Khazana Building Museum

Khazana Building Museum is located Near Golconda Fort in Khair Complex, Toli Chowki, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008, India. It has a collection of relics from Qutb Shahi, Bahmani and Kakatiya dynasties.

 Khazana Building, As the name suggests, Khazana Building was the place where the kingdoms Khazana or treasure was stored. It was the treasury of Ibrahim Qutb Shahi. Khazana Building is located close to the Golconda Fort in Hyderabad. Located on the main road, on the way from Fateh Darwaza to Bala Hissar road.

The museum houses cannons from the Qutb Shahi period, stone sculptures from neighbouring regions of Chalukya and Kakatiya period as well as Qutb shahi and Bahmani dynasties, rare coins to centuries old relics unearthed during various excavations etc, 3,500 arms and weapons of Qutb Shahi period among others.

As is with most Islamic buildings, there are religious centres inside the complex. Ashrafi Mosque in the eastern quarters of the building, Chani mosque (built during Ibrahim Qutb Shahi time 1550-1580 AD), the smaller mosque of the two.

After the police action in 1948, Indian Army used this building as treasury office for distribution of salaries to their staff. It was handed over to the Department of Archaeology and Museums in 1951.

During the reign of Qutb Shahi dynasty, Golconda was the capital. This was the period during which Sultan Zam Sheed, Ibrahim Qutb Shahi and IVth Sultan, Mohammed Quli, who was also the founder of Hyderabad, ascended the throne. At that time, during the reign of the Sultans, the capital came to be known as Mohammed Nagar. Being the capital city, all the major religious, military, administrative offices and important buildings were built here.

When tourists enter the Khazana Building Museum, they can first notice the guard rooms of the royal treasury of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. As with most Islamic buildings, there are religious centres inside the complex- Ashrafi Mosque in the eastern quarters of the building and Chani Mosque (built during Ibrahim Qutb Shahi time, 1550 AD – 1580 AD), the smaller mosque of the two. Located opposite to the Khazana Building Museum is Sham Sheer Kota. During the reign of Ibrahim Qutb Shah, royal arms and weaponry were stored in this building.

Khazana Building has a majestic central arch, on the sides of which are two halls. The arch supports the roofs of these halls. The halls had a special purpose too, these were storehouses of the royal treasury of the army and government of Qutb Shahi. The central arch leads to the Courtyard and the gardens. Today, there are Canons from the Qutb Shahi Period on display, here. Also, stone sculptures from neighboring regions, of the Chalukya and Kakatiya period as well as Qutb Shahi and Bahmani dynasties are on exhibition. From rare coins to centuries-old relics unearthed during various excavations, the region’s treasure of history and heritage are displayed at the Khazana Building Museum.

When the Nizams were replaced by the democratic government, in 1948, the ownership of Khazana Buildings was passed on to the Indian Government. It was then allocated to the Indian Military to use this building to distribute the salary to its staff. At that time, an addition was made to the complex, a gabled section was constructed in the courtyard. During 1951-1952, the Khazana Building Museum was passed to the Department of Heritage Telangana. This was when the Khazana Building had become a Heritage Building with a changed shape and became a monument, as we see it today. The artefacts exhibited in the building today were added by the Department of Heritage Telangana.

Visitor Facilities
Clean drinking water and rest rooms are available. Seating arrangements are provided in the garden. Low price booklets and brochures are available.

Timings 10:30am AM to 5:00pm PM
closed on Fridays and Public Holidays

Restoration

May 16, 2016: Khazana building in Hyderabad turns into museum

The age-old Khazana building, once a treasury and royal arms of Qutb Shahi kings near Golconda and converted into a museum, finally gets a facelift.
The structures, which were in a dilapidated condition, have been restored to a large extent by Telangana State Archaeology and Museums Department after a six-month repair work.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/170516/khazana-building-in-hyderabad-turns-into-museum.html

https://heritage.telangana.gov.in/museums/khazana-building-museum-hyderabad/

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Jodheghat Valley / Museum

Komaram Bheem memorial, Smriti Vanam and a Museum is located in Jodeghat, Kerameri Mandal, Komaram Bheem Asifabad District, Telangana, India. Bears witness to the culture of the indigenous people that live there. Legend has it that it was the same hillock where Kumram Bheem and his associates died fighting with the Nizam’s forces.
This Kumram Bheem Memorial is a modern architectural structure inaugurated in October 2016. The museum exhibits photographs and paintings that show the day-to-day life of tribes.

The tribal museum, part of the ₹ 25 crore complex mainly has exhibits, photographs and paintings depicting the day-to-day life of the different ethnic denominations in old Adilabad district.

One can reach the museum on Kerameri highlands in Kumram Bheem Asifabad district by road through Kamareddy and Nizamabad. Along the drive that will stretch over seven and a half hours, you will find scenic valleys full of lush green trees.

Apart from the museum, old waterfalls in the depths of forests and apple farms are other attractions. The Babezhari waterfall there comes down from a 70 feet hillock that makes it look magnificent, especially between June and December.

With beautiful surroundings that will take you closer to nature, it is a perfect weekend getaway that will also help you understand the rich heritage of tribes in our region.

