Century Ago, Driving Licenses Were Worn as Wrist Watches
The inscriptions, imprints, and administrative markings on the badge indicate that during the early stages of motor vehicle usage in the Hyderabad State, driving permissions were issued under the supervision of the Kotwali (police department).
Hyderabad: Long before the paper-based driving licensing system came into vogue in Hyderabad decades ago, round metal badges — made of brass or bronze — were issued as driving permits to two-wheeler, four-wheeler and transport vehicle drivers in the erstwhile Hyderabad State under the erstwhile Nizam administration.
This century-old historical artefact, which is a part of Warangal numismatist Ragi Vaikunthachari's collection, reflects transport and law-and-order systems that prevailed during the Nizam's rule. The round metal badge features loops (hooks) attached to both sides, allowing it to be worn on the waist or on the arm. Historical evidence suggests that drivers of motor vehicles during that era wore this badge as a mark of official authorisation.
On the rear side, the name "Button Factory" is clearly visible in English, and the same details are also recorded in Urdu. In addition, Urdu numerals — the licence number 1163 and Fasli year 1330 — are engraved at the top of the badge. The Fasli year 1330 corresponds to the English calendar year 1920.
According to Vaikunthachari, Urdu inscriptions on the badge translate to "Sadar Muhakma Kotwali Balda" (Headquarters of the Hyderabad City Kotwali / City Police Commissionerate) and "Muhammad Khan ko motor chalane ki ijazat di jaati hai" (Permission is granted to Muhammad Khan to drive a motor vehicle).
The inscriptions, imprints, and administrative markings on the badge indicate that during the early stages of motor vehicle usage in the Hyderabad State, driving permissions were issued under the supervision of the Kotwali (police department). Vaikunthachari said preserving such rare historical objects helps convey the history of the Hyderabad State to future generations.
