Hyderabad District (హైదరాబాద్ జిల్లా /حیدرآباد ضلع) - 3 | Telangana State PSC (TSPSC): Preparation Course - TSPSC (Telangana) PDF Download

Tourist Places

Qutub Shahi Tombs

Overview

• Erected in memory of the past kings of Golconda, these tombs are grand structures showcasing architectural excellence. 
• They are situated just a kilometer north of Golconda Fort's Banjara Darwaza.

Architecture and Design

• The tombs are a blend of Persian, Pathan, and Hindu architectural styles, constructed using grey granite and stucco ornamentation.
• They are set in beautifully landscaped gardens with intricate stonework, reflecting the architectural traditions of the Qutub Shahi dynasty.
• Each tomb features unique elements like arches, columns, domes, minarets, and galleries, surrounded by landscaped gardens known as Ibrahim Bagh.

Unique Features

• There are seven tombs on a raised platform, with some single-storied and others two-storied, topped by blue and green tiled domes.
• The tallest tomb stands at 42.5 meters, showcasing intricate architecture and design.
• The tombs were once adorned with chandeliers and canopies, signifying the splendor of the Golconda Sultans.

Historical Significance

• During the reign of the Qutub Shahis, the tombs held great importance, even serving as sanctuaries where even criminals found refuge and pardon.
• After a period of neglect, restoration efforts began in the early 19th century, continuing to the present day under the Department of Tourism.
• Today, the Qutub Shahi Tombs are a popular tourist attraction in Hyderabad, often visited in conjunction with the nearby Golconda Fort.

Visiting Information

• All days of the week, the site is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

How to Reach

• The nearest airport is located in Hyderabad.
• The closest railway station is also in Hyderabad.
• The tombs are situated one kilometer away from Banjara Darwaza in Golconda Fort. It is a site where the glory of the Golconda kings is immortalized through miraculous miracles, as they are all buried in the same location.

Golconda Fort

• Golconda Fort, situated in the western region of Hyderabad, originally named Mankal, is a historic fortress with a rich past. 
• Initially constructed in 1143 on a hilltop during the rule of the Rajah of Warangal, the fort underwent significant fortification between the 14th and 17th centuries under the Bahmani Sultans and the Qutub Shahi dynasty.

Location and Description

• Located approximately 9 km from Hussain Sagar Lake, the outer fort spans three square kilometers and stretches 4.8 kilometers in length. 
• The inner fort features remnants of palaces, mosques, and a hilltop pavilion that offers panoramic views of the surrounding structures.

Historical Background

• The historical timeline of Golconda Fort dates back to the early 13th century when it was governed by the Kakatiya dynasty. 
• Subsequently, the Qutub Shahi kings ruled the region during the 16th and 17th centuries. 
• This granite hill-based fortress, towering 120 meters high, is encircled by expansive crenellated ramparts, embodying a significant era in Indian history.

Architectural Significance

• Renowned as one of India's most remarkable fortress complexes, Golconda Fort showcases a blend of architectural styles from different ruling periods. 
• Its strategic hilltop positioning and robust fortifications highlight the military prowess and grandeur of the rulers of that time.

Golconda Fort: Historical Overview

• Originally named Shepherd’s Hill or Golla Konda in Telugu.
• Legend: A shepherd boy found an idol on the hill, leading to the construction of a mud fort by the Kakatiya king.
• Bahamani rulers later took control, followed by the Qutub Shahi kings who expanded it into a massive granite fort.
• Witness to historic events, the fort fell to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1687.

Architectural Marvels of Golconda Fort

• Features include mounted cannons, drawbridges, gateways, halls, magazines, and stables.
• The outermost enclosure, Fateh Darwaza or Victory Gate, is famous for its acoustical effects.
• Clapping near the dome entrance creates reverberations audible at the hilltop pavilion, a kilometer away.
• Historical significance: A symbol of Hyderabad's glorious past and a remarkable heritage structure in India.

Unique Acoustical Phenomenon

• Clapping hands near the dome entrance produces reverberations heard at the hilltop pavilion.
• This phenomenon served as a warning signal for fort inhabitants, now a source of amusement for visitors.

