View source for Architecture of Hyderabad

[[File:A_typical_charminar_evening.jpg|alt=|thumb|280x280px|Panorama of Charminar complex, showing the Charminar, [[Mecca Masjid]] and [[Government Nizamia General Hospital|Nizamia Hospital]].]]
A distinct [[Indo-Islamic architecture]] style with local contribution is reflected in the historical buildings of Hyderabad, making it the first and "Best Heritage City of India" as of March 2012.<ref name="Best_Heritage_City">{{Cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-02/hyderabad/31116258_1_heritage-city-tourism-hyderabad|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130507063934/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-02/hyderabad/31116258_1_heritage-city-tourism-hyderabad|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 May 2013|title=Heritage award for Hyderabad raises many eyebrows|date=2 March 2012|work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=20 March 2012}}</ref> The city houses many famous historical sites constructed during [[Qutb Shahi]] and [[Asaf Jahi]] period, including various [[List of mosques in Hyderabad|mosques]] and [[List of tourist attractions in Hyderabad#Palaces|palaces]].<ref name="UNESCO_Asia">{{cite web|url=http://www.unescobkk.org/unit-archive-folders/clt-archive-folder/heritage/world-heritage-and-immovable-heritage/asia-pacific-heritage-awards-for-culture-heritage-conservation/|title=UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation|year=2010|work=[[UNESCO]]|access-date=8 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403002556/http://www.unescobkk.org/unit-archive-folders/clt-archive-folder/heritage/world-heritage-and-immovable-heritage/asia-pacific-heritage-awards-for-culture-heritage-conservation/|archive-date=3 April 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Hindu temple architecture|Hindu Temple Architecture]] is also seen in the [[temples of Hyderabad]], including the [[Birla Mandir, Hyderabad|Birla Mandir]],{{sfn|Khalidi, 2009|pp=98}} [[Jagannath Temple, Hyderabad|Jagannath Temple]] and [[Akkanna Madanna Temple|Akanna Madanna Temple]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/051117/rambagh-temple-a-hidden-gem-in-the-hyderabad.html|title=Rambagh temple, a hidden gem in the Hyderabad|date=2017-11-05|work=Deccan Chronicle|access-date=2018-07-19|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/divine-destinations/hyderabad/birla-mandir.html|title=Divine Destinations in Hyderabad :: Telangana Tourism|access-date=2018-07-19|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721224048/http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/divine-destinations/hyderabad/birla-mandir.html|archive-date=2018-07-21|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Modern architecture|Modern]] architectural styles are seen in most buildings constructed after independence.

== Golconda Sultanate (1591–1687 CE) ==
{{Further|Qutb Shahi architecture}}[[File:Qutb_shahi_Tombs_4.jpg|left|thumb|One of the [[Qutb Shahi Tombs]]]]
Qutb Shahi architecture of the 16th and early 17th centuries followed classical [[Persian architecture]] featuring domes and colossal arches.<ref name="George Michell and Jubilee_Hall">{{cite book|title=The new Cambridge history of India, volumes 1–7|last=Michell|first=George|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1987|isbn=0-521-56321-6|pages=218–219}}

* {{cite news|url=http://www.siasat.com/english/news/%E2%80%98jubilee-hall%E2%80%99-masterpiece-asaf-jahi-architecture|title=Jubilee hall a masterpiece of Asaf Jahi architecture|date=31 December 2011|newspaper=The Siasat Daily|access-date=12 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120512184548/http://www.siasat.com/english/news/%E2%80%98jubilee-hall%E2%80%99-masterpiece-asaf-jahi-architecture|archive-date=12 May 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Inscriptions in Persian and elaborately carved stucco work are found on most of these buildings. The oldest surviving Qutb Shahi structure in Hyderabad is the ruins of [[Golconda Fort|Golconda fort]] built in the 16th century.
[[File:Taramati-Baradari.jpg|thumb|[[Taramati Baradari]]]]
The most important monuments from this time are the [[Charminar]] and [[Mecca Masjid]], both built by [[Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah]], the founder of Hyderabad. Most of the historical bazaars that still exist were constructed on the street north of [[Charminar]] towards the fort. The Charminar has become an icon of the city, located in the center of [[Old City (Hyderabad, India)|old Hyderabad]]. It is a square structure with sides {{convert|20|m|ft|abbr=on}} long and four grand arches each facing a road. At each corner stands a {{convert|56|m|ft|abbr=on}}-high minaret.{{sfn|Bilgrami, 1927|pp=17-19}}

To the north of the Charminar is a public square enclosed by four giant arches, known as the [[Char Kaman]].{{sfn|Bilgrami, 1927|pp=19-21}}{{sfn|Haig, 1907|pp=210}} A fountain called [[Gulzar Houz]] is at the center of this area.

