Customs and traditions of a bygone Hyderabad

Art historian, Padma Shri Jagdish Mittal launched the book ‘Daastan-E-Hyderabad’ at Salar Jung Museum on Saturday. Written by Anand Raj Varma, the book has three volumes in Hindi explaining about the Qutbshahi (volume 1), Asafjahi (volume 2) and Nawabshahi (volume 3). It explains a brief history of each period and includes customs, traditions, monuments and some anecdotes.

“This is my small attempt to explain about the Hyderabad rulers in three volumes. Every volume has its importance. Volume -1 explains 7 rulers of Qutbshahi from 1518-1687. It also has some eminent courtiers like, Mir Momin, Neknaam Khan, Madanna and Hussain Shah Wali. Volume one also narrates the journey of Kohinoor diamond, from Kolleru to London,” said Varma.

“The second part explains the notable aspects of the seven Asaf Jahi rulers from 1724-1948. It also has a significant chapter is on the pundit, who had advised Nawab Mehboob Ali Khan to perform pooja to the furious Musi River in 1908. “The third volume is about the families of Asafjahi period like Salarjungs, Nawabs of Paigah, Maharaja Kishan Pershad, Raja Sham Raj, Fakhr-ul-Mulk and Bansi,” said the author.

Union Minister for Labor and Employment, Bandaru Dattatreya, who was present at the launch said, “Anand Raj Varma is my teacher. It is a good effort for writing a book on Hyderabad history. The city was established in 1591. Many other cities like Chennai, Calcutta and Mumbai are built by the British but Hyderabad is built by its own rulers. It has a great culture. Quli Qutb Sha had started building the city.

“In this book Anand has written modern style of history. I think it will help upcoming generations to know the history of Hyderabad,” he added. BV Paparao, Adviser to Government of Telangana, Nawab Ahtram Ali Khan, member, Salar Jung Museum, M Veda Kumar, president, Forum for Better Hyderabad were among those who were present for the launch.