The Early Asaf Jahi Phase/ The Second Twin City (Secunderabad) Phase (A.D. 1724 to 1874)
By 1761, the Mughal empire existed in name only due to its vulnerabilities that allowed local powers to become independent. Despite this, the Mughal emperor retained symbolic authority and was seen as a source of political legitimacy.
The newly formed states did not openly challenge the emperor’s authority but instead sought his approval to validate their rule. The rise of these states during the eighteenth century marked a shift rather than the downfall of the political structure. It reflected a decentralization of power rather than a power vacuum or political disorder.
Nizam-ul-Mulk, bearing the title ofA Asaf Jah established his own kingdom in A.D. 1724 thereby started the rule of Asaf Jahi dynasty also known as Nizams which lasted till the Police Action (by Indian Union) in 1948. The Asaf Jahi dynasty ruled Deccan areas or the Nizam dominions of the princely state of Hyderabad for around 215 years (A.D. 1724 to 1948). Under the phenomenal Nizams ruled Hyderabad forged a remarkable progress that the fortress city had been transformed into a modern city first, and then the stage was set for the next phase of metropolis. During the reign of Nizams the city was developed in key aspects impor- tantly; the Infrastructure, Trade & Commerce, Culture, Planning, and Administration etc.
The period between A.D. 1724 and 1763, was labeled as Inhibition period’ in the history of Hyderabad because it was one of the great economic stress, and due to the retention of Aurangabad as capital city during the rule of Nizam-ul-MulkAsaf Jah I. This forced many wealthy feudal landholders to leave Hyderabad and to migrate to the then capital city, Aurangabad.
The succession of Nizam Ali Khan Asaf Jah in A.D. 1763 started the glorious period of Accelerated growth for Hyderabad city (A.D. 1763-1798) who shifted his headquarters from Aurangabad to Hyderabad. This was one of the historical, landmark decisions pertaining to the Hyderabad with which tho city took a re-birth as ‘the-chief city of Deccan region” after a lapse of about seventy six years. As a result nobles of the court and their retainers also returned to Hyderabad from Aurangabad, commerce and land revenue were remarkably increased which, in return, greatly stimulated urban growth in Hyderabad city.
Till A.D. 1761, the city had only four bazaars and one grand bazaar called Chowk. but by A.D. 1798 there were twelve bazaars, three grand bazaars and a large wholesale business center of Begum Bazaar. From A.D. 1770-98, Hyderabad city regained its past glory and political stature.
Though Hyderabad city’s major axis of growth ran in the East-West direction, by the end of 18h century the main road North of Charminar or present Afzalgunj road emerged as an important business Street New settlements also came up in the mohallas like Darushifa, Moghalpura. Hussaini Alam, Shaalıbanda, etc., and small villages and hamlets appeared around Yakutpura, Uppuuuda, Jahanuma and Asaf-nagar.
The Nizams subsidiary alliance treaty with British East India Company in A.D. 1798 and construction of British Residency on the northern banks of river Musi, in A.D. 1806, had two major effects on the growth of Hyderabad city. First, it led to the formation of Secunderabad; secondly, it ushered in the 2d twin city growth of residential areas on the Northern bank of the river Musi and hence it changed the axis of city’s after the then Nizam. Sikandar Jah, because of its military functions and business opportunities, growth towards the Northern direction, The British cantonment was namcd as Secunderabad in A.D. 1806 Secunderabad drew large numbers of people from surrounding areas, leading to a compact settlement called the General Bazaar.
Secunderabad being a British cantonment, developed a cultural pattern quite distinct from that of the St. John’s Church and St. Mary’s cathedral dominated its urban profile. The center of native settlement was the Hindu Mahakali temple.
A grain market was constructed on the north of river Musi known as Afzal gunj. Till A.D. 1869 there was scarcely yabuilding between the places of Afzalgunj -Begum Bazaar, and Nampally and the area was full of paddy fields. The introduction of the railway in A.D. 1874 led to the increase in the built up area with settlements extending towards Nampally. The increasing built up area within the walled city of Hyderabad and, the urban sprawl in the northern half of the city because of the Residency and the Secunderabad cantonment.
