MANJLI BEGUM KI HAVELI

MANJLI BEGUM KI HAVELI

The late 18th Century haveli, per se, may not appear opulent, standing as it is in the rear part of the spectacular Chow Mohalla palace complex, but it is one of those few Indo-European individual buildings left in the area, to carve out a niche for itself in the history of Hyderabad. Architecturally, the palace can be described as "arched beauty", from the way the Moghul and European arches merge to form a symphony. Built by Mir Nizam Ali Khan (1762-1803), the second Nizam, for the favourite of his 12 daughters, Fakhr-ul-nisa alias Manjli Begum, after he shifted the capital of Asaf Jahi rule from Aurangabad to Hyderabad, the haveli is remembered for diverse reasons. 

First, it is named after a Royal Begum, a rarity in the built heritage of Hyderabad. Names of most of such palaces take after the princes, some of who took over the exalted masnad (throne) of Hyderabad State and not the princesses. This haveli being an exception, unusual for the time, it shows the importance and respect enjoyed by the Begum, also known for her piety, in the nobility of Hyderabad.

Another interesting nugget is the way this little palace became home to a rebellious son of the royalty. This was the palace where the third Nizam, Sikander Jah's son, Mubaraz-ud-doula, the "rebel prince" was born. In what could be the first-of-its- kind event in the Nizamian era, Mubaraz deserted the riches of royalty, to don the role of a rebel in theMutiny of 1857. Mubaraz formed a defiant trio with Turrebaz Khan and Shah Khamosh to raise the banner of revolt against the British Residency here. Quite surprising, considering the fact that the later Nizams took pride in being described as " the most faithful ally of the British". The three went on to demolish many a myth surrounding the participation of the minority community of Hyderabad in the freedom struggle. 

Not surprisingly it is a Grade I heritage building listed for protection. The top grade is given to buildings for "national or historical importance, embodying excellence in architectural style, design, technology and material usage". They may be associated with a great historical event, personality, movement or institution and are prime landmarks of the city. 

The palace owes its existence now to the present owners, who have re-adapted it for use as a marriage hall. But for their effort in carrying out regular repair and maintenance works, even if it means changing the original colour scheme, the palace would have met the fate of many others in the area.