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India.com
4 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Only Indian man ever who had his private railway station, train used to reach his palace, his name was..., was from...
Nawab Hamid Ali Khan Nawab of India who had his own private railway station: You must have heard many stories about the rich Nawabs of India who carried a rich cultural lineage. From the likes of Nawab of Hyderabad – Mir Osman Ali Khan to Nawab of Pataudi – Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan & Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, the stories of Indian Nawabs have been covered in much detail. However, do you know the story of the Indian Nawab who had his personal private railway station and a train running till his palace. Here are all the details you need to know about Nawab Hamid Ali Khan, one of the richest Nawabs of India. Who is Nawab Hamid Ali Khan? As India struggled under the British Raj in the early 20th century, the princely state of Rampur was glowing quiet opulence and the Nawab of the state, Nawab Hamid Ali Khan enjoyed a rich empire including a private railway station which was used only by the royal family of Rampur. Did Nawab Hamid Ali Khan own a Private Railway station? The Nawab Hamid Ali Khan enjoyed such a rich lifestyle that while most Indians couldn't afford a second-class ticket, he had two royal salon coaches permanently stationed and ready to roll. Equipped with chandeliers, carved furniture, Persian carpets and even separate kitchens for Indian vegetarian and English non-vegetarian cuisines, the Railway coaches of Nawab Hamid Ali Khan weren't just compartments but moving Royal palaces. What happened to Railway coaches of Nawab Hamid Ali Khan? Talking about what happened to the Railway compartments, Nawab Raza Ali Khan gifted two royal coaches to the Government of India after partition in 1954. The coaches remained in use until 1966 which was surprisingly the Nawab's year of death. Following his death in 1966, the activity at the private station of Nawab Hamid Ali Khan declined significantly and around the same period, the abolition of the privy purse—a financial allowance to former princely states also led to the eventual closure of the private railway station.
NDTV
07-07-2025
- NDTV
Dum Ke Roat Recipe: What Goes Into Making Hyderabad's Beloved Cookie
Hyderabad's food story is not all about biryani and haleem. The city's identity is also steeped in its bustling bakery culture. Trays of Osmania biscuits, cream buns, and airy sponge cakes beckon from glass counters and street-side stalls. From the Irani cafés of Abids and the suburban bakeries of Toli Chowki to the hip cafés in Hitech City, these spots have become everyday sanctuaries for tea drinkers and snack hunters. Each bite reflects a blend of Mughlai, Turkish, and Deccani influences that are stitched into the city's culinary fabric. At the heart of this legacy sits dum ke roat - a dense, saffron-kissed cookie that is baked low and slow. Once a sacred offering, it has now become an all-season favourite. Packed with khoya, ghee, semolina, and crushed dry fruits, the cookie is chewy, rich, and deeply nostalgic. Today, dum ke roat is more than just a sweet treat. It is a bakery-born icon, loved across homes, communities, and airport snack counters alike. Also Read: 7 Iconic Eateries In Hyderabad To Experience Old-World Charm History Of Dum Ke Roat: How Hyderabad's Traditional Cookie Became An Icon The origin of dum ke roat dates back to the early 1900s, when Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, is believed to have introduced the sweet as part of a religious gesture. During a city-wide procession, he distributed roats while praying for the well-being of his grandson. That moment sparked a tradition. Every year, households would prepare dough at home and take it to communal ovens for the slow-baking process. Though rooted in prayer, the cookie eventually made its way into homes and bakery counters. Its rich flavour and comforting texture slowly cemented its place as a permanent fixture in the Hyderabadi sweet scene. Where To Eat Dum Ke Roat In Hyderabad: Best Places To Try Dum Ke Roat In Hyderabad If one place defines dum ke roat, it is Subhan Bakery in Nampally. Opened in 1971 and now run by Syed Irfan, Subhan sticks to traditional methods. The cookie is still baked with pure ghee, freshly made khoya, saffron, and a generous mix of cashews and almonds. While demand surges during Muharram and Ramzan, Subhan keeps the ovens going year-round to serve loyal regulars. Also Read: 5 Iconic Bakeries You Must Try In Hyderabad Other legendary spots for dum ke roat include: 1. Pista House: Known for their haleem, their roat version is slightly firmer - perfect for shipping across cities and even abroad. 2. Karachi Bakery: Famous for their fruit biscuits, Karachi Bakery's roat holds its own, widely enjoyed across Hyderabad and beyond. 