Visiting Information

• Ticket counter hours: 5:30 PM.
• Fort Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

How to Reach

• The nearest airport is in Hyderabad
• The nearest railway station is in Hyderabad
• Golconda Fort is located at a distance of 9 km from the Hussain Sagar Lake in Hyderabad city. The exterior fort spans about three square kilometers and is 4.8 kilometers long.

Nehru Zoological Park 

• Nehru Zoological Park, situated in Hyderabad, is a well-maintained zoo that ranks among the best in Asia. It houses over 1,500 species of birds, animals, and reptiles. The zoo, located in the Bahadurpura area on the way to Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University in Rajendranagar, can be accessed after passing through Afzalgunj and the High Court. Among its diverse inhabitants are mynahs, white peacocks, African Elephants, chimpanzees, and rhinoceroses.
• One of the main attractions of the zoo is the Lion Safari. Visitors are taken on a van with iron fencing through the safari gates. Only one gate opens at a time, immersing visitors in a world of freely roaming wild animals such as lions, tigers, rhinos, panthers, and wild oxen in a jungle-like setting. The zoo offers additional attractions, including a prehistoric dinosaur park, a nocturnal zoo, a natural history museum, a mini-train, various parks, and animal rides, making it an ideal destination for picnics. The nocturnal animals and reptiles add to the overall excitement and intrigue of the zoo experience.

Overview

• Nehru Zoological Park is situated on a sprawling 300-acre site with abundant greenery.
• It is a paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, showcasing a variety of rare animal and bird species.
• Animals and birds are housed in settings that mimic their natural habitats, enhancing their well-being.
• The park pioneered the use of moated enclosures to provide a more natural environment for animals.

Facilities and Features

• The park includes a restaurant and several food outlets for visitors' convenience.
• Water for the zoo is sourced from the Mir Alam tank, a popular spot for tourists, researchers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
• It is located approximately 15 kilometers away from the Hussain Sagar Lake.

Visiting Hours

• The zoo is open every day from 08:30 AM to 05:30 PM.

How to Reach

• The nearest airport is in Hyderabad
• The nearest railway station is in Hyderabad
• Nehru Zoological Park is 9 km away from Hyderabad, Hyderabad-Bangalore National Highway.

Birla Mandir

• Birla Mandir can be found near the southern edge of Hussain Sagar Lake in Hyderabad. It is positioned on top of Kala Pahad, a pair of hillocks alongside Naubat Pahad. The temple was constructed by the Birla family in 1976 using white marble imported from Rajasthan, covering a 13-acre expanse at a height of 280 feet.
• The temple's construction lasted nearly ten years and was sanctified in the same year by Swami Ranganathananda of Ramakrishna Mission. The Birla Foundation, known for overseeing the construction of similar temples across India, also supports the Birla Mandir in Hyderabad.
• Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Sri Venkateswara, the temple resonates with the melodies of Tyagaraja, Annamayya, and Ramadasu against the scenic backdrop of the morning sky. Combining architectural elements from Utkal (Oriya) and South Indian styles, the temple features the Rajagopuram in the South Indian architectural style and the Jagadananda Vimanam in the Oriyan style. Moreover, the temple showcases intricately carved marble figures depicting stories from the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. The 42-foot high sanctum sanctorum (garbha gudi) is a remarkable replica of the Venkateshwara temple in Tirumala.

Overview

• The main deity at Birla Mandir is an 11-feet tall granite sculpture of Swami Venkateswara.
• Padmavati and Andal, the consorts of Swami Venkateswara, are worshipped in separate shrines.
• The temple complex includes a shrine dedicated to Buddha and fresco paintings depicting his life.
• Other deities like Shiva, Ganesh, Saraswati, Hanuman, Brahma, Lakshmi, and Saibaba have separate shrines at the temple.

Visitor Experience

• In the evening, Birla Mandir offers a breathtaking sight when illuminated.
• A visit to Birla Mandir in Hyderabad is a must-visit for tourists, known for the past three decades.
• The temple visit promises a memorable experience, combining remarkable architecture and craftsmanship, providing solace and spiritual enrichment.