For the Adivasis, the memorial with its large statue of Kumram Bheem, is a pilgrimage. For others, it is an ideal place for selfies.

This #IndigenousDay let me introduce you to Adivasi warrior Sri Komuram Bheem’s beautiful village JodenGhat #Telangana Govt has built a beautiful museum in memory of Sri Komuram Bheem at his native pic.twitter.com/owKQz6Oozv

— KTR (@KTRTRS) August 9, 2022

https://telanganatoday.com/watch-the-rich-heritage-of-jodeghat-the-home-of-tribal-warrior-kumram-bheem

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/kumram-bheem-memorial-sees-more-footfalls/article24195828.ece

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Surendrapuri

Surendrapuri is a museum located in Yadadri Bhvanigiri district. This is a unique one-stop destination where you can see epitome of cultural, artistic and sculptural excellence.

Kunda Satyanarayana Kaladhamam, one-of-its-kind mythological theme park. The other major attractions of this place are Nagakoti (101-feet Shiva Linga) and a temple of Panchamukhi Hanuman with Panchmukha Shiva and Lord Venketaswara. 

A 60-feet double-sided Panchamukhi Hanuman and Shiva statue at the entrance catches the attention of visitors. A unique Navgraha Temple places different navagrahas in the relative positions. Astounding Vedic knowledge has been put into building this temple.

KUNDA SATYANARAYANA KALADHAMAM

Kunda Satyanarayana Kaladhamam is a spiritual and mythological awareness center where one can

relive the ancient Indian epics. Most of the historic temples of India are recreated here. Visit Sapta Lokas for the immense feel of serenity amidst the nature’s beauty. This brings vibrant feelings as you emerge from a magnificent jewel of art and religion. Kaladhamam depicts most of the mythological events from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavatam, Buddha and many more.

The sprawling 3 km of walkways with more than 3000 statues, provides a delighted tour to the replica of Epic Period gone by! This place is a must visit for a holistic experience. Here visitors can refresh their knowledge about the ancient epics.

The wonderful and beautiful sculptures in the museum make visitors recollect the epics and would get transported into divine world of the great Hindu mythology. For the first time in India such a marvel has been created with the concept of making people see the celestial world of Indian mythology and values of our culture and tradition.

HANUMAN SHIVA STATUE
The moment one enters the abode of the Surendrapuri, one gets the darshan of the 60’ feet Panchamukha Hanuman on the front elevation and the Panchamukha Shiva at its back as a great architectural splendor. The mammoth statue of Hanuman is with the 5 heads of Vanara, Narasimha, Garuda, Sookara and Hayagreeva. The 10 hands possessing weapons and killing mahiravana with his weapon mace, testify him as the manasa putra of Lord Siva.

At the hind-side of Panchamukha Hanuman is the Panchamukha Shiva with 5 faces of sadyojata, Vamadeva, Aghora, Tatpurusha and Eshana, bearing weapons in 10 hands killing Tripurasura with his Trident. This mahasilpa is the highlight of Surendrapuri.

TEMPLES OF INDIA
One can have the darshan of all the deities of well known piligrimage centres of India. Here we get to see life size replicas of all the famous temples of India in one place. In one glance we get to see temples from kashmir to kanyakumari.

SAPTALOKAS
The great celestial worlds of Bramhalok, Vishnulok, shivalok, Nagalok, Indralok, Yamalok, Narakalok, Patalalok can be visited here. The experience of walking through the seven doors of vishnulok with the dashavataras on both sides is in explicable. Similarly all the other lokas are designed in such a way that you get transported into a celestial world. They are now not limited to the Puranas or sacred books and can be seen here and now. It is truly a rare opportunity and a boon that give us pleasure of ephemeral world and divine gods.

PURANAS
The fascinating events of the Ramayana,Mahabharatha and Bhagavat and other Puranas are carved out as eye catching sculptures in an unparalleled and unprecedented way employing ultra modern artistic techniques and they all give us a wonderful experience.

The churning of ksheera Sagaram(milky ocean) using the Mandara Mount as the staff by the gods and demons,is moulded in a heart moving way.In the same way,the sculptures of the coming of Lord Vishnu along with His weapons  and goddess Lakshmi to save Gajendra from the clutches of Crocodile stand as a wonderful symbol of devotion. 

The 36 feet high sculptures depicting Lord Krishna enlightening Arjuna with message of the Bhagavad-Gita, showing the armies ready for the Kurukshetra war touch the hearts of the viewers.

The stories of Balakrishna on the hoods of snake king kaliya,Krishna lifting Govardhana mountain, Bala bharata, Hanuman charitra, Buddha charitra in eye catching statues.

Hanuman giving Prasad to the devotees with his own hands and hot coffee made from the milk straight coming from the Kamadhenu are some more highlights of this magical place.

The padmavyuham set up makes you feel as if you have entered the war of mahabharatha and every story gives you a value which stays with you for a lifetime. How abhimanyu falls prey to the trick of kauravas because he went into the padmavyuh with half knowledge makes us realize that you should not do any work without knowing all the facts.

