Telangana Kendriya Vidyalayas

The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan or 'Central School Organisation'(as previously known), oversees the functioning of the schools with its headquarters in New Delhi. The administration of this body is based on three levels. The chairman of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan is always the Minister in Charge of the Ministry of Education of the Government of India; the deputy chairman is the Minister of State of the Ministry of Education. The real working power lies with the Commissioner of KVS.

The foundation of KVS was laid on December 15, 1963, with the establishment of the first Kendriya Vidyalaya in Delhi. It is a non-profit organisation. Its schools are all affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Its objective is to educate children of the Indian Defence Services personnel who are often posted to remote locations. With the army starting its own Army Public Schools, the service was extended but not restricted to all central government employees.

KVS is one of the world's largest school chains, with 1,249 schools in India and three abroad.

The motto of the KVS is to lead one from darkness to light. This is our guideline. We believe that education leads to self realization.

Vision : KVS believes in imparting knowledge/values and nurturing the talent, enthusiasm and creativity of its students for seeking excellence through high-quality educational endeavours.


AdmissionAdmissions in Kendriya Vidyalayas are not restricted to Central Govt. employees and are open to all, only certain priorities have been laid down for different categories to regulate the admissions.
40 students per class per section is the approved strength in KVS.
10 seats (out of 40 seats) in class I per section are to be filled as per RTE provisions(25% seats) and these seats will be filled by draw of lots from all applications of SC/ST/EWS/BPL/OBC who are the resident of Neighborhood/ Differently able taken together.
03 % (Three) horizontally reservation is given to handicapped candidates for admission in KVS.
Grasde 1 : A child must be 6 years old as on 31st March in the academic year in which admission is sought for Class 1. (Child born on 1st April should also be considered)
For Grades 2 to 9 :- The age limit for admission to these classes is based on the age of the child as of March 31 of the year of admission. The minimum age for this category is 6 years and the maximum age is 15 years.
For Class 11 :- The eligibility age for admission to Class 11 is based on the age of the child as on 31st March in the year of admission. The age limit for Class 11 is 15 years and the minimum age is 17 years.
The following priorities shall be followed in granting admissions
Kendriya Vidyalayas Under Civil/defence Sector
Children of transferable and non-transferable Central government employees and children of ex-servicemen. This will also include children of Foreign National officials who come on deputation or transfer to India on invitation by Govt. of India.
Children of transferable and non-transferable employees of Autonomous Bodies/Public Sector Undertaking/Institute of Higher Learning of the Government of India.
Children of transferable and non-transferable State Government employees.
Children of transferable and non-transferable employees of Autonomous Bodies/Public Sector Undertakings/Institute of Higher Learning of the State Governments.
Children from any other category including the children of Foreign Nationals who are located in India due to their work or for any personal reasons. The children of Foreign National would be considered only in case there are no Children of Indian Nationals wait-listed for admission.
Note (1-5): Preference in Admission to wards will be based on the number of transfers of the parents in the last 7 years.KENDRIYA VIDYALAYAS UNDER PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS/INSTITUTES OF HIGHER LEARNING SECTOR:
Children and grandchildren of employees of the Project Sector/Institutes of Higher Learning which are the sponsors of the Vidyalaya , Children of Project employees & Post Graduate students who are working on long term research projects, Children of regular Council of Wardens(COW) employees and children and grandchildren of retired employees.
Note (1): Preference in Admission will be given to children of serving employees, grand children of serving employees and children and grandchildren of retired employees in that order.Children of transferable and non-transferable Central government employees and children of ex-servicemen. This will also include children of Foreign National officials who come on deputation or transfer to India on invitation by Govt. of India.
Children of transferable and non-transferable employees of Autonomous Bodies/Public Sector Undertaking/Institute of Higher Learning of the Government of India.
Children of transferable and non-transferable State Government employees.
Children of transferable and non-transferable employees of Autonomous Bodies/Public Sector Undertakings/Institute of Higher Learning of the State Governments.
Children from any other category including the children of Foreign Nationals who are located in India due to their work or for any personal reasons. The children of Foreign National would be considered only in case there are no Children of Indian Nationals wait-listed for admission.
Steps for School AdmissionFill in the KV admission form on the KV official website, kvsangathan.nic.in or kvsonlineadmission.kvs.gov.in.
Check the KVS admission list.
Submit documents to respective KVs (if selected).
Pay the fees and start studying.
Fee Structure
Admission Fee 25.00
Re Admission Fee 100.00
Tuition Fee (per month) Class IX & X (Boy) 200.00
Class XI & XII Commerce & Humanities(Boy) 300.00
Class XI & XII Science (Boy) 400.00
Computer Fund Class III on wards 100.00
Computer Science Fee.(for elective subjects in class XI & XII) 150.00
VidyalayaVikasNidhi from classes I – XII (per month) 500.00



ID

School Name

Email Address

Email Address

Phone No

Website


1

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA GHATKESAR NUCLEAR FUEL COMPLEX.

K V NFC NAGAR GHATKESAR, DISTT MEDCHAL, TELANGANA-501301

ppl.ghatkesarnfc@kvs.gov.in

8281976805,

https://ghatkesarnfc.kvs.ac.in


2

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA GACHIBAWLI

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA GACHIBOWLI,GPRA CAMPUS ,GACHIBOWLI -500032

ppl.gachibowli@kvs.gov.in

040-23000261,

https://gachibawli.kvs.ac.in


3

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA (AFS) BEGUMPET

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA, AFS, BEGUMPET, NEW BOWENPALLY POST, BALANAGAR ROAD,HYDERABAD-500 011, TELANGANA STATE.

ppl.begumpetafs@kvs.gov.in

04027751560,

https://begumpetafs.kvs.ac.in


4

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA CRPF GC BARKAS

KV CRPF BARKAS HYDERABAD,OPP.CRPF CAMPUS ,SRISAILAM ROAD ,KESHOGIRI ROAD.

ppl.hyderabadcrpf@kvs.gov.in

040-24440338,

https://hyderabadcrpf.kvs.ac.in


5

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA (AFA) NO.I DUNDIGAL

KV, NO.1, AIR FORCE ACADEMY, DUNDIGAL, HYDERABAD-500043

ppl.dundigalno1@kvs.gov.in

04029809715,

https://no1dundigal.kvs.ac.in


6

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA No II DUNDIGAL

AIR FORCE ACADEMY, DUNDIGAL, HYDERABAD - 500043.

ppl.dundigalno2@kvs.gov.in

08418-254229,

https://no2dundigal.kvs.ac.in


7

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA No I GOLCONDA

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA, NO.1 GOLCONDA, LANGER HOUSE, HYDERABAD - 500 008

ppl.golcondano1@kvs.gov.in

040-23513701,

https://no1golconda.kvs.ac.in


8

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA NO.II GOLCONDA

KV NO.2 GOLCONDA, NANAL NAGAR X ROAD, MEHDIPATNAM, HYDERABAD. 500008

ppl.golcondano2@kvs.gov.in

040-23566628, 040-23566016,

https://no2golconda.kvs.ac.in


9

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA (DRDO)KANCHAN BAGH

KV KANCHANBAGH, DRDO TOWNSHIP,NEAR MIDHANI DEPOT, HYDERABAD-500058

ppl.drdokanchanbagh@kvs.gov.in

04024340232,

https://drdokanchanbagh.kvs.ac.in


10

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA (NPA) SVP

KV SVP NPA SHIVARAMPALLY HYDERABAD 500052

ppl.hyderabadnpasvp@kvs.gov.in

04024015535,9989440924,

https://npasvp.kvs.ac.in


11

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA (SOI) NO.I UPPAL

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA NO.1 UPPAL NEAR UPPAL CROSS ROADS HYDERABAD 500039

ppl.uppalno1@kvs.gov.in

040-27200314,

https://no1uppal.kvs.ac.in


12

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA UPPAL NO.II(SOI)

"KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA, NO. 2 SURVEY OF INDIA, UPPAL.P.O HYDERABAD, RANGAREDDY (DIST), TELANGANA PIN 500 039"

ppl.uppalno2@kvs.gov.in

040-27200027,

https://no2uppal.kvs.ac.in


13

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SECUNDERABAD. BOLARUM

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA, ALLENBY LINES, J J NAGAR P.O. BOLARUM SECUNDERABAD 500087

ppl.bolarum@kvs.gov.in

040-29803596,

https://bolarum.kvs.ac.in


14

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SECUNDERABAD. BOWENPALLY

PRINCIPAL, KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA, PENSION LINE, BOWENPALLY, SECUNDERABAD-500 011.

ppl.bowenpally@kvs.gov.in

040-29550076, 040-29550042,

https://bowenpally.kvs.ac.in


15

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA(AFS) HAKIMPET SECUNDERABAD

AIR FORCE STATION HAKIMPET,SECUNDERABAD-500014 TELANGANA STATE

ppl.fshakimpet@kvs.gov.in

040-27870770,040-29803597,

https://hakimpet.kvs.ac.in


16

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA PICKET SECUNDERABAD

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA PICKET, OPP SECUNDERABAD CLUB, PICKET, SECUNDERABAD

ppl.picket@kvs.gov.in

040 -29804096,

https://picket.kvs.ac.in


17

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA TRIMULGHERY SECUNDERABAD

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA TRIMULGHERY, TRIMULGHERRY, SECUNDERABAD- 500015

ppl.trimulghery@kvs.gov.in

040-29805230,

https://trimulghery.kvs.ac.in


18

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA (OF) MEDAK

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA O F MEDAK EDDUMAILARAM ORDNANCE FACTORY SANGAREDDY DISTRICT TELANGANA PIN CODE:502205

ppl.medakof@kvs.gov.in

08455238255,

https://medakof.kvs.ac.in


19

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA (NTPC) RAMAGUNDAM

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA , PTS NTPC JYOTHINAGAR RAMAGUNDAM, DISTT- PEDDAPALLI, TELANGANA-505215

ppl.ramagundamno2@kvs.gov.in

08728295765,

https://ramagundamntpc.kvs.ac.in


20

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA ADILABAD

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA, NIRMITHI KENDRA, OLD D.M, HOUSE, ADILABAD- 504001.

ppl.adilabad@kvs.gov.in

08732-297010,

https://adilabad.kvs.ac.in


21

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA KHAMMAM

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA, POLEPALLI VILLAGE, OPPOSITE KARUNAGIRI CHURCH, KHAMMAM, PIN-507003.

ppl.khammam@kvs.gov.in

08742-298088,

https://khammam.kvs.ac.in


22

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA WARANGAL

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA WARANGAL, NEAR RAJIV GRUHA KALPA, KADIPIKONDA, WARANGAL. PIN: 506003

ppl.warrangal@kvs.gov.in

7382986432,

https://warangal.kvs.ac.in


23

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA MAHABUBNAGAR

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA MAHABUBNAGAR, YENUGONDA, NEAR CHAITANYA CENTRAL SCHOOL,MAHABUBNAGAR 50901

ppl.mahabubnagar@kvs.gov.in

9652807273,

https://mahabubnagar.kvs.ac.in


24

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA KARIM NAGAR

OPP: ENAADU OFFICE, LMD ALUGUNOOR, KARIMNAGAR 505527

ppl.karimnagar@kvs.gov.in

0878-2223031,

https://karimnagar.kvs.ac.in


25

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA HYDERABAD (CU)

