Hyderabad's transformation

Hyderabad is over 4 centuries old and precisely 434 years old as of early 2026. For an individual human being, a hundred years constitute a full lifetime, often spanning three or four generations. For a place in history, however, the same hundred years amount to little more than a fleeting moment. Against this vast canvas of time, Hyderabad’s journey is truly remarkable. In just about four centuries, it has evolved from a sovereign country to a state capital and finally into a global metropolitan city, an extraordinary narrative of political transformation and continuity in modern India. Who has seen tomorrow?

From 1591 to 1724, Hyderabad evolved from a new capital under the Qutb Shahi Dynasty, established by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, into a significant cultural and trade hub, especially diamonds and eventually came under Mughal control in 1687 before the powerful Asaf Jahi (Nizam) dynasty began its rule in 1724 under Asaf Jah I, marking the start of autonomous rule in the Deccan

Hyderabad as a Country (1724–1948)

For over two centuries, Hyderabad existed as an independent princely state, often described as a country within the Indian subcontinent. In 1724, Mir Qamar-ud-Din Khan (Asaf Jah I) founded the Hyderabad State after asserting autonomy from the Mughal Empire. Hyderabad became the largest and wealthiest princely state in India, ruled by the Nizams. It had its own government, currency, postal system, railways, army and diplomacy. At the time of Indian independence in 1947, Hyderabad covered parts of present-day Telangana, Marathwada (Maharashtra) and Kalyana Karnataka. The Nizam sought to remain independent, not joining India or Pakistan. Thus, Hyderabad functioned like a sovereign country, though under British paramountcy.

Hyderabad as a State (1948–1956)

After independence, Hyderabad’s status changed dramatically. In September 1948, the Government of India carried out Operation Polo, a police action that integrated Hyderabad into the Indian Union. Hyderabad became Hyderabad State, administered initially by a Military Governor and later an elected government. In 1952, Dr. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao became the first elected Chief Minister. The state included Telugu, Marathi and Kannada speaking regions. Hyderabad transitioned from an independent princely country to a full-fledged Indian state.

Hyderabad City as Capital of Andhra Pradesh (1956–2014)

The States Reorganization Act, 1956 reorganized states on linguistic lines. Telugu-speaking areas of Hyderabad State merged with Andhra State to form Andhra Pradesh. The city of Hyderabad became the capital of Andhra Pradesh. Over the next decades, Hyderabad expanded rapidly as an administrative, educational, industrial and IT hub. Hyderabad’s identity thus narrowed from a state to a capital city, even as its importance grew.

Hyderabad as Capital of Telangana (2014–Present)

Following a long mass movement for over 6 decades, Telangana was formed as India’s 29th state on 2 June 2014. Hyderabad was designated as the capital of Telangana, with a shared capital status with Andhra Pradesh for up to 10 years.  Post-bifurcation, Hyderabad emerged as a global metropolitan city, known for (a) IT and innovation (b) Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology (c) Aerospace and defence (d) Culture, cuisine and heritage.

Hyderabad today is no longer a state or country, but a powerful global city driving a state’s economy.

In simple, Hyderabad is this -

Phase	Status	Period
1	Independent Princely Country	1724–1948
2	Indian State	1948–1956
3	Capital City of Andhra Pradesh	1956–2014
4	Capital City of Telangana	2014–Present