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Time of India
6 days ago
- 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!
The Print
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
11 years after state formation, where's Telangana's history? Govt must fix information gap
Everything I know about my city and state, I learned on my own when I decided to get acquainted with Hyderabad's history. Luckily, after Telangana's formation, history books were revised by the then Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government. Kids were taught absolutely nothing about Telangana, or about the founders of Hyderabad (Golconda dynasty, 1518-1687), or the later Nizams of our city. That was the extent to which rulers in the joint state of Andhra Pradesh went to erase our history from textbooks. The cultural domination of the Andhra region pushed people of Telangana to demand a separate state, which was eventually formed on 2 June 2014. As a Hyderabadi, I never learned about my own region—Telangana before it became a state—in school. We were only taught about Andhra Pradesh and the Indian independence movement. This was the reality of generations who grew up in Hyderabad and Telangana. However, one aspect of the state, which is crucial to understanding modern Telangana, was left untouched on purpose—perhaps to avoid stirring the hornet's nest. That is the peasant rebellion, called the Telangana Armed Struggle (1946-51), and the Indian Army's annexation of Hyderabad on September 17, 1948. Operation Polo was the military action through which the Hyderabad state (1724-1948) was annexed after its last Nizam, Osman Ali Khan (1911-48), decided to stay independent when the British left India in 1947. The contested bit of history had been buried by the Congress government at the Centre, largely due to its bloody aftermath—it resulted in the death of at least 26,000 to 4,000 Muslims, according to the Pandit Sunderlal Committee report. BJP, Razakars & Hyderabad Day Post the formation of Telangana, there wasn't much clamour about it. However, after the BRS came to power for a second time post 2018, there has been a renewed push by the BJP to observe the annexation date as 'Hyderabad Liberation Day'—a phrase coined to indirectly say that Telangana was freed from the Nizams. The BRS ignored it for a while, but it was forced to address the issue. It marked the day as 'National Integration Day' to skirt the BJP's narrative. Added to all of this was BJP leader Gudur Narayana Reddy's movie Razakar: The Silent Genocide of Hyderabad, which also paints Muslims in a negative light. The movie is about the Muslim militia Razakar, formed in 1947 by then Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) leader Qasim Razvi, who let his men loose on the populace, especially on Hindus. However, the movie ignores the Communist Party of India (CPI)-led peasant rebellion, and has incorporated characters such as Chakali Ilamma without attributing her support from the Left party. Moreover, neither the textbooks nor the movie address the biggest issue that existed then—the feudal system, which was the bane of society and led to bonded labour under the Jagirdars, the state revenue collectors under the Nizams. Also read: Congress in Telangana gave award to Razakar—a propaganda film that demonises Muslims Fix the information gap The then BRS government had a great opportunity to correct these omissions in our history textbooks. Had it done so, maybe we would not have a population unsure of where to even begin when trying to learn about itself. It is a fact that information about Hyderabad's history in the public domain is sparse. One has to dig deep or visit public libraries that are not exactly well-maintained. Now that people from Andhra don't dominate our narrative and culture anymore, we must reconsider what we mention in our history books and not make the mistake of hiding the truth from the people. It is not just about informing, but giving perspective and understanding of our histories in school is also important for the formative years of children. It allows us to counter hate and hateful narratives. The only way to do this is by honestly putting out information. Yet, the state government, which has been trying to reshape Telangana's image with a Congress stamp, oddly chose to give the Razakar movie three Gaddar Awards—an honour it recently decided to institute in 2025. This speaks volumes about the state government's priorities. If it does not correct this wrong, then generations of children in Telangana will once again grow up learning either nothing, or information that will be full of half-truths. Yunus Lasania is a Hyderabad-based journalist whose work primarily focuses on politics, history and culture. He tweets @YunusLasania. Views are personal. (Edited by Ratan Priya)
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
A 105-year legacy: Hyderabad's Jauzi Halwa which takes 16-hours to make
