Hyderabad is the state capital of Andhra Pradesh and is one of the fastest growing metros in the country. It is the fifth largest city in the country and is home to the flourishing IT industry.

The city is 400 years old and has a rich historical past. The twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad are separated by the Husain Sagar Lake which was constructed by Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah Wali in 1562 AD.

Hyderabad is noted for its natural rugged beauty, the mosques and minarets, the lakes and most importantly the bazaars. It is located at a height of 1776 square feet above the sea level on the Deccan Plateau and sprawls out in an area over 100 square miles.

The city has been impacted by a multitude of cultures and rulers who have left their own distinct mark upon the place and the people. The architectural style in the city has its own individual identity which makes it stand apart from the rest. This makes it virtually a city of enchantment.

Hyderabad was settled on the banks of River Musi five miles east of the Golconda Fort in 1591-92 by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah to accommodate the surplus population of the fort. The Qutub Shahis ruled the city for 171 years and all the rulers were patrons of art and architecture as well as learning. They were the main force behind the development of Indo-Persian and Indo-Islamic culture in the city. During their reign, the city gained recognition as a leading market for diamonds, pearls and also printed fabrics. Various traditional crafts like bidri work, kalamkari and handicraft flourished during their rule.

After the fall of the Qutub Shahi and consequently of the Mughal dynasty too, the Asif Jahi dynasty ruled the place till 1948 when the kingdom was finally acceded to the Indian Union. During the reign of this family, there was development of the city and its varied culture. Persian, Urdu, Telegu and Marathi developed simultaneously. Persian was the official language till 1893 and then Urdu upto 1948.

This can be felt even more when is visiting the shopping areas in the metro. The place is a shopper’s paradise. There are many traditional markets which give a tough competition to the more modern shopping malls. The experience of shopping in these bazaars and roaming in the various lanes and by-lanes is an experience worth having.

The main bazaars of the city are located in the older parts of the city and are a bit congested but one can easily get the most unique things here.

Hyderabad has always been famous for its pearl industry which was systematically patronized by the erstwhile rulers of the state. Most of the pearls in India come from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Hyderabad is the largest center for pearl trading in the world. Processing and grading of the pearls is done by talented craftsmen manually. Pearls are very delicate objects and it is difficult to process them by machines.

Laad Bazaar in the old part of the city is the perfect place to get a variety of jewellery made from pearls accompanied with other precious and semi-precious stones. Pearl Necklaces, bangles, ear studs and nose pins in various designs are available here.

This is also famous place for bangles of different colors and varieties. The famous lacquered bangles of Hyderabad can be bought here in all sizes. But one thing which needs to be kept in mind is that one should be ready for a good-natured bargaining for the goods.

The traditional handloom textile, carpets etc can be bought at Shilparaman which is an arts & crafts village. The other important items which are displayed here are the Brassware, Nirmal Paintings and Bidri Ware objects. Bidri is an ancient art which has been given a modern touch by applying it on various articles like vases, ashtrays, ornaments and nameplates etc.

Apart from these, there are more shopping areas in the city like Abids, Begum Bazaar, Basheer Bagh, Naampally and MG Road.

Author Bio: For more information on Hotel Khoj and Hyderabad please visit our website.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, state capital, history of Hyderabad, markets in Hyderabad, Hyderabad shop