other cities in India and to international destinations including the Middle East and South East Asia, especially Singapore and Malaysia.

The city will soon have a modern international airport to leverage its ideal geographic location while also enhancing global connectivity.

Hyderabad is also supposed to get a Formula 1 F1 race track and thus may become a centre for tourism and luxury hotels.

Landmarks

The city is rich with tourist spots. Some of the Landmarks in Hyderabad include:

• Charminar. Charminar, the edifice of four minarets, is the legendary masterpiece of the Qutb Shahis. The awesome rectangular structure was built upon four grand arches by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591 to commemorate the end of the plague.
• Birla Temple. Overlooking the Tank Bund, the Birla Mandir presents an arresting sight when illuminated in the evening. This magnificent structure built entirely out of marble from Rajasthan, stands atop the Kala Pahad, the twin hillock of the Naubat Pahad. Built by a Birla Foundation over a span of ten years, the main temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.
• Golconda Fort. Founded originally by the Kakatiyas in the 13th century, the existing structure was expanded by the Qutb Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite with walls and ramparts extending some 7 km in circumference. Much of the fort is in ruins. The fortress city within the walls was famous for the diamond trade and the Koh-i-noor diamond is said to have come from here.
• Mecca Masjid
• Qutb Shahi Tombs. The tombs erected in the memory of the departed kings of Golconda are truly magnificent monuments that have stood the test of time and the vagaries of nature. They stand a kilometre north of Golconda fort's Banjara Darwaza.
• Falaknuma Palace. Built by one of the Paigh nobles, Sir Vicar ul Umra, and later bought by the Nizam, the Falaknuma Palace (meaning "Mirror in the Sky") is 5km south of the Charminar. This palace was designed by an Italian architect and houses some rare treasures collected by the Nizam.
• Salar Jung Museum.
• Hussain sagar lake and Buddha Statue (One of the tallest statues of Buddha in Asia) situated on an island in the middle of the Hussain sagar lake Ramoji's Film City (largest movie studio and cinema complex in Asia, 2000 acres, 800 ha)
• N.T.R Park
• Lumbini Park
• Nehru Zoological park.