Hyderabad's transformation in 400 years

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.

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 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:
  
• IT and innovation
• Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
• Aerospace and defense
• 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 terms Hyderabad's status 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