Hyderabad Transforms into a “Mini India” – A City of Culture, Language, and Unity
Hyderabad | October 30, 2025 | www.deccanlive.com
The historic city of Hyderabad, once known for its royal past, has now transformed into a vibrant “Mini India”, representing the true spirit of unity in diversity. After India’s independence in 1947, the then rulers of Hyderabad were reluctant to join the new Indian Republic. But today, Hyderabad stands as one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the country.
It is said that Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, once called Hyderabad the “second capital of India” because of its unique blend of northern and southern cultures. The city is often referred to as the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, but many believe it should be called “triplet cities” — Old Hyderabad, New Hyderabad, and Secunderabad.
Originally, Hyderabad developed on the southern bank of the Musi River, later expanding northward across the river. In 1578, Ibrahim Qutb Shah of the Golconda dynasty built the famous Puranapul bridge, connecting the two sides of the city and allowing it to grow further north. The real shift, however, happened in the early 20th century when the Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan moved his residence from the Chowmahalla Palace in the old city to King Kothi Palace in the north.
This move encouraged new settlements in areas like Kachiguda, Himayatnagar, Narayanguda, Basheerbagh, and Nampally, which became centers of education, trade, and administration. The city began to attract people who spoke Telugu, Marathi, Kannada, and Urdu, making Hyderabad a truly multilingual hub.
Meanwhile, the British established a military base in Secunderabad, which developed its own character. People from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra, and Anglo-Indian communities settled there, adding to the region’s diversity.
In modern times, Hyderabad expanded further west beyond Banjara Hills into Cyberabad, covering areas like Jubilee Hills, Madhapur, and Gachibowli — now home to major IT companies, start-ups, and global talent. This part of the city represents a new cosmopolitan Hyderabad, filled with young professionals from every corner of India.
Today, Hyderabad is divided into distinct cultural zones — from the historic Charminar and Chowmahalla Palace in the old city to the modern skyline of Hitech City. The Dakhni dialect, a blend of Urdu, Telugu, and Marathi, still echoes through the old city’s narrow streets, while modern Hyderabad and Secunderabad thrive with fast-paced urban life.
With people from across India making Hyderabad their home, the city continues to grow as a symbol of cultural harmony. However, local historians and social thinkers emphasize that the new generation must work together to preserve Hyderabad’s unique composite culture and identity — the very essence that has made it one of India’s most beloved and inclusive cities.