Kendriya Vidyalaya University of Hyderabad Campus ,Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana- 500046

ppl.hyderabadcu@kvs.gov.in

04023012200,23012244,

https://hyderabadcu.kvs.ac.in/


26

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA MAHABUBABAD

KV MAHABUBABAD, SC GIRLS B HOSTEL, NANDAMURI NAGAR COLONY, MAHABUBABAD - 506101

ppl.mahbubabad@kvs.gov.in

08719241999,

https://mahabubabad.kvs.ac.in


27

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SIRCILLA

"C/O MPP PUBLIC SCHOOL SUBHASH NAGAR SIRCILLA TELANGANA 505301"

ppl.siricila@kvs.gov.in

8723297244,

https://sircilla.kvs.ac.in


28

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA BODHAN TOWN

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA BODHAN C/O MADHUMALANCHA DEGREE COLLEGE VILLAGE BELLAL SHAKKAR NAGAR POST MANDAL BODHAN DISTRICT NIZAMABAD STATE TELANGANA PIN CODE 503180

ppl.bodhantown@kvs.gov.in

8462295143,9485099995,9100825672,

https://bodhantown.kvs.ac.in


29

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA JHARASANGAM MEDAK

"KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA JHARASANGAM, MANDAL PARISHAD PRIMARY SCHOOL BUILDING, BESIDE PANCHAYAT OFFICE, SANGAREDDY DISTRICT, STATE TELANGANA PIN: 502246"

ppl.jharasangam@kvs.gov.in

08451-288301,

https://jharasangam.kvs.ac.in


30

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA MANCHERIAL

BELLAMAPALLY CHOWRASTHA,VILLAGE & MANDAL :MANCHERIAL DIST:MANCHERIAL-504208

ppl.mancherial@kvs.gov.in

08736-252585,

https://mancherial.kvs.ac.in


31

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA BHONGIR

KV BHONGIR C/O ALN REDDY MEMORIAL GOVT. GIRLS JR. COLLEGE BANJARA HILLS BHONGIR TELANGANA 508116

ppl.bhongir@kvs.gov.in

08685-244400,

https://bhongir.kvs.ac.in


32

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA NIZAMABAD

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA, DIET COLLEGE PREMISES, CHAKRADHAR NAGAR, NIZAMABAD 503003

ppl.nizamabad@kvs.gov.in

-9491256514,

https://nizamabad.kvs.ac.in


33

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA SIDDIPET

FIRST FLOOR, ELLENKI ENGINEERING COLLEGE CAMPUS, NEAR RURAL POLICE STATION, SIDDIPET, DISTRICT :- SIDDIPET (T.S) PIN - 502 107

ppl.siddipet@kvs.gov.in

9000347806,

https://siddipet.kvs.ac.in


34

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA NALGONDA

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA NALGONDA, BESIDE YSR PARK, RAMNAGAR, NALGONDA,TELANGANA,PIN-508001

ppl.nalgonda@kvs.gov.in

08682-230123,

https://nalgonda.kvs.ac.in


35

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA MIRYALAGUDA

KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA MIRYALAGUDA, OPP.NSP CAMP GROUNDS, MIRYALAGUDA TOWN, NALGONDA DISTRICT, TELANGANA STATE-508207

ppl.miryalguda@kvs.gov.in

08689-295859,

https://miryalaguda.kvs.ac.in



MissionTo cater to the educational needs of children of transferable Central Government including Defence and Para-military personnel by providing a common programme of education; To pursue excellence and set the pace in the field of school education;
To initiate and promote experimentation and innovations in education in collaboration with other bodies like Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) etc.
To develop the spirit of national integration and create a sense of "Indianness" among children.
To Provide, establish, endow, maintain, control & manage schools, hereinafter called the 'Kendriya Vidyalaya' for the children of transaferable employees of the Government of India, floating populations & others including those living in remote & undeveloped locations of the country & to do all acts & things necessary for the conducive to the promotions of such schools.
Salient Features Common text-books and bilingual medium of instructions for all Kendriya Vidyalayas.
All Kendriya Vidyalayas are affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education.
All Kendriya Vidyalayas are co-educational, composite schools.
Sanskrit is taught from class VI - VIII.
The quality of teaching is kept reasonably high by an appropriate teacher-pupil ratio.
No tuition fee for boysupto Class VIII, girls upto Class XII and SC/ST students and children of KVS employees.


http://kvsangathan.nic.in/

Read More

Hyderabadi Haleem

Hyderabadi Haleem, a slow-cooked dish made with meat, broken wheat, lentils, and spices, holds a special place in Hyderabad's culinary landscape, especially during Ramadan. Introduced by the Arab diaspora during the Nizam rule, it underwent local adaptations, becoming a symbol of the city's rich gastronomic heritage.

Hyderabadi haleem originated in the Middle East and is popular in the Indian city of Hyderabad. The Middle Eastern version of haleem is mild in spices and does not contain lentils. It came to India in the Mughal kitchen during the time of Babur.

The 6000+ members of the Hyderabad Haleem Makers Association lobbied for and successfully secured a GI Tag for their dish in August 2010,  It is the first non-vegetarian dish in India to receive it. 

'Hyderabad Haleem' is a cherished meat delicacy deeply rooted in the traditions of Hyderabad, India, particularly during the sacred Islamic month of Ramzan. This rich, high-calorie stew serves as a perfect culmination to the day's fast, known as 'Iftar.' The fundamental components of wheat, ghee, and meat are meticulously combined in equal proportions to create this delectable dish. While these three ingredients form the core, a medley of aromatic spices, nuts, and fragrant Basmati rice further elevate the flavor and aroma of 'Hyderabad Haleem.' The finishing touch of garnishing and a generous drizzle of clarified butter infuses it with a distinctive brownish, golden-yellow hue. Slow-cooked to perfection, 'Hyderabad Haleem' boasts a smooth, paste-like consistency, making it an indispensable part of the 'Iftar' tradition during Ramadan in Hyderabad.

Haleem is traditionally slow cooked overnight, while two to three people are required to continuously stir it. The lentils, rice and the meat and spices are cooked separately. Thereafter they are combined and pounded together to achieve a unique paste-like consistency. Lastly, it is garnished with nuts, berista (caramelized onion), herbs like coriander and mint, green chillies and lemon juice.

Pista house, a famous Hyderabadi restaurant, established in 1997 has played a humongous role in popularizing Haleem all the more. Not only has Pista House come up with vegetarian Haleem to accommodate a wider crowd but has also made it available for foreigners by opening up branches in USA and Oman.

Although Haleem had reached Hyderabad during the reign of the sixth Nizam Mahbub Ali Khan, it only became Hyderabad’s own under the seventh Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan in the first half of the 20th century. Sultan Saif Nawaz Jung Bahadur, a scion of Al-Qu'aiti dynasty of Yemen, then a prominent noble in the seventh Nizam’s court, all the more popularized the dish when he used it as the star of his dinner parties. 

Madina Hotel at Pathargatti, one of the oldest restaurants in the city, introduced Haleem to its menu in 1956, making this royal delicacy accessible to the common people of Hyderabad.
 

Arabic name: The Arabic name Halim or Haleem is a masculine name that means "gentle," "patient," "understanding," or "slow to anger". In Islam, Al-Halīm is one of the 99 names of God.

Persian word: The Persian word haleem means "oatmeal-like dish 

The dish is also known as Hareesa in Arabia and Armenia, Daleem in Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, and northern Iraq, and Khichra in Pakistan.

Harees or Jareesh, a predecessor to Haleem, is still sold in the Irani eateries of Hyderabad and is a staple in the streets of the area known as Barkas, famously called Little Arabia. This area once served as the Nizam’s military cantonment, housing mostly Chaush people (Hadhrami Arabs who settled in the Deccan region). The word Baraks finds its origin in the English word ‘barracks’. The name Barkas is also attributed to an area in Saudi Arabia called ‘ Wadiya Barkas’, the native land of a regiment serving as the Nizams’ esteemed bodyguards. This large settlement of the Arab population heralded the confluence of Arab food and culture with the existing Hyderabadi culture.

In contrast to Haleem, Harees would be considered rather bland. It does not contain the elaborate list of desi spices and desi ghee. Instead of Desi ghee, samneh is used, which is clarified butter made from sheep and goat milk, giving a very distinct greasy-meaty flavor. Harees have two variants: sweet and salty.

In Kashmir, Hareesa is a popular dish exclusively eaten during the winter months. Instead of wheat, short-grained rice is used for the preparation of the same. Caramelized onion is replaced by Kashmiri shallot and Desi ghee with mustard oil. It's eaten along with Kashmiri bread.

North Kerala consumes a sweeter version of Haleem called Aleesa or Alsa. Along with the ingredients used in a typical Hyderabadi haleem, coconut milk, sugar and raisins are a merry addition. From the 7th century onwards, Arab merchants traded on the Malabar coast. Many of these traders married local women, giving rise to the Mappila Muslim community. Hereon Arab dishes were inducted into the religion. Arabic cooking techniques were assimilated with the local spices and ingredients, birthing the distinct Mappila cuisine.

Among Bohras, a Muslim community from Yemen who settled on the coast of Gujarat around the 11th century, take pride in a haleem-like dish called Khichra. Khichra is not as spicy as Haleem and the meat pieces are not pounded and mixed as in the case of Haleem but rather left as tiny chunks. The city of Lucknow and the areas in its vicinity are also acquainted with Khichra

Primarily, haleem is associated with Islamic festivals. But to most people’s surprise, Jews from Persia have been eating Harees on Sabbath day (seventh day of the week, observed as day of rest) since medieval times. On the other hand Syrian Christians prepare it on the Feast of Assumption (marks Virgin Mary’s ascent to Heaven).

The world-famous Hyderabadi Haleem is an endowment of Arabic cuisine to this land but throughout the Indian subcontinent, we see various variations of the dish. Each region has added indigenous elements to the plain yet mesmerizing Harees. Nevertheless the basic structure and ingredients of the dish remain the same as Harees. Like a lot of many delicacies, Harees touched our lands, got accustomed to our palate and then became our very own Haleem.