In Hyderabad's Old City, where biryani's aroma mixes with Moazzam Jahi Market's chaos, a small shop holds a 105-year-old secret. Hameedi Confectioners serves Jauzi Halwa, a Turkish sweet that once charmed the last Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan. This isn't just dessert—it's history in every bite. In a fast-moving world, this tiny shop clings to tradition, dishing out nostalgia with every sticky, sweet bite. Inside, trays of nutty, saffron-laced halwa gleam amid the market's bustle. Started by a young boy with big dreams, Hameedi Confectioners blends Ottoman richness with Deccani spice. Each spoonful tells of royal feasts and a legacy born from ambition. A nameless stall set up in 1913 Picture this: it's 1913, and a 15-year-old Turkish lad named Mohammed Hussain sets up a small, nameless stall in a then-remote corner of Hyderabad. With no proper roads or streetlights, he toils under flickering lamps, crafting sweets with recipes from his homeland. Among them is Jauzi Halwa, a decadent concoction made from sprouted wheat flour, milk, saffron, ghee, and a mysterious spice— nutmeg, or 'jouz' in Urdu, which gives the sweet its name. Word of its unique flavor spread like wildfire, reaching the ears of Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam of Hyderabad. One taste, and the Nizam was smitten. He decreed the shop be named after his son's nickname, 'Hameedi,' and sent a letter with his royal seal — a framed treasure still displayed proudly in the shop today. What makes it so special? What makes Jauzi Halwa so special? It's not just the ingredients — though the nutmeg, saffron, and generous lashings of ghee — create a rich, granular texture that melts in your mouth. It's the labor of love behind it. Crafting a single batch takes 16 hours, with workers stirring in shifts to achieve its signature consistency. The halwa's vibrant red hue, topped with cashews and edible silver foil, is a feast for the eyes, while its subtle spice notes — nutmeg, mace, and cardamom — dance on the palate. Unlike overly sweet desserts, Jauzi Halwa strikes a balance, lighter on sugar but heavy on flavor, making it a filling indulgence. A quintal sold daily Hameedi Confectioners' legacy isn't just about one sweet. The shop, now a Hyderabad institution, offers other delights like Badam ki Jaali and Motichoor Ladoo, but Jauzi Halwa remains the star. It's a favorite at weddings and celebrations, with nearly a quintal sold daily. The shop's unassuming exterior belies its royal pedigree, and customers don't mind the modest ambiance when the reward is a bite of history. Mazhar, Mohammed Hussain's grandson, carries the torch today, ensuring the recipe remains unchanged. 'We serve it with love, just like my grandfather did,' he says, grinning. That love, coupled with a spice-laden legacy, keeps Hameedi thriving amidst modern competition. For Hyderabadis and visitors alike, a trip to Hameedi for Jauzi Halwa isn't just about satisfying a sweet tooth — it's about savoring a piece of the city's soul, one nutmeg-kissed bite at a time. (The student is interning with The Hindu Hyderabad)
The Print
30-04-2025
- General
- The Print
Hyderabad is neglecting its Art Deco buildings. Jeera colony to Bachelors' Quarters
However, one very neglected aspect, or rather part of the city's contours, is its Art Deco buildings, which were built mostly after the 1940s. There are so many of them, and almost all are slowly being demolished by owners to make way for modern structures. For that matter, even colonial buildings like the British Residency or the Rashtrapati Nilayam, completed in 1860, make some of us nostalgic—especially if you've grown up in the old cantonment areas of Secunderabad (founded in 1806 by the British). Whenever someone talks about architecture in Hyderabad, it is either about the foundational Indo-Persian Golconda period from the 16th to 17th century or the later Mughal-inspired Nizam-era structures. Given that it is so glaring, it is also understandable that monuments like the Charminar and the Chowmahalla Palace leave people awestruck. Hyderabad's overlooked heritage Art Deco is a form of architecture that comes from the 1925 'L'exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes' (International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts), held in Paris. It highlighted new styles of art, architecture, decorative arts, and industrial designs coming up in Europe and across the world. The 100th anniversary of the Art Deco style architecture was marked on 29 April. The exhibition was held specifically to showcase only new and modern designs, and no historical designs or styles were allowed. Just a few years before that, the American newspaper Chicago Tribune held a competition among architects to design its then-new building. The competition also set the tone for America's foray into the design philosophy of Art Deco architecture. The word 'Art Deco' in fact was popularised much later in the 1960s, but it essentially has three forms of design: zigzag or jazz moderne, streamline moderne and classical moderne. Zigzag buildings were essentially more opulent (some included inspiration from ancient Egyptian and Mayan cultures), while classical Art Deco was more muted as the Great Depression in the 1930s made its impact in the US. The third