Delhi’s Hyderabad House is once again in the headlines today. The reason is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, where he is being specially hosted in this royal bungalow. This is the same palatial house which was built by the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, who was once considered the richest man in the world. The stories of his wealth and glory are still recorded in history. It is said that he had so many pearls that they could fill an Olympic size swimming pool. Not only this, he had many palaces in Hyderabad which no one can match. It was also said about the Nizam that he used diamonds worth Rs 900 crore as paper weights.
How Hyderabad House was built in Delhi
When the British government shifted the capital to Delhi, many princely states expressed their desire to build bungalows in Delhi to establish their identity. The Nizam asked for a place in ‘Princess Park’, directly near the Viceroy’s House. The British government did not give permission immediately. Ultimately five princely states—Hyderabad, Baroda, Patiala, Jaipur and Bikaner—were granted land at the end of the King’s Way.
Lutyens designed a grand bungalow
Actually, the Nizam of Hyderabad chose the famous architect Edwin Lutyens for his bungalow. His aim was to make the bungalow look as grand as the Viceroy’s House. However, due to government permission, Lutyens adopted the dome only in the middle. The rest of the design was made completely different and unique.
butterfly design
The most special thing about Hyderabad House is its ‘butterfly’ like design. This palace was built in the 1920s at a cost of about 200,000 pounds (about Rs 170 crore today). Its two large ‘wings’ extend towards the street and the entrance opens towards the hexagon. It is considered to be the most magnificent of all the royal houses of Delhi.
Beautiful interior of 36 rooms
There are a total of 36 rooms in the palace. It has courtyards, fountains, grand staircases, European-style fireplaces and archways. There are beautiful marble designs on the floor. Round arches and European inspired windows make it even more special. There was also a zenana in the palace, which had small rooms. At that time there was only simple furniture and hot and cold water facilities for women.
Lutyens’ most magnificent design
Hyderabad House is considered to be the most grand design of Lutyens. Between 1921 and 1931, he built several palaces in Delhi, but Hyderabad House was the most magnificent after the Viceroy’s House. Its grandeur and design reflected the immense wealth and hobbies of the Nizam.
Changing fortunes after independence
After India’s independence in 1947, Hyderabad state merged with the Indian Union. The Nizam initially protested, but Hyderabad acceded to India after ‘Operation Polo’ in 1948. After this, Nizam’s visits to Delhi reduced and Hyderabad House became the property of the government.
Imperial Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In 1974 it was formally handed over to the Ministry of External Affairs. After this it became the main center for ‘state visits’ and high-profile diplomatic meetings for India. World leaders like Bill Clinton, George Bush, Gordon Brown and Vladimir Putin have attended dinners, press conferences and meetings here.
Today this Hyderabad House is not just a palace, but has become a symbol of history, royal grandeur and diplomacy of today’s India. (Disclaimer: The information and information given in this article is based on general assumptions. Hindi news18 does not confirm these. Contact the concerned expert before implementing them.)