Hyderabadi Haleem Recipe

1. 2 kilograms mutton
2. 2 teaspoon ginger paste
3. 5 tablespoon urad dal
4. 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
5. 2 cup yoghurt (curd)
6. 1/2 cup cashews
7. 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns
8. 1/2 cup ghee
9. 1/2 cup mint
10. water as required
11. 3 tablespoon yellow moong dal
12. 2 cup broken wheat (dalia)
13. 2 teaspoon garlic paste
14. 5 tablespoon chana dal
15. 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
16. 1 cup onion
17. 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
18. 1 inch cinnamon stick
19. 1 cup coriander leaves
20. 6 green chilli
21. 3 tablespoon toor daal
22. salt as required
23. For Garnishing 2 lemon wedges

https://recipes.timesofindia.com/recipes/hyderabadi-haleem/rs54672891.cms

https://brownhistory.substack.com/p/the-legendary-haleem-of-hyderabad

Read More

Khajaguda Hills

Khajaguda Hills located in Khajaguda also known as Khojaguda is a Village in Serlingampally Mandal, Rangareddy district, Telangana State, India. It is part of the old city of Hyderabad. The site is a popular spot for outdoor activities, such as hiking and bouldering.

Khajaguda hills is one of the most popular weekend spots near Hyderabad. It is known for its magnificent viewpoint of Golconda and Durgam Cheruvu, peacocks, and naturally formed rocks and boulders that facilitate thrilling activities like rappelling.

The hilltop offers a breathtaking view of the city below with its lush green surroundings. It is a perfect place to spend some quality time with your friends or family away from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The area also has several other attractions such as temples and caves that make it an ideal spot for nature lovers. With its pristine beauty and adventure activities, Khajaguda hills has become one of the most sought-after weekend spots in Hyderabad.

Hidden away from all the hustle and bustle of city life, these majestic hills offer breathtaking views and a chance to explore a fascinating part of history. Get up close and personal with nature while you learn about its ancient origins!

One of the finest prehistoric heritage sites, the Khajaguda Rock Formation is spread across 180 acres in Nanakramguda in Hyderabad, Telangana

The Fakhruddin Gutta granite rock formations, popularly known as the Khajaguda Hills, are a geological marvel that are estimated to be around 2.5 billion years old! It is a part of the Deccan Plateau and is also one of the oldest rock formations in India.

Telangana's Khajaguda Rock Formation is as old as the Earth's crust!

Around 4.4 billion years ago, the formation of Earth’s crust took place and soon after that, the formation of what we know today as the Khajaguda Rock Formation started. One of the oldest forms of rocks, these are formed of gneissic granite, one of the hardest forms of rocks on earth.

Usually, newer rocks form over these tough base rocks over a period of time. But, in Khajaguda, this didn’t happen and the billion years old rocks stand exposed till date, albeit in a poor condition.

As per the geologists researching the area, there are boulders, castle koppies, nubbins, inselberg, peneplains, kluftkarren, corestones, pans, fracture valley, runnels, balancing rocks, pseudobedding, pits, tafoni, plinths, rock doughnuts, caves, splits and wedges, and chaos – all these are different kinds of rock formations. What a field day it would be to get a chance to explore the site with researchers!. While we can’t say much about exploring the area with geologists, what you can certainly do is hike the area and take in the moment as you stand in the presence of something that is as old as our planet!

Khajaguda Lake, also known as Bhagirathamma Cheruvu was built during the reign of 6th Nizam Nawab Mahboob Ali Khan in 1897 and is spread over an impressive 618-acre. Surrounded by lush greenery and open skies, it provides a serene setting for visitors to sit back, relax and take in the natural beauty. Not only that, it also supplied water to 900 acres of Ayakattu in Kamareddy, Sarampally and Narsampally areas!

The tomb of Saint Hazrat Baba Fakhruddin Aulia — spiritual mentor of Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah (founder of the Bahmani Kingdom) who was buried here in 1353 AD

800-year-old Annatha Padmanabha Swamy Temple and a cave where the revered saint, Meher Baba had meditated are situated on Khajaguda Hills.

The caves in the area are another interesting thing to explore. Remember how we said earlier that these rocks are the hardest forms of granite? Cave formation would be the last thing to expect of these hard rocks. But they are there, much to the surprise of geologists. Something rare, is what they say about these Khajaguda caves.

The forest patch at Khajaguda is home to several species of plants, that just like the rock formations, are difficult to find near Hyderabad. The Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, popularly known as the parijata or the night-flowering jasmine, is found in abundance at Khajaguda (there are three national parks around Hyderabad and the Parijata cannot be found in any of these three parks).

The other important plant species at Khajaguda is the Helicteres isora, also known as the Indian Screw Tree. These trees have not been recorded by the Botanical Survey of India in any areas around Hyderabad. Khajaguda is the only place where these can be found.

Best Time to visit

Sunrise and Sunset. Sunrise as you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the sun rising above the hills with the rays piercing through the morning clouds Relish Sunset at the summit . Sunset point for photoshoot in Hyderabad

Monsoons are the time when nature is at its best. Mercury levels having dropped a few notches and the lush greenery make it the best time to visit any tourist destination. One such place, whose beauty is heightened in the monsoon, is the Khajaguda Hills in Hyderabad. 

How to get there

There are two ways to reach this place: take the ORR and drive to the bottom of the hill or reach Khajaguda village and follow the path that leads to the hills. The trek to the top of the hills is easy and does not require professional hiking gear.

Use Google Maps, not Apple. Map directly to Delhi Public School. If you map to the exact location, you may be brought in the back way, which is not a way at all. Take Old Mumbai Highway or Outer Ring Road to Khajaguda Road. Follow it to Lanco Hills Road (large silver structures on this intersection). Turn onto Lanco Hills Road. When the divided road ends, take the second right (the first is immediately at the ending of the division). After taking this right, take the first left. The road turns dirt here and heads up the hill. The road is rough but passable. If you wish to walk from here, it is maybe a 10-20 minute approach up hill. If you follow the road (by car or foot) stay right at the fork. You'll reach the top and there is an open area. Park here. The approach from here varies, but should be no more than 10 minutes (to the farthest rocks).

Improvements
In October 2023, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) started work to fence the 2.5 billion-year-old Khajaguda rock formations and limiting access to motorists, visitors, an effort to keep the encroachers at bay.

Outer Ring Road -Lanco Hills link road is under construction as part of Corridor 39B. This 3.89 km long link road is constructed alongside the Khajaguda Heritage Rock Formation.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/telanganas-khajaguda-rock-formation-is-as-old-as-the-earths-crust/articleshow/95272121.cms

Read More

Siege of Golconda 1656 AD and 1687 AD

The siege of Golconda in 1656 AD and again in 1687 AD between the Qutb Shahi dynasty and the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, occurring in January 1687 and ended on September 22, 1687.

1652 AD - 1655 AD : Mir Jumla Governor of Golconda and Aurangzeb Viceroy of Deccan

1636 AD : In 1636 AD Shah Jahan appointed Aurangzeb as the Viceroy of the Deccan and forced the Qutb Shahis to recognize Mughal suzerainty, which lasted until 1687 when the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb conquered the Golcondan sultanate.

Mir Jumla was actually a Persin, the son of an Ispahan oil merchant,

1638 AD : In 1638 rose Mir Jumla to the chief minister of the Golconda Kingdom and received the title of Mir Jumla. In his handling of the Karnataka invasioin the early 1640s Mir Jumla proved to be talented military strategist and diplomat. For ten years from 1642 - 1652 his armies were engaged against Nayaks. 

1655 AD : Golconda’s ruler began to worry that Mir Jumla was coming more of a dangerous rival than a loyal subject. A quarrel followed about booty and the sly vizer was summoned to Hyderabad, but escaped  when he found a plot underway to seize and blind him. 

Mir Jumlas son Mohamad Amin who acted as his father's deputy in hyderabad came to court staggeringly drink, fell asleep and drooled vomit on the imperial carpet. It was the last straw. He and his family found themselves clapped into prison, their property confiscated.

First Seize January 7, 1656 AD - April 13, 1656 AD

Shah Jahan sent a robe of honor and a royal decree to Mir Jumla, appointing him commander of five thousand horse and making his son a peer as well and an imperial dispatch to the sultan of Golconda requested him not to detain the Jumla family or their property, Both the imperial letters reached Aurangabad on January 7, 1656 AD.

Appointing his sixteen year old son Mohammed Sultan, to lead the Moguls across Golconda’s frontier, Aurangzeb opted for a cavalry dash to Hyderabad. 

According to the plan it was only after Aurangazebs troops had entered Golconda territory that the Sultan of Golconda received Shah Jahan’s second letter. Fearfully and instantly, Qutb Shah released Mr Jumlas son and family who meets Mohammad Sultan 24 miles from Hyderabad and found a reason to continue his father’s invasion as Jumla family property not restored yet. 

Mogul cavalry swept on to hyderabad, the sultan retreated to Golconda fortress with his children and as much treasure he could gather. From his Golconda fortress Abdul Shah sent Mohammed Sultan not one but fifty doves with olive branches. Daily envoys carried presents (two hinders caskets of jewels, two elephants with silver howdahs and four horses with gold trappings) and all of Mir Jumlas property was restored.  But, nothing could be done until Aurangazeb arrived on February 6, 1656 AD.

Golconda’s official envoy now approached Dara Shikoh where emperors sense of justice was corroded by Prime Minister Sadullah Khan working in conjunction with Aurangazebs belligerent persuasions. Shah Jahan reflected and wrote Qutb Shah an imperial pardon at the price of indemnity, dispatching with robe of honor. But, the letter was sent via Aurangzeb, who with held communication. Sultanated queen mother soliciting peace, proposed heavy compensation and even a marriage arrangement between princess of Golconda house and Aurangazebs eldest son. But before this could proceed orders came from Shah Jahan’s himself to stop the siege of Golconda and withdraw immediately. Aurangzeb left Golconda on April 13, 1656 he remitted emperors pardon with robe of honor and an agreement stamped with impression of Shah Jahan’s hand dripped in vermilion. By way of consolation, Mohammad Sultan did marry Golconda princess and a grateful Mir Jumla offered gifts to Aurangzeb and presented Shahjahan Kohinoor diamond

1687 AD Second Seize : The Deccan viceroy Shajahan proposed to Mir Jumla that he hand over the Hyderabad and Karnatak to Mughal rule and then attack golconda from the south while Aurangzeb’s armies invaded  from the northwest. Mir Jumla accepted Aurangzeb offer and became  a collborator in a plan to invade Golconda.

In January 1687, After conquering two Muslim kingdoms, the Nizamshahis of Ahmednagar and the Adilshahis of Bijapur, Aurangzeb led his Mughal army against the Deccan Qutb Shahi ruler taking refuge in Golconda Fort. Aurangzeb had surrounded Golconda Fort and alongside about 100 cannons began siege operations.

General Dilir Khan was assigned to command the Matchlock Sepoys that tried to penetrate the defenses of Golconda Fort. In order to breach the granite walls of Golconda Fort, Firuz Jang was appointed to utilize the massive Rahban, Fateh Rahberand the cannon known as the Azhdaha-Paikar (python body). It had the ability to shoot cannonballs weighing over 50 kg. In response to the Mughal bombardment, Abul Hasan Qutb Shah fired from his high-vicinity mortar called the Pata Burj. According to Saqi Mustad Khan, bamboo rockets were also utilized day and night on Mughal encampments.