3. Niloufer Café and Nimrah Bakery: These popular chai stops offer roat that pairs perfectly with Irani chai. Think quiet comfort in every bite. 4. Bakewell Cake House: Located in Mehdipatnam, this bakery is known for its Gur Roat - a jaggery-based version laced with dry ginger that adds an earthy depth. Dum Ke Roat Recipe: Step-By-Step Guide To Hyderabad's Traditional Cookie Do not be fooled by its simplicity - baking dum ke roat is a test of patience and balance. The right technique and ingredients make all the difference. Ingredients: Sooji and maida or atta Khoya Pure ghee Sugar or jaggery powder Crushed almonds, cashews, pistachios Aromatics like cardamom, saffron, nutmeg Milk and a dash of rose or kewra water Method: Soak and grind dry fruits to a coarse paste Warm the khoya and mix with sooji and flour Gradually add ghee, sugar, and aromatics Gently knead the dough, let it rest, and shape into thick discs Bake the discs on dum for a caramelised top and soft centre This slow-baking technique gives dum ke roat its iconic texture - crisp at the edges and chewy inside. The richness of the ingredients ensures that every bite is layered and memorable. Also Read: You Must Not Leave Hyderabad Without Trying These 9 Street Foods! Why Dum Ke Roat Is A Must-Try Hyderabadi Cookie For Every Season Whether picked up from a bakery in Toli Chowki or packed into a flight snack box at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, dum ke roat is a flavour capsule of Hyderabad. It carries memories, rituals, and a certain emotional weight that only food rooted in tradition can. Next time you sip tea in the lanes of Abids or browse biscuit tins at Subhan, do not leave without tasting this quietly iconic cookie. Advertisement About Somdatta Saha Explorer- this is what Somdatta likes to call herself. Be it in terms of food, people or places, all she craves for is to know the unknown. A simple aglio olio pasta or daal-chawal and a good movie can make her day. For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Dum Ke Roat Recipe Hyderabadi Cookie Hyderabad Biscuit Culture Show full article Comments
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
The forgotten Billionaire Maharaja of India, who was not just the richest but also a modern reformer
In the glittering era of Indian royalty, stories of unimaginable wealth were often associated with extravagant lifestyles, palaces filled with gold and jewels, fleets of Rolls-Royces, and legendary diamond collections. But amidst this grandeur, one ruler stood out for using his wealth not just to live lavishly, but to build a better, fairer society. While TIME Magazine famously crowned Mir Osman Ali Khan of Hyderabad the "richest man in the world" in 1937, with a fortune estimated at $236 billion or around ₹19 lakh crore today, another Indian royal quietly followed not just in show, but also in substance. With an estimated net worth of $400 million at the time roughly $7 billion or ₹57,901 crore adjusted for inflation, Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV was ranked among the world's richest, yet he remains less talked about today and most importantly, his impact, especially in education, infrastructure, and social reform, remains deeply etched in history. A vision beyond the throne Born on June 4, 1884, in the grand Mysore Palace, Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV was the son of Maharaja Chamarajendra Wadiyar X and Maharani Vani Vilas Sannidhana. After his father's sudden death, he became king at just 11 years old, with his mother acting as regent until he turned 18 in 1902. His education was a mix of Western and Indian influences, covering English, Kannada, Sanskrit, and fine arts. Lord Curzon, the then Governor-General of India, praised the young king for his potential, predicting great strides in development under his leadership. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The golden era of Mysore Once he took over the steer for his empire, Wadiyar IV focused not on expanding palaces, but on uplifting people. He banned untouchability and child marriage for girls under eight. He funded scholarships for widowed women and allocated ₹60 lakh annually from his personal wealth to support disabled children. In 1915, he founded the Mysore Social Progress Association to uplift underprivileged communities. In 1918, he invited Sir Lesley Miller to assess the conditions of backward classes, leading to a 25% reservation in government jobs for non-Brahmins, that also came as a forward-thinking policy for that era The state also became electric-powered under his leadership Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV also brought technological progress to Mysore. Under his rule, the princely state became the first in Asia to generate hydroelectric power. In 1905, Bangalore became the first city in Asia to be fully electrified. His efforts earned him the title 'Krishnaraja Bhoopa, Mane Mane Deepa', meaning 'the king who lit up every home,' according to the Deccan Herald. His commitment to education was equally visionary. In 1915, he made primary education compulsory. By 1927, the state's education budget had risen from ₹6.9 lakh to ₹46.8 lakh, supporting over 515,000 students across 8,000 schools. He also established and funded institutions that exist to this day, including the Mysore Sanskrit College. He gifted 10 acres of land to Nobel Laureate Sir CV Raman for his research institute and donated 400 acres near Malleshwaram to Jamsetji Tata for what would later become the Indian Institute of Science (IISc). A Cultural Patron and Musician King Wadiyar IV wasn't just a ruler — he was an artist at heart. Mahatma Gandhi affectionately called him 'Rajarshi', meaning a combination of 'Raja' (king) and 'Rishi' (sage), reflecting his moral leadership. He was also an accomplished musician who played numerous instruments, including the violin, veena, saxophone, and mridangam. He supported prominent artists of the time, such as Gauhar Jan and Abdul Karim Khan, and even sponsored yoga master Sri T. Krishnamacharya, helping revive and globalise the practice. He also expressed himself through poetry, writing in his native Kannada. Wealth with Wisdom Though his estimated fortune stood at ₹57,901 crore at the time of his death in 1940, Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV wasn't known for stockpiling his wealth. One famous example is his funding of the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam. When funds fell short during its construction, he reportedly sold his own jewels in Mumbai to ensure the project was completed.