Many more wonders showing delightful events from the ancient classics await the devotee visitors at Surendrapuri-The Artistic Mythological awareness centre.This stands as creation against creation and one has to experience the divine thrill that is beyond description to enjoy the wonderful holy complex.

Surendrapuri Entry Timings: 

6.30 am – 1 pm and 3 pm – 8 pm (Weekdays)

6.30 am – 8 pm (Weekends and public holidays)

Ticket: Free

KALADHAMAM Entry
9AM-7PM (Monday to Sunday) Open all days

Ticket : Adult Rs. 350, Child Rs. 300 (below 5 yrs no charge)



http://www.surendrapuri.in/index.html

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Salarjung Museum

The Salar Jung Museum is an art museum located at Darushifa on the southern bank of the Musi River in the city of Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It is one of the three National Museums of India.

The present museum building was constructed on the southern bank of River Musi, which is in close proximity to the important monuments of old city of Hyderabad like the historic Charminar, Mecca Masjid etc. The collections of the Museum and the library were transferred from Dewan Deodi to the new building in the year 1968, and two more buildings were added in the year 2000.

Collection of Objects
The Museum has a magnificent global collection of art objects and antiques not only of Indian origin, but mostly from countries Western, a sizable collection hails from Middle Eastern and Far Eastern origins. Apart from these, there is a Children's section, a rich reference library which contains reference books, large collection of rare manuscripts etc. Thus, this Museum has become popular, not only as a place of interest but also as an institution for education.

Out of the several rare objects, one of the important and interesting object collected by Salar Jung I was “Vellied Rebecca” an enchanting marble statue which was acquired by him from Rome in 1876 during his visit to Italy. The western collection are from England, Ireland, France, Belgium, Italy, Germany. A set of Ivory chairs said to have been presented by Louis XVI of France to Tippu Sultan of Mysore deserve special mention. A jade book-stand “Rehal” having the name of ‘Shamsuddin Altamish’, an archer’s ring inscribed with the legend Sahib-e-Quran-e-Sani, title of the Mughal Emperor, Shahjahan are masterpieces. A dagger and a fruit knife made in jade decorated with precious stones are said to belong to Jehangir and Noorjehan respectively. A good number of Indian Miniature Paintings in early style of Western India of 14th and 15th Centuries representing Krishna Leela themes are also form part of the Museum’s Collection. There are good number of Arabic and Persian Manuscripts dated to 19th century and Shah-nama by Furadausi are also among the valuable collection of the Museum. A rare manuscript entitled ‘Lilawati” on mathematics and an ancient medical encyclopedia transcribed in India is in the collection. Oil and water paintings form an important part of the European collections.

It has a collection of sculptures, paintings, carvings, textiles, manuscripts, ceramics, metallic artefacts, carpets, clocks, and furniture from Japan, China, Burma, Nepal, India, Persia, Egypt, Europe, and North America. The museum's collection was sourced from the property of the Salar Jung family. It is one of the largest museums in the world.

The Salar Jung Museum houses the largest one-man collection of antiques in the world. It is well known throughout India for its prized collections belonging to different civilizations dating back to the 1st century.

The Indian historical collections includes
The paintings of legendary Raja Ravi Varma
Aurangzeb's sword
Jade crafted daggers of Emperor Jehangir, Noorjahan and Shah Jahan
A wardrobe of Tipu Sultan
A tiffin box made of gold and diamond

The furniture collection includes pieces from the time of King Louis XIV and Napoleon. Salar Jung III collected about 43,000 artifacts and 50,000 books and manuscripts out of which only few are displayed in today's museum.

 Nawab Mir Yusuf Ali Khan Salar Jung III (1889–1949), former Prime Minister of the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, spent a substantial amount of his income over thirty five years to make this priceless collection, his life's passion. The collections left behind in his ancestral palace, 'Diwan Deodi', were formerly exhibited there as a private museum which was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951. 

Old timers believe that the present collection constitutes only half of the original art wealth collected by Salar Jung III. His employees siphoned off part of it, since Salar Jung was unmarried and depended upon his staff to keep a vigil. Some more art pieces were lost or stolen during the shifting of the museum from Diwan Deodi to the present site

Later in 1968, the museum shifted to its present location at Afzal Gunj and is administered by a Board of Trustees with the Governor of Telangana as ex officio chairperson under the Salar Jung Museum Act of 1961.

The museum building, semicircular in shape with 38 galleries, spread on two floors, displays only a part of the original collection. The ground floor has 20 galleries and the first floor has 18 galleries. The exhibits on different subjects are displayed in separate galleries. Each gallery is huge and has many artifacts on display including ones dating back to the 4th century.

Apart from the galleries, there is a reference Library, reading room, publication and education section, chemical conservation lab, sales counter, cafeteria etc. Guides are available at fixed timings free of charge.

There are Aurangzeb's daggers belonging to empress Noor Jahan, emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, the turbans and chair of Tipu Sultan, furniture from Egypt, paintings on display. Among the sculptures stands out the world famous statue of Veiled Rebecca by G.B. Benzoni, an Italian sculptor, in 1876. Her beautiful face hazily is visible through a marble but gossamer veil. Equally captivating is a double-figure wood sculpture. It stands before a mirror and shows the facade of a nonchalant Mephistopheles and the image of a demure Margaretta in the mirror. The eastern section is of equal importance with its wide variety of silk weaving and different art forms, including layer wood cutting paintings, porcelain works and many more, dating back to almost 2nd century.

