Kaccha Qila Quick Facts Population (2000) About 1.4 Million

Introduction & History

Hyderabad is a city, district and division in the Sindh province. Hyderabad is one of the oldest cities of the sub-continent. The city is an administrative headquarters lying on the most northern hill of the Ganjo Takkar ridge just east of the River Indus. Before the creation of Pakistan, it was known as the Paris of India, for its roads used to be washed with perfume every day.

Founded in 1768 on the site of the ancient town of Nirun-Kot by Ghulam Shah Kalhora, the saintly ruler of Sindh, it was named after the prophet Mohammed's son-in-law, Ali, also known as Haidar. It remained the capital of Sindh under the Talpur rulers who succeeded the Kalhoras till 1843 when, after the nearby battles of Miani and Dabo, it surrendered to the British (when Sir Charles James Napier conquered Sindh), the capital was then transferred to Karachi.

Population and Culture

Located at 25.367°N lattitude and 68.367°E longitude with an elevation of 13m about sea-level, Hyderabad is located on the east bank of the Indus River and is roughly 150 kilometers away from Karachi, the capital of the province. Hyderabad is the 2nd largest city in Sindh, 8th largest in Pakistan with respect to population. Its population estimates to 1,348,288 (as of 2000). Two of Pakistan's largest highways, the Indus Highway and the National Highway join at Hyderabad.

The city has one of the most interesting bazaar of the country, which is known to be the longest bazaar in Asia. There are two very well arranged ethnological museums in the city One The Sindh Museum and the other the Institute of Sindhology Museum.

Both museums present an excellent portrait of cultural and tribal life of Sindh. The city is transit point for the tours from Karachi to the Interior of Sindh A visit to Kalhora Monuments close to the city gate is worth a visit, Mausoleums are beautifully decorated with glazed tiles and frescos. There are also two forts from 18th & 19th Century to see here.

Education

The University of Sind with 32 affiliated colleges was founded in 1947 in Karachi and moved to Hyderabad in 1951, where it lies across the Indus. Other education needs are served by numerous government colleges, the Liaquat Medical College and specialized vocational institutions.

Industry

Incorporated as a municipality in 1853, it is an important commercial and industrial center. Its economic activities include textile, sugar, cement, and hosiery mills, manufacturing of glass, soap, ice, paper, and plastics. There are hide tanneries and sawmills.

Ornamented silks, silver-work, gold-work and lacquer ware are also some of its exclusive products. Noteworthy antiquities include the tombs of the Kalhora and Talpur ruler, palaces of the former amirs of Sind.

Quick Facts Known as Paris of India before creation of Pakistan

Newly developed settlements and industrial estates surround the congested old city area. An noteworthy characteristic of this city is, badgirs (wind-catchers) fixed to housetops to catch sea breezes during the hot summer season. A hospital, municipal gardens, zoo, sports stadium, and several literary societies are in the city.

Famous for its cool breeze and balmy nights, and known for its Bombay Bakery Cakes, its delicate bangles and the paagalkhana called Giddu Bandar. Its spacious houses are known for their manghan, roshandans or ventillators and it is also known as "mangham jo shahar."

Transport

Hyderabad is a communication center, connected by rail with Peshawar and Karachi. Airport, once it was a modestly good airport, now alomost defunct. PIA used to operate 3 flights a week. Charterted flights can still land at Hyderabad airport.

Road network The national highway passes through Hyderabad also called N5 (which is goes southwest), N9 (which is the same road going north), super highway, national highway, KLP road (Karachi, Lahore Peshawer road), Hala road etc.

Railways Hyderabad is a major junction of Pakistan Railways, meaning railway lines go at least in 3 directions.

• Down country i.e. south to Karachi
• Up country i.e. north to Tando Jam, Nawabshah, Ghotki (Sukkur), Rahimyar Khan, Lahore, Rawalpindi (Islamabad) and Peshawar.
• And Towards East