Hyderabad

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Hyderabad is the state capital of Andhra PradeshThis can be felt even more when is visiting the
and is one of the fastest growing metros in theshopping areas in the metro. The place is a
country. It is the fifth largest city in the countryshopper’s paradise. There are many
and is home to the flourishing IT industry.traditional markets which give a tough competition
The city is 400 years old and has a rich historicalto the more modern shopping malls. The
past. The twin cities of Hyderabad andexperience of shopping in these bazaars and
Secunderabad are separated by the Husain Sagarroaming in the various lanes and by-lanes is an
Lake which was constructed by Ibrahim Quliexperience worth having.
Qutub Shah Wali in 1562 AD.The main bazaars of the city are located in the
Hyderabad is noted for its natural rugged beauty,older parts of the city and are a bit congested
the mosques and minarets, the lakes and mostbut one can easily get the most unique things
importantly the bazaars. It is located at a heighthere.
of 1776 square feet above the sea level on theHyderabad has always been famous for its pearl
Deccan Plateau and sprawls out in an area overindustry which was systematically patronized by
100 square miles.the erstwhile rulers of the state. Most of the
The city has been impacted by a multitude ofpearls in India come from Andhra Pradesh and
cultures and rulers who have left their ownTamil Nadu. Hyderabad is the largest center for
distinct mark upon the place and the people. Thepearl trading in the world. Processing and grading
architectural style in the city has its own individualof the pearls is done by talented craftsmen
identity which makes it stand apart from the rest.manually. Pearls are very delicate objects and it is
This makes it virtually a city of enchantment.difficult to process them by machines.
Hyderabad was settled on the banks of RiverLaad Bazaar in the old part of the city is the
Musi five miles east of the Golconda Fort inperfect place to get a variety of jewellery made
1591-92 by Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah tofrom pearls accompanied with other precious and
accommodate the surplus population of the fort.semi-precious stones. Pearl Necklaces, bangles, ear
The Qutub Shahis ruled the city for 171 years andstuds and nose pins in various designs are
all the rulers were patrons of art and architectureavailable here.
as well as learning. They were the main forceThis is also famous place for bangles of different
behind the development of Indo-Persian andcolors and varieties. The famous lacquered
Indo-Islamic culture in the city. During their reign,bangles of Hyderabad can be bought here in all
the city gained recognition as a leading market forsizes. But one thing which needs to be kept in
diamonds, pearls and also printed fabrics. Variousmind is that one should be ready for a
traditional crafts like bidri work, kalamkari andgood-natured bargaining for the goods.
handicraft flourished during their rule.The traditional handloom textile, carpets etc can
After the fall of the Qutub Shahi andbe bought at Shilparaman which is an arts &
consequently of the Mughal dynasty too, the Asifcrafts village. The other important items which
Jahi dynasty ruled the place till 1948 when theare displayed here are the Brassware, Nirmal
kingdom was finally acceded to the Indian Union.Paintings and Bidri Ware objects. Bidri is an ancient
During the reign of this family, there wasart which has been given a modern touch by
development of the city and its varied culture.applying it on various articles like vases, ashtrays,
Persian, Urdu, Telegu and Marathi developedornaments and nameplates etc.
simultaneously. Persian was the official language till