Dewan Devdi was the former palace of the nobles of Salar Jungs. This palace has the intricate art works but all are perishing with the grasp of time. The magnificent Diwan Devdi which now houses a transport and shopping complex reflects the disregard and apathy of citizens of Hyderabad.
Location of Dewan Devdi
Dewan Devdi is situated close to Charminar and Chowmahalla Palace in Hyderabad, the capital city of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for ten years.
History of Dewan Devdi
Dewan Devdi belonged to Salar Jungs. The Nizams, the Salar Jung I, II and III lived, played a significant political, administrative and cultural role in the history of the erstwhile Hyderabad. It was from here that the Prime Ministers ran the administration of the State during different periods of Asaf Jahi rulers. It was here that the Salar Jungs, especially the first, Mir Turab Ali Khan, and the third, Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, developed a fancy for collecting art objects. Dewan Devdi was in the possession of Mubaris Khan, the Viceroy of the Deccan appointed by the Mughal Emperor before the First Nizam took over Hyderabad from him, in 1724. The other famous occupants before the Salar Jungs were Nawab Mir Alam and his son-in-law, Nawab Muneer-ul-Mulk, both prime ministers during early Asaf Jahi period. But it was during the tenure of Sir Salar Jung-I as Diwan, between 1853-1883, the Dewan Devdi shot into prominence and got its popular name. A dynamic and powerful prime minister, he was instrumental in reforming financial, revenue and judicial administration of the Princely State of Hyderabad. It was during his 30-year tenure that the palace played a key role in governance, life-style of nobles and architecture of buildings. He had added several extensions to the main palace of Dewan Devdi.
Importance of Dewan Devdi
There were five people from the family, who served as Prime Ministers of the Hyderabad state, the proximity of Dewan Devdi to the Nizams were important.
Architecture of Dewan Devdi
There are two gateways of Dewan Devdi that were built in the later half of the 19th Century, and have been listed not just because they were at the threshold of one of the significant phases of Hyderabad`s history but owing to their architecture. The double storied northern gate of Dewan Devdi meant for visitors from the North, consists of three cusped arches, one inside and the others leading to what was once a huge courtyard. The first floor over the gate was used for playing "Roshan Chowki" and drums thrice a day and on special occasions when there were royal visits to the "Devdi". The ministers built wooden pavilions, garden houses and large residential quarters with courtyards in the then walled city and Karwan.
Rooms of Dewan Devdi
Dewan Devdi has some 78 rooms in it. It had different buildings like Aina Khana, