HamaraShehar Hyderabad - A Glimpse of Our Glorious Past - An Interview with Mir Moazam Husain

An Interview with Mir Moazam Husain

The name Hyderabad evokes memories of a place with distinct cultures and religions. As a monumental city, Hyderabad came into being as a result of a love story, and has survived the test of time for more than four hundred years now.

When the great Quli Qutub Shah laid the foundation for the city, he intended it to develop to such an extent that it would occupy a prominent place on the world map. His dream is now close to being realised. Hyderabad, in spite of keeping its traditions and culture alive, is now all set to conquer the newer dimensions of software through its Hi-tec city ventures.

We can have a glimpse of the glorious past that Hyderabad has with just one look at Golconda, Charminar and the Musi River.

Many people mutely stood witnessing the changes that have been taking place in this great city. They have become bridges to enormous changes that have been taking place. They have seen yesterday's dreams realised today and see new goals for tomorrow. It is these people who have this vision and experiences. Few such personalities are still alive today – one such person is Mir Moazam Husain.

Mir Moazam Husain is related to three aristocratic families the "Khan-e-Khanan", "Fakhr-ul-Mulk" and "Salar Jung" they were very intimately related to one another (he belongs to the second). Mir's grandfather was Nawab Fakhr-ul-Mulk. His father, Nawab Rais Jung, was the fourth son of Nawab Fakhr-ul-Mulk. Muktar–ul-Mulk, better known as Salar Jung I has the reputation of being the architect of modern Hyderabad. The Salar Jung Museum is named after the family title: Salar Jung. The Museum is a delight for people who love antiques, and houses rare sculptures and other precious objets d'art.

Mir was born in the palace of Iram Manzil, where he spent his childhood. Today, this palace houses the Andhra Pradesh Government Departments of Irrigation and Public Works.

In the days of the Nizam, Salar Jungs used to be "Madhar-ul-Mahans (Prime Ministers). Mir Moazam informed us that now, Prime Ministers of the State are called Chief Ministers. Some of his ancestors had the prestigious title of Khan-e-Khanan. Mughal Emperors of Delhi also conferred this title to their subordinates for meritorial services.

As he grew up he had to travel extensively. He served with UNESCO for nearly twenty-five years in Paris and several developing countries. Authors planning to cover Hyderabad, take guidance and advice from him.

People address him as Nawab Mir Moazam Husain, perhaps signifying his background. He refuses to acknowledge his relation with the Royal dynasty of Hyderabad, but he stresses that the relationship of his family and Hyderabad history is invaluable. Although Mir Moazam Husain is proud of his ancestral background, he firmly believes that what really counts is personal character and what you are as a man and not what you boast about your forefathers. Above all, he believes in human values.

He is presently residing in a spacious house on Banjara Hills. People entering the house see a mixture of the old and new customs, and will be amazed at the happy fusion of cultures, conservative and present day. His house has a photo gallery of his ancestors; among them was a photo of Mir himself as cricket captain of Nizam College. There is also a painting of Salar Jung which is delightful.

Reflecting, perhaps the serenity of the atmosphere the man himself an octogenarian (Eighty-five years, to be precise) surprises people with his down-to-earth behaviour and amazing memory.

When our team at HamaraShehar went to seek his blessings, he said: "I heartily welcome all the reporters from HamaraShehar and applaud your efforts to preserve our culture and giving future generations glimpses of our glorious past and will do my best in furthering your laudable efforts. Ask me anything without inhibitions. " He talked about everything starting from Golconda to the Hi-tech city. 85 years of his life have gone by and still his memory and cordial smile always defy his age.

The following are excerpts from the interview:

HamaraShehar.com:Quli-Qutub-Shah established Hyderabad at quite a distance from Golconda. Why did they do so? And what are the reasons for establishing Hyderabad as such?

