Entry #28

Hyderabad...is the capital of Andrah Pradesh, the "state" that we are located in. It is the 5th largest city in India and it sits on the river Musi. Hyderabad was founded in 1589 by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutab Shah of the Shahi dynasty. It has a mild climate (which is why we like to go there) and its most famous landmark is the Charminar.

On one outing we toured the Salar Jung Museum established by Nawab Salar Jung III. It has collections of priceless antiques and relics from Indian, European, Asian and Far Eastern countries. The most famous item is the "Veiled Rebecca", a delicate marble statue of a woman seen through her veil. Unfortunately they did not allow cameras.

On another outing we toured the palaces and grounds of Chowmahalla Palace.

A beautiful courtyard on the grounds of Chowmahalla Palace.

Chowmahalla Palace was built about 1780 during the Asaf Jahi rule.
It was renovated in 1911.

It is a complex of palaces, courtyards, fountains and gardens.

Durbar Hall features a pure marble platform on which the Taqt-e-Nishan, or royal seat, was laid. There are 19 spectacular chandeliers of Belgian crystal.

There are four palaces on the grounds. They are called the Afzar Mahal (2 story), Mahtab Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal and Aftab Mahal. Naturally, we got confused about which one was which.

Displays of every day life.

Chowmahalla Palace is now used for cultural activities.

An entrance and courtyard.

Hyderabad is known as the city of pearls.

We watched as he removed all of the pearls from the cotton thread, which is how they come from the show room, and strung them onto a silk thread. And not one fell on the ground!