Chowmahallat (4 Palaces) was the official residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad state. It was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. Chow means four and Mahalat (plural of Mahel) means palaces, hence the name Chowmahallat/four palaces. All ceremonial functions including the accession of the Nizams and receptions for the Governor-General were held at this palace.
While Salabat Jung initiated its construction in 1750, the fifth Nizam ensured its completion between 1857 and 1869. It is believed to be modelled on Shah of Iran's palace in Tehran.
This palace consists of two courtyards, southern courtyard and norhtern courtyard. They have elegant palaces, the grand Khilwat (the Durbar Hall), fountains and gardens. The palace originally covered 45 acres but only 14 acres remain now. The Southern courtyard is the oldest part of the palace and has four palaces Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal and Aftab Mahal. It was build in the neo-classical style
The Northern courtyard has Bara Imam, a long corridor of rooms on the east side facing the administrative wing and Shishe-Alat meaning mirror image.
The Khilwat Mubarak is heart of Chowmahalla Palace. It is held in high esteem as it was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. The grand pillared Durbar Hall has a pure marble platform on which the Takht-e-Nishan or the royal seat was laid. Here the Nizams held their durbar and other religious and symbolic ceremonies.
The Clock Tower above the main gate to Chowmahalla Palace has been ticking away for around 250 years. An expert family of clock repairers winds the mechanical clock every week the name of clock repairer is Mohammed Khasimnow his son Mohammed Hussain is the Proprietor.
The Council Hall building houses a rare collection of manuscripts and priceless books.The Nizam often met important officials here. Today it is venue for temporary exhibitions from the treasures of the Chowmahalla Palace Collection that offers a glimpse of a bygone era.
The present Nizam (Barkat Ali Khan Mukarram Jah, Pretender) and his family decided to restore the Chowmahalla Palace and open it to the public in January 2005. It took over 5 years to document and restore the palaces of first courtyard to its former glory.
Source: wikipedia / wikitravel
Visiting hours 10am -5pm Closed on Fridays and National Holidays ...
