Purani Haveli Hyderabad
Purani Haveli is an integral part of the heritage and ethos of the city of Hyderabad Displaying some of the most exquisite forms of craftsmanship, Purani Haveli was a palace that was originally built to serve as the home to the Peshwa of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, Mir Momen.
Today, Purani Haveli is undeniably one of the significant parts of Hyderabad's golden era and is known for its remarkable exhibits of artwork and talent and functions as a museum. It is a beautiful structure comprising great treats for history lovers! One of the most unique features of the Purani Haveli is the wardrobe, which is the longest in the world! It is built on two levels and has a hand-operated elevator in place. Many buildings of this vast complex currently serve as educational institutions.
Swarming with a fascinating collection of items gifted to Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, the museum was a wish of his to tell the world about the achievements of the people of Hyderabad. The place comprises a 240-foot-long wooden chamber with some 150 walk-in-cupboards built by the sixth Nizam, which is claimed to be the world's largest wardrobe. The key highlights of the place are the remarkable exhibits of souvenirs, gifts, mementos, and models presented to him on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations in 1927. The haveli with its fascinating collection is a must-visit.
History of Purani Haveli
The Purani Haveli was originally built to serve as the residence of Mir Momen, the Prime Minister of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah who was the ruler of Hyderabad during the 16th century. Acquired by Nizams during the 18th century, this sprawling grand structure called Purani Haveli was refurbished by the second Nizam for his son Sikandar Jah in the year 1777. However, Sikandar Jah transferred residency to the Khilwat complex in Chowmahalla Palace. The palace then came to be known as the Purani Haveli and was away from the limelight until the 19th century when Mir Mehboob Ali Khan, the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad made it his official residence and spent most of his life here.
Architecture of Purani Haveli
The Purani Haveli is an impressive structure with its interiors resembling the 18th-century European style of architecture. This marvel also amalgamates along with European facades, the traditional Indian courtyards adding charm to its beauty. It houses several interesting specimens of antique furniture within this U-shaped complex with a central single-story building. The central palace has two parallel double-storeyed oblong wings among which the western wing houses the world's longest wardrobe.
Both the wings have ornamented courtyards that are further flanked by rooms and verandahs. A few of the chambers are embellished with exquisite tile and mosaic work that gives a unique regal appearance to the Purani Haveli. While certain areas have been repaired, the others still hold their tiled walls and mosaic flooring reflecting the hues of the glorious past.
Purani Haveli Museum
Purani Haveli also doubles up as a museum dedicated to Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam of Hyderabad. Precious artifacts such as souvenirs, gifts, and mementos that were given to the last Nizam by the different dignitaries of the world are on display here.
The museum also has silver replicas of monuments from all over Hyderabad adorned on its premises. A gold tiffin box inlaid with diamonds, diamonds, and gold studded daggers, a pearl-studded wooden writing box, a painting of Mir Osman Ali Khan, caskets, silver perfume containers, silver coffee cups studded with diamonds, silver filigree elephant and citations about Mir Osman Ali Khan in Urdu are also present here.
A splendid wooden throne used for silver jubilee celebrations of the last Nizam also adorns the premises of the Purani Haveli Nizam Museum. Vintage cars such as a 1930 Rolls-Royce, a Packard, and a Jaguar Mark V also find a place here. In addition to being a safe house for irreplaceable articles, Purani Haveli is also a school and an industrial training institute.