one, streamline moderne, stuck to industrial designs, with buildings often designed to look like ships, or planes, or even automobiles. This is what we find in Hyderabad. Hyderabad has a layered history: It has ancient medieval architecture, followed by the later Nizam-era mix of post-Mughal buildings, which also includes a blend of European architecture. And between these monuments and public spaces, the Art Deco heritage of our city is completely overlooked. One of the best examples of this is the Bachelors' Quarters building in Abids, located across the Moazzam Jahi market (built in 1935 as a market in Indo-Saracenic architecture by the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Osman Ali Khan). Built in 1941, the Bachelors Quarters—-with its ocean-liner facade—-once housed progressive Urdu writers for years. Another building that has always caught my eye is the Arya Samaj Mandir on RP Road in Secunderabad. It is an absolutely stunning structure. Until a few years ago, the Jeera colony behind it was filled with lived-in Art Deco homes. While a few still stand, many have been torn down. Also read: What makes someone a Hyderabadi—Irani chai, biryani, Nizam nostalgia, or Dakhni? Design shaped by technology Unlike Mumbai, where the Art Deco buildings (like those in Marine Drive) are protected, nothing of that sort safeguards such structures in Hyderabad. Sooner or later, most of them will make way for new construction. In a way, I get it. Many of these homes belonged to joint families that have since split, and naturally, the properties get divided too. That said, the Art Deco era was influenced by a fascination with transportation technology in the 1940s and 1950s. Hyderabad's old airport in Begumpet, built by the last Nizam, is also a beautiful structure. Across the city, even in its busiest market areas of Abids and Secunderabad, you can still spot several Art Deco buildings. Many of these buildings have interesting typography on them. Give it a few decades, and our Art Deco heritage will stand as a century-old reminder of how the idea of technology once shaped design itself. It's always nice to look at old photos of things that don't exist anymore and reminisce. What's better is if they stand the test of time. That way, we can show the future generations what modernity once looked like. Art Deco can be that, and this applies to every Indian city where it exists. Yunus Lasania is a Hyderabad-based journalist whose work primarily focuses on politics, history and culture. He tweets @YunusLasania. Views are personal. (Edited by Ratan Priya)
Gulf Today
27-04-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
First intestine transplant performed in Indian state of Telangana
Hyderabad: The first successful intestine transplant in Telangana has been done by doctors at state government-run Osmania General Hospital. A 40-year-old male patient with short gut syndrome and on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) support was admitted to Osmania Hospital, and found to have repeated central line infections and major central vein thrombosis. According to doctors, he underwent massive small bowel and right colon resection for massive gangrene due to acute Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) occlusion. Only 30 cm of the proximal jejunum, starting from the duodenojejunal (DJ) flexure, had remained intact. Doctors at Osmania Hospital performed a cadaver small intestine transplant on April 19. Doctors said that the patient is now tolerating a soft diet orally, and his ileostomy is functioning well. A protocol endoscopy performed on the seventh postoperative day revealed a healthy, pink mucosa in the transplanted bowel. Biopsy results confirmed there were no signs of rejection, doctors said. This came a few days after doctors at Osmania Hospital achieved a breakthrough by successfully performing a liver transplantation on a 14-year-old patient suffering from Marfan's syndrome and very severe hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). Marfan's syndrome is a genetic disorder that makes body tissues fragile and increases the risk of heart problems, while HPS is a rare and serious condition where liver disease leads to low oxygen levels and widening of blood vessels in the lungs, making it hard to breathe. A team of hepatologists, pulmonologists, cardiologists, and transplant surgeons at the hospital spent months evaluating the patient's condition before taking a decision to perform the transplantation despite the risks involved. A team of 30 doctors performed the surgery that lasted for 20 hours. Doctors had termed it a global milestone. Osmania Hospital is the oldest and one of the major government-run healthcare facilities in the state. Conceived after the devastating Musi floods of 1908, the Osmania Hospital was built by Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam of the princely state of Hyderabad, and named after him. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, it was completed in 1919 and has been host to many prominent medical conferences and research initiatives over the last 100 years. Indo-Asian News Service