Visiting Information

• The temple is open to visitors from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM every day of the week.
• Birla Mandir is conveniently accessible by state government buses, located centrally in the city.
• Travelers can get off near Ravindra Bharathi, a mere two hundred meters away, when arriving by bus.

Timings

• Open all days of the week from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

How to Reach

• The nearest airport to Birla Mandir is located in Hyderabad.
• The MMTS station near Lakdi-Ka-Pool Station is approximately one kilometer away.
• Birla Mandir Road is situated in the heart of Hyderabad city, with most bus stops in close proximity to Birla Mandir.

Handicraft

• Dokra, also known as bell metal craft, is a traditional tribal metal craft prominently found in Jainoor Mandal, Adilabad District of Telangana. Regions like Ushegaon and Chittalbori in Adilabad district are key hubs for this art form.
• What makes this craft particularly captivating is the unique nature of each piece created. The artisans craft items such as figurines, tribal deities, and more. This art form enjoys significant demand both locally and internationally owing to its aesthetic appeal and raw simplicity.
• The repertoire of Dokra artifacts includes folk motifs, depictions of peacocks, elephants, horses, measuring bowls, lamp caskets, and other quaint yet traditional designs. Notably, these artifacts are crafted from brass and are distinct in that they are fashioned without any joints.
• The crafting technique involves a fusion of metallurgical expertise and wax methodologies, utilizing the lost wax technique. This method is distinctive in that the mold is a one-time usage, broken after the creation, rendering each piece truly one-of-a-kind globally.
• Within the Adilabad district, numerous families are dedicated to preserving and advancing this ancestral craft, which entails intensive labor and skill.

Bidri Craft

• Bidri craft is a renowned art form originating from the Telangana region, introduced by migrants from Iran. It involves intricate processes such as casting, engraving, inlaying, and oxidizing.
• The art form, derived from Bidar (now part of Karnataka), near Hyderabad, involves the use of black colors for surface decoration, known for its long-lasting nature without fading easily.
• Utilizing an alloy of Copper and Zinc (Gunmetal), Bidri craft includes gold and silver coatings, creating various items like cigar holders, jewelry boxes, and decorative articles such as cuff links and key chains.
• Its popularity extends globally, with Birla Mandir in Hyderabad being a prominent patron of this craft, inspiring the construction of similar temples worldwide.

Banjara Needle Crafts

• Banjara Needle Crafts are traditional handmade textiles crafted by the Banjara tribe, significant inhabitants of Telangana.
• These crafts reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Banjaras, showcasing their expertise in needlework and fabric embellishments.
• They contribute to the rich arts and crafts of the state in the form of embroidery and mirror work on fabrics. These colorful works can be easily found in most of the wardrobes in India. These tribes make use of their skill in needlecraft to create incredible designs on clothes. 
• One such form is the needlecraft, where simple needles, base fabrics, embroidery threads, and the craft-prowess of these nomads work together to create beautiful pieces of art. 
• Pinks, oranges, blues, whites, yellows, and other colored fabrics, with contrasting multi-colored thread-work, in fine geometric patterns, and other motifs, apart from embellishments like cowries, tiny mirrors, beads, and shells, resulting in the final ornate assemblage and exquisite beauty of Banjara needlecraft. 
• One of the main reasons these craft pieces are used widely for decorating homes is because of the exotic feel they bring to the decor, and the unique earthiness, which they effectuate.

Main Features of Banjara Needlecraft

• Rich contribution to state's arts and crafts through embroidery and mirror work on fabrics.
• Colorful designs found in many Indian wardrobes.
• Utilization of needlecraft skills to create intricate clothes designs.
• Combination of simple tools like needles, base fabrics, and threads for art creation.

Design Elements in Banjara Needlecraft

• Usage of various colored fabrics like pinks, oranges, blues, whites, and yellows.
• Contrasting multi-colored thread-work in fine geometric patterns and motifs.
• Embellishments such as cowries, tiny mirrors, beads, and shells.
• Resulting in ornate assemblage and exquisite beauty.

Decorative Appeal of Banjara Needlecraft

• Exotic feel added to home decor by these craft pieces.
• Unique earthy touch they bring to living spaces.