Nawab Mirji:There is a popular love story about reasons for Hyderabad's establishment. There used to be a village in the Charminar when Golconda was capital of the Qutub Shahi kings. Some say that it was "Chichlam" which is now known as Chanchalguda. Not much is known about this village and there are people who are sceptical about the name. There used to be a beautiful girl in this village on the banks of the river Musi. Her name was Bhagmati. She was a wonderful dancer. Prince Muhammad Quli, the heir of the Golconda king fell in love with this lady and used to swim all the way across the Musi river to meet his beloved. It is believed that the Puranapul was constructed by his father to save him from endangering his life by swimming across the river. He is also known for having the Charminar constructed and laying out a city around it, naming it Bhagnagar after Bhagmati. Another well-known building he constructed was the Mecca Masjid. This is the popular version of the story about the origins of Hyderabad.

It is also believed that Faizi, a poet from Akbar's court, came to the Deccan and sent the Emperor a report about the city of Hyderabad. He was impressed by Hyderabad's architectural monuments and its gardens (Baghs). He had praised the city and further mentioned that it was named after Bhagmati. His report from the Deccan to the Emperor is preserved in the Archives. Contemporary historians like Nizamuddin and Farishta had also confirmed this version of the story about the founding of Hyderabad.

To some people Bhagmati was a fictitious character. They believe that, because people love fables this romantic version gained currency. They say that Hyderabad got its name from the number of Baghs (gardens) that it had, and that its real name was Baghnagar, or Garden-City.

A peep into history will reveal how the names of towns and small villages get transformed. There is a place called Moosarambagh. There used to be a French military officer who worked under the Nizam as Commander of his forces, whose name was Monsieur Raymond. He was competent and popular and died in Hyderabad. He was buried on a hillock in the city which in the course of time took its name from his, although pronounced differently to the original French. Instead of Monsieur Raymond, the name has changed to Moosa Ram, two prominent religious figures for Muslims and Hindus, respectively, that is Moosa and Ram which are easier for the local people to pronounce than Monsieur Raymond. In the same way, Bhagnagar from Bhagmati. Bhagmati after her marriage to Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah was given the title of Hyder Mahal and consequently, Bhagnagar was further metamorphosed to Hyderabad after her title. This is yet another explanation why Hyderabad was so named. But this matter of names does not end with the last.

One more version exists about how Hyderabad acquired its name. Hazarat Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad was also known as Hyder the Lion because of his great courage. It is believed that the kings of Golconda who belonged to the Shia sect of Islam gave their new city the name Hyderabad after Hazrat Ali also known as Hyder.

I shall now refer to other aspects of the origin of Hyderabad. Charminar is closely associated with the history and growth of Hyderabad. It represents the architectural apotheosis of the Qutub Shahi genius for building and construction of beautiful structures and planned cities reflecting the fusion of many cultures on the Deccan Plateau. After the Qutub Shahi dynasty ceased with the fall of Golconda, the Mughals took over the reins of power and ultimately Chinqulich Khan Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah established the State of Hyderabad in 1724 and became the founder of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. His name was Kamruddin and the Empreor Aurangzeb in recognition of his services as a successful general and administrator conferred on him the title Chinqulich Khan. Subsequently he was awarded the highest titles, Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah.

HamaraShehar.com:Is there any hidden meaning for the construction of four minarets at Charminar?

Nawab Mirji:When one looks at the structure, one usually believes that the four minarets are in harmony with the architectural tout ensemble of the building. It may perhaps also signify the four directions in which the City was planned to expand. I don't see any other intricate reason behind the construction. According to Muslim philosophy and tradition, it may have a different meaning. These minarets may even symbolize the first four important Khalifs of Islam, but I cannot vouch for this interpretation with any degree of certainty.

In keeping with the intermingling of cultures in the Deccan and in particular in the Qutub Shahi Kingdom, it would be interesting to consider yet another version for the existence of the four pillars of the Charminar. According to an old Indian saying that "Dharmam Nalugu padalamida nadavali" translated meaning that 'Dharma should walk on four legs' (four legs are believed to be the four feet of Indian society. So, in a sense Dharma should prevail in all walks of life) which the four pillars are supposed to represent. The Qutub Shahi, the Mughal and the Asaf Jahis dynasties all had a rich heritage of architectural finesse. Architectural detail of the city - a glimpse of the Osmania University Arts College - gives us an idea of this inheritance. Hyderabadi structures are admired the world over and historians Indian and foreign have praised them.

