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Secunderabad

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Secunderabad
సికింద్రాబాదు
سکندرآباد
Sikandarabad
Secbad
Neighbourhood
Secunderabad Clock Tower, a famous landmark of the city
Secunderabad Clock Tower, a famous landmark of the city
Nickname: 
Secbad
CountryIndia
StateAndhra Pradesh
RegionTelangana
DistrictHyderabad
Founded bySikandar Jah
Named forSikandar Jah
Elevation
543 m (1,781 ft)
Population
 (2001)
 • Total204,182
Languages
 • OfficialTelugu
Urdu
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Telephone code040
Vehicle registrationAP 9,AP 10,AP 11,AP 12,AP 13,AP 14
Websitewww.ghmc.gov.in


Secunderabad or Sikandar-a-bad listenⓘTelangana, popularly known as the twin city of Hyderabad is located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Named after Sikandar Jah, the IIIrd Nizam of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, Secunderabad was founded in 1806 AD as a British cantonment. Although Hyderabad and Secunderabad are together referred to as the twin cities, they have both different histories and cultures, with Secunderabad having developed directly under British rule until 1948 and Hyderabad as the capital of the Nizams' princely state.[1] Geographically divided from Hyderabad by the Hussain Sagar, Secunderabad is no longer a separate municipal unit and has become part of Hyderabad Vatsal. Both cities are collectively known as Hyderabad and together form the sixth largest metropolis in India. Being one of the largest cantonments in India, Secunderabad has a large army and air force presence.[2][3]

History

Banner celebrating 200 years of Secunderabad
James street circa 1880, was an important shopping district in Secunderabad

Secunderabad until recently had its own municipality and city government. Secunderabad was the area in Hyderabad which was under the direct control of the British.

Secunderabad was founded as a British cantonment after the Hyderabad Nizam Asaf Jah II was defeated at the hands of the British East India Company and was forced to sign the Treaty of Subsidiary Alliance in the year 1798 AD.[4][5] He had to sign the subsidiary alliance treaty in order to gain the support of the British troops parked in tents in the open areas of the maidan of the village Ulwul, north-east of Hussain Sagar, the lake that separates Secunderabad from its twin city Hyderabad. Later, in 1803, Nizam Sikandar Jah, the third Nizam of Hyderabad, renamed Ulwul as Secunderabad after himself.[4] The city was formed in 1806, after the order was signed by the Nizam alloting the land north of Hussain Sagar to set up the British Cantonment.[6] The twin cities are separated by the man-made Hussain Sagar lake, which was built during the reign of the Qutb Shahi dynasty in the 16th century. Unlike Hyderabad, the official language of Secunderabad was English.[7] Secunderabad was exempted from customs duty on imported good thus making trade very profitable. Various new markets such as Regimental Bazaar and General Bazaar were created. After the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, the construction of a seven metre high wall was started at Trimulgherry and completed in 1867.[7] Secunderabad Railway Station one of the largest in India which is also the zonal headquarters of South Central Railway was established in 1874. The King Edward Memorial Hospital, now known as Gandhi Hospital was established in 1851. A Civil Jail (now a heritage building known as Old Jail complex near Monda Market) was also established.[8] Originally constructed in 1860 as the country house of the British Resident at Hyderabad, the Residency House is now known as the Rashtrapati Nilayam, the official retreat of the President of India.[9]

Trimulgherry Entrenchment where British troops were stationed

Sir Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II, was posted in Secunderabad during the 1880s as a subaltern in the British Army.[10] Sir Ronald Ross conducted his initial research on the cause of malaria in the city of Secunderabad.[11] The original building is today called the Sir Ronald Ross Institute and is located on Minister Road. Secunderabad Municipality was formed in 1945 and in 1950 this was upgraded to Secunderabad Corporation along with Hyderabad Corporation. In 1964 both these corporations were merged to form a single Municipal Corporation.[12] Today Secunderabad is part of the Hyderabad district. Secunderabad celebrated two hundred years of its formation in 2006.

Post-Independence, the Secunderabad Cantonment Board came under the jurisdiction of the Indian Armed forces. Consequently large military units were established. The popular neighbourhoods in Secunderabad are Paradise Circle, Trimulgherry, Marredpally, Sitaphalmandi, Kharkhana, Ranigunj,[New Bhoiguda, Secunderabad] etc. Begumpet Airport is close to Secunderabad and served both the cities until early 2008.

