Then: Defeating the Bahmini Kingdom, the Qutb Shahis established the kingdom of Golgonda around 1512. The city of Golgonda began to expand and settlements began to grow along the river Moosi (Musi). An artificial lake, now known as Hussain Sagar, was constructed by Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali in 1562. Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah of the Qutb Shahi dynasty founded Hyderabad around 1591 to accommodate the increasing population. Then, Golgonda was a worldwide famous market for diamonds, pearls and printed fabric. The Mughal emperor Aurangazeb defeated the Qutb Shahis in the early 18th century, and then Nizams took over Hyderabad. After an understanding between the Nizams and the British in 1798, the area to the north of Hussain Sagar lake was established as a cantonment and it was named after the then Nizam, Sikander Jah, as Secunderabad. The Nizams have contributed a lot to the socio, cultural and economical development of Hyderabad. After the British quit the Indian subcontinent, Hyderabad joined Indian Union in 1948.

Now: The bustling “city of pearls” is the fifth largest metropolis in India. Hyderabad is no longer a traditional city; it is undergoing a major transformation. The city is fast expanding on all directions. The city is witnessing a cyber revolution, thanks to the initiatives of the state government, and is doing its best to overtake Bangalore. The 400-year old city presents a beautiful mosaic of mosques and minarets, bazaars and bridges, hills and lakes and modern structures, with its multi-cultural population. With several tourist attractions like the Charminar, Golgonda fort and the famous Salar Jung Museum. Hyderabad is famous for pearls, Bidri wares and kat saries. Hyderabadi cuisine is famous for its exclusive flavour.