Hyderabad district is one of the thirty-three districts of the Indian state of Telangana. It is the smallest district in Telangana by area but among the most densely populated, as it is coextensive with the core urban area of the city of Hyderabad. The district forms the administrative, commercial, and cultural heart of the state and houses the seat of the Government of Telangana.
Key facts
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Telangana |
| Headquarters | Hyderabad |
| Region | Telangana / Deccan Plateau |
| Type | Urban district |
| Status | Capital district of Telangana |
Overview
Hyderabad district is entirely urban in character and lies within the limits of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), although the GHMC itself extends into the neighbouring districts of Rangareddy, Medchal–Malkajgiri, and Sangareddy. Unlike most Indian districts, Hyderabad district has no rural mandals or panchayats; all of its area is administered through municipal wards and revenue mandals.
Geography
The district is situated on the Deccan Plateau in the north of the state. It is bordered by Medchal–Malkajgiri district to the north, Rangareddy district to the south and west, and Medchal–Malkajgiri and Rangareddy districts to the east. The river Musi flows through the district, dividing the historic old city from the newer northern parts. Notable water bodies include Hussain Sagar, Mir Alam Tank, and Durgam Cheruvu.
History
The city of Hyderabad was founded in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. It later became the capital of the Asaf Jahi Nizams, who ruled the princely state of Hyderabad from 1724 until its accession to the Indian Union in 1948 following Operation Polo. After the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, Hyderabad became the capital of the new state of Andhra Pradesh.
On 2 June 2014, the state of Telangana was formed from the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh, and Hyderabad became the capital of Telangana. Hyderabad district, which had earlier comprised parts of the urban and suburban areas of the city, was carved further when Medchal–Malkajgiri district and others were created in October 2016 during the reorganisation of districts in Telangana, leaving the present Hyderabad district confined to the central urban core.
Administration
The district is headed by a District Collector and Magistrate appointed by the Government of Telangana. For revenue administration it is divided into a number of mandals, each headed by a Tahsildar. Law and order is overseen by the Hyderabad City Police, headed by a Commissioner of Police. Civic administration in the district falls under the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation.
Demographics
Hyderabad district is highly urbanised and multilingual. Telugu and Urdu are the most widely spoken languages, with Hindi and English also in common use. The population is religiously diverse, with significant Hindu and Muslim communities and smaller Christian, Sikh, Jain, and Parsi populations. The district is one of the most densely populated in India.
Economy
The district is a major centre of the Indian information technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. While the larger IT corridor extends into Rangareddy and Medchal–Malkajgiri districts, the central business areas of Begumpet, Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Somajiguda, and Abids lie within Hyderabad district. The district also hosts the headquarters of several public sector undertakings and financial institutions, along with traditional markets such as Charminar, Laad Bazaar, and Begum Bazaar.
Education and institutions
Hyderabad district is home to a number of universities and research institutions, including Osmania University, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, and Osmania Medical College. The Telangana State Secretariat, Telangana Legislative Assembly, and the Telangana High Court are located within the district.
Culture and landmarks
The district contains many of Hyderabad's historic and cultural landmarks, including the Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Chowmahalla Palace, Salar Jung Museum, Falaknuma Palace, Birla Mandir, and the Telangana State Archaeology Museum. Hussain Sagar, with its monolithic Buddha statue, lies on the boundary between Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The cuisine, particularly Hyderabadi biryani and haleem, and the Deccani style of Urdu poetry are closely associated with the district.