Hyderabad had been laid out with organized ingenuity. Architects, engineers and artisans must have worked hard and in closest collaboration to have produced such grandeur and beauty in this metropolis. European Travellers of the late 17^th and 18^th centuries praised the natural beauty of its surroundings, its imposing monuments, the many races and cultural affinities of its inhabitants, and one French traveller Theveneau praised the beauty of the women of the Deccan.

HamaraShehar.com:Now, Salar Jung III has appointed a person to look after the Qutub Shahi Tombs. Are the Government laws making it difficult to maintain these structures as in the case of the care of the Museum?

Nawab Mirji:The preservation of the Tombs was not the responsibility of the Salar Jungs. After the Nizam's regime, the Governments of India and Andhra Pradesh recognising the historic value and greatness of the monuments took over responsibility for their preservation through their respective Archaeological Departments. It is incumbent on them to have a sustained policy to save them from deterioration.

HamaraShehar.com:What about the Geographical features around Charminar. What used to be there at the place earlier?

Nawab Mirji:It is almost impossible to predict as to what must have been there four hundred years ago. Historically, a small village might have existed. As I said earlier, the Bhagmathi story perhaps had its origins in this village. There is also a possibility that this area was a forest or open space. Since you ask me about Iram Manzil palace you might like to know that it was my grandfather's residence. I was born there in 1915. Before its construction, my family were living in Asad Bagh (now Nizam College) and before that, in the old city area near Mir Alam ki Mandi, where they had their ancestral palace. My grandfather, Nawab Farhr-ul-Mulk's four daughters and five sons were born in Asad bagh.

The hilly region behind Iram Manzil was occupied by nomadic tribes, the Banjaras, after whom it is named (Banjara Hills). I am not talking about forests that might have existed at around 1880, or latter day dramatic changes in the city. It is said that the Golconda kings used to hunt in these areas. Perhaps the Archeological Department has better evidence in this respect.

HamaraShehar.com:What are the reasons for the Mughals to wage war against another Muslim State?

Nawab Mirji:This is difficult question. It is related to earlier history which taxes the mind and involves profound research. But the crucial base is a historical truth that every political authority was ambitious in expansion of his territorial boundaries and centralisation of power, whether he is Akbar or earlier ones like Harsa, Pulakesi, and others. They wanted to enlarge and consolidate their power. Akbar's army came to Ahmadnagar, but not he himself. Akbar, Jahangir, Shahjahan did not vitiate political expansion with religious motives. History should not be distorted.

The expansion of Aurangzeb from Aurangabad to Golconda and Bijapur was beset with some disasters. In the urge to enlarge their dominions the rulers did not hesitate to ill-treat even their kith and kin if they stood in the way of their political ambitions. Hence it was not mere religious bigotry but personal ambition to expand their power which was stronger than any motives or dictates of religion. In other words, the aspirations and ambitions of the Mughal rulers were to dominate from Kabul to Kanyakumari and from the Arabian Sea to the Bay of Bengal.

Aurangzeb and Shivaji fought against each other and there are proofs that Shivaji had Muslim officers and Aurangzeb Hindu commanders, most prominently, Maharaja Jai Singh.

I do not believe Shia Sunni differences having any significant influence. However, scholars should be cautious in drawing conclusions and stay un-influenced by hatred and prejudice. Looking at the past through the spectacles of present-day undesirable events, distorts truth - current times have witnessed unpredictable trends. No one has a clear picture of how things will fall out 50 years hence.

The Moghul invasion of the South was a historic manifestation of the geopolitical situation prevailing at that time and shouldn't, as such, be be interpreted in a narrow bigoted sense.

Administrators are planning for a 2020 Vision, which would deliver desirable results to posterity. Let us hope that their endeavours will bear fruit. In any case they deserve to be appreciated.

HamaraShehar.com:What are the pros and cons of Aurangzeeb's attack on Hyderabad?

