Chow means four and Mahal means palace , therefore
Chowmahalla means four palaces.Chowmahalla Palace was the seat of the Asaf Jahi
Dynasty where the Nizams entertained their official guests and Royal visitors.
Built over 200 years ago, Chowmahalla is renowned for its unique style and
elegance. A synthesis of many architectural styles and influences, the Palace
complex has been meticulously restored. 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.Extending from Laad Bazaar on the north to the Aspan Chowk Road on the
south ,the palace originally covered 45 acres but regrettably only 12 acres
remain. The Chowmahalla complex which is a replica of the Shah’s palace in
Tehran, Iran today consists of two courtyards with elegant palaces, the grand
Khilwat (the Durbar Hall),fountains and Gardens.
The Khilwat, the grand Durbar Hall with a distinct Persian
influence . The beautiful belgian chandeliers take your breath away.
The long corridor
which connects the doors of the above rooms
Chowmahalla palace
architecture
This royal family house is situated at a walking distance
from Charminar Fort and is a must-see for people who are interested in knowing
how the rulers of Hyderabad once lived. It is an experience in itself! I, for
one, surely felt that I was being transported to a totally different era- where
richness and abundance was more of a way of life than just a sign of royalty!
As you enter through the main door you walk through a
corridor housing a series of rooms and reach this place called Khilwat
Mahal.
The hall has a pure marble platform on which the
Takht-e-Nishan or the royal seat was laid.The Khilwat, the grand Durbar Hall
with a distinct Persian influence . The beautiful belgian chandeliers take your
breath away.
The nizams held their durbar and other religious ceremonies.
It seems, Chowmahallat means ‘Four palaces’. This
Chowmahalla palace complex began to be constructed in the late 18th Century and
was completed by mid-19th century. This was once the center of Hyderabad city
and was the seat of Asif Jahi dynasty. It was also the Nizam of Hyderabad’s
official residence (and administrative complex). All the major events like
Coronation of Kings/ receiving a state guest – dignitary, etc seems to have
been held here.
Chowmahalla palace
architecture
Chowmahalla palace architecture
It might help to outline the Nizam dynasty's rule for a bit
to get it under perspective. After the Qutb Shahi's were conquered by the
Moghuls in 1687, the Deccan was ruled over by viceroys of the Mughal empire.
However after the death of Emperor Aurangazeb, the Moghuls in Delhi lost power
and it was then that the first Nizam, Mir Quamaruddin was given the title Nizam
Ul Mulk as a viceroy of the Deccan region after he asserted his supremacy in
battle. Subsequently the title of Asaf Jah was also conferred upon the Nizam
dynasty. The Nizams or the Asaf Jahis ruled Hyderabad from 1724 to 1948, a
period of 224 years.
The clock you see in the top of the dome is called khilwat
clock. It has been ticking away for over hundred years. The people of the
locality time their clock/watch according to the chimes of the clock. That
speaks for the accuracy of the old clock. This door opens to the lane out.
This is the shishe
-e-alat meaning mirror image of the long corridor of rooms on the east side
(administrative wing which now has a canteen and handicraft store) .This is the
west side. The shishe -e-alat has a photo studio where tourists dress in the
royal robes and get clicked as nizams and begums.
A beautiful and grand structure which used to be the
residence of Nizam. Lies in the very centre of the city. it is the symbol of
sheer wealth, from exquisite lawns to amazing Mahal's, from collection of
diamond chandeliers to Car's and bikes.(Including Rolce Royce vintage version).
But indeed, this is a treat to an eye.
Chowmahalla Palace is a museum that gives us a glimpse into
the splendour of a bygone era. At night, it is gorgeously lit up as it turns
into a venue for cultural programmes, concerts, and sometimes private functions
and conferences.
A visit to Chowmahalla palace will take in a good two-three
hours. It is very well preserved, there are good displays the explain the
history of the place and there is little display of the neglect that we see
associated with historic monuments.
Chowmahalla Palace, has bagged the UNESCO Asia-Pacific
Heritage Merit Award for Culture Heritage Conservation.
A beautiful and grand structure which used to be the
residence of Nizam. Lies in the very center of the city. it is the symbol of
sheer wealth, from exquisite lawns to amazing Mahal's, from collection of
diamond chandeliers to Car's and bikes.(Including Rolce Royce vintage version).
But indeed, this is a treat to an eye.
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