Hyderabad: a regal tapestry where the past comes alive

India’s Hyderabad rivals Delhi with its collection of gorgeous mosques, minarets, tombs and palaces. It is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Telangana and the de jure capital of Andhra Pradesh.

Founded in the late 16th century by the Qutub Shahi rulers, Hyderabad was later ruled by the Mughals, and from the 18th century onwards, by the Asaf Jah dynasty, who called themselves the Nizams of Hyderabad. Under these rulers, Hyderabad became one of the richest cities in India and an important centre of art, culture and education.

This video takes you through some of Hyderabad’s highlights, including a tour of its Old City, one of India’s most evocative ancient quarters, packed with chai shops, spice merchants and a human tapestry of colour. Not to be outdone in commanding attention, looming over the Old City is some of Islamic India’s most impressive architecture.