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Hyderabad, India - There is also Hyderabad, Pakistan, a city in Sindh province in Pakistan.
Hyderabad (హైదరాబాద,حیدراباد), the 5th largest metropolis of India http://www.world-gazetteer.com/t/t_in.htm, is the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. 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 (also known as Tank Bund), an artificial lake constructed during the time of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali in 1562. History The city is more than 400 years old and is noted for its many mosques, temples, minarets, bazaars, and beautiful geography. It lies on the Deccan (Dakkan) plateau, 541 meters (1776 feet) above sea level, and sprawls over an area of 260 km² (100 mile²). 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. The area around Hyderabad was once part of the Mauryan Ashoka's Buddhist Empire in the 3rd century BC. Various Hindu kingdoms the area for many centuries, and the region was claimed by both Hindu and Muslim leaders until the late 14th century, when Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah consolidated power and established the fortress city of Golconda nearby. Hyderabad was founded by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah on the Musi River five miles east of Golconda in 1591-92. Quli Qutb Shah also ordered the construction of the Char Minar, one of the most famous monuments in the city, in 1591. The Qutb Shahi dynasty founded and ruled the Kingdom of Golconda, one of the five kingdoms that emerged after the break up of the Bahmani Sultanate. All seven Qutb Shahi sultans 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, steel, arms, and also printed fabric. In the 16th century, the city grew spontaneously to accommodate the surplus population of Golconda, which was the capital of the Qutb Shahi rulers. In 1687, the Golconda sultanate was conquered by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, and Hyderabad became part of the Mughal Empire. As the empire weakened in the 18th century, provincial officials gained greater autonomy. In 1724, Asif Jah, who had already been granted the title Nizam al Mulk by the Mughal emperor, defeated a rival official to take control of Hyderabad province, and established his independence from the Mughals. His successors ruled as Nizams of Hyderabad. The rule of the seven Nizams saw the growth of Hyderabad both culturally and economically. Huge reservoirs, like the Nizam Sagar, Tungabadra, Osman Sagar, Himayat Sagar, and others were built. Survey work on Nagarjuna Sagar had also begun during this time. 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. Hyderabad, under the Nizams, was the largest princely state in India, with an area larger than 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, it forcefully annexed Hyderabad, which became an Indian state. On November 1, 1956, the map of India was redrawn into linguistic states, and Hyderabad state was divided between Andhra Pradesh, Bombay state (present-day Maharashtra), and Mysore state (present-day Karnataka). Hyderabad and the surrounding area were added to Andhra Pradesh based on Telugu linguistic majority, and Hyderabad became the capital of the state. Geography Hyderabad is located in the center of Andhra Pradesh, in the region of Telangana. Government See the section on government of Andhra Pradesh Economy In the late 1990s and the early years of the 21st century, the increasing numbers of IT and ITES companies located here - both home-grown ones as well as offshoots of American companies - have led civic boosters to call their city "Cyberabad". Hyderabad has made heavy investments in digital infrastructure, and is well known throughout India for its technology sector. An emphasis on education, including female education, is causing productivity and business to thrive, challenging the traditional caste system. India's fourth largest software company Satyam is headquartered here. Infosys, Microsoft, Oracle, Wipro, Kanbay, GE, Dell, Deloitte, HSBC, Juno, Intergraph, Keane, Baan Tata Consultancy Services and Google are some of the prominent companies that have established centers in the city. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, an emerging global pharmaceutical company listed on the NYSE, is headquartered here. Ramoji film city, Asia'a largest film production center - India's own 'Universal Studios' - is also located here. Hyderabad is also 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. Demographics The city population is estimated at over 3.69 million (2001) while the population of the greater metropolitan area is estimated at over 6.39 million. Hyderabad has a large Muslim population. Languages spoken include Urdu, Telugu, and Hindi, with a significant amount of English used in business. People from many other parts of India have adopted Hyderabad as their hometown. Culture People in Hyderabad practice Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity. They speak Urdu, Telugu, Hindi, and English. Cuisine Hyderabadi cuisine is very distinct from the rest of Indian cuisine. Some famous dishes include Biryani, Baghare Baigan, Khubani ka Mitha and Double Ka Mitha. Transport Hyderabad is well linked to other cities in India and to international destinations including the Middle East , South East Asia, especially Singapore and Malaysia, and most recently to Chicago, United States. Science and Education Hyderabad is an important seat of learning in southern India. It has eight universities and professional colleges. The famous Osmania University, the University of Hyderabad, as well as the Central Institute of English & Foreign Languages (CIEFL) are just a few academic institutions that give Hyderabad a prominent place in education and technology. In addition, research centres such as the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT Hyderabad), the Indian School of Business (ISB), National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) Engineering Staff College of India (ESCI), Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) are also housed here. Jami'ah Nizamiyyah, the largest Islamic University in Southern India is also located here. Present Problems Acute water crisis as the major water bodies have dried up. Projects are in progress to boost the water supply to the city from Krishna and Godavari Rivers Attractions - Charminar- the major landmark in Hyderabad with four graceful minarets.
- Makkah Masjid - a stone-built mosque, next to Charminar.
- Golconda Fort - located on the outskirts of the city, Golconda Fort is one of the most magnificient fortress complexes in India.
- Hussain Sagar - man-built lake that seperates the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
- Public Gardens of Hyderabad- one of the best laid-out gardens in the country with buildings of the State Legislature, Jubilee Hall, etc.
- Salar Jung Museum- houses the largest one-man collection of antiques in the world.
- Birla Planetarium - located in the heart of the city on the panoramic hillock of Nawbat Pahad, the Birla Planetarium is a tribute to the advances made in science and technology.
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