The museum has a famous Quran collection, from around the world in different fonts and designs, called the Quran Written with Gold and Silver. There are many more collections of religious books,as well as Arabic Quran.

A variety and array of clocks greet the visitor in the clock room. There are ancient sundials in the form of obelisks to huge and modern clocks of the twentieth century. Others in the range vary from miniature clocks which need a magnifying glass to imbibe their beauty and complexity to stately grandfather clocks from as far away as France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Britain including the musical clock Salar Jung bought from Cook and Kelvey of England. Every hour, a timekeeper emerges from the upper deck of the clock to strike a gong as many times as it is the hours of the day. The clock is an antique.

The Salar Jung Museum possesses a good number of clocks collected from different European countries such as France, England, Switzerland, Germany, Holland etc. The variety includes the Bird cage clocks, Bracket clocks, Grandfather clocks, Skeleton clocks, etc. The museum is also having some good examples of the clocks of the contemporary period of Louis XV, Louis XVI, and Napoleon 1st of France. The most important clock which attracts the greatest number of visitors everyday is however, a British Bracket clock. It has got a mechanical device by which a miniature toy figure comes out of an enclosure and strikes the gong and then returns to the enclosure at each hour.

The Indian Parliament has declared the museum an Institution of National Importance.

Activities of the Museum:
The Museum is regularly organizing special exhibitions and workshops in collaboration with International Museums and organizations. The museum publishes guide-Books, brochures, research Journals, and books on selected subjects in English, Hindi and Urdu languages. Seminars and workshops are being organized on special occasions such as – Birthday celebrations of Salar Jung III, Museum Week, Children’s Week etc., as part of its educational activities. As one of the museums of “National importance” in India, the Salar Jung Museum is meant to function as a cultural centre through its exhibits, research projects and planned activities as a cultural centre both in educational and as a centre of national integration.

Address: Salar Jung Road, Darulshifa, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, India

Source

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salar_Jung_Museum

http://salarjungmuseum.in/

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Hyderabad City Museum

City Museum is a museum located in Purani Haveli, Hyderabad, Telangana, India situated in the palace.

The museum was inaugurated on 11 March 2012 by Nizam`s Jubilee Pavilion Trust chairman, Prince Muffakham Jah, the grandson of the last ruler of Hyderabad state Mir Osman Ali Khan.

City Museum is the first of its kind in India, which focuses on the history of the city of Hyderabad, from times beyond its inception to the present day.

It presents glimpses of the historical, commercial, cultural and social fabric of the beautiful city that is Hyderabad from its foundation up to the present times.

A touch screen multimedia kiosk provides quick information about the origin, popular legends, places worth visiting and landmarks of 50 Mohall’s (localities) and other trivia of Hyderabad in Hindi, Urdu, Telugu and English.

The area that constitutes Hyderabad today was inhabited four thousand years ago. The city Museum retraces some of those steps back to Megalithic times, to the Kakatiya’s of Warangal , to when Golconda one of the world’s leading diamond trading centres attracted tradesmen and travellers from the world over and was evocative of incredible glamour , unparalled riches and romantic splendour.

The documented history of Hyderabad begins with the establishment of a civilian population in the fortress of Golconda in the times of the Kakatiya rulers. The civilian population grew in the Bahmani period. Under the Qutub Shahis, Golconda became a capital city of prosperous, cultured Sultanate. Then a new garden suburb outside the fortress was designed and built in 1591 and the name of Hyderabad Tirot appeared. The Mughals conquered Golconda and the city suffered a period of decline. Then the Asaf Jahs ruled for over two hundred and fifty years. The city of Hyderabad again became a capital and flourished. Under Mir Osman Ali Khan , the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, the city made rapid strides and perhaps the biggest transformation occurred during his reign . Post – Independence Hyderabad continued to prosper as the capital city of the newly formed Andhra Pradesh. In the past two decades there has been tremendous growth and the city has witnessed modern and exciting developments contributing to Indian Revitalisation.

The growth of the city is traced through seven specially designed maps that use Golconda as a Reference. These maps depict important periods in the development of the city and indicate the city progression in each of these phases the maps traces the progression from 13th century to 21st Century.

The Museum unfolds brief glimpses into various aspects of the city serves, early evidence ,Trade and Commerce, Arms and Weapons, the fabrics of Golconda, Post and Communication, Coins and Currency, Transport, Medicine, Education, arts and crafts, architecture, culture and the cuisine of Hyderabad through original objects, charity, Photographers and explanatory notes.

The display area sheds light on Trade and Commerce, Weights and Measures, Textiles, Post and Communication, Transport, Education, Calligraphy, Architecture, Art and Craft, Hyderabadi cuisine, and people. The artefacts on display include qahwa cups encrusted with Golconda diamonds, perfume bottles studded with pearls, ivory walking sticks, crafted swords and draggers, rare and old stamps and coins, silver and filigree objects and more.