Road sign by MCH

Geography

Lake Hussain Sagar, which separates the city of Secunderabad from Hyderabad

Secunderabad is located at 17°27′N 78°30′E / 17.45°N 78.5°E / 17.45; 78.5.[13] north of Hyderabad. Situated on the Deccan Plateau, Secunderabad has an average elevation of 543 metres (1781 ft). Most of the area has a rocky terrain and some areas are hilly. Secunderabad is connected to Hyderabad by Rastrapathi Road (formerly known as King's Way) and MG Road (commonly known as James' Street) via Tank Bund.

Climate

Secunderabad has a tropical wet and dry climate that borders on a semi-arid climate, with hot summers from late February to early June, the monsoon season from late June to early October and a pleasant winter from late October to early February. In the evenings and mornings, the climate is relatively cooler. Most of rains are concentrated in the monsoon months from June to September.

Climate data for Secunderabad India (1951–1980)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 28.6
(83.5) 		31.8
(89.2) 		35.2
(95.4) 		37.6
(99.7) 		38.8
(101.8) 		34.4
(93.9) 		30.5
(86.9) 		29.6
(85.3) 		30.1
(86.2) 		30.4
(86.7) 		28.8
(83.8) 		27.8
(82.0) 		32.0
(89.6)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 14.7
(58.5) 		17.0
(62.6) 		20.3
(68.5) 		24.1
(75.4) 		26.0
(78.8) 		23.9
(75.0) 		22.5
(72.5) 		22.0
(71.6) 		21.7
(71.1) 		20.0
(68.0) 		16.4
(61.5) 		14.1
(57.4) 		20.2
(68.4)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 3.2
(0.13) 		5.2
(0.20) 		12.0
(0.47) 		21.0
(0.83) 		37.3
(1.47) 		96.1
(3.78) 		163.9
(6.45) 		171.1
(6.74) 		185.5
(7.30) 		90.9
(3.58) 		16.2
(0.64) 		6.1
(0.24) 		812.5
(31.99)
Source: [14]

Demographics

Secunderabad had a population of 204,182. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Secunderabad has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; male literacy is 78%, and female literacy is 68%. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. The city has a sizable population of Anglo-Indians who mainly resided in the South Lallaguda area of Secunderabad which was popularly known as Little England.[15] Many Anglo-Indians have emigrated to other countries in the Anglosphere over the last few decades.[16]

See also: List of cities in Andhra Pradesh

Culture

Garden Restaurant established 1952, opposite to the Clock Tower[17]

Due to the presence of communities such as Parsis, Anglo-Indians alongside British and native inhabitants, Secunderabad was historically a cosmopolitan city.[7] Though the cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad are twins, they are different in the layout of buildings, the style of life and the very atmosphere.[18] Secunderabad used to be referred to by the locals as Lashkar meaning the army and the city's culture reflected the same. Secunderabad was a liberal city compared to Hyderabad due the presence of the British.

Plaza cinema was the only theatre in India where viewers could sip beer while watching a movie. Sangeet was a popular cinema theatre that screened only western movies.[19]

Secunderabad has several restaurants and shopping centres. The popular Secunderabad Club was established in 1878 at a country house gifted by Salar Jung I. Secunderabad has a more laid-back atmosphere due to the fact that it is mainly a residential area with fewer government offices and corporate establishments. The army and railway institutions in the city add to its cultural identity.

Secunderabad Club c. 1902

Many outdoor events such as Republic Day parade and fairs are held in the gymkhana or parade grounds. Christmas is celebrated by the Christian residents. An annual festival known as the Bonalu Jatara is celebrated by the Telangana Hindus of the region. It is usually held during the Ashada jathara which is at the start of the monsoon season.[20] Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, is observed by the local Muslims. The culture of Secunderabad is distinctly different from that of Hyderabad's Nawabi culture.[16][18][21]

Diana Hayden who won the Femina Miss India contest in 1997 and was crowned Miss World 1997 was from Secunderabad.

