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OSMANIA
UNIVERSITY
Quality education in the vernacular
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The need for a University with an Indian language
as the medium of instruction was felt as early
as in 1873. Recognising this need, two scholars
- Rafat Yar Jung and Jamaluddin Afghani,
along with Mr. Blunt, a member of the
British Parliament. put forth the idea to the
Diwan of the Hyderabad State, Salarjung
II. The Nizam gave his consent and suggested
the name, Osmania University. This University
was developed in an area spread over 1,400 acres.
A site was selected and a Belgian architect
named Jasper was appointed to design the
university. Later, the state architect, Zain
Yar Jung submitted a detailed outlay based
on Jasper's ideas. The foundation stone was laid
in July and over 35,000 labourers were employed
for the construction work. One of the most imposing
structures is that of the College of Arts and
Commerce.
 This
granite structure is the best example of Osman
Shahi architecture. This university is the
first in India to have an Indian language, Urdu,
as its medium of instruction. Various buildings
have been added to the University to house various
departments. The imposing Library is perched
on a hillock and down below is the stretch of
the Landscape Gardens right up to the vast
Tagore Auditorium. No tour of the city
is complete without a visit to this magnificent
campus. 
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PAIGAH
TOMBS
Of nobles who patronised art, literature and
sports |
 The
tombs of the Paigah nobles are located on
the road leading to Santosh Nagar colony.
The Paigah nobles were close associates of the Nizam
and were entrusted with the defence of the State.
They were patrons of art, literature and sports
and constructed several beautiful palaces.
Magnificent structures decorated with stucco
work, the Paigah tombs are remarkable samples
of the Asaf Jahi and Rajasthani styles
of architecture. Varieties of marble stones have
been used in the construction and the artistic
skills and talent of the artists involved with
the construction work are specially noteworthy.
According to experts, the geometry of the Paigah
Tombs is unique and cannot be found anywhere else
in the world.
Timings: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entry Fee: Rs 50
Closed
on Friday. |
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PURANI
HAVELI
Nizam's gift to his son
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 Purani
Haveli, (meaning Old Palace in Urdu) was built
in 1777 by Mir Nizam Ali Khan, the Second
Nizam, for his son Sikandar Jah. But when
Sikandar became the Nizam, he chose Moti Galli
near Charminar for his residence. The
Purani Haveli was thus unoccupied for most of
the time and hence lost its earlier glory, charm
and importance. It also came to be called Haveli
Khadeem.
Purani Haveli is a replica of the 18th century
European style of architecture. Its main building,
even today, has several interesting pieces of
antique furniture. Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, the
sixth Nizam, also contributed to the glory of
this building when he build the exquisite 240-feet
long wooden wardrobe, the longest in the world,
that never fails to amaze the visitors.
Timings: 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entry Fee: Rs 50
Closed on Friday.
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PUBLIC
GARDEN
Baagh-e-aam for the Hyderabadis |
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 The
Baagh-e-aam or the Public Garden is located
near the Hyderabad railway station. It is a large
city garden that gives a breathing space to this
fifth largest city of India. The site for the
Baagh-e-Aam was acquired by the Nizam in
1864 from Raja Balakrishna on the advice
of Salar Jung I. Surrounded by a wall with
three lofty gateways, it contains the Legislative
Assembly, The State Archeological Museum, Jawahar
Bal Bhavan, the Health Museum and the Jubilee
Hall.
The oldest building here is the Iron Bungalow,
which is adjacent to a grand mosque, where
the Nizam regularly offered his prayers. Among
the recent additions to this garden is the Telugu
Lalita Kala Thoranam, an open air theatre,
now being patronised for important events such
as national and international film festivals.
The stretches of lawns, placid ponds and quaint
little structures add to the romantic and serene
atmosphere.
(Closed after 9 p.m. No entry fee)
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QUTB
SHAHI TOMBS
A unique ensemble of tombs |
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 Erected
in memory of the Golconda Nawabs, the Qutb
Shahi tombs are one of the most popular historic
places in Hyderabad. Located about a kilometer
north of Golconda Fort's Banjara Darwaza, the
tombs stand majestically in an ensemble. They
are done in a totally different architectural
style, which is a fine blend of the Persian,
the Pathan and the Hindu forms.
There are about 30 tombs inside the complex
and many more outside. A spectacle of so many
tombs at one spot cannot be found anywhere else
in India. Seven of the eight Sultans of
the Qutb Shahi dynasty are buried in this
vast resting place. At the centre of each tomb
is a sarcophagus, while the actual burial vault
is in a crypt below.
 The
principal material used in the construction is
grey granite embellished in places with gypsum
decors. The tomb of Hayath Bakshi Begum stands
out for its exquisiteness. The colonnades on all
sides of the tombs, the pointed vaults and the
domes and the minarets make the tombs a treat
to the eyes.
Timings: 9.30 am to5.00 pm.
Entry Fee: Rs. 2
Closed on Fridays
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SALAR
JUNG MUSEUM
Single man's collection adored by millions |
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 The
Salar Jung Museum houses a unique collection
of a single person Mir Yousuf Ali Khan. Better
known as Salar Jung III, he was the Prime
Minister of Hyderabad for a brief period. A patron
of literature, poetry and art, Salarjung III was
famous among the art and curio dealers around
the world.
The museum, declared as an 'Institution of
National Importance' by the Government of
India in 1961, today attracts nearly 10 lakh visitors
every year. The Salar Jung Museum has about 43,000
objects of art, 9,000 manuscripts and 47,000 books
on varied subjects printed in different languages.
The objects of art include Persian carpets,
Mughal miniatures, European paintings, Chinese
porcelain, Japanese silk paintings, carpets, clocks
and walking sticks.
 Among
the most well known pieces are the Veiled Rebecca,
an enchanting marble statue of a woman seen through
her veil, and Marguerite and Mephistopheles,
a double figure wood carving.
Timings: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entry fee: Rs 10
Closed on Fridays.
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5:06:38 PM 
