one of the largest princely states in India from 1724 to 1950; a state in the Indian Union from 1950 to 1956. Area, 215,005 sq km (1951). Population, 18.7 million (1951). The princely state encompassed territories inhabited by speakers of such languages as Telugu, Marathi, and Kannada.
Hyderabad arose as a result of the decline of the Great Moguls’ power. In 1724, Nizam-ul-Mulk (Regulator of the State), the vicegerent of the Mogul domains of Bijapur and Golconda, proclaimed himself the independent ruler of a state comprising these areas. In 1768, however, the nizam who was then ruling the area was forced to sign a subsidiary treaty with the East India Company (seeSUBSIDIARY TREATY). As a result of this agreement, Hyderabad lost the right to defend itself and to conduct its own foreign policy. In 1778 a British resident was assigned to the state.
India gained its independence in 1947; under pressure from the masses, the nizam signed an agreement in 1948 on the accession of Hyderabad to the Indian Union. In 1950, in accordance with the constitution, Hyderabad became a state in the union, and the nizam was made rajpramukh (head of the executive branch of the state government). In 1956 the state of Hyderabad was abolished as a result of an administrative reform. Its territory was incorporated into the states of Andhra Pradesh, Mysore, and Bombay, which was itself divided in 1960 into the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. The nizam retained his real property and treasures; he was also granted a pension, but such pensions were abolished in the early 1970’s.
a city in India, situated on the Musi River. Capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. Population, 1.8 million (1971). Hyderabad is a transportation junction and a commercial and industrial center of southern India. Its industries include machine building—especially the construction of locomotives and railroad cars in the suburbs—and the manufacture of textiles, leather goods, food products, pharmaceuticals, glass, cigarettes, and paper. Cottage industry includes the production of household articles, fabrics, and finely crafted articles. Osmania University is located in the city.
Hyderabad was founded in 1589 as the capital of Golconda. From 1724 to 1950 it was the capital of the princely state of Hyderabad and the residence of the nizams; from 1950 to 1956 it was the capital of the state of Hyderabad, and since 1956 it has been the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh.
The Mecca Masjid (17th century), the city’s most important mosque, is one of the most outstanding examples of architecture in Hyderabad. Many new buildings have been erected in the 20th century, including the Osmania University complex (begun in 1918;. finished in the 1960’s), a theater (1962, architects M. Faiyazzadin and others), and many industrial, business, commercial, and residential buildings. To the west of Hyderabad is the fortress of Golconda (16th—17th centuries); it includes a complex of domed mausoleums in which the rulers of Golconda are buried. The Salar Jung Museum, which houses works of European and Eastern art, and an archaeological museum containing local relics are also located in Hyderabad.
a city in Pakistan, on the Indus River. Capital of the province of Sind. Population, 624,000 (1972). Hyderabad is a river port and an important railroad and highway junction. A natural-gas pipeline runs from the city to Sui. Hyderabad is a center of the textile industry. It also has enterprises for the manufacture of leather goods, footwear, chemical products, food products, agricultural machinery, and ships. The city produces handicrafts, including woven goods, jewelry, and pottery. The University of Sind is located in Hyderabad.