Lost Legends & Forgotten Royals: The Untold Story Behind Hyderabad’s Name

Hyderabad, which serves as the capital city of Telangana state in India, is a bustling city well known for its heritage, history, and technology. It is also known as the “City of Nizams” which explains why it is a blend of modernity and antiquity at the same time. But do you know how this magnificent city came to be known as ‘Hyderabad’? The etymology of the name is a mixture of romance, myth, and history which is equally spellbinding as the city is. 

1.The Story of Bhagmati with the Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah

The person whom Hyderabad is associated with, Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, was the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The name of the city is said to have derived from this Sultan’s story. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah built Hyderabad in the year 1591 in order to accommodate the overflow of people and the lack of water in the fortified city of Golconda, which was the capital of the Qutb Shahi kingdom. Legend has it that this city was named after a pearl of a maiden named Bhagmati whom the Sultan was deeply fond of.

Bhagmati was a local Hindu girl, and her bond with the Sultan represented the peaceful blending of Hindu and Muslim traditions in the area. As the story goes, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah was so captivated by Bhagmati that when they wedded, he named the city “Bhaganagar” in herename. Gradually, and after her conversion to Islam, she assumed the name ‘Hyder Mahal,’ which also meant that the city got the name ‘Hyderabad’ meaning ‘the city of Hyder.’ The word Hyder itself means ‘lion’ in Arabic which represents courage and valour.

This tale, while common, has its discrepancies. Some historians believe that the title Hyder was associated with Ali, the fourth Caliph of Islam revered by Shia Muslims and the name was used as cover for him. The Qutb Shahi dynasty being Shia Muslims cherished Ali, thus suggesting that the city was named after him.

2.The Founding of Hyderabad

Hyderabad was the brainchild of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. He wanted the city to be a wonder of a city, with a unique road-and-street layout, professional style buildings and effective drainage and water supply facilities. The unrivaled symbol of the city, Charminar, a massive gate with 4 towers on its 4 corners, was erected in the central part of the city and is one of the sites that people associate with Hyderabad. It was a monumental building of the city and a memorial of the great Sultan’s affection for Bhagmati, for it was claimed that she met her beloved Sultan at that particular site.

Hyderabad developed into a well known trade, culture, and education center and quickly grew in importance. Its location on the Deccan Plateau made it a central point for trade which brought merchants from all over the globe. The city became known as a “City of Pears” as it became famous for its pearls and diamonds along with its textiles. 

3.The Influence of the Nizams

During the late 17th century, after the fall of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty, the Mughal Empire took rule over Hyderabad. This city reached its peak during the time of the Nizams who were Mughal governors. In 1724, the Nizam Ali Khans proclaimed independence and started the Asaf Jahi dynasty until India received independence in 1947.  

Hyderabad instantly developed into one of the richest and prosperous districts under the Nizams dynasty. Although the name Hyderabad remained the same, the city developed and blended into a mix of various arts, cultures, languages, and traditions. Even today, the palaces, mosques, and other institutions in the city exhibit the legacy of the Nizams and their great encouragement towards art, education, and architecture.

4.Hyderabad Today

At present, Hyderabad is a modern city infused with technology and history. This region houses an ever-growing IT sector which has earned the city the title of “Cyberabad”. The city is well known for its exquisite dishes like the world’s renowned Hyderabadi Biryani, as well as for its colorful festivals like the famous Bonalu and annual Bathukamma celebrations.

No matter the context, the name ‘Hyderabad’ never fails to ignite a sense of unity and self-identity in its people. Be it from a traditional romantic folklore or a revered individual, the city’s name speaks volumes towards its cultural mix and historical roots. Hyderabad still preserves the legacies of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, the Nizams, and countless other contributors to the city’s growth.

Conclusion

The tale of how Hyderabad got its name blends history, romance and legend. Whether it was the admiration for Ali or the love that Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah had for Bhagmati, “Hyderabad” has always been associated with the city’s identity. As Hyderabad continues to expand, its name reminds us of the city’s past and the potential it has for the future. The history of Hyderabad is captivating and is a strong representation of love, culture, and vision, making it one of the most wonderful places in India.

 

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