It may not have been the muse of poets, but river Musi is a legend of sorts, with its romantic and historic significance attached to Hyderabad.
Clearly, not just its name, but Hyderabad has a special relevance attached to river Musi, which in all probability will get a new life if the Andhra Pradesh government successfully implements the beautification project.
The rulers drew a roadmap and elaborate plans were made for development of Hyderbad, making it a planned city, with sufficient precautionary measures to tackle natural disasters. That is quite evident in the way the city progressing today. (Picture
On the positive side, the floods was a lesson for the rulers and that was where the modern era of development took roots.
According to history, over 15,000 people were killed and an equal number rendered homeless after the Musi floods of 1908. To cope with the enormity of devastation the then ruler, sixth Nizam Mir Hahboob Ali Khan, opened the gates of his palace to
Of course, the calm river flowing through Hyderabad wasn't all about nature's bounty and love stories, but it was the reason of misery everytime it was in a spate. As per records there were over 112 floods in Hyderabad since 1572 AD and the worst
By then Bhagmati had converted to Islam and had got the title as Hyder Mahal. Once again in honour of his wife, the emperor renamed Bhaganagar as Hyderabad, according to history. (Picture: CD cover of the animation film "Bhaggmati- The Queen of
When the fort of Golconda faced severe shortage of water and other resources, the emperor shifted the capital to Bhaganagar. (Picture: A view of the Golconda fort)
After his wedding to Bhagmati, Quli Qutub Shah was crowned the emperor. As a gift to his bride, he renamed Chichlam as Bhaganagar. (Picture: Screenshot of the animation film "Bhaggmati- The Queen of Fortunes")
Quli Qutub Shah's father couldn't bear his son risking his life while crossing the dangerous river to meet his beloved. So, he built a bridge across the river which exists today and is known as Purana Pul (old bridge). There are many new bridges
As a prince, he travelled across Musi- which linked Golconda and Chichlam, often braving the flood waters to meet his lady love on the other side of the river. (Picture: A view of Golconda fort)
Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah, before he became the fifth ruler of Golconda, was in love with a local dancer named Bhagmati. She lived in a cottage in Chichlam village, located on the southern bank of Musi.
Till recently, the reputation of Musi as the river of destruction was etched in the minds of people as it was the cause of floods and devastations in the early decades of the 20th century. But decades before that, it was the river where the love of
The beautification process of Musi's banks which includes the construction of interception and diversion structures has been referred to the Centre, seeking its financial assistance.
While Hyderabad owes its birth to Musi, the river, despite losing its charm to urban development, is a reminiscent of Andhra Pradesh's glorious past. That is why the state government is now keen on beautifying it at a cost of Rs 922 cr. (Photo for