The museum houses neolithic pots, megalithic sites, European styled terracotta figurines, coins of Satvahana period among others.

Former prince Muffakham Jah, chairman of the Nizam's Jubilee Pavilion Trustwhich established the museum said, "This is an extension of the Nizam Museum on the same premises which was opened in 2000. 

The research and groundwork for this venture took two years to complete and involved contributions from many historians. The museum showcases evidence that humans inhabited the city nearly 4000 years ago and also displays various achievements of the people over the years." He further added, "One can find the answers to many intriguing questions about the city in this museum. I hope it will generate the interest of both residents and tourists."

Among the exhibits at the museum are Neolithic pots discovered at Patancheru.

The purchase of one ticket will permit entry to the Nizam Museum, the City Museum as well as a glimpse into the gigantic wardrobe of the sixth Nizam.

Source

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Unveiling-the-past/articleshow/12226728.cms?referral=PM

http://www.hehnmh.com/city-museum

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Nizam Museum

Nizam Museum or H.E.H Nizam's Museum is a museum located in Purani Haveli, Hyderabad, Telangana, India is a  palace of the erstwhile Nizams.

In the heart of old Hyderabad, a few lanes away from the iconic Charminar, lies a fascinating collection of articles belonging to the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan. 

This museum showcases the gifts that the last Nizam of Hyderabad state, Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII received on his silver jubilee celebrations.

The museum is a repository mainly of souvenirs, gifts and mementos presented by dignitaries to the
last Nizam gifts and mementos presented to the last Nizam on the occasion of the silver jubilee celebrations in 1936. Models made of silver of all the landmark buildings in Hyderabad, and citations in Urdu about H.E.H. Mir Osman Ali Khan.

A golden, wooden throne used for the silver jubilee celebrations of the Last Nizam, a gold tiffin box inlaid with diamonds, miniature repilica of the Jubilee Hall, glass inlay painting of Mir Osman Ali Khan. Also, a wooden writing box studded with mother-of-pearl, diamond and gold-studded daggers, caskets, and silver ittardans (perfume containers) presented by the raja of palvancha. silver coffee cups studded with diamonds and silver filigree elephant with mahout are on display.

A 1930 Rolls Royce, Packard and a Jaguar Mark V are among the vintage cars on display.

The museum also features the wardrobe of the sixth nizam, a 150-year-old manually operated lift, and 200-year-old proclamation drums.

The museum was opened on 18 February 2000 by the Nizam Trust to the general public.

The collection has been recently housed in the HEH Nizam Museum, located in the stately “Purani Haveli”, which holds a special place for the last ruling dynasty as several Nizams were born and spent parts of their lives there. 

“The HEH Nizam Museum was created by the Nizam trust as a tribute to the development that Hyderabad state saw during Osman Ali Khan and his father’s rule. The Nizam put together a vast collection which he kept adding to, later making a trust to hold and display this collection to the public,” says Bhaskar Rao, chief curator of the museum. 

During India’s partition, the state of Hyderabad was the largest princely state in the country and with a population of roughly 16.34 million people, had its own army, airline, telecommunication system, railway network, postal system and radio broadcasting service. As one enters the rather ordinary-looking museum, there is a plethora of history from perfume bottles and cups studded with pearls, to a model of the Arts College, Osmania University – which was declared open by the Nizam on December 4, 1939. 

The entire museum, which The News Minute visited, is covered with displays and old wooden wardrobes, besides models made of silver of all the landmark buildings in Hyderabad, and citations in Urdu about Mir Osman Ali Khan. 

The real eye-catching piece is however, a golden throne placed at the end of the room. The throne was used for the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Last Nizam. 

The museum also features the infamous wardrobe of the sixth Nizam, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, besides a 150-year-old manually operated lift and 200-year-old proclamation drums. Khan was rumoured to have never worn the same clothes twice which resulted in the 72m-long, two-storey Burmese teak wardrobe at the end of the museum. The cupboard, which is said to have 130 doors, also showcases the clothes worn by his wife and a huge collection of footwear. 

The main building which accommodates the Nizam’s museum is flanked by two long wings running parallel to each other. The Nizam’s collection is just one of the wings. 

The other is the Hyderabad City Museum – “an extension built in 2012,” the aging curator adds with a smile. “While the Nizam Museum offers a glimpse into the 19th and 20th century, the city museum manages to trace the history of the area to more than 4,000 years ago. (No exclamation marks please) 

We don't know what Hyderabad was called before 1591, but pots excavated in a recent dig a few years ago, show that we all go back a long time,” Rao says. The galleries of the City Museum give the visitor a perspective of how Hyderabad evolved over centuries as it traces the growth of civilization in the area. Split up into different subsections - transport, art and culture, crafts, science and technology, jewellery, medicine, cuisine, architecture and so on, it is adorned with breathtaking history. 

The artifacts stored here are priceless and photography is banned in this segment of the museum to avoid any untoward accidents. There is also a chronological timeline which shows the prominent landmarks springing up like the Golconda Fort - which is the oldest followed by the Qutb Shahi Tombs, Purana Pul, Charminar and Mecca Masjid. 