Another example is the [[Qutb Shahi Tombs]] complex, a complex of tombs of the Qutb Shahi rulers, as well as other royals and noblemen. The domes were originally overlaid with blue and green tiles, of which only a few pieces now remain.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/restoration-of-quli-qutub-shahi-tombs/article7813913.ece|title=Restoration of Quli Qutub Shahi tombs|date=2015-10-28|work=The Hindu|access-date=2018-07-29|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The tombs are set in a garden. The complex includes a step-well,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/Badi-Baoli-at-Qutb-Shahi-tombs-restored-to-full-glory/article14482723.ece|title=Badi Baoli at Qutb Shahi tombs restored to full glory|last=Lasania|first=Yunus Y.|date=2016-07-11|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-26|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> [[turkish bath]], and a mosque.

The [[Charminar]], [[Golkonda|Golconda Fort]] and the [[Qutb Shahi tombs]] are considered to be [[List of Monuments of National Importance in India|monuments of national importance in India]]. In 2010, the Indian government proposed that the sites be listed for [[UNESCO World Heritage Site|UNESCO World Heritage status]].<ref name="UNESCO">{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5573/|title=The Qutb Shahi monuments of Hyderabad Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi tombs, Charminar|year=2010|work=[[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130222105425/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5573/|archive-date=22 February 2013|access-date=22 February 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Tourist guide">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E4l78qG3TkAC|title=Tourist guide to Andhra Pradesh|publisher=Sura Books|year=2006|isbn=978-81-7478-176-5|access-date=22 February 2013}}</ref><ref name="Qutb shahi style architecture">{{cite web|url=http://www.aponline.gov.in/quick%20links/hist-cult/architecture_qut.html|title=Qutb Shahi style (mainly in and around Hyderabad city)|publisher=aponline.gov.in|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110075247/http://www.aponline.gov.in/quick%20links/hist-cult/architecture_qut.html|archive-date=10 January 2013|access-date=24 February 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The style is also seen in the [[Taramati Baradari]], [[Khairtabad Mosque]],{{sfn|Bilgrami, 1927|pp=57-58}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/archaeology-dept-turns-its-focus-on-khairatabad-masjid/article25195183.ece|title=Archaeology Dept. turns its focus on Khairatabad Masjid|last=Nanisetti|first=Serish|date=2018-10-11|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-26|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> [[Musheerabad Masjid|Musheerabad Mosque]],{{sfn|Bilgrami, 1927|pp=93-94}} [[Shaikpet Sarai]],{{sfn|Khalidi, 2009|pp=45}} and [[Toli Masjid]].{{sfn|Bilgrami, 1927|pp=65-67}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/toli-mosque-under-threat-road-works-go-on-brazenly/articleshow/64131892.cms|title=Toli mosque: Toli Mosque under threat; road works go on brazenly &#124; Hyderabad News - Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hyderabadtourism.travel/qutub-shahi-tombs-hyderabad|title=Qutub Shahi Tombs Hyderabad, timings, entry ticket cost, price, fee - Hyderabad Tourism 2018|website=www.hyderabadtourism.travel|language=en-GB|access-date=2018-07-19}}</ref>

== Mughal period (1687–1724 CE) ==
[[File:Old_Gate_of_Dabeerpura.JPG|alt=|left|thumb|''Dabirpura Darwaza'', one of the two surviving gateways to the [[Old City (Hyderabad, India)|Old City]].]]
The only significant architectural contribution during the brief [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] rule in Hyderabad was the construction the [[City Wall of Hyderabad|city wall of Hyderabad]], constructed out of granite in typical Mughal [[Fortification|defence architecture]].{{sfn|Bilgrami, 1927|pp=94-95}} The wall had twelve gateways, each wide enough for an elephant to pass through.{{sfn|Khalidi, 2009|pp=24-30}} Mughal emperor [[Aurangzeb]] also completed the construction of the Mecca Masjid, adding a gateway and topping the minarets with domes.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Khalidi|first=Omar|url=https://archnet.org/authorities/2736/publications/12049|title=A Guide to Architecture in Hyderabad, Deccan, India|publisher=Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture & MIT Libraries|year=2009|pages=41}}</ref>

== Nizams of Hyderabad (1724-1948 CE) ==
The [[Nizam of Hyderabad|Nizams of Hyderabad]] ruled between the 18th and 20th centuries as [[Princely state|vassals]] of the [[British Empire]]. Therefore, European architectural styles became prevalent during this period.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/mapping-the-art-deco-beauties-before-they-vanish/article19388196.ece|title=Mapping the Art Deco beauties before they vanish|last=Nanisetti|first=Serish|date=2017-07-29|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-06-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616153001/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/mapping-the-art-deco-beauties-before-they-vanish/article19388196.ece|archive-date=2019-06-16|url-status=live|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