Ghaziuddin Khan Siddiqi Firuz Jang, son of Khwaja Abid Siddiqi Kilich Khan and father of Nizam I of Hyderabad, Qamaruddin Khan Siddiqi, was assigned to bombard the walls of the fort using almost 100 cannons.While Shaista Khan, Murshid Quli Khan and Ibrahim Khan commanded the rest of the army and it's reserves around Golconda Fort and throughout all the Qutb Shahi territory.

Death of Kilich Khan Khwaja Abid Siddiqi Mughal Commander

The intense cannon fire from Golconda Fort against the approaching Mughals eventually caused the death of the experienced Mughal commander Kilich Khan Khwaja Abid Siddiqi. Aurangzeb was furthermore grieved by the death of his long-time commander Gaziuddin Khan Siddiqi Bahadur Firuz Jang, who died of natural causes.

At night, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and his infantry of assembled and erected scaffolding that allowed them to scale the high walls. Aurangzeb also ordered his men to throw huqqa (grenades) while scaling the fortified wall and were reinforced by matchlocks and composite bows. While most of these attacks remained largely unsuccessful, they managed to demoralize the defenders of Golconda Fort.

Munnawar Khan Mughal Admiral

Assigned to deliver food and weapons to the besieging Mughal army. During the eight-month siege the Mughals faced small-scale famines, often for weeks at a time. Whenever the Mughal Admiral Munnawar Khan arrived with supplies and weapons with his river fleet, Aurangzeb would intensify the siege

Meanwhile, due to heavy rains, the Manjera River overflooded and the scarcity of food supplies became a severe complication, leading to the deaths of many animals and caused malnourished troops to get ill. Fearing a possible counterattack organized from the fort, Aurangzeb ordered the construction of a fortified position made of wood and mud, which would house and organize Mughal attacking parties.

Traitor Sarandaz Khan

September 22 1687 AD : The Siege of Golconda, ordered by Emperor Aurangzeb of India's Mughal Empire against the capital of the Golconda sultanate, ends after nine months when a traitor inside the walled city, Sarandaz Khan, opens the first of several entrances into the fortress. 

Surrender

The Sultan Abul Hasan Qutb Shah is taken prisoner by General Mir Shahabud-Din, and Golconda (now part of Hyderabad in the Telangana state) and Nur-Ul-Ain Diamond, Great Stone Diamond, Kara Diamond, Darya-e-Nur, the Hope Diamond, the Wittelsbach Diamond and the Regent Diamond.

The Golconda Sultanate was incorporated as a subah, or province of the Mughal Empire, called Hyderabad Subah.

Read More

Dulapally Prasanthi Vanam

Dulapally Prasanthi Vanam is located in Dulapally, Quthbullapur Mandal, Medchal-Malkajgiri district, Telangana State, India.

Prasanthi Vanam Park in Dulapally is developed in Dulapalli Reserved Forest area located on Dulapalli – Bahadhurpally Road was once a dump yard which has undergone an incredible transformation. Developed in 25 acres this park is presently filled with medicinal & flower plantations; has a walking track & children play area.

The major species available in the park are Marri, Raavi, Peltophorum, Usiri, Chinta, Bamboo, Nemalinara, Seethaphal etc.

Facilities in prashantavanam park:-
i. Entry plaza developed with the parking facilities.
ii. Long walking track and internal walking pathways are developed in this park
iii. Yoga shed
iv. Gazebo
v. The medicinal plant garden.
vi. Wash Room.
vii. The ticket counter.
viii. The security Room with Office Room
ix. The Children play Area
x. The Open GYM
xi. The artificial sitting benches.

Details
Visting Timings 11.00 AM to 6.00 PM
Visting Ticket Adults Rs.15/-
children Rs.10/-
Walking Timings 5.30 AM to 9.00 AM
Walking Pass Monthly pass : Rs.100/-
6 Months pass : Rs. 400/-
1 Year pass : Rs.800/-
Parking Ticket 2 wheeler : Rs: 5/- for day
4 wheeler : Rs: 10/- for day.
Contact Details Mallikarjun Naik (FRO):9000590369
Holidays All Days Open

The park is around 20 Kms from secunderabad.

Read More

Bhagyanagar Nandanavanam Park

Bhagyanagar Nandanavanam Park is located in Narapally village under Pocharam Municipality in Ghatkesar mandal, Medchal-Malkajgiri District, Telangana State, India.

Bhagyanagar Nandanavanam Park comprises of a buffer zone covering an area of about 84.24 hectares and a conservation zone covering an area of about 116 hectares. 

The Bhagyanagar Nandanavanam is also a deer park. Walking along the pathway, you will find some Peacocks as the park hosts a small peacock sanctuary.

Bhagyanagar Nandanavanam a nature conservation park, has Walking track developed with a length of 4 Kms internal pathways and a Canopy walkway with a length of 200 mts. The park is a visual treat for nature lovers. 

Beyond wonderful walkway you can experience Forest trails at Bhagyanagar Nandanavanam park.

The park has a metal fencing Canopy Walk way of 200 meters laid with strong iron mesh with railings on both sides above 20 feet from the ground and a watchtower to have a good 360 degree view of the complete park from here.

 

The Bhagyanagar Park is ideal for weekend outings, there is a well maintained walkway, green trees and above all, you will get disconnect with urban concrete jungle once you are inside the park.

The park with green walking paths, forest trails, a perfect destination for nature walks, a romantic getaway and space for morning walk and evening walk.

Activities
Canopy Walk, Walking, Kids Play Area, Forest Trails, Bird Watching, Cycling, are some of the activities you can engage here.

Rock Climbing
The outdoors has something more to offer than just physical benefits for children. Cognitive and social/emotional development are impacted, too. Outside, children are more likely to invent natural adventure games. As they do, they're able to express themselves and learn about the world in their own way.

How to Reach
The park is situated at about 25 Km from Hyderabad city towards eastern side, in the Ghatkesar Mandal, on Hyderabad-Warangal road in Narapally, Medchal District.

From Jubilee Hills - 30Kms

From Gachibowli - 40Kms

Timmings
Walkers
5:30AM to 9 AM

Visitors
11 AM to 6.00 PM

Tariff
Audults - ₹15
Children [5-12 Years] - ₹10

Cycling - ₹20 / Hour
Canopy Walk Way - ₹5

Membership
1 Month - ₹100
6 Months - ₹400
1 Year - ₹800


Note: Smoking and Chewing Tobacco is strictly prohibited in Bhagyanagar Nandanavanam Park!

Note: Plastic bags and disposable bottles not allowed.

http://www.walk4health.in/bhagyanagar-nandanavanam.html

Read More

Kandlakoya Oxygen Park

Kandlakoya Oxygen Park is located in Kandlakoya Village towards the Outer Ring Road, Medchal Mandal, Medical-Malkajgiri district, Telangana State, India. 

For nature lovers and adventure-seekers, who find peace in exploring green forests and study birds, etc, need not worry about planning their holidays elaborately, as Kandlakoya Oxygen Park, spread in sprawling 75 acres has come up just in city backyard - about 20 km from Paradise Circle and six km from Kompally on the NH44. Hyderabadi's along with family and friends can escape from the concrete jungle and city's hustle bustle to spend time in tranquility whenever they want without any elaborate planning.

The Kandlakoya Oxygen Park is known for its rich biodiversity. It is situated at a high altitude and people go for treks and nature walks here.

The park has a variety of trees, including medicinal plants, and is home to numerous species of birds and butterflies. The park also has a children’s area, a butterfly park and a tree-top walkway. At the oxygen bar of the Kandlakoya Oxygen Park, visitors can breathe in pure oxygen.

The park offers different walking tracks to enjoy the nature at its core. This park gives respite from pollution with a breath of fresh air.

The Oxygen Park has a 2.2 km walking track along the periphery and internal pathways add another 2 km to the walk.

Canopy walk is provided with a length of 260 mtrs, walking on canopy gives visitors a visual treat by watching birds close by and feel the touch of nature.

Activities

Canopy Walk, Walking, Kids Play Area, Forest Trails, Bird Watching, Cycling, Dining in Forest are some of the activities you can engage here.

Walk and jog: The park has a jogging track perfect for walking, jogging, and running. The track is surrounded by greenery.

Take a nature walk: The park has several walking trails that are well-marked.

Bird watching: Peacocks, parakeets and kingfishers are few of the many bird species that are found in the park.

Trekking: The Kandlakoya Oxygen Park has a trekking trail that takes you through the park’s forest area. The trek is moderately challenging.

Cycling: The park has a cycling track that is perfect for cycling enthusiasts. At the park, you can rent bicycles or bring your own.

Picnic: The Kandlakoya Oxygen Park is ideal for a picnic with family and friends. The park has several picnic spots.

Yoga and meditation: The park has a dedicated area for yoga and meditation.

Adventure sports: The park offers adventure sports like ziplining, rock climbing, and rappelling for those seeking an adrenaline rush.

Distance 

Suchitra Circle - 12Kms

Secunderabad : 18 kms

Paradise Circle : 20 kms
Jubilee Hills - 30Kms
Gachibowli - 40Kms

Timmings

Walkers : 5:30AM to 9 AM
Visitors : 6 AM to 6 PM

Tariff
Audults - ₹15
Children [5-12 Years] - ₹10

Walking Membership
1 Month - ₹100
6 Months - ₹400
1 Year - ₹800

Note: Smoking and Chewing Tobacco is strictly prohibited in Kandlakoya Oxygen Park!
Note: Plastic bags and disposable bottles not allowed.

The Kandlakoya oxygen park was inaugurated on March 21, 2018 by former forest minister Devaramane Nath. The park has become the first choice of families keen to spend quality time, especially on weekends.



https://www.thehansindia.com/telangana/kandlakoya-oxygen-park-enjoy-deep-forest-outing-in-citys-backyard-600175

http://www.walk4health.in/kandlakoya-oxygen-park.html

Read More

Narsapur Forest and Park

Narsapur Forest is located near Narsapur village, Medan District, Telangana State, India  home to exquisite flora and fauna, rock formations and ponds, is a perfect spot to unwind.

This forest range that is spread over 30 sqkm in Narsapur village is just 45 km from Hyderabad and a perfect spot to unwind with friends. Brimming with a plethora of exquisite and fragrant flora and fauna, natural rock formations and ponds, you can set your adventure soul free here and wander through the remote forest areas. Say hello to birds, different species of butterflies and mischievous monkeys you spot all along the way.

The well-defined paths lead to a stream that further takes you to a big secluded lake where you can spend some time strolling, relaxing and conversing. We recommend you return before darkness sets in. The whole path is around 11 km and takes around four to five hours to complete, in case you don’t take long breaks midway.

