Visit the Magnificent Purani Haveli: An 18th Century Palace of the Nizams in Hyderabad

Last updated on February 28, 2023

The Grandeur of 18th Century Palace – Purani Haveli – Once the Official Residence of the Nizams!

Purani_Haveli_Hyderabad_01 — The grandeur of Purani Haveli | Image Credit

Masarrat Mahal, more commonly known as Purani Haveli, is an impressive palace located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It was once the official residence of the Nizam and was also known as Haveli Khadeem, meaning ‘old mansion’.

This royal residence was built for Sikander Jah, Asaf Jah III by his father, Ali Khan Bahadur, Asaf Jah II.

The Purani Haveli palace, built in 18th-century European architectural style, was the home of Sikander Jah prior to his move to the Chowmahalla Palace. Once he moved to Chowmahalla palace, this building lost its prominence and started to be known as Purani Haveli meaning “Old Mansion”
This complex also features the Ayina Khaana (Mirror House) and Chini Khaana (Chinese Glass House).
This was the Palace where the sixth and seventh Nizams were born and spent a part of their lives.

The Haveli is “U” shaped, with two wings extending parallel to each other, and the residential palace is situated perpendicularly in the centre. The palace is home to the Nizam’s Museum, commemorating the last Nizam of Hyderabad state. This museum displays the presents bestowed on the 25th anniversary of the last Nizam, Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII.
The wardrobe of the sixth nizam, considered to be the world’s longest walk-through wardrobe at 176 ft, occupies one full oblong wing of the Haveli.

The palace is now being utilized for educational purposes, as well as an industrial training institute – the Mukarram Jah Technical Institute. The school run here is the Mukarram Jah School which was established in 1987 and operates from five ancillary buildings surrounding the main palace.

Although not a lot of tourists coming to Hyderabad visit the Purani Haveli, visiting this place should be on the list of any history lover’s trip. Located only a few kilometers away from Chowmahalla Palace, the Purani Haveli can be easily accessed by Ola or Uber if you do not have your own transportation. If you are taking your own vehicle there is nothing to be worried about. There is ample car parking in the museum compound though the access to the palace is through extremely narrow roads.

The building has not been maintained well. The Trust should take action to ensure the building is properly maintained and preserve the culture and history of the Nizams.