Hyderabad's Complex History and the Myth of Bhagyanagar
Hyderabad, the capital of modern-day Telangana, is a city steeped in history and culture. Many tourists and historians alike are intrigued by the city's numerous aliases and its evolution over the centuries. One such mystery is the name 'Bhagyanagar' and whether it was previously used for Hyderabad.
No, Hyderabad was never known as Bhagyanagar
Hyderabad's origins began with the region being called Baghnagar and later renamed to Hyderabad. This name change was first documented by European travelers in the 17th century, including von Poser and Thévenot, who noted both names in use at that time. Baghnagar was the original name given to the region where the city now stands.
The Cultural and Linguistic Background
The linguistic evolution of the region played a crucial role in the city's nomenclature. Dakhini, a Muslim court language of the Deccan Plateau, emerged around the year 1300 AD. It is similar to Urdu but has a distinct character, influenced heavily by Persian and Hindi, while incorporating elements from Arabic, Persian, Konkani, Marathi, Telugu, and Kannada.
Technically, Was It Really Reneamed as Bhagyanagar?
The notion that the city was once known as Bhagyanagar stems from anecdotal evidence and local folklore. According to historical evidence and linguistic analysis, Hyderabadi people used the term Golconda as well, as it was the capital of the Quli Qutb Shah dynasty. A city was built near Golconda, and it was named Bhaghnagar, which translates to 'City of Gardens' in the local dialect.
Myth Busting: The Bhagmati and Muhammed Quli Qutb Shah Love Story
The story of Bhagmati and her love with Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the eighteenth sultan of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, is a popular tale but lacks substantial historical evidence. Mr. Haseeb Jafferi, a leader from Sufi Trails, noted that the story is a fairy tale. Bhagmati, if she existed, did not live in Hyderabad but in a nearby village called Chanchalam.
Renaming Attempts and the 1956 Andhra Pradesh Formation
While there have been some feeble suggestions to rename Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar after the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1956, no formal or widespread changes were ever implemented. These suggestions were based on the unconfirmed love story and not on any significant historical or linguistic grounds.
Conclusion
Hyderabad's rich history is a blend of diverse cultures and languages, and while it was referred to as Bhaghnagar, it was never known as Bhagyanagar. The name 'Hyderabad' is deeply rooted in the local dialect and the region's history. Understanding this history can enhance our appreciation of the city's development and rich cultural heritage.
For more in-depth information, visit Living in Hyd or Travelling in Hyderabad.