When asked about how many people visit the museum, Rao says, “The museum still gets a considerable amount of visitors daily but as cities grow, children are not able to comprehend the importance of history. People go to shopping malls instead of museums nowadays.” The chief curator also adds that a majority of visitors come from other places rather than Hyderabad. “Only a minority of the visitors are from Hyderabad. Everyone is moving forward at a rapid pace and I agree that development is needed, but should it be at the price of forgetting our own history?” Rao asks

H.E.H. The Nizam’s Museum,
Purani Haveli,

Hyderabad – 500 002. A. P.

Visiting days of the museum: 6 days a week (Friday closed.) Timings: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Phone: 040 – 2452 1029

E-mail: heh_njpt@yahoo.com

Source

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nizam_Museum

http://www.hehnmh.com

http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/losing-hyderabad-heh-nizam-museum-glimpse-citys-past

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Sudha Cars Museum

Sudha Cars Museum located in Bahadurpura, Hyderabad, Telangana, India is the first and only handmade Wacky Car museum in the World. It is the brainchild of Mr. K. Sudhakar, a Guinness World Record Holder for making the Largest Tricycle in theWorld.

Mr. Sudhakar, got hooked on to this hobby right from his school days. At the age of 14 he first designed a bicycle and the very next year at the age of 15 he made his first "Easy Rider Motorbike". He tried his hands on a four-wheeler when he was studying in Intermediate II year and created a stunning, rugged looking "Dune Buggy".

Known for designing cars in the shapes of computer, skating shoe, football, brinjal, car designer K Sudhakar of Sudha Cars Museum here has now come out with a car measuring 26-feet tall.

Sudhakar, a Guinness World record-holder for creating a largest tricycle in the world, is now attempting another Guinness World Record with his new creation "The Largest Stationary Art Car Model" in the World.

Pearl White Car, with handmade metal wheels of diameter 9 feet, standing 26-feet tall, 50-feet long and 19-feet wide, is modeled on the 1922 Ford Tourer, and is on display at his museum.

"This car has been designed and built over the past three years. It has been specially designed and made for children who are regular visitors to the museum," Sudhakar said, adding that he has applied for Guinness World Record.

The car made of mild steel and Aluminum is fully air-conditioned. It has two floors and a terrace with the carrier serving as a railing. The bonnet houses the Formula 1 car with the backdrop of racing track, the ground floor interior wall has a three dimensional vintage car, and a European House, Sudhakar explained.

"There is a giant chess board with chessmen hanging upside down from the roof and Mini hot Air balloons floating in the air and a staircase leading to the terrace. The chessmen are intricately designed using kitchen utensils," he added.

An innovative designer of cars, Sudhakar's collections include cars in the shape of a cricket bat, a cricket ball, a shoe, a bag, a double bed, a sofa, a cigarette and a high- heeled shoe among others and most of them are made of scrap.

Address

19-5-15/1/D, Bahadurpura X-Road,
Near Zoo Park, Hyderabad - 64,
Andhra Pradhesh, India.

+91-939-190-5413
sudhacarsmuseum@rediffmail.com
Source
http://www.sudhacars.com
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/auto/story/sudhakar-attempts-another-record-by-designing-26-ft-tall-car/1/501117.html

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Birla Science Museum

B. M. Birla Science Museum is an Indian science museum located in Khairatabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

Constructed by civil engineer Mr. P. A. Singaravelu, it comprises a planetarium, museum, science center, art gallery as well as a dinosaurium. The museum itself was the second phase of the science center when it opened in 1990.

The Birla Planetarium is a wing of the Science Center. The planetarium was inaugurated by Mr. N.T. Rama Rao, on 8 September 1985 and is one of three Birla Planetariums in India. The others are the M.P. Birla Planetarium in Kolkata and B.M. Birla Planetarium in Chennai.

The Dinosaurium is the newest addition to the planetarium and science center and opened in 2000.
Its exhibits include a 160-million-year-old mounted Kotasaurus yamanpalliensis, excavated at Adilabad district in Telangana and presented to the Science Museum by the Geological Survey of India.

The Dinosaurium also has a collection of smaller fossils of dinosaur eggs, marine shells and fossilised tree trunks.The Dinosaurium was the next phase of the Centre. A unique Natural History Gallery, the Dinosaurium was dedicated to the nation in July 2000. It is a truly breathtaking facility which displays a rare and magnificent fossil of the Dinosaur, Kotasaurus, belonging to the Lower Jurassic age, going back to about 160 million years.

After accumulating the skeletal remains of a dinosaur, fish, eggs and a tree trunk dating back to millions of years, the B.M. Birla Science Centre is now planning to set up a gallery for minerals and rocks.

The Science Centre seeks to gather about 50 to 60 samples of minerals and rocks from different parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and showcase them by setting up a separate gallery.

“Both the States have a rich and varied mineral and rock representation and different regions boast of a different presence. We intend to acquire a representative sample and showcase them,” said B.G. Sidharth, Director, Birla Science Centre.

The Gallery of Minerals from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh would have samples that have been picked up by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) over the decades. “There is very little awareness on mineral and rock diversity of both States and this initiative will create knowledge for the general public on the mineral wealth here,” he said. Meanwhile, the Dinosaurium at Science Centre, which will be completing 15 years in a couple of months, continues to be a major draw. The skeletal remains of a 160-million-year-old mounted dinosaur, over 44 ft in length and 16 ft in height, is the main attraction here.

