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Time of India
18-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
This 100-year-old university in Hyderabad has royal roots you probably didn't know about
Long before Hyderabad became a tech capital, it made history in education. At the heart of this legacy lies Osmania University , established over a century ago by a royal decree and built on a vision far ahead of its time. In 1917, Mir Osman Ali Khan, the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad, issued a firman (royal order) to establish a university that would reflect the region's cultural identity. His goal wasn't just academic: it was deeply rooted in pride, language, and modern progress. Sir Akbar Hydari, a senior official in the Nizam's government, had proposed the idea in a memorandum, stressing the need for a university that used Urdu, the most widely spoken language in Hyderabad at the time, as the medium of instruction. This set the stage for Osmania University, the first in India to use Urdu officially, while still making English a compulsory subject. Humble beginnings, historic impact The university began functioning in 1918 with just 225 students and 25 faculty members, operating from a modest building near Nizam College at Basheerbagh. It offered only two faculties: Arts and Theology. But the Nizam had bigger dreams. To design a grand campus, the government invited renowned urban planner Patrick Geddes and British architect Edwin Jasper. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indian Investors Are Buying These Dubai Apartments—Here's Why Binghatti Developers FZE Explore Undo Geddes surveyed possible sites, and Jasper drew up plans for the university buildings. The foundation stone was laid in 1934, and the campus soon took shape—featuring majestic Indo-Saracenic architecture overseen by Zain Yar Jung, the state architect. A global university with local roots Over the decades, Osmania University expanded rapidly. Today, it's one of the largest university systems in the world, with more than 3,00,000 students across its main campus and affiliated colleges. As of 2012, it had welcomed over 3,700 international students from 80+ countries. Interestingly, Osmania Medical College, now under Kaloji Narayana Rao University, was once part of its academic system. Post-independence shifts and student movements After India's independence in 1947 and Hyderabad's accession to the Indian Union in 1948, the university transitioned from royal oversight to state governance. There were even efforts by the central government to turn Osmania into a Hindi-medium central university. But this triggered student-led Mulki agitations, protesting against the loss of regional identity. Eventually, English became the primary medium of instruction. The Nizam's crown was removed from the university seal—but its legacy was never erased. A cultural institution Osmania University is more than a 100-year-old institution. It's a symbol of how language, heritage, and education came together in one of India's most diverse regions. It has produced thousands of scholars, administrators, writers, and thought leaders—many of whom carry forward its royal-rooted legacy. For young learners, Osmania stands as a reminder that powerful ideas can emerge from unexpected places: a princely court, a local language, and a commitment to inclusive education. In an era where students seek global opportunities, Osmania's story proves that local roots can lead to global impact. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
India.com
25-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Meet The 46-Year-Old Actress-Singer Whose Great-Grandfather Was Prime Minister; Kept First Marriage Secret, Divorced, Now Married To…, Her Name Is…
3 / 7 She is the granddaughter of Sir Akbar Hydari, who was a Prime Minister in the court of the Nizam of Hyderabad from March 1937 to September 1941. He was reportedly the last British-appointed governor of the Hyderabad province. Her other grandfather, Janumpally Rameshwar Rao, was one of the most influential politicians of his time. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for three consecutive Lok Sabha terms from 1957 to 1977. He also served as a commissioner for the Government of India in various African nations.
