Its not the name of a new team coming to play the IPL, but a brief introduction to the various rulers and dynasties who ruled over Hyderabad. I have lived in and loved the city of Hyderabad and a large part of my blog is devoted to the city. This piece of writing intends to provide a greater understanding of how the hillock of Golconda metamorphosed to this sprawling urban Indian IT hub. It will also help you gain a perspective in the Telangana struggle for independence.

Kakatiya Dynasty in Golconda, Hyderabad(1083 to 1323)

One of the earliest and the only Hindu rulers of the city – or whatever it was back then of Golconda was the Kakatiya dynasty. They ruled over what is currently the state of Andhra Pradesh and they had the city of Warangal as their capital for nearly three centuries. They did not have a large presence in Hyderabad – only a small outpost at Golconda.

Bahmani Sultanate in Golconda, Hyderabad(1347 to 1527)

The Bahmani Sultanate were originally from Iran and were patrons of Persian language, culture and literature. They had control over parts of present day Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka and eventually the empire disintegrated into the Deccan sultanates of Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, and Berar

Qutb Shahi Dynasty in Golconda, Hyderabad(1518 to 1687)

The founder of the dynasty served under the Bahmani Sultanate. After the formation of the Deccan Sultanates, he declared independence from the Bahmani Sultanate and founded the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda. The Telugu speaking state was divided into a Hindu ruled kingdom and a Muslim ruled kingdom during this time period. This was the time that gave rise to Telangana as the Hindu ruled kingdom.

The Qutb Shahi dynasty built the magnificent Charminar, the grand fort of Golconda, the Qutb Shahi tombs and the Mecca Masjid.

The Moghuls in Golconda, Hyderabad (1687 to 1720)

The all conquering Moghuls attacked Golconda under the leadership of Aurengxeb and won the fort after heavy bombing – the effects of which can still be seen on the great fort of Golconda which is renowned for its architecture and acoustics even today.

The Nizams of Hyderabad(1720 to 1948)

The Asaf Jah dynasty were crowned the Nizam’s of Hyderabad by the Moghuls and charged with administrating the kingdom of Hyderabad. After the death of Aurengzeb and the subsequent weakening of the Moghuls, Asaf Jah, the young Nizam declared his sovereignty and crowned himself the ruler of Hyderabad.  The Nizams were and still are one of the wealthiest people of the world. The state of Hyderabad and the Nizams themselves prospered during the rule of the Asaf Jah dynasty. They had a very liberal attitude towards Shia and Non muslims. They were profilic builders and were responsible for building and creating many different building of present day Hyderabad.

The Asaf Jahis were assisted by the nobles of Hyderabad called as the Salarjungs and the Paigahs.

The Paigahs of Hyderabad

The Paigahs played a very important role in the founding of Hyderabad. The daughters of Nizams were given in marriage only to the Paigahs hence creating a unique class of nobles. The Paigahs built the palace of Falaknuma, Asmangarh and Basheer Bagh palace.

The Salarjungs of Hyderabad

The Salarjungs of Hyderabad were next in hierarchy to the Paigahs and were the statesmen and administrative officers of the Nizam. Salar Jung 1, who served three Nizams, gained international reputation for his bureaucratic efficiency and far reaching social reforms. Salar Jung 2 was the prime minister for just 3 years. Salarjung 3 was prime minister for 2 years before he decided to retire and he went around travelling the world. He collected various masterpieces of art and culture from all over the world which are now housed at the famous Salarjung Museum.