News18
18-06-2025
- General
- News18
Net Worth Of Over Rs 20L Cr But Smoked Cigarette Stubs Left By Guests: This Hyderabad Man Is...
Last Updated: The seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, also wore the same cap for 35 years and never got his clothes ironed. Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, is remembered not only for his vast fortune but also for his surprisingly modest lifestyle. At one point, he was considered the richest man in India. He became the ruler of Hyderabad in 1911, following his father's death, and remained in power until 1948, when the princely state was integrated into independent India. During his 37-year reign, his wealth grew to astonishing levels. As per multiple reports, his total fortune was estimated at nearly ₹17.47 lakh crore (approximately $230 billion), putting him on par with some of the richest individuals in the world. Despite this, the Nizam was known for his frugality. He owned gold worth over $100 million and jewellery valued at $400 million. One of his most treasured possessions was the famous 185-carat Jacob Diamond, which today is estimated to be worth around Rs 1,350 crore. Still, in his personal life, he spent very little on himself. Authors Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins, in their book Freedom at Midnight, wrote that the Nizam used to collect used cigarette stubs left by guests and smoke them. Not only this, he wore the same cap for 35 years and never got his clothes ironed. He also ate from old tin plates despite owning golden utensils enough to serve 200 people. He had dozens of luxury cars, including Rolls-Royces. But instead of using them, he usually travelled in an old, worn-out car. If he saw someone driving a beautiful car, he would ask them to gift it to him and most people agreed out of fear or respect. But he rarely used those cars himself. Journalist Luke Harding mentioned in The Guardian in 2001, 'A frail, tiny man, and a devout Muslim, he was notorious for his meanness — he wore the same tattered fez for 35 years, dressed in rumpled cotton pyjamas, and ate all his meals off a tin plate while sitting on a mat in his bedroom surrounded by overflowing wastepaper baskets. But he was also, back then, the richest man on the planet." But beyond his eccentric personal habits, he was also known for his contributions to Hyderabad. He helped build many public buildings like the High Court, Central Library, Assembly Hall and State Museum. He is also said to have played a key role in designing India's first airport in Hyderabad. During the 1965 war with China, he donated five tons of gold to the Indian government. No one else had made such a big donation. Mir Osman Ali Khan passed away in 1967 at the age of 80. He left behind a legacy of wealth and contributions to society.
India.com
17-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
This Indian king had net worth over Rs 20350000000000, he measured diamonds in kilos and gold in tons, but ate in tin plate and smoked used cigarettes, he is…
There are many stories about the royal families of India about their grand palaces, huge wealth, and luxurious lifestyle. But the story of Mir Osman Ali Khan, the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad, is truly one of a kind. He was once the richest man in the world, with more money than most could imagine. But what made him famous was not just his wealth, it was his unbelievable stinginess. He measured diamonds in kilos and Gold in tons Osman Ali Khan had so much treasure that it was said diamonds were measured in kilograms and gold in tons. He had more than 50 Rolls-Royce cars in his collection. His total wealth was estimated to be 236 billion dollars, which today is more than Rs. 20,35,57,67,00,000 (over Rs. 20 lakh crore). One of his diamonds, the Jacob Diamond, weighed 185 carats and was used by the Nizam as a paperweight. That one diamond alone was worth over Rs. 1,350 crore. He had several palaces and often stayed at the grand Falaknuma Palace, located in the heart of Hyderabad. A palace with 220 rooms and a 101-seater dining table Falaknuma Palace was built in 1893 and had 220 rooms, spread across 32 acres. It was known for its beauty and once even featured on the cover of Time magazine. Inside was the world's longest dining table 80 feet long, where 101 guests could eat at once. More generous than governments, yet personally stingy Though very wealthy, the Nizam was also very generous in times of need. During the 1965 war with China, he donated five tons of gold to the Indian government. That's 5,000 kilograms of gold, a donation no one else had ever made. But when it came to spending on himself, he was extremely miserly. According to authors Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins in their book Freedom at Midnight, the Nizam was known to pick up used cigarette stubs left by guests and smoke them. He wore the same cap for 35 years, didn't get his clothes ironed, and ate his meals in old tin plates, even though he had golden utensils that could feed 200 people at once. He preferred junk cars despite owning luxury vehicles Even though he owned dozens of luxury cars, including Rolls-Royces, he usually rode in an old, broken-down car. If he ever saw a beautiful car in his city, he would ask the owner to gift it to him, and most people didn't dare say no. Still, he preferred to ride in old vehicles instead of his luxury collection. Mir Osman Ali Khan's story is full of contrast, he had unmatched wealth, yet lived like a poor man. He gave generously to the country, but refused to spend on his own comforts.