Monsoon is the best season to visit here. Don’t worry that you will get lost in the woods. You can easily navigate through Google Maps. Start early in the morning. The condition of the road is excellent and you can enjoy the ride through the countryside. There are small steep elevations but are easy to climb. You can start your trek from the Bonthapally temple.

Every path in the forest has something to explore. You’ll find no stalls for food and water around the forest range, so carry enough water bottles and snacks with you. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes.

Narsapur Forest Urban Park 

You can also visit the nearby Narsapur Forest Urban Park to get a stunning view of the whole forest from the watchtower. 

The entry fee is Rs 50. At the entrance, you can see the map of the place.

Distance: 36 km from Kukatpally, 75 kms from Gachibowli

What to remember: Food, drinking water, sturdy shoes

Be careful of: Snakes

Location : https://maps.app.goo.gl/KawgHEJEh7gZK69ZA

https://telanganatoday.com/narsapur-forest-a-perfect-spot-to-unwind

Read More

Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge

Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge is located on Durgam Cheruvu lake near Inorbit Mall at Madhapur is the longest concrete deck cable bridge of the world. The bridge connects Jubilee Hills with Financial District. 

Durgam Cheruvu, also known as Raidurgam Cheruvu, is a freshwater lake, which is spread over 63 acres is famous for film shootings.

The originally 150-acre Durgam Cheruvu has been around for some time and has a rich history that dates back to the time of the Kakatiya dynasty. The lake was used for irrigation purposes by the Kakatiya rulers. Also it was documented as a water source between 1518 and 1687 for rulers of the Qutb Shahi dynasty to supply water needs for the residents of the Golconda fort., but the presence of these sedimentary rocks show that the lake and the surrounding lakebed has been present for long enough that many layers of sediment lithified underwater.

It was so reliable that even when the Mughals besieged Golconda for eight months, the entire water needs were met from this lake," says historian Mohammed Safiullah.

In the 1970s, the historian added that many people would visit the lake for picnics, and to admire the natural rock formations around the water body.

The lake is shielded by granite rocks which are said to be only one of its kinds in entire Asia. The stones date back to more than some 2,500 million years. Nature lovers are very attracted to this place. The Tourism Department has provided camping, pedal boating, and trekking facilities.

History
The Durgam Cheruvu Bridge in Hyderabad was was opened by Telangana's minister of municipal administration and urban development, KT Rama Rao for public use on September 25, 2020.

Construction tenders were opened in early 2019 and L&T (Larson and Toubro) ended up winning the contract and the construction began on 9 March 2019. The bridge was supposed to be completed in April/May 2020 and opening in June 2020.

Architecture

The 435-meter-long and 25.8-meter-wide Durgam Cheruvu Bridge is an extradosed bridgeWith the inclusion of this bridge, Hyderabad city now boasts of having the longest precast segmental span in concrete extradosed cable-stayed bridge in the world. This has been confirmed by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation as well.

Construction

It was constructed by Larsen and Turbo (L&T) under the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode. 

It has been built at a cost of around 184 crores rupees. A whopping amount of 428 tonnes high-tensile strand, 4,800 metric tonnes steel, 287 tonnes of stay-cables along with 26,600 cubic metres of concrete were used in building this massive bridge.

It has 52 stay cables. Another striking feature of this bridge is that all the materials used in building it have been procured from various parts of India apart from the cables, which were brought from Germany.

The Durgam Cheruvu Bridge looks like a flying palace at night. This is because the designing of the structure is done in a way that 26 stayed cables and 40,000 LEDs are installed to make the structure appear stunning. With multiple-coloured lights and numerous themes, the world's longest deck bridge gives an unforgettable view!

It cost a whopping 9 crore to the government for making the structure a man-made wonder!

2015: In August 2015, a committee found that 60 acres were reported to be encroached, with the value of the encroached land worth almost Rs.1,500 crore.

Read More

Hyderabad Gulzar Houz

Gulzar Houz is a octagonal-shaped fountain with a five-feet central fountain with three saucers and a four feet pedestal has a lamp post located at Gulzar Houz Chowk, near Charminar in the Old City, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

The Gulzar Houz was built as Hyderabad’s foundational monument in 1591 by Mohd Quli Qutb Shah, the city’s founder. The Gulzar Houz was originally called ‘Char Su Ka Houz’ (fountain of the four sides) and was built as a drinking water fountain for locals of the city.

However, after the destruction of Hyderabad in 1687 by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, and subsequently

with the Nizams coming in (1724) as governors of the Decan, changes were made to Gular Houz. The old massive structure was eventually broken down to what it is today.

After the completion of Charminar, at about 75 metres feet to its north, four lofty arches known as Char Kaman were built in 1592. All four arches are at equidistant with each other with Gulzar Houz in the Centre. These arches were built by Sultan Muhammad Quli. (Kamaan meaning Arches). These Kamaans are the Kali Kamaan, Machli Kamaan, Seher-e-Batil ki Kamaan and Charminar Kamaan.

At the center of these arches a fountain, octagonal in shape, with 4 channels dividing each road into 2 parts was built by Mir Momin Astarabadi, the first prime minister under Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah.

The 4 channels were called Char Su Ka—”The Cistern of the four directions,” and these channels symbolized the 4 canals in Jannat -“Heaven”.Canals of Pure Water,
Canals of Pure Milk,
Canals of Pure Honey
Canals of Pure Wine.

This fountain with four streams flowing through it, was built to quench the thirst of the soldiers.

Today, that octagonal fountain has become round and the name Char Su Ka over time was later known as “Suka-Hauz” and then was called “Gulzar Houz”.

Renovation

Oct 4 : Gulzar Houz is ready for Inauguration was renovated at a cost of Rs 29.50 lakh. The Quli Qutb Shah Urban Development Authority (QQSUDA) had hired a firm, Deccan Terrain Heritage, with expertise in heritage conservation works to reconstruct the 400-year-old fountain dating back to the Qutb Shahi era.

https://www.siasat.com/hyderabad-ktr-to-launch-various-developmental-works-in-old-city-2712820/

Read More

Rock art of Telangana

Rock art is a form of landscape art that includes designs that have been placed on boulder and cliff faces, cave walls and ceilings, and on the ground surface.

Petroglyphs are rock carvings (rock paintings are called pictographs) made by pecking directly on the rock surface using a stone chisel and a hammerstone. 

Of all the questions with regard to rock art the most problematic is its dating. For the relative dating of rock art the following aspects are taken into consideration. 

They are: 1. Thematic content 2. Superimposition 3. State of preservation 4. Colour scheme 5. Archaeological evidence.

1. Thematic content
The thematic content in the rock art of Telangana mainly consists of animal figures such as deer species, humped bull (Bos indicus), hare, rabbit , mangoose, porcupine, dog, tiger etc., and birds such as peacock, human and anthropomorphic figures, hand prints and geometric figures.

The thematic content of the paintings and also the petroglyphs, is useful for understanding their chronological position. 

Mesolithic / Middle Stone Age: Hunting gathering phase
Deer and associated human figures. All the animal figures are of wild life and none domesticated. Human figures are shown in isolation, never as hunter. The deer figures are drawn naturalistically. All the paintings are in red colour. No petroglyphs are found in this phase

Paintings of the deer figures occur in the earliest phase of the rock art data in Telangana. Besides deer figures other wild animals such as hare, rabbit, mangoose, porcupine, birds etc., human and anthropomorphic figures occupy the next place. None of the animals in the first phase of painting activity are domesticated. The animals are painted, realistically and often at higher reaches of the rock shelter wall. 

Neolithic : Food producing phase 

Humped bull figures and associated schematic deer figures. In the humped bull paintings phase there were no wild animals, where ever they occur they are schematic or stylised but never realistic as in the case of the first phase of rock paintings

Domestication of animals such as bull and dog. Petroglyphs make their appearance in which also humped bull figures predominate. The anthropomorphic figures are less in number compared to the previous phase along with geometric symbols. Human figures with bows and arrows appear in this phase.

Megalithic / Iron Age : Metal using phase 

The horse and horse riding and fighting human figures with swords and shields, bow and arrow indicate the emergence of iron tool technology associated with huge burial monuments of the megalithic. This iron age art is almost exclusively petroglyphic in content.

Horses, iron tools of offensive nature such as swords, lances, shields, bows and arrows, human figures brandshing these weapons, in praying posture before geometric symbol etc. Both petroglyphs and pictographs display these themes. The colours used in the paintings are white, red and black in that order of preference. Narrative scenes are the characteristic feature of this phase.

Historical phase
Horses, elephants, warriors, humans riding the animals, painted inscriptions, religious symbols, signify the historical phase of painting activity. Animal figures as well as human and anthropomorphic figures are very schematic. In the advanced phase of historical paintings scenes of Mahabharata, Brahmi and Kannada inscriptions occur. 

Thus, on the basis of thematic content of the paintings 4 phases of painting and art activity can be delineated

2. Superimpositions and state of preservation
This criteria is also useful for categorizing the rock art phases. This criteria can be used to corrobarate the phases made out on the basis of the thematic content. The basic premise, in considering the superimposition for answering the question of chronology, is that if two paintings are superimposed one over the other, the one in the lowest position indicate that it is earlier than the painting superimposing it. However, the gap between there two paintings in terms of age, can only be indicated relatively. The state of preservation of the superimposed painting can be of some utility. If the superimposed painting is faded and the superimposing one is fresh, then it can be said that the superimposed painted figure is relatively older than superimposing one. If the thematic content also varies in the superimpositions, then it can be
safely identified their relative antiquity in terms of prehistoric phases. The basic premise again in considering the state of preservation in the question of chronology is that when the paintings in a rock shelter are exposed to the ravages of nature uniformly, their state of preservation must also be uniform. In the paintings if same figures are fresh in condition and some are faded then this state of preservation must indicate their relative age.

3. Colour schemes
Some times the colour scheme of the paintings will also be useful in identifying the age of the rock paintings. In the paintings depicting the hunting gathering economy of the authors, only the red colour is used. In the paintings of the food producing economy also red colour is used in majority of the cases. Occasionally white colour is also utilized. In the metal using culture phase, the paintings are done in white, red and black in that order of preference.

4. Archaeological evidences
Circumstancial archaeological evidence from the surface, in and around the rock art site or within the rock shelters is useful to arrive at a relative dating of the rock art phases. This evidence however, is useful as a corroborative to the classification made on the basis of themes, colour schemes state of preservation and superimpositions.

Thus for dating the rock art of any region in India, the above criteria are used by the scholars. 

Let us now turn to the rock art of Telangana. An attempt will now be made to date the
various phases of rock art from various sites. 

The classification of the rock art phases has already been done while discussing the rock art themes of individual sites.

Previously known 17 known rock art sites in Telangana.

They are Bollavaram, Dupadugattu, Dongala gattu tanda, Jupalle Mudumula and Sanganonipalli in

Mahaboobnagar district, 

Edthanur, Sivaru , Ramachandrapuram and Wargal in Medak district

Budigapalli, Regonda, Rekonda, and Ramagundam in Karimnagar district; 

Ramachandrapuram in Khammam district, 

Kokapet in Ranga Reddy district;

Pandavula gutta in Jayashankar Bhupalpally.

