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.

GOVERNMENT UNANI HOSPITAL

GOVERNMENT UNANI HOSPITAL

Name- Unani Hospital

Built by- Nizams in 1929

Designed by - Vincent Esch

Indo Saracenic Architecture





Government Nizamia General Hospital popularly known as Government Unani Hospital is a public hospital located in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is a hospital for general medicine and Unani medicine.It was established during the reign of Nizams. It is located near the historic Charminar.

Nizamia General Hospital was built in 1938 by the last Nizam of Hyderabad State, HEH Osman Ali Khan.

Laying of the foundation stone of the Unani Hospital.
Standing: The Nizam Asaf Jah VII (left),
Finance Minister Akbar Hydari (right)

The Asmangadh Palace (Now known as St.Joseph's School) Malakpet

The name meaning, Asman for Sky, and Garh for home, since the palace was located so high on a hillock. It is located on the road from Malakpet and Dilsukhnagar.The palace presently hosts a museum displaying archaeological relics. The palace presently is converted into a school (St Joseph's Public School, Asman Garh Palace branch)

It was designed personally and built by the erstwhile Prime Minister of Hyderabad stateSir Asman Jah in 1885 on a hillock for leisure. He belonged to the Paigah family. He fulfilled his dream of building a home close to the sky. His real name was Mohammed Mazharuddin Khan, he was the grandson of the second Nizam, Sikander Jah.

Built in 1885, the palace has some unparalleled architectural features, for which it finds its name in the list of heritage buildings meant for conservation. A staunch believer of making his creations look different, Sir Asman Jah, chose the Gothic style with pointed arches supported by small Corinthian pillars and stretched arrow-slit windows to build this cosy resort. Then he topped the building with castellated battlements. All these features contributed to the illusion of a fortified castle perched atop a hillock at the edge of what was once a large wooded area.

A flight of steps leads to a platform from where the staircase branches off on either side, giving it an interesting wrap - around appearance. Another peculiar feature, the gateway at the entrance, which is in the shape of the royal turban of the Seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, was added much later in 1925-26. In the years gone by, this gateway too could be seen from a distance.

The Paigah Nawab ensured that the once well-furnished villa was a perfect place to unwind for the nobles tired from hunting down animals , big and small that came their way. No wonder it was one of the favourite resorts of the Sixth Nizam, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan. He never missed staying here, as the castle was strategically located enroute to Saroornagar and its surrounding areas, his chosen place for hunting big game.