Popularly called as the city of Nizams, Hyderabad is a city full of history! It became part of Indian Union on 17th September 1948; thirteen months after India became an independent country! This city was ruled by Nizams and the last ruler was Osman Ali Khan who ruled the state of Hyderabad from 1886 to 1967.
Osman Ali Khan was ranked all time world’s sixth richest man. His wealth was $236 billion with a new inflation adjusted figure as per the British Newspaper ‘The Independent’.He died in the year 1967 at the age of 80 leaving behind his empire!
Chowmahalla Palace (Chow means four and Mahal means Palace. Chow-Mahalla means four palaces) was one of the palaces of Nizam.
Chowmahalla Palace is renowned for its unique style and elegance. While Nizam Salabhat Jung is credited with initiating the construction of the palace complex in 1750, it was Nizam Afzar-ud-Dawla Bahadur who ensured that it was completed between 1857 and 1869.
This palace was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty where the Nizam entertained their official guests and royal visitors! Now this palace is meticulously renovated by the daughter of Nizam and it is now open for public.
Chowmahalla Palace has undergone massive restoration work after Princess Esra, wife of Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur, Nizam of Hyderabad initiated a project for the royal palaces in August 2000.
Chowmahalla Palace, has bagged the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Merit Award for Culture Heritage Conservation. Chowmahalla Palace is the only palace in Andhra Pradesh and in the country which has got this prestigious award.
Today where is the owner of this palace? Mukarram Jah Bahadur keeps to himself in the south of Turkey. He lives very simple life and doesn't love extravagance! He is living in a two room flat in Antalya, and spends his time reading and exploring Roman ruins.
Picture of Princess Esra is from Outlook India.com
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