The Palaeontology wing of the GSI during excavations at Yamanapally site in Adilabad district had gathered more than 840 skeletal parts of the Sauropod dinosaur between 1974 and 1980. The remains were found to belong to 12 individual dinosaurs from a single species and the GSI team named them ‘Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis’. Interestingly, the skull of the mounted dinosaur skeleton came as a gift from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. The Dinosaurium also has on display flora and fauna from the early Jurassic Age, including a fish fossil that measures 12 cm, a tree trunk standing over 4 ft and a few leaves. “All these date back to 160 million years and were found during excavations at Yamanapally,” said Dr. Sidharth. And completing a trip down the Jurassic Age here happens to be a nest with four dinosaur eggs!

Address: Ambedkar Colony, Khairatabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, India

Timings: 11.30 AM to 8 PM

Birla Planetarium Hyderabad Show Timings: (11:30 AM - English) | (12:15 PM - Telugu) | (03:00 PM - Telugu) | (04:00 PM - English) | (05:00 PM - Telugu) | (06:00 PM - English) | (06:45 PM - Telugu) | (07:30 PM - Hindi)

Birla Planetarium Entry Fee : Rs.80/-
Combo (Planetarium + Science Museum): Rs.150/-

Source
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birla_Science_Museum
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/plans-afoot-to-expand-birla-science-centre/article7083545.ece

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Nizamabad Museum

The District Archaeological museum in Nizamabad was established in Nizamabad’s Tilak Garden, which was originally constructed in 1936 by VIIth Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan. The District Archaeological Museum was officially opened to the public in October, 2001. It exhibits a wide variety of artefacts and antiquities that represents the evolution of human civilization right from Paleolithic era to Vijayanagara times (16th Century A.D.).

The District Archaeological museum in Nizamabad is broadly classified into three sections namely 

• Archaeological section
• Sculptural gallery, and 
• Bronze and decorative gallery

Archaeological section 

The Archaeological section mainly includes tools of Paleolithic, Neolithic as well as late stone age times, (Microlithic) from 50000 to 5000 B.C. and also the megalithic pottery and iron implements from 1000 B.C. to the 3rd century B.C. The museum displays early historic and cultural material of the Satavahana times such as pottery, Iron implements, bangle pieces, beads, terracotta and bricks dating back from 2nd Century BC to 2nd Century AD. The Coins housed in the Museum are of punch marked varieties (3rd - 4th Century BC to the British period). A hoard of Vijayanagara era’s Gold coins unearthed at Bodhan is displayed here. 

The collection includes coins of Satavahana dynasty, Vishnukundins, Kakatiyas, Ikshvakus, Qutub Shahi dynasty, Vijayanagara, British period etc., along with a Quran Sharif of medieval period. A chart which shows the evolution of Telugu script from the 3rd century B.C. until 16th century A.D can also be seen here.

Sculptural gallery 

This gallery includes sculptures from different Dynasties such as Chalukya dynasty, Kakatiya dynasty, Rashtrakutas, and also the Vijayanagar kingdom (16th & 17th Century AD). The important sculptures here includes Jaina, Ganesha, Parsvanath, Veerabhadra, Chamundi, Secular, Hero Stones, Sculptures, a Sculptural Panel depicting Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswathi and Chennakesava,. A finely carved Door Jamb that was made of Red sand stone, from Vijayanagar dynasty is erected here in front of the Museum.

Bronze and Decorative gallery 

The Bronze and Decorative section at the museum includes Bronze articles from different periods ranging from Chalukyas to Vijayanagara times. Decorative Arts constitute Bidiriware, porcelain and enamel ware. The important objects on display here are Arms and Armour, including swords of different types with gold inlay work, chest plates, shields, curved swords, arrows, daggers etc. from Qutb Shahi and Asif Jahi periods. The paintings on display are miniature paintings of medieval period and contemporary period. 

Bidriware Collection 

Bidriware derives its name from the old town of Bidar. The bidri articles that are displayed here in the Museum are Huqqahas, Pandan, Spittons, Flower vases, Betel Nut Boxes etc. and other items. Most of these artefacts were brought from Hyderabad by the Department of Archaeology & Museum. 

Arms & Weapons Section 

Several armour varieties of ancient world are displayed here such as the Roman, Persian, Russian and Indian Armies of medieval period. These include Persian Indian swords, lances, spears, daggers, chest plates, suns and arrows with damascening ( with an inlay of gold work) workmanship, offensive weapons such as the lances, spears, the axes and heavy swords accompanying double edged flat blades. The weapons were reportedly used by the Nawabs of Golconda during the medieval period. Coins, Manuscripts such as the Holy Quran, Pre-history objects, Stone Sculptures of Early history, Modern Paintings and Miniature painting are also part of the impressive display in the Museum at Nizamabad. 

How to Reach

The District Heritage, Archaeological Museum in Nizamabad is located in Tilak Garden, very near to the Bus stand and Railway Station. Nizamabad can be reached by road from Hyderabad, nearly 175 km away. 

