In this article, we provide comprehensive information about the geography, history, population, and top tourist destinations of Hyderabad. Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana and an important city in southern India, is a fascinating mix of rich history, vibrant culture, and rapid modernization. Known as the City of Pearls for its historic pearl and diamond trading, Hyderabad has grown into a global IT and biotech hub.
| About: | Hyderabad is the capital and largest city of Telangana, located in southern India on the Deccan Plateau along the banks of the Musi River. The area of the city is 650 km2, or 250 sq. mi. With an average height of 542 meters, 80% of the city lies on a hill station with artificial lakes, including Hussain Sagar lake (built well before the city was founded), north of the city center. The 2011 census puts the population of Hyderabad at over 6.9 million; and the number rises to 9.7 million for the metropolitan area, making it the sixth most populous metropolitan area in India. Hyderabad has an urban economy of about US$95 billion, and is therefore the sixth largest urban economy in India. Hyderabad is the capital of one of the most techno savvy state in India, Telangana. The previous name of this city was Bagyanagaram. This city is also called the ‘city of pearls’ because of the major dealing of pearls that is done from this part of the state. Hyderabad was founded in 1591 and planned as a grid with the Charminar at its centre. It has now grown well beyond the confines of the original walled city,to include a new town north of the Musi river, the Military Cantonment at Secunderabad and a burgeoning high-tech Estate, nicknamed “Cyberabad”. |
| History & Culture: | The culture of Hyderabad is a diverse one. Not only does it have an amalgamation of different cultures, Hyderabad boasts of a rich cultural heritage too. Being ruled by the Asaf Jahi dynasty, it came to be known as the “city of Nizams”. As this dynasty crumpled, the Mughals took over and brought about a sea change in the cultural outlook of the people. Today Hyderabad flourishes in its rich cultural history. The contemporary world sees this city as a blend of unique cultures with a touch of modern lifestyle. In general, Hyderabadi people are regarded as very friendly and hospitable. As a matter of fact, generosity is the other name of the Hyderabadis. They take immense pleasure and pride in conversing in their local, characteristic and vibrant Hyderabadi language, which is a mix of Urdu, Hindi, and Telugu. The Hyderabadi Urdu is more like the city’s vernacular of Hindi language. It thrives in a world of its own. Like the Mumbai ‘tapori’ language, Hyderabadi lingo too has its own dissimilar resonance and flavour. It is more assorted as it has its own dialects in different parts of the city. If the actual Hyderabadi has a manifestation of Urdu language and is archetypal to the old city, the new city has a fair mix of English and Telugu to it. In Secunderabad Cantonment region, there is a typical Tamil touch to it, due to the proximity of Tamil Nadu to it. |
| Economy: | The recent estimates for the economy of Hyderabad’s metropolitan area are around $40-74 billion (PPP GDP), making it either fifth or sixth in most productivity among metro areas in India. As per the ranking by RBI in June 2012, Hyderabad contributes the highest share to revenues in GDP, tax, and other revenues in Telangana. With a per capita annual income of ₹44,300 (US$530) in 2011, in 2006 the largest employers in the city were the state government (113,098 employees) and central government (85,155). According to a 2005 survey, 77% of the males in the city and 19% of the females are employed. The city is dominated by the service industry, with around 90% of its employed workforce in this sector. |
| State: | Telangana |
| Country : | India |
| Language: | Telugu, Urdu |
| Population: | The current estimate population of Hyderabad city in 2024 is 9,561,000 , while Hyderabad metro population is estimated at 10,901,000 |
| Literacy rate: | The literacy rate for Hyderabad district in Telangana is 83.25% |
| Major Attractions to Visit: | Char Minar, Golconda Fort, Qutbshahi Tomb, Mecca Masjid, Osmania University and HITEC City |
