Some other important landmarks of Hyderabad.
In addition to the main monuments of the city of Hyderabad in Telangana such as Charminar Square, the tombs of the Qutb Shahi dynasty or the Paigah tombs and the fort of Golconda, here are some less emblematic monuments to visit. The aforementioned monuments are the subject of a separate video on this site.
Badshahi Ashourkhana
Badshahi Ashoorkhana is a historical building located in the old city of Hyderabad. It is an important place of worship for the Shia Muslim community of Hyderabad. Important ceremonies are held there every year during the months of Muharran and Safar. The Muslim calendar is a lunar calendar and is 11 days shorter than the Western (Gregorian) calendar. It is therefore difficult to say which months it corresponds to, since it changes every year. In short, Muharram is the first month of the Muslim calendar, which begins with the first day of the new moon. The month of Muharram is considered one of the holy months in Islam, and it commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein in the Battle of Karbala. The month of Safar is the second month of the Muslim calendar, which immediately follows the month of Muharram.
Built in 1594 by the Sultanate of Golconda, Badshahi Ashoorkhana was originally used for Ashura holiday celebrations, an important commemoration for Shia Muslims. The structure has undergone many modifications over the years and has been extended by the Nizams, the rulers of the princely state of Hyderabad.
Today, Badshahi Ashoorkhana is a well-preserved historic building and an important pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims. Every year, thousands of people visit the building during the Ashura festival, which takes place on the tenth day of the month of Muharram to honor the memory of the martyrs of Karbala.
Chowmahalla palace
Chowmahalla Palace is a historic palace located in Hyderabad, Telangana State, South India. It was built in the 18th century by the Nizams, the rulers of the princely state of Hyderabad since the capture of the city by the Mughals from Emperor Aurangzeb. It was the fourth Nizam of Hyderabad, Salabat Jung who built this palace.
The name "Chowmahalla" means "four palaces" in Persian, as the complex once consisted of four different palaces.
Chowmahalla Palace is a magnificent example of architecture blending Persian and Indian styles. Its gardens and vast fountains are also famous. It is famous for its large inner courtyard, its collection of vintage cars and its richly decorated courtroom.
Over the years, Chowmahalla Palace has been the site of many important ceremonies and events, including the coronations of Nizams and receptions given in honor of royal guests.
Today, the palace is a major tourist site in Hyderabad and also houses a museum displaying artifacts, weapons and clothing, as well as antique carriages and old-timers from the Nizams' personal collection.
Bhagyalakshmi Temple
There is a small Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagyalakshmi located west of the monument in Charminar Square in Hyderabad, which backs onto one of its towers. The main monument in the square, although resembling a mosque, was never consecrated as such. This small temple attached to the monument is sometimes called the "temple of the Mecca Masjid" in reference to the large mosque located just next to it.
This temple is an important place of worship for the Hindu community of Hyderabad, who come here to pray and pay homage to Goddess Bhagyalakshmi. Although the temple is located next to the mosque, it is kept separate and independent, and visitors must use a separate entrance to access it. The peaceful coexistence between the mosque and the temple is an example of the rich cultural and religious history of Hyderabad.
Spoken comments in the film:
The Badshahi Ashoorkhana Mosque is an important place of worship of the Shia community which is located in the old city of Hyderabad. Religious ceremonies are held there to celebrate the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.
This mosque was built in 1594 by the Sultan of Golconda, a few years after the foundation of Hyderabad.
The Mughal Empire, headed by Emperor Aurangzeb, put an end to the reign of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and installed a new power in the region, in the hands of faithful collaborators, the Nizams.
The latter ended up emancipating themselves following the difficulties encountered by the Mughals further north and founded a new dynasty largely independent of the empire. The fifth Nizam built this great palace which would remain the center of power until the arrival of the British.
On Charminar Square, adjoining the monument of the same name, a small Hindu temple testifies to the religious tolerance shown by the leaders of this state.