Economy

ITC, Infosys, Mahindra Satyam and Coromandel International are some of the major private companies which have their offices in Secunderabad. Being the headquarters of South Central Railway, Secunderabad is a major centre for railway activity. Industrial areas such as Bolarum, Moula-Ali, Nacharam, Ghatkesar, Uppal etc. are in Secunderabad. Secunderabad Cantonment Board houses a large number of defence units. Units of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) such as Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), ECIL etc. are close to Secunderabad.[22]

Administration

Regional passport office in Secunderabad

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), established in 2007, is responsible for the administration and infrastructure of Secunderabad. During Nizam's period Secunderabad Cantonment was given under the control of the British Raj—today those areas and most parts of Secunderabad, where defence installations are located is under the purview of Secunderabad Cantonment Board. Secunderabad Corporation, was established in 1950. In 1955 it was merged with Hyderabad Corporation. Secunderabad Municipality office which was located on Sardar Patel Road is to be demolished for metro rail project. The new office will be located at West Marredpally.[23]

Secunderbad forms a part of Secunderabad Lok Sabha constituency and comprises seven legislative assembly seats. The present member of parliament is from Indian National Congress

Media

The major English dailies Deccan Chronicle, Financial Chronicle and Telugu daily Andhra Bhoomi are published from Secunderabad. FM radio Radio Mirchi is located at SP Road, Secunderabad.

Sports

No major stadiums are located in Secunderabad. However some open grounds belonging to Railways and Defence are used for various activities. These are Gymkhana Ground, Parade Ground, Polo Ground, Bollarum Golf Course and Railway Golf Course.

Transport

Secunderabad Railway Station, the busiest rail and bus junction in the city
Tank Bund road, an important road which connects the cities of Secunderabad and Hyderabad[4]

The city is the head-quarters of the South Central Railway Zone of the Indian Railways. It is served by one of the oldest and largest railway station popularly known as the Secunderabad Railway Station in the twin cities. Secunderabad is also a major railway junction in the Wadi-Vijayawada railway route.

Secunderabad is also a major hub for the city bus transport run by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and is well connected to all corners of both Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Major bus stations are the Jubilee Bus Station and the Rathfile Bus station .

Tankbund road is a historical and an important road which connects the two cities. Abutting the Hussain sagar lake, the Tankbund road is an arterial road and the main thoroughfare connecting Secunderabad with Hyderabad.

The nearest airport is Hyderabad International Airport. Till March 2008, Begumpet Airport was the nearest airport.

Educational Institutions

See also: List of educational institutions in Secunderabad

Due to the prolonged presence of the British, Secunderabad has convent schools established by Christian missionaries.

Research institutes such as National Institute of Nutrition, Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, etc. are in Tarnaka close to Secunderabad.

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Secunderabad.
  1. ^ Hyderabad-Secunderabad India - History -hyderabad-secunderabad.com
  2. ^ Indiastudychannel.com
  3. ^ SCB.aponline.gov.in
  4. ^ a b c Shyamola Khanna. "Harmony Org". Harmonyindia.org. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  5. ^ "Hyderabad History". GHMC. Retrieved 30 July 2010.
  6. ^ "News" (PDF). India e News. Retrieved 30 July 2010.
  7. ^ a b c "Bridging two cultures". Narendra Luther. Retrieved 1 August 2010.
  8. ^ "64th Meeting Minutes". Hyderabad Urban Development Authority. 27 May 2006. Retrieved 2 August 2010.
  9. ^ "President Patil arriving Hyderabad on 15-day southern sojourn | TopNews". Topnews.in. 27 December 2008. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  10. ^ Globalsecurity.org
  11. ^ "The Hindu dt. 13th May 2010". Chennai, India: Te Hindu. 13 May 2010. Retrieved 1 August 2010.
  12. ^ GHMC.gov.in
  13. ^ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Secunderabad
  14. ^ "Hyderabad". July 2011. Retrieved 30 May 2010.
  15. ^ "Pedal power". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 18 November 2003.
  16. ^ a b Venkateshwarlu, K. (8 March 2011). "A captivating tale of a twin city". The Hindu. Chennai, India.
  17. ^ "Irani Chai Hona?". articles http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 2011-07-03,. Retrieved 2011-07-03. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); External link in |publisher= (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  18. ^ a b "Hyderabad-Secunderabad India - History". hyderabad-secunderabad.com. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  19. ^ "Sangeet theatre to fade into oblivion". Chennai, India: The Hindu. 18 August 2007. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  20. ^ "Lashkar Bonalu kicks off at Ujjaini temple tomorrow". The Times Of India. 16 July 2011.
  21. ^ "Press release (PR) distribution / newswire service from India PRwire" (PDF). Indiaenews.com. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  22. ^ Andhrapradeshstate.in
  23. ^ "GHMC Sec'bad office to make way for metro rail". Times of India. 9 November 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2012.

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