Location

Tilak Garden, Nizamabad

Visitor Facilities

Clean drinking water and rest rooms are available. Seating arrangements have been provided in the garden. A Companion Guide to the Museum is also available.

Timings : 10.30 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Fridays and Public Holidays.

http://www.telanganamuseums.com/dist-museum-nizamabad.html

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Pillalamarri

Pillalamarri is located about four km from the city and 90 Km away from Hyderabad City.

There is a tomb of a Muslim saint under the tree. The tree presents the appearance of a small hillock with green foliage from a distance but on reaching closer, it looks like a large green umbrella under which about thousand people can easily take shelter.It is 700 year old banyan tree and its branches extend over an area of 3 acres. In Telugu, "Pillalu" means children & "marri" means a banyan tree. 


The banyan tree is so widely spread that one could not see the main trunk of the tree. The Pillalamarri gives an appearance of a small hillock with green foliage from a distance, but as we reach closer it is viewed as a large green umbrella and assumed to be as a shelter for more than about thousand people.

There is also an aquarium, a small zoo and an archaeological museum here. There is a boating facility in the premises of Pillalamarri available only during the rainy season.

Pillalamarri District Archaelogical Musuem consists of numerous historical idols & articles of ancient people, which represents their culture & civilization. Unfortunately beacause of invasions of various rulers many of those are destroyed. But still there is a lot to see.

http://mahabubnagar.nic.in/Tourism.php

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Kondapur Museum

Kondapur Museum (Late.17.33' N 78.1'E) is located on a small hillock about one km south of the village of Kondapur in Medak District, Telangana, around 70 kms from Hyderabad.

It is a Pre-Satavhana site dating back to 200 BC - 200 AD.
Capital of Mahisamandala
Discovered a 25-ft high mound spread over 100 acres which they presume to be a Buddhist stupa with myriad segments throwing light on the Buddhist link of the present Telangana region. 

One of the fortified urban settlements of Satavahanas. 


Proved to be an important kshetra of Brahmanical faith particularly Sakti cult of that time which was clearly shown through the exposed structures and other associated findings such as coins and sealings. 

The excavation yielded a large number of glass vessels indicating Roman influence that indicate the existence of a separate settlement of Romans in Kondapur who had brisk contact and trade with India. 

If a stupa is unearthed as hoped by the ASI, this will be the first Buddhist site in Telangana, firmly establishing the belief among historians that this region too was part of the Satavahana empire that extended into present Maharashtra and that Kondapur, indeed, was a city that had a direct connection with Paithan.

The stupas found elsewhere in the State, barring the Amaravathi ones, occupied smaller extents. 

The exhibits from this museums are basically retrieved from an ancient mound locally known as Kotagadda (Fort Mound) located at a distance of one km east of the museum.

Nearly 2,000 coins and many coin-moulds, ornaments made of gold and semi-precious stones, beads and terracotta figurines have been recovered from the surface area itself. 

A valuable find was a gold coin of the Roman king Augustus.

The historians’ team is of the view that ancient Kondapur city was larger than Amaravathi skirted by a mud-fort. 

A lake that possibly served the city as its water source, lies now by the side of the mound. 

While the fort’s mud-wall is visible even now, most of the other remains of the city lie buried under the earth, as a result of the earthquakes and catastrophes through ages.

Any excavation of the agricultural fields that covered these remains now, are sure to reveal different facets of the buried city, says Mr. Das.

Several structural remains have already been identified, some of them belonging to Chaitya halls/monasteries. 

Furnaces, floors, workplaces and storerooms have also been discovered indicating a rich industrial past. It is assumed that ceramic industry thrived in ancient Kondapur.

The site was first explored by the famous Archaeologist Mr. Henry Cousens in the early years of the 19th Century. Subsequently the Department of Archaeology of the erstwhile Hyderabad State under H.E.H. the Nizam of Hyderabad excavated this mound for a couple of seasons from 1940. A small museum was established with the excavated material over the ancient site itself which was later shifted to the present building. The museum came under the administrative control of Archaeological Survey of India in 1952.

The Archaeological Museum, Kondapur houses a rich collection of minor antiquities unearthed from the digs of 1940-1942. The museum has a Central hall and two more galleries in enclosed corridors.

In the main hall a good number of antiquities are displayed in wall showcases representing different facets of material culture of the early historic period such as pottery, terracotta figurines, bone and shell objects, metal objects, talismans, pendants, beads, inscribed pottery and coins etc. brick tiles, sharpening stones, moulded bricks and designed panels.

In the other galleries, prehistoric tools and fossils are exhibited. Apart from these objects, a couple of sculptures, a Buddhapada, a standing image of four handed Vishnu carved on a door jamb and two inscribed storage jars are other attractive pieces in this gallery.

Entrance Fee Rs.2/- for visitors above 15 years
Museum Hours 1000 A.M. to 0500 p.m.

Free entrance to children below 15 years.
Museum remain closed on Friday

http://asi.nic.in/asi_museums_kondapur.asp
http://www.panoramio.com/user/6860561/tags/kondapur%20museum
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/historical-site-discovered-at-kondapur/article1177396.ece

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