Paleolithic Stone Age rock art 

Paleolithic Rock art paintings have been found at Pandavula gutta (Regonda mandal) and Narsapur (Tadvai mandal) in the Jayashankar Bhupalpally district.

In a significant discovery, new evidence of upper palaeolithic age rock art has been found in Rachakonda.A huge boulder in the shape of heart has been found on the north bank of Bayati Cheruvu (Anapota Samudram) inside the West gate of Rachakona Fort. The tool, chiselled in black basalt stone, seems to have been used as a hand axe and chopper by nomadic people. The age of such tool users in Telugu states is 50,000 BCE to 12,500 BCE.

In a rare discovery, historians have uncovered rock art that is believed to have originated in the Paleolithic age in Telangana's Nallamudi in Jagannadhapuram of Bhadradri-Kothagudem district.

The art pieces were found at the feet of Ontigundu in the lime-stone hills near a place of worship of the Naikpods, an Adivasi community. Members of the team included the Telangana Jagruthi history wing, Rock Art Society of India (RASI), rock art enthusiast Kondaveeti Gopi and scientist K Gnaneshwar.

According to history enthusiasts, the site also has certain rock art with white coloured-edges.
Haragopal said that though rock art forms found recently across Telangana are similar to the latest findings, the Ontigundu findings hail from mid-Paleolithic age to late-upper Paleolithic age.

New Telangana History Group (NTHG), which is looking for hidden art treasures, which could back to the palaeolithic age, has found rock art at Fakkeeroni mitta near Medikonda village in Jogulamba Gadwal district.
Rock art comprises images of tigers, human shapes, and wild animals. The expression of the artist clearly depicts the depth of his understanding of the mechanics of this art form.

Though such images were identified earlier in rock art found in Pandavula gutta, Goparajapalli, Hastalapur, Vatti Malla, the Medikonda rock art is different, Reddy said. ‘A man hunting the tiger’ is a distinctive one as it was not found elsewhere in Telangana state so far, he said.

In 2014, when Telangana state was formed, there were only 18 places where rock art was found. Now the number of rock shelters has gone up to 60, Reddy said. Of them, 18 were discovered by the archaeology department and 16 by others, while the New Telangana History Group has found 26 to date.

Mesolithic Middle Stone Age rock art
The mesolithic rock art is found both in a single culture as well as multi culture contexts. Sanganonipalli and pandavula gutta sites are exclusive mesolithic rock art sites, while at Budigapalli and Dupadugattu mesolithic rock paintings occur along with rock paintings of other culture phases.

Kasipeta Rock art in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district
A prehistoric rock shelter with rock paintings from the Mesolithic age, megalithic burials and microliths have been found on a small hillock near Kasipet hamlet of Yavapur gram panchayat in Bommalaramaram mandal in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district. The explorers found microliths (stone tools) from the Mesolithic period at another location of the hillock. A continuation of civilisation was seen here, as cairns, cists and a menhir, which are forms of Megalithic burials, were also found at the site. 

“The hillock is about 30 feet tall and we identified many red ochre colour paintings on the inner side. On the other hand, many paintings were erased as locals applied lime coating on them as part of worship. The human figure standing behind four bison was drawn using an X pattern. The other human figure painting is similar to the petroglyph of a man with a weapon at the Regonda site,” said Sriramoju Haragopal, convener of Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam.

A prehistoric rock painting of animals and men were spotted at Pyararam village in Bommalaramaram mandal in Yadadri-Bhongir district. The team noticed occurrences of Mesolithic stone tools and Neolithic grooves in the close proximity of the site. The rock shelter was also depicted with a full figure of a lady carrying something on her head belonging to the early historic period and two human couples engaged in erotic postures datable to the medieval period 15th-16th Centuries. The fresh evidence clearly revealed that the rock shelter continued to be habitable right from the Mesolithic times to the medieval period, he added.

An ancient rock art site dating back to the mesolithic era was discovered at Ramappagutta, a hillock located close to Nampally town in the Rajanna-Sircilla. Estimated to be at least 10,000 years old, this rock art having paintings of two snakes, three tortoises, human figures and grass was found by A Karunakar and Joel of the KTCB.

Similar discoveries were made at Kukunoorpally and Thimmareddipally villages in Siddipet district in the past, where the rock art sites were located atop the hillocks, whereas the site found in Wargal near Gajwel is located close to the base of the hillock, which is a neolithic rock art site. In the past, inside a cave at the base of a hillock in Vattimalla village of Konaraopet mandal in Sircilla, paintings of a tiger and other figures were discovered.

In a fresh find, pre-historic rock paintings belonging to the Mesolithic period were discovered on the banks of the Krishna river on the Telangana side. The uniquely styled rock paintings are located in Patha Kisthapuram, a village that will be submerged by the Pulichintala projects in Mellacheruvu mandal of Nalgonda district.

A 2,000-year-old port was also found near the fort where ships used to anchor. Of the nine forts believed to be from either the Sathavahana, Ikshavakula or Rashtrakuta period, only one has been explored so far by archaeologists.

These are some of the rare rock paintings. Similar paintings are found in Hastalpur. Some of the paintings are of bulls. Going by the depiction of bulls with horns and reproductive organs. They could be from the Chalcolithic age," he said. This refers to a period between 3500 and 1700 BC.

Neolithic Copper Age Rock art (Chalcolithic period) - 4000 BCE to 1750 BCE

The neolithic rock art is found in two sites, Budigapalli in the Husnabad Mandal in Siddipet district and Dupadugattu in the Kodangal taluk of Mahaboobnagar district. The neolithic rock art at these sites is characterised by humped bulls, the hall mark the neolithic art both petroglyphic and pictographic of South India as a whole. At Budigapalli a humped bull is very realistically drawn in flat wash along with some geometric symbols and human figures datable to succeeding culture periods. In view of the state of preservation of this humped bull figures it can be dated to the neolithic period.

Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam discovered Copper Age rock paintings near Nandipet village in Mahabubnagar district. On a small hillock a few kilometers away from the village, images of a leopard opposite to a bow-clad hunter, a deer with long horns, and a long-tailed animal were found painted. These are similar to rock art in Kokapet, Ranagareddy district.

A group exploring Moosapet suburb, which is part of Greater Hyderabad in Mahaboobnagar district of Telangana for developing the hill as a spiritual centre and tourist spot, has made a startling discovery. They came across a rock bruising of a bull which dates back to the early phase of the Neolithic period.

The team was surveying the area to prepare a masterplan for development of the entire hill as a spiritual centre, an ecotourism spot and heritage tourism destination.

Members of the Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam made the discovery of two neolithic celts (small axes) under the Tortoise Rock formation which is now a traffic island near BNR Hills in Hyderabad. “We were looking for prehistoric rock art in the form of paintings or sketches but noticed two stone axes on the floor of the natural shelter. The axes measure 12.0x7.2x2.1 cms and 9.2x3.9x2.2 cms in length, width, and thickness respectively,” informed archaeologist E. Sivanagi Reddy.

Megalithic Iron Age : Metal using phase 

Explorers also found dozens of dolmens (burial sites) on the the surface of Gajjelonigutta near Nandipet village in Mahabubnagar district in damaged state. Dolmens belongs to (Megalithic) Iron Age.

A team of historians and archaeologists from the Kotha Telangana Charitra Brundam (KTCB) identified prehistoric paintings on the rock of Burka Gutta at a cave in the Sircilla district. The lizard and anthropomorphic images found here are comparable to those found in Ontigundu. In the square, the scorpion, the two lower circles, and triangles appear to be a stage and a human figure with raised arms. Circles, triangles and vertical and horizontal lines are inward – showing a foot pattern with six limbs. There were two dogs and some discolored and unrecognisable images,” he added.

The rock art expert Bandi Muralidhar Reddy, advisor of the history group, opined that the paintings belong to the megalithic era.

Neolithic Age rock art

A new prehistoric rock art site has been discovered in Medikonda village of Jogulamba Gadwal district, inside a cave located atop a hillock, at a height of around 240 metres.

The rock arts depict images of a large tiger-like animal, a stag with antlers, a small mouse deer-like animal, a hunting scene and two humans standing beside each other.

The discovery was reported by a government school teacher Hanumannagiri Vemareddy, along with his friends T Padmareddy and S Hanmatareddy, all of whom are members of the collective Kottha Telangana Charitram (KTC). KTC members say the rock art is from the pre-neolithic period and is a rare kind of site among the sites found until now.

A neolithic era rock art site atop a hillock near Pothireddipally village of Yellareddipet mandal in Rajanna-Sircilla district has been discovered by an archaeology enthusiast. Sadasivananda, a member of Kotha Telangana Charithra Brundam (KTCB), has discovered the rock-art 5 km from the village atop a hillock locally called ‘Sithari Gattu Maisamma Gutta.’

The pictures were painted on the base of a huge boulder called ‘Padigerayi’ covering a canvas area measuring 6 ft in height and 10 ft in width.

Nine designs were painted on the boulder, with each pattern having inner circles and what appears to look like rays on the outer and inner sides of the designs of a circular pattern. Locals from Tenugu (Mudiraju) community have been offering prayers to this rock art, treating it as their deity ‘Maisamma’.

Read More

Bahmani Kingdom

1350 AD – 1518 AD : Bahmani Sultanate / Kingdom (1347 AD - 1527 AD)
Founder : Zafar Khan or Hasan Gangu or Allauddin Hassan or Ala-ud-Din Bahman ShahCapitals : Kalaburgi /Aḥsanabad now Gulbarga (1347–1425), Muhammadabad now Bidar (1425–1527)
Religion: Sunni Islam
Languages : Persian, Marathi, Deccani Urdu, Telugu, Kannada

Hassan Gangu founded the Bahmani Kingdom. Allauddin Hassan was born in 1290 A.D. into the noble family of Ghor. Political turmoils ruined the family, which forced him to go to Multan. From Multan he came to Delhi where on the banks of the Yamuna he was met by a brahmin astrologer, Gango Pandit, who invited him to be his guest. Gango Pandit,to support Hassan gave him a piece of land, a pair of oxen and two labourers to assist him. While working in the fields one day, Hassan discovered a treasure and informed the Pandit immediately,. The Pandit, a royal astrologer, who was close to Mohammed Bin Tughlak,the heir prince,was impressed by Hassan’s honesty and informed him about this incident. Tughlak, in turn, informed his father, the king, Ghyas Uddin Tughlak (1320−1325 A.D.). The king immediately made him an officer, putting him in charge of one-hundred horses

Hassan adapted Gango’s name out of gratefulness since the Pandit supported him in his hard times.Their friendship continued and turned out to be a legend in the history of Hindu- Muslim relationship.In 1339, Zafar Khan participated in an uprising against the Tughluqs. This turned out unsuccessful; he and his allies were exiled to Afghanistan the same year.