Apart from the Nizams' palaces, the noble families built their own palaces and mansions in Indo-European styles. This includes [[Diwan Devdi]],{{sfn|Khalidi, 2009|pp=121-122}} [[Asman Garh Palace]], [[Errum Manzil]], [[Khursheed Jah Devdi]], [[Bashir Bagh Palace]], [[Bella Vista, Hyderabad|Bella Vista]], [[Hill Fort Palace]], and [[Paigah Palace]].

With the introduction of a sizable Christian population, churches including the [[St Joseph's Cathedral, Hyderabad|St. Joseph's Cathedral]],{{sfn|Khalidi, 2009|pp=103}} [[St. George's Church, Hyderabad|St. George's Church]],{{sfn|Khalidi, 2009|pp=104}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/St.-Georges-Church-turns-143/article16135265.ece|title=St. George's Church turns 143|author=Staff Reporter|date=2010-08-17|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-28|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> [[CSI Garrison Wesley Church]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/162yearold-church-in-secunderabad-restored/article6711410.ece|title=162-year-old church in Secunderabad restored|last=Reddy|first=Ravi|date=2014-12-21|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-28|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> and [[Holy Trinity Church, Bolarum|Holy Trinity Church]] were built in the city, especially in and around [[Secunderabad]], the new city built as a British cantonment.

=== Neoclassical ===
[[File:Falaknuma_Palace_01.jpg|thumb|[[Falaknuma Palace]], completed in 1893.|alt=|left]]
The [[British Residency, Hyderabad|British Residency]], completed in 1798, was probably the first major example of neoclassical architecture in Hyderabad.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/iconic-residency-suffers-damage/article7829467.ece|title=Iconic Residency suffers damage|last=Nanisetti|first=Serish|date=2015-11-01|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-25|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

The [[Falaknuma Palace]], used as a guest-house by the Nizam, was inspired by [[Andrea Palladio|Andrea Palladio's]] villas. The Nizams applied [[European architecture|European styles]] in some of the palaces such as [[Falaknuma Palace|Falaknuma]] and [[King Kothi Palace]]s.<ref name="George Michell">{{cite book|title=The New Cambridge History of India, Volumes 1–7|author=George Michell|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=1987|isbn=0-521-56321-6|pages=218–219}}</ref><ref name="Jubilee_Hall">{{cite news|url=http://www.siasat.com/english/news/%E2%80%98jubilee-hall%E2%80%99-masterpiece-asaf-jahi-architecture|title=Jubilee Hall a masterpiece of Asaf Jahi architecture|date=31 December 2011|work=[[The Siasat Daily]]|access-date=12 April 2012}}</ref>

=== Indo-Saracenic ===
[[File:High_court_of_hyderabad.jpg|thumb|Hyderabad High Court, completed in 1919, was designed in the [[Indo-Saracenic architecture|Indo-Saracenic]] style by [[Vincent Esch]].]]
In the 17th century, [[Asaf Jahi Dynasty|Asaf Jahi]] architecture emerged with palatial style outweighed secular construction. The earliest examples include the [[Purani Haveli]], which served as the seat of the [[Nizam of Hyderabad|Nizam]] until the [[Chowmahalla Palace]] was constructed. The [[Chowmahalla Palace]], located a stone's throw away from [[Charminar]] was constructed over a period of 100 years. It was recently restored and opened to the public. A wide variety of Indian and European styles, ranging from baroque to neoclassical, are seen in the palace<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/chowmahalla-palace-grandeur-to-be-restored-before-monsoon/articleshow/64365671.cms|title=Chowmahalla Palace grandeur to be restored before monsoon - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-07-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/chowmahalla-wins-natl-tourism-award/articleshow/60878949.cms|title=Chowmahalla wins National Tourism Award - Times of India|work=The Times of India|access-date=2018-07-20}}</ref>

The last Nizam [[Asaf Jah VII|Mir Osman Ali Khan]] is called as the maker of modern Hyderabad. The buildings constructed during his reign are impressive and represent a rich style of [[Indo-Saracenic architecture|Indo-Saracenic]] architecture, such as the [[Osmania University]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/arts-college-building-a-hand-me-down-architectural-gem/article17895207.ece|title=Arts College building, a hand-me-down architectural gem|last=Nanisetti|first=Serish|date=2017-04-08|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-26|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> and [[Moazzam Jahi Market]].{{sfn|Khalidi, 2009|pp=257}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/moazzam-jahi-market-to-be-restored-in-4-months/article23358368.ece|title=Moazzam Jahi Market to be restored in 4 months|last=Nanisetti|first=Serish|date=2018-03-27|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-25|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> These buildings are quite distinct from their earlier Qutb Shahi counterparts.

