7.12.14

Hyderabad INDIA

On to the second city in India, I am spending a good 5 days here. Hyderabad is the capital and largest city of both the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Occupying 650 square kilometers along the banks of the Musi River, population about 6.8 million and a metropolitan population of about 7.75 million, making it the fourth most populous city and sixth most populous urban agglomeration in India. At an average altitude of 542 meters, much of Hyderabad is situated on hilly terrain around artificial lakes, including Hussain Sagar—predating the city's founding—north of the city centre.


This is my first visit in Hyderabad, Golkonda Fort was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Golconda which flourished in the 14th to 16th century. It is situated 11 kilometers from Hyderabad, the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. With walls ranging from 17 to 34 feet broken by 87 semi-circular bastions, some reaching 60 feet in height, and built on a granite hill that is 400 feet high, it remains one of India's most magnificent fortress complexes.
I love this 800 years old Mughal fort, one of a great engineering marvels --is the fantastic acoustic effects: one hand-clap at a certain point below the entrance dome can be heard at the highest point of the pavilion almost a kilometer away. This was said to be used for warning the royals in case of an attack. 
off to the museum part...
it is obvious I love daggers! and Mughal daggers in particular! 

these monkey at the fort garden are absolutely hillarious!!!!

After fort, its lunch time! I opted for Dosa. Dosa is a fermented crepe made from rice batter and black lentils. It is a staple dish in South Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. This spicy Dosa come with yummie chutney and dahi.

Then we continue to Charminar and the bazaar! The Charminar, built in 1591 CE, is a monument and mosque. The landmark has become a global icon of Hyderabad. The English name is a translation and combination of the Urdu words Chār and Minar, translating to "Four Towers"; the eponymous towers are ornate minarets attached and supported by four grand arches. Don’t you just love Mughal architecture? I am always fascinated by them!

According to the book "Days of the Beloved", Qutb shah constructed the Charminar in the year 1589, on the very spot where he first glimpsed his future queen Bhagmati, and after her conversion to Islam, Qutb Shah renamed the city as "Hyderabad". Though the story was denied by the historians and scholars, it became popularfolklore among the locals.
look at this sea of auto-rickshaw...
on top of the Charminar tower...
The next day, I visited the Chowmahalla Palace.  Chowmahalla Palace is a palace of the Nizams of Hyderabad state. All ceremonial functions including the accession of the Nizams and receptions for the Governor-General were held at this palace.

The clock above the main gate to Chowmahalla Palace is affectionately called as Khilwat Clock. It has been ticking away for around 250 years. An expert family of clock repairers winds the mechanical clock every week.


Chowmahalla Palace interior with chandeliers


Lunch and meeting with dearest friends...  Yummie chicken biryani :P
Finally meeting Mehr again after 2 years....

off to the next city! 

thank you all for stopping by, next destination will be posted soon.....
xxx

Soan Galuh beach

Soan Galuh beach is my source of inspiration. When I feel like I need inspirations in my clay work, I would just get my motorbike and drive ...