Purani Haveli

Purani Haveli-(Msarrat Mahal palace)
Purani Haveli-(Msarrat Mahal palace)
General information
Type	Royal Palace
Location	Old City, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Current tenants	Nizam Museum ; City Museum
Completed	1880s

Purani Haveli also known as Masarrat Mahal palace is a palace located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It was the official residence of the Nizam. It was also known as Haveli Khadeem, which means old mansion, was constructed for Sikander Jah, Asaf Jah III (1803–1829) by his father Ali Khan Bahadur, Asaf Jah II.^[1]^[2]

History[]

The second Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Nizam Ali Khan had taken over this from Rukunudhaulah of the Momin dynasty, in 1717. The main building is a symbol of 18th-century European architecture. His successor Sikander Jah lived here for some time and later shifted to Chowmahalla Palace. Due to this, these buildings are called Purani Haveli. In this building complex, Ayina Khaana (Mirror House) and Chini Khaana (Chinese Glass House) were constructed.^[3]

The sixth and seventh Nizams were born at this palace, and did spend a part of their life at this palace.

Now the South Zone Deputy Commissioner of Police (Hyderabad) and South Zone Task Force Police Addl DCP offices are being functioned here.

The Palace[]

The Haveli is "U" in shape, with two oblong wings running parallel to each other and the residential palace located perpendicularly in the middle. The main building resembles 18th-century European palaces. A unique feature of this palace is the world's longest wardrobe, built in two levels with a hand-cranked wooden lift(elevator) in place. This occupies the entire length of one wing of the palace.

The Museum[]

Nizam's museum located in the palace

The palace also houses the Nizam's museum, which is dedicated to the last Nizam of Hyderabad state. Currently the palace is being used as a school and as an Industrial training institute.