In the early 20th century, the Nizam invited British architect [[Vincent Esch]] to design four major public buildings of Hyderabad — the [[Hyderabad High Court]], [[Osmania General Hospital]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/nizams-kin-urge-state-to-restore-osmania-hospital/article23543403.ece|title=Nizam's kin urge State to restore Osmania Hospital|last=Chandrashekhar|first=B.|date=2018-04-14|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-26|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> [[City College Hyderabad|City College]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/government-city-college-radiates-the-charm-of-a-bygone-era/article22438106.ece|title=Government City College radiates the charm of a bygone era|last=Nanisetti|first=Serish|date=2018-01-13|work=The Hindu|access-date=2018-07-19|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115230220/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/government-city-college-radiates-the-charm-of-a-bygone-era/article22438106.ece|archive-date=2018-01-15|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> and [[Kachiguda Railway Station]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/kacheguda-railway-station-is-a-precursor-of-the-architectural-idiom/article24121598.ece|title=Kacheguda Railway Station: a precursor of the architectural idiom|last=Nanisetti|first=Serish|date=2018-06-09|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-26|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Esch, a pioneer of the contemporary [[Indo-Saracenic architecture|Indo-Saracenic]] style designed these building in this style combining Indo-Islamic and European features.

The [[Spanish Mosque]], [[Paigah Tombs]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/the-paigahs-necropolis/article22481683.ece|title=The Paigah's necropolis|last=Safvi|first=Rana|date=2018-01-21|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-25|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925134939/https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/the-paigahs-necropolis/article22481683.ece|archive-date=2019-09-25|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> [[Mahbub Mansion]], [[Saidani Ma Tomb]], [[Aza Khana-e-Zohra]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/built-by-the-nizam-as-a-symbol-of-love-for-his-mother-aza-khana-e-zehra-the-house-of-mourning-dispels-religious-barriers/article25026294.ece|title=Aza Khana e Zehra, a monument for mourners|last=Nanisetti|first=Serish|date=2018-09-24|work=The Hindu|access-date=2019-09-26|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926125939/https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/built-by-the-nizam-as-a-symbol-of-love-for-his-mother-aza-khana-e-zehra-the-house-of-mourning-dispels-religious-barriers/article25026294.ece|archive-date=2019-09-26|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> [[Hill Fort Palace]], and [[Government Nizamia General Hospital|Nizamia Hospital]], also contribute to the architecture of this period.

=== Art Deco ===
[[Art Deco|Art deco]] buildings were built in the 1930s and 1940s.<ref name=":0" /> The [[Monda Market]], [[State Bank of Hyderabad|SBH Building]], and a number of cinema halls are examples.

== Post-Independence (1947 CE – present) ==
[[File:Hyderabadiit-2.jpg|thumb|Hostel buildings at the [[Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad]] designed by [[Christopher Charles Benninger|Christopher Benninger]]. ]]
[[Modern architecture|Modern]] architectural styles dominate the newer areas of the city.

== References ==

=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===
*{{cite book |title=Landmarks of the Deccan |last1=Bilgrami |first1=Syed Ali Asgar |year=1927 |publisher=Government Central Press, Hyderabad |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.63136/page/n5 |ref={{sfnref|Bilgrami, 1927}}}} 
*{{cite book |title=Historic Landmarks of the Deccan |last1=Haig |first1=Major T. W. |year=1907 |publisher=Pioneer Press, Allahabad |url=https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Historic_Landmarks_of_the_Deccan |ref={{sfnref|Haig, 1907}}}} 
*{{cite book |title=Pictorial Hyderabad |last1=Mudiraj |first1=K. Krishnaswamy |year=1929 |publisher=The Chandrakanth Press, Hyderabad |url=https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.388502/page/n1 |ref={{sfnref|1929}}}}
*{{cite book |title=A Guide to Architecture in Hyderabad, Deccan, India |last1=Khalidi |first1=Omar |year=2009 |url=https://libraries.mit.edu/img/libs/rotch/HyderabadGuide_2009.pdf |ref={{sfnref|Khalidi, 2009}} |access-date=2019-09-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313131458/https://libraries.mit.edu/img/libs/rotch/HyderabadGuide_2009.pdf |archive-date=2020-03-13 |url-status=dead }}
<br />{{Architecture of India}}

{{Hyderabad topics}}

[[Category:Architecture in India by city|Hyderabad]]