1346 : He managed to return to the Deccan, and in 1346 he participated in a siege of Gulbarga, at the time under Tughluq control. The siege proved successful. He was made a governor. Zafar Khan rose to power during the Rebellion of Ismail Mukh

In 1347 he was made commander of an army in Daulatabad. On 3 August 1347, the Afghan noble Nasir-ud-Din Ismail Shah, also known as Ismail Mukh, whom the rebel amirs of the Deccan placed on the throne of Daulatabad in 1345 and abdicated in favor of Zafar Khan, resulting the establishment of the Bahmani Kingdom with its headquarters at Hasanabad (Gulbarga)

He gave Ismail Mukh a jagir near Jamkhandi and later conferred to him the highest title of his kingdom, Amir-ul-Umara. But Narayana, a local Hindu chieftain still succeeded in turning Ismail against Bahman Shah for a short period before he poisoned Ismail.

1350 - Feb 11, 1358 A.D : Ala-ud-Din Bahman Shah (Aug 3, 1347 to Feb 11, 1358)The new King ruled from Friday Aug 3, 1347 to Feb 11, 1358, who was crowned in the mosque of Qtub-ud-din Mubarak Shah Khalji at Daulatabad. According to one historian Hasan was the nephew of Malik Hizhbar-ud-din entitled Zafar Khan' Alai, who was killed in 1298 AD when Hasan was only 6 years old.
The first act of the new king was to transfer his title of Zafar Khan to prince Muhammad. King adopted the title of Bahman. He sent Qutbul Mulk who conquered Kotgir, Maram, Mahendri and Akkal Kot. Qir Khan was sent to conquer Kalyan. After the news of this great victory of Kalyan, King renamed Daulatabad to Fatahabad.
Sikandar was send to Malkher which was held by the Hindu Zamindars who opposed first but subdued later. Quir Khan revolted and was beheaded by the king. King renamed Gulbarga as Ahsanabad and made it the capital of Deccan.

1350 : Bahman Shah led his first campaign against Warangal in 1350 and forced its ruler Kapaya Nayaka to cede to him the fortress of Kaulas, who entered into treaty and became friend of Sikandar and loyal to the King.

His kingdom was divided into four provinces and he appointed a governor for each province. During his reign Hasan fought many wars with Vijayanagara. By the time of his death the kingdom stretched from north to south from the Wainganga River to Krishna and east to west from Bhongir to Daulatabad.

The King died on Rabi-ul-awwal 1, Feb 11, 1358 at the age of 67.

11th February 1358 to 21st April 1375 A.D : Muhammad Shah-I

He is better known as organizer of Bahmani Kingdom and founder of its institutions.

March 23, 1363 : His attack on Warangal in 1363 brought him a large indemnity, including the important fortress of Golkonda and his Silver throne from his father was replaced by the magnificent Takht-e-Firoza (Turquoise Throne) presented by Kapaya Nayak, which thereafter became the throne of the Bahmani kings.

In 1367, Bukka Raya I of Vijayanagara sacked the Mudkal fortress in the Tungabhadra doab. As revenge for this, the then Bahmani sultan, Mohammad Shah-I crossed the river and marched into Vijayanagara territories for the first time.

This was the first battle in India on records where both sides used artillery.
Long-drawn war with no result made them agree to a treaty to restore the old position of sharing the Tungabhadra doab. It was agreed that since both kingdoms would remain neighbors for a long period of time, they’ll avoid cruelty in war henceforth. In future wars, helpless and unarmed civilians were not to be slaughtered. This accord made warfare in southern India less inhumane.

The Bahmani sultanate entered into a treaty with Warangal as well.The Bahmani boundary was fixed at Golconda and did not encroach into Warangal territories.

This treaty lasted for 50 years and stopped the advance of Vijayanagara as well.

He constructed Jama Masjid in Gulbarga Fort and Shah Bazaar Masjid in Gulbarga town. Muhammad Shah-I died in April 21, 1375 AD from drinking too much.

21st April 1375 - 16th April 1378 A.D : Mujahid Shah
Mujahid Shah Bahmani ruled from was the 3rd Sultan of the Bahmani sultanate. He was the son of Mohammed Shah I. Unlike his predecessors Mujahid only had a reign of 3 years as he was assassinated by his cousin Dawood Shah Bahmani after his unsuccessful campaign to Vijayanagara.

Practically the whole of Mujahid's reign was concentrated on the campaign to Vijayanagar.On 17 April 1378, The King reached the fort of Mudgal and crossed the Krishna for a fishing expedition, then the stage was set for the worst. Masud Khan, Son of Mubarak the royal betel leaf bearer whom Mujahid broke his collar bone when he was a crown prince and Daud Khan, whom the king reprimanded for his negligence towards his position during the military campaign conspired to kill him and on that day they assassinated him in his tent and Daud himself ascended the throne after his death.

April 16, 1378 - May 21, 1378 AD : Daud Shah I
Immediately on Mujahid's murder Daud Shah proclaimed king of Deccan and all those present paid homage to him. It is said that Ruh Parwar Agha (Mujahid's sister) got Daud murdered through a royal slave Bakah while he was attending Friday prayer on 22nd of Muharram, 780 AH in great mosque of Gulbarga Fort.

May 21, 1378 - April 20, 1397 A.D : Muhammad Shah-llRuh Parwar after taking revenge of her brother's death, blinded Sanjar ( S/o Daud I ). She put Muhammad II brother of Daud I on throne.

Muhammad Shah II's 19 year reign was one of the most peaceful period in the whole Bahmani history. Since he had no son so he adopted two sons Firoz Shah and Ahmad I of his uncle Ahmad Khan s/o Bahman Shah. But after the birth of Tahmatan Shah, Muhammad on his death bed wished that Ghiyasuddin Tahmatan Shah should succeed him and Firoz and Ahmad should pay homage to him.

He tried to put a stop to hostilities with his neighbours, the Raya of Vijayanagar, who, however, took advantage of the political troubles and consolidated his authority on the western coast including Goa. Muhammad married his two daughters to the two sons Firuz and Ahmad of his predecessor Daud.

Muhammad was essentially a man of culture. He patronized art and literature. He was himself a scholar of Persian and Arabic and many poets from Persia and Arabia flocked to his court. He established several schools for the education of the poor and the orphan.

They were spread all over Deccan particularly in the cities of Gulbarga, Bidar, Khandhar, Elichpur, Daulatabad, Choul and Dabul. He looked after the welfare of his subjects and when there was a famine in his kingdom he imported grain from Gujarat and Malwa.

Muhammad died of typhoid on 21th April 1397 A.D

April 20, 1397 - June 14, 1397 AD : GHIYAS-UD-DIN TAHMATAN SHAH
Muhammad's elder son Ghiyas-ud-din Tahmatan Shah succeeded to the throne without any trouble. Taghalchin ( Turkish slave ) who wanted to be the Prime Minister arranged a big feast at which king was also invited. Taghalchin blinded the king on 17th Ramadan, 799 AH and imprisoned him at Sagar and his step brother Shams-ud-din Daud II was put on the throne.

June 14, 1397 AD - Nov 15, 1397 AD : SHAMS-UD-DIN DAUD SHAH II
The first thing the boy king was made to do was to promote Taghalchin to be the Malik Naib and Mir Jumla of the kingdom. The manumitted slave girl who was Shamsuddin's mother was now raised to the rank and title of Makhduma-i-Jahan (Dowager Queen).

Taghalchin tried to persuade Shamsuddin to imprison Firoz and Ahmad and asked king's mother to have them done to death. On hearing of the conspiracy the two brothers fled to Sagar. Firoz proclaimed himself king making his younger brother Ahmad Khan Amir-ul-umra, Mir Fazlil-lah Inju Wakil (Prime Minister). He had the blind boy Ghiyasuddin Tahmatan with him. He directly attacked into the Darbar Hall Taghalchin and his son was killed Daud II was blinded and allowed to move Mecca with his mother on 23rd Safar, 800 AH. Shamsuddin Daud II died in 816 AH / 1414 AD at Mecca.

Nov 16, 1397 - Sep 22, 1422 A.D : Feroz Shah Bahmani or TAJ-UD-DIN FIROZ SHAH
Firoz Shah was one of the most learned of Indian sovereigns. He was a good calligrapher and poet (poetic name Uruji or Firozi). Among other public works he under took the construction of an Observatory on the chain of hills near Daulatabad called Balaghat in 810 which could not be completed due to his death.

He tamed prince Bukka and Harihara of Vijayanagar and Narasingha of Kherla in battle.
Firoz's army tried to kill Ahmad Khan ( brother of Firoz ) but defeated in battle fought cleverly by Ahmad. Gates of the city was opened for Ahmad on 5th of Shawwal, 825 AH and he was taken to dying king Firoz. Firoz died on 11th of Shawwal, 825 AH / Sep 28, 1422.

1407 : Defeated the Vijayanagar ruler Deva Raya I (1406-22) in 1407. He had to give his daughter in marriage to Firoz Shah.

Sep 22, 1422 - Apr 17, 1436 A.D : Ahmad Shah I or SHIHAB-UD-DIN AHMAD I
1429 : In the year 1429 Ahmed Shah al wali shifted capital city from Gulbarga to Bidar.At the begening of his reign he suffered the shock of the death of Hazrat Khwaja Syed Muhammad Gesu Draz. He decided and shifted his capital from Gulbarga to Bidar between 827-830 AH. He made Khalaf Hasan Basri as his Wakil-e-Saltanate (Prime Minister).
He constructed the Tomb of Gesu Daraz at Gulbarga any buidings at Bidar.
Ahmad Shah attacked Vijayanagar and over powered Vijayaraya I.

In the last year of his reign he appointed his eldest son Ala-ud-din Zafar Khan to be his heir, giving him the full charge of kingdom.

King died on 29th of Ramadan, 839 AH after a short ilness.

Apr 17, 1436 - May 6, 1458 : Ahmad Shah II or ALA-UD-DIN AHMAD II
Ahmad I had been very successful as a king and when he died he was popular even to the extent of being regarded as a saint. His son Zafar Khan who asumed the title of Ahmad on his accession.
He gave preference to newcomers from outside over the old in his cabinet. This created a great cleavage between them and the Dakhnis (old comers).
He married the daughter of Raja of Sangmeswar and gave her the title of Zeba Chehra apart from the daughter of Nasir Khan Faruqi of Khandesh Agha Zainab.
There became two party, aparently the old-comers and the new-comers.
King died early due to his wound in his shin (front of lower leg)

May 7, 1458 - Sep 4, 1461 A.D : ALA-UD-DIN HUMAYUN SHAH S/o Ahmad Shah II
Humayun was the eldest son of Alau'd-din Ahmad Shah. Upon Alauddin's death, a group of noblemen, including Saif Khan, Mallu Khan, and Shah Habibullah installed Hasan Khan, Humayun's younger brother as king. Humayun, along with his personal guard of eighty horsemen managed to secure the throne. Saif Khan was executed, Mallu Khan fled to the Carnatic, and Hasan Khan and Shah Habibullah were imprisoned.