Nawab Mirji: I have already answered this question. Profits and losses are like two sides of a coin. There was a great deal of communal unity in those days. The last Qutub Shahi king (Abul Hasan) had Akkana and Madhanna as his top administrators. The Quli Qutub Shahi monarchs were highly cultured and the founder of the city of Hyderabad Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah was a noted poet in Telugu, Deccani Urdu and Persian and patronized poets, musicians, artists … at his court. You can see great culture in Hyderabad and people lived in amity and harmony.

In the fusion of many cultures in particular, that of Hyderabad, one finds reflection of the historic influence of the Kakatiya, Hampi, Qutubshahi, Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Bidar, Persian and Mughal. All these cultures were spontaneously imbibed in Hyderabad and that is its crowning glory.

The Nizams treated the Hindus and Muslims alike, and Mir Osman Ali Khan the 7^th Nizam attended midnight mass during Christmas at the cathedral.

We, at Iram Manzil palace, used to celebrate Dashara, Deepavali, Holi and other festivals with much gaiety. You can see the graces of culture and hospitality even in modest homes. Hyderabad's culture is a union of hearts.

Wherever I may be, the pull of Hyderabad keeps calling me back.

I visualize Charminar in some of Paris's beautiful edifices. I served in different positions throughout the world and memories of Hyderabad are with me. Some of our ancient monuments have deteriorated and some are altogether lost with the ravages of time, not to mention the indifference of the people who were entrusted with their care. We should preserve what remains. For instance, Nizam Bagh, which used to be adjacent to Salar Jungs palace (Diwan-ki-Deodi), was a magnificent garden with a well-stocked library housed in a beautiful building giving on a large fountain with a pool of water on which we used to row in a boat. There were tennis courts, lawns, flower beds and a huge well which served as a swimming pool. All that is now gone and exists only in memory.

I am unhappy with the present location of the Salar Jung Museum, which ideally, should have been established in its original home, the Diwan-ki-Deodi. Its good to see that Chandarbabu Naidu is trying to bring about positive changes right across the social and cultural board in the State of Andhra Pradesh.

HamaraShehar.com:Secunderabad did not develop as much as Hyderabad – was it because it was under the British?

Nawab Mirji:Secunderabad got its name from Sikandar Jah, the 3^rd Nizam of Hyderabad. Under treaties signed between the British and the Nizam, Secunderabad was a British administered area. There used to be the British Army at Bolarum and Tirumalgiri. During British rule there were two residencies in Hyderabad – one at Bolarum and the other in Hyderabad city and the British Resident used to spend six months of the year in each. The Bolarum Residency after independence became the official residence of the President of India in Hyderabad; and the city Residency was converted into the Womens College. Similarly, the development of Secunderabad after independence came under the responsibility of our own governments. I am not sure if Secunderabad can be considered less developed compared to the other parts of Hyderabad.

HamaraShehar.com:When did Hyderabad come onto the Railway Map? How did the people use it?

Nawab Mirji:I dont know the exact facts about this. Probably it was around 1874, that a railway line was laid out between Hyderabad and Bombay. It was called the "Nizam's Guaranteed State Railway (NGSR)". Its name was changed to "Nizam's State Railway" under the Premiership of Sir Akbar Hyderi. The Balarshah Line connecting Hyderabad to Delhi came on later.

HamaraShehar.com:Do you believe there were misinterpretations about Hyderabad's past?

Nawab Mirji:The history of Hyderabad exists in documents and archival material and in the remembrance of a few persons still living who are the repository of oral history and tradition. How misconceptions have developed and wrong conclusions arrived at is a matter for conjecture, if not deliberate distortions of facts. The monuments we referred to earlier are evidence of the continuity of our national heritage. They should therefore be cared for not only through practical means of preservation but with loving pride. In the same way we should preserve our traditions and ways of life with sensitivity and honour. Everyone should come forward in this cause. As far as I am concerned, I would be happy to do all I can to further such initiatives.

HamaraShehar.com:Are there any steps being taken at Golconda to further beautify it?

Nawab Mirji:There are growing encroachments in and around Golconda and immediate steps should be taken to vacate them. Everyone should come forward to safeguard our "Ganga-Jamuni" heritage of integrated culture. This is our prime responsibility.