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Hyderabad, Pakistan

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Hyderabad is a major urban center in Pakistan. It serves as the capital of the Hyderabad Division within the Sindh province.

1880 map of Hyderabad
1880 map of Hyderabad

The city is the second-largest city in Sindh, following Karachi. It also ranks as the seventh-largest city in Pakistan. Hyderabad is located inland from Karachi. Travelers can reach the coast via the M-9 motorway or a direct railway line.

Hyderabad railway station outside
Hyderabad railway station outside

The city sits near the Indus River, a vital waterway for the region.

The origins of Hyderabad are tied to the movement of the Indus River. Around 1757, the river began changing its course. This change caused frequent flooding in Khudabad, the previous capital of the Kalhora dynasty. To find safety, Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro founded Hyderabad in 1768. He chose a limestone ridge on the eastern bank of the Indus. This ridge is known as Ganjo Takkar, or "Bald Hill."

Hyderabad Fort (Pacco Qillo) 02
Hyderabad Fort (Pacco Qillo) 02

The site was believed to be the location of an ancient settlement called Neroon Kot. This ancient town had fallen to Muhammad Bin Qasim's armies in 711 CE.

To protect the new settlement, Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro built a massive fortification. He used baked clay bricks to construct the Pacco Qillo. This name translates to "Strong Fort" in the Sindhi language. The fort covers 36 acres and was completed in 1769. The ruler also built the Shah Makki Fort, known as Kacha Qila, to protect a Sufi saint's tomb.

Mian-ghulam-shah-kalhoro-kalhora-tomb-01
Mian-ghulam-shah-kalhoro-kalhora-tomb-01

The city's name, Hyderabad, means "Lion City." This comes from the word "haydar," meaning lion, and the suffix "ābād," meaning settlement. The name honors the bravery of Ali, the fourth caliph.

During the Talpur rule, Hyderabad became a major regional center for trade and industry. The Talpur rulers captured the city and moved their capital there in 1789.

Mir Karam Ali Khan Talpur Tombs were restored in 2016 1
Mir Karam Ali Khan Talpur Tombs were restored in 2016 1

This period saw a boom in many different crafts. Lohana Hindus from Afghanistan arrived and worked as metalworkers. The city became famous for its goldsmiths, silversmiths, and leather tanners. The textile industry also flourished with cotton cloths like Susi and Khes.

Hyderabad1800s
Hyderabad1800s

Hyderabadi goods were even displayed at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London.

British influence changed the city's political and physical landscape in the 19th century. The British defeated the Talpur rulers at the Battle of Hyderabad in 1843. Following this, the British moved the provincial capital to the Bombay Presidency.

Badshahi Bungalow 004
Badshahi Bungalow 004

Despite this change, the city remained a commercial hub. The British built schools, hospitals, and new urban quarters like Saddar. They also constructed the Kotri Bridge in 1900 to connect Hyderabad to Karachi.

Beautiful sunset view of Kotri Barrage
Beautiful sunset view of Kotri Barrage

By 1907, it was recorded that 5,000 Hyderabadi merchants lived across the world.

The population and culture of the city shifted significantly during the 20th century. After the Partition of India in 1947, much of the Hindu population left the city.

Giddu Chowk Hyderabad
Giddu Chowk Hyderabad

This departure left a vacuum that was filled by Muhajirs, who were refugees from India. By 1951, Muhajirs made up 66% of the city's population. Over time, the arrival of Pashtuns and Punjabis further changed the ethnic makeup. This led to a more diverse, multi-lingual society in the modern era.

Today, Hyderabad remains a vital part of the Sindh province. It has transitioned from a fortified capital to a modern commercial center. The city's history is visible in its diverse architecture and its many different communities. From the ancient limestone ridges to the busy railway junctions, the city continues to evolve. It remains a place where historical legacies and modern life meet.

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🖼️ Images & Media (22)
File:Survey of India, 40 C SW Dadu (1934).jpg
Survey of India, 40 C SW Dadu (1934).jpg
File:1880 map of Hyderabad.jpg
1880 map of Hyderabad.jpg
File:Hyderabad Fort (Pacco Qillo) 02.JPG
Hyderabad Fort (Pacco Qillo) 02.JPG
File:Mian-ghulam-shah-kalhoro-kalhora-tomb-01.jpg
Mian-ghulam-shah-kalhoro-kalhora-tomb-01.jpg
File:Tomb of Sarfaraz Khan Kalhora 05.JPG
Tomb of Sarfaraz Khan Kalhora 05.JPG
File:Mir Karam Ali Khan Talpur Tombs were restored in 2016 1.jpg
Mir Karam Ali Khan Talpur Tombs were...
File:Badshahi Bungalow 004.jpg
Badshahi Bungalow 004.jpg
File:Hyderabad1800s.jpg
Hyderabad1800s.jpg
File:Sinddhii.jpg
Sinddhii.jpg
File:Om.svg
Om.svg
File:Star and Crescent.svg
Star and Crescent.svg
File:Christian cross.svg
Christian cross.svg

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