Hyderabad: The City of Pearls and Nizams

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए
  [Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप सुनाइए।
  [Theek hoon. Aap sunaiye.]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap Angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेन्यू दिखाइए
  [Kripya menu dikhaiye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता/खाती
  [Main maans nahi khaata/khaati]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मुझे भुगतान करने दीजिए
  [Kripya mujhe bhugtaan karne dijiye]

• Help!मदद!
  [Madad!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [Main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमैं बीमार हूँ
  [Main beemar hoon]

• I'd like to buy...मैं ... खरीदना चाहूँगा/चाहूँगी
  [Main ... khareedna chahunga/chahungi]
• I'm just lookingमैं सिर्फ देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [Main sirf dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mahnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अभी कितने बजे हैं?
  [Abhi kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे तक
  [Das baje tak]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाँच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saath]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?... कहाँ है?
  [... Kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (nakshay par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bus) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [Ek ticket (.... ke liye)]

Hyderabad was founded in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The city was established on the banks of the Musi River and was designed to be a grand capital, symbolic of the dynasty's power and cultural sophistication.

The Qutb Shahi dynasty ruled Hyderabad from 1518 to 1687. During this period, the city saw significant advancements in architecture, art, and culture. The Qutb Shahi rulers built iconic structures such as the Charminar, Golconda Fort, and the Qutb Shahi Tombs, which remain central to Hyderabad's historical landscape.

Built in 1591, the Charminar is one of Hyderabad's most iconic landmarks. It was constructed by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah to commemorate the end of a deadly plague. The structure features four grand arches and a mosque at its top, symbolizing a blend of Persian and Indian architectural styles.

Golconda Fort, originally built in the 13th century by the Kakatiya dynasty and later expanded by the Qutb Shahis, was a major center for diamond trading. The fort's strategic location and robust architecture made it a hub for some of the world's most famous diamonds, including the Koh-i-Noor and the Hope Diamond.

In 1687, Hyderabad fell to the Mughal Empire under Emperor Aurangzeb. The Mughal conquest ended the Qutb Shahi dynasty and led to significant changes in administration and culture. The city became an important part of the Mughal Empire, though it retained much of its unique cultural identity.

After the decline of the Mughal Empire, Hyderabad came under the control of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, with Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah I establishing himself as the first Nizam of Hyderabad in 1724. The Nizams ruled Hyderabad for over two centuries, contributing to the city's development in various fields, including education, infrastructure, and culture.

During the British colonial period, Hyderabad was one of the largest and most prosperous princely states in India. The Nizams retained significant autonomy, and Hyderabad became known for its wealth and opulence. The city continued to thrive as a center of culture and learning, with the establishment of institutions like Osmania University in 1918.

After India gained independence in 1947, the princely state of Hyderabad initially chose to remain independent. However, in 1948, the Indian government launched Operation Polo, a military action that led to the integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union. This marked the end of the Nizam's rule and the beginning of Hyderabad's modern era.

In recent decades, Hyderabad has emerged as a major hub for the information technology industry. The development of HITEC City and the establishment of numerous multinational tech companies have transformed Hyderabad into 'Cyberabad,' contributing to its reputation as one of India's leading cities for technological innovation and economic growth.

Hyderabad is known for its rich cultural tapestry, reflecting a blend of Hindu, Muslim, and Christian influences. The city is famous for its culinary heritage, particularly the Hyderabadi Biryani, and its vibrant arts scene, including traditional dance forms like Kuchipudi and musical traditions such as Qawwali.

Hyderabad is served by Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), located about 24 kilometers from the city center. The airport is well-connected with major cities in India and international destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi, ride-share services, or the Pushpak Airport Liner bus service to reach the city center. Additionally, Hyderabad is a major railway hub with three main stations: Secunderabad, Hyderabad Deccan (Nampally), and Kacheguda, offering extensive connectivity by train. Buses operated by Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) and private operators connect Hyderabad to various cities within the state and neighboring states.

Hyderabad has a well-developed public transport system including buses, auto-rickshaws, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola. The Hyderabad Metro Rail is another convenient option, covering key areas of the city. Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transport, but it is advisable to negotiate the fare before starting your journey or ensure the meter is running. For short distances, you can also rent bicycles or use bike-sharing services.

The official currency in Hyderabad is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, for smaller establishments, street markets, and auto-rickshaws, it's advisable to carry cash. ATMs are widely available throughout the city. Currency exchange centers are also available at the airport and in major commercial areas.

Hyderabad is generally considered safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and be cautious of your belongings in crowded places. Areas such as Begum Bazaar, Moazzam Jahi Market, and parts of Old City can be more prone to pickpocketing and scams targeting tourists. Always use trusted transportation options and avoid taking unregistered taxis or auto-rickshaws.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance, 101 for fire emergencies, and 108 for medical emergencies. Major hospitals like Apollo Hospitals, Care Hospital, and Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences offer comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are plentiful and usually open late. Always keep a copy of your travel insurance and important contact numbers handy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering temples and mosques. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' (folding your hands in front of you) or a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Hyderabad like a local, visit the local markets such as Laad Bazaar for bangles and pearls and Shilparamam for handicrafts. Engage with locals at Irani cafes like Nimrah Café and Bakery near Charminar. Don’t miss exploring the iconic Charminar, Golconda Fort, and Hussain Sagar Lake. For a unique experience, attend a cultural performance at Ravindra Bharathi or Shilpakala Vedika. Remember to try the famous Hyderabadi biryani and other local dishes.