King made Khwaja Mahmud Gawan, Malik-ut-tujjar, trafdar of Bijapur and Wakil-e-Sultunate giving him full control of military matters. Humayun was a very short tempered and cruel man. He made his own cousin Sikandar Khan as Sipahsalar. Sikandar became rebellion and was crushed to death with the help of Mahmud Gawan. Humayun died on 28th Zi-Qada 865 AH.

Sep 4, 1461 - Jul 30, 1463 A.D : NIZAM-UD-DIN AHMAD III
S/o Humayun Shah
On Humayun's death his son Ahmad succeeded to the throne as Nizam-ud-din Ahmad III at the age of 8. He was escorted to the throne by Shah Muhib-ul-la and Syed-us-Sadat Syed Hanif. Late king had nominated a council of Regency constituting of Khwaja-e-Jahan Turk, Mahmud Gawan with the Dowager Queen Makhduma-e-Jahan Nargis Begum. Master mind which ruled the country during the short reign of Ahmad Shah III was that of the great queen. All the political prisoners of Humayun period were released. Ahmad III died on the very night of his marriage on 13th Zi-Qada and was succeeded by his younger brother Muhammad Khan as Shams-ud-din Muhammad Shah III.

Jul 30, 1463 - Mar 26, 1482 A.D : Muhammad Shah III

Shamsuddin Muhammad was between 9 and 10 years when he succeeded his elder brother. He was escorted to the Turquoise Throne by Shah Mohib-ul-lah (who was released by his captor Mahmud Khalji of Malwa) and Syed Hanif. Nizam-ul-mulk murdered Khwaja-e-Jahan Turk (one of the member of the three party committee of Regency after the death of Humayun ) ) at the instance of Queen in the presence of boy king in 870 AH.
Mohammad Shah III got married at the age of 14 years. Dowager Queen retired from active role.

1463 A.D: Malik-ut-tujjar Mahmud Gawan was made Prime Minister. The Prime Minister ship of Mahmud Gawan saw the Bahmani State attaining high unequalled in the whole of its history. During this period Parenda Fort, Great College of Bidar and Madarsa at Bidar. Kherla was besieged in 872 AH. Kapileswar of Orissa was defeated in 1470 AD. Goa was annexed on 20th of Shaban 876 AH. Queen Dowager died in 877 AH.

Boundaries of Bahmani Kingdom now touching the Bay of Bengal in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west. Mahmud Gawan was one of the first ministers in Medieval India to order a systematic measurement of land, fixing the boundaries of villages and towns and making a thorough enquiry into the assessment of revenue.

Mar 12, 1481 A.D : King annexed Kanchi on 1st Muharram, 886 AH. This was the southern most point ever reached by Bahmani. Nobles conspired against Khwaja Mahmud Gawan and prepared a false paper on behalf of Khwaja saying he wants Deccan to be partitioned between him and Purushottum of Orissa. King sentenced Khwaja to death on 5th Safar 886 AH at the age of 73. Later King came to know that Khwaja was innocent. He appointed his son Mahmud as his heir.

The death of this able statesman was soon followed by discontent and disturbance among his nobles. Bahadur Mulk Gilani, the son of the Bahmani governor of Goa, was among the first to rebel.

Muhammad Shah-III died in 1482

Malik Hasan Nizam-Ul-Mulk Governor of Telangana

Mar 26, 1482 - Dec 27, 1518 AD : Mahmood Shah Bahmani II

The long reign of Mahmud Shah Bahmani, was a period of gradual weakening of the state. He ascended the throne at the age of 12 years, when new-comers had been over thrown. New Regency was formed with Queen as president. Qasim Barid was entitled with Barid-ul-mumalik.

We first hear of Qasim entitled Barid-ul-mamalik at the time of the coronation of Sihabuddin Mahmud Bahamani after the death of Muhammad III. He was a Turk. For selfish reasons he allied himself to the faction headed by Malik Naib Nizam-ul-mulk. The coronation of the Sultan was followed by a ruthless massacre of the foreigners in Bidar leaving Nizam-ul-mulk in supreme command. For the help rendered by Qasim to Nizam-ul-mulk, he was made the Kotval of the city of Bidar.

Nizam-ul-mulk, Qasim Barid and Imad-ul-mulk formed the triumvirate and carried on the administration of the kingdom for four years.

King began to indulge in wine women and song and spent so much money that he had to extract many jewels from the Turquoise throne at the instigation of Qasim Barid. Qasim Barid forced Mahmud to make Prime Minister of the kingdom in 897 AH. Malik Ahmad Nizamul-mulk revolted and made a beautiful palace making it the center of his newly created capital, which he named after himself, Ahmadnagar in 900 AH.

1486 AD : Abdullah Adil Khan Deccani or Dakhani
1486 AD - 1495 AD : Qutb-Ul-Mulk Dakhani 

After the death of Adil Khan Dakhani Qawam ul Mulk invaded warangal Nizam-ul-Mulk marched on Warangal and Qawam ul Mulk the younger retreated to Rajahmundry

1495 AD - 1518 AD : Qutbul-Mulk was appointed as the Governor of Tilangana in 901 AH /1495-96 AD who controlled over Warangal, Rachakonda, Devarakonda and Koilkonda.

Charikonda in Kadthal mandal records the gift of one putti of land behind Gavurasamudra tank in Charikonda to Bommaji Tippaji by Anzam Ali Khan, probably a provincial officer, administering under Shahbuddin Mahammad (1482-1518 CE) of Bahamani sultanate

Qasim Barid died in 910 AH and was succeeded byhis son Amir Barid. Ahmad Nizam died in 914 AH and succeeded by his son Burhan. Sultan died on 24th Zil-hij 924 AH.

1509 Dony Defensive. In 1509, the forces of Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara (1509-1529) crushed Sultan Mahmood’s army. He then defeated and killed Yusuf Adil Shah, the founder of the Adil Shahi dynasty, and annexed the Raichur Doab. He brought Bidar, Gulbarga, and Bijapur into the fold of the Vijayanagar Empire, and his prime minister Timmarusu, whom he regarded as a father figure, defeated Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk, the founder of Qutb Shahi dynasty and ruler of Golconda.

Sultanate disintegrated after losing a battle to Krishnadevaraya and Bahmani Kingdom disintegrated into five kingdoms : Bijapur, Ahmadnagar, Berar, Golkonda and Bidar.

1510 Kovelaconda Counteroffensive. Krishnadev launched a counteroffensive, forcing the Sultan to make a stand at Kovelaconda. In this battle, according to R.C. Majumdar an even more important one that Dony, Yusuf Adil Shahi of Bijapur was killed, and so ended one of the 4 strategic threats to Vijaynagar.

1512 Gulbarga Offensive. Bijapur fell into chaos on Yusuf Adil Shahi's death, giving Krishnadeva the opening he needed to weaken the Bahmani coalition. He realized that as long as the coalition was unified, at least vis-à-vis Vijaynagar, his nation's security was in danger.

Krishnadev first captured Raichur, then Gulbarga, defeating Barid-i-Mamalik, the titular head of the Bahmani Sultanate. Barid managed to get away to Bidar, pursued by Krishnadev.

Barid was defeated a second time, as Bidar, the Bahmani capital, fell. In a master-stroke of divide-and-rule diplomacy, Krishnadev cunningly restored the Bahmani Sultan to his throne, creating discord and suspicion in the ranks of the coalition.

Thus ended the second strategic threat to Vijaynagar. Krishnadeva was now free to deal with the internal rebellions.

Sultan Quli Khawas Khan Hamdani was the governor of Golkonda and and was awarded the title Qutb-ul-Mulk (Pillar of the Realm) as military chief. He declared the independence of Golconda, after the disintegration of the Bahmani Kingdom into the five Deccan sultanates. Soon after, he declared independence from the Bahmani Sultanate, took the title Qutub Shah, and established the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda (1518-1687 AD)

1518 : While Krishnadevaraya was fighting the ruler of Odisha. He defeated Sitapati Raju (known as Shitab Khan), the ruler of Khammam, and captured the fort. Sitapati Raju (known as Shitab Khan) 1503 AD - 1518 AD ruled from Rachakonda(Nalgonda), Warangal and Khammam forts.

He forced Jeypore's ruler Vishwanath Dev Gajapati to surrender all the territories between the mouths of Krishna and Godavari rivers. He was able to occupy Eluru, Rajamundry and Machilipatnam extending his rule to Coastal Andhra. Sultan Quli's campaign against Krishnadevaraya continued until Timmarusu, the Prime Minister of Krishnadevaraya, defeated the Golconda army.

"A.H." is an abbreviation used in many Western languages for "after hegira," or its Latin form, "Anno Hegirae." Hijra era is the Muslim era dating from AD 622 when Prophet Muhammad was obliged to quit Mecca and flee for safety to Medina. Hijra means flight. It is a Lunar era of about 354 days, and so is 11 days shorter than the solar year. Just as the Gregorian calendar begins with the birth of Christ, the Islamic calendar begins with this pivotal event. The Islamic calendar, which follows a lunar cycle, begins at year 1 A.H.

Administration
The kingdom was divided into four administrative units called ‘taraf’ or provinces. These provinces were Daultabad, Bidar, Berar and Gulbarga
Every province was under a tarafdar who was also called a subedar
Some land was converted into Khalisa land from the jurisdiction of the tarafdar.( Khalisa land was that piece of land which was used to run expenses of the king and the royal household).
Nobles used to get their salary either in cash or in form of grant of land or ‘jagir’.

Military:Bahamani ruler depended for military support on his amirs
There were two groups in the ranks of amirs: One was the Deccanis who were immigrant Muslims and had been staying for a long time in the Deccan region. The other group was Afaquis or Pardesis who had recently come from Central Asia, Iran and Iraq.
Bahamanis were familiar with the use of gunpowder in warfare.

Literature
Persian, Arabic and Urdu literature flourished in this period.
Mohammad Gawan wrote poems in Persian language. Riyaz-ul-Insha, Manazir-ul-insha are his works.
A new dialect called “Dakhini urdu “ became popular during this time.
The famous sufi saint of Gulbarga, Khwaja Bande Nawaz Gesu Daraj wrote in this language.

Architecture
They followed Indo-Islamic style of architecture with some improvisation. Local materials were used to construct the buildings.
The architecture was highly influenced by Persian architecture.
Some features of this style areTall minarets
Strong arches
Huge domes
Spacious Hazaras
Crescent moon at the top of the building



http://hist33.blogspot.com/2016/05/20-may-1378-daud-shah-assassinated.html
https://www.insightsonindia.com/medieval-indian-history/bahamani-kingdom/
https://www.clearias.com/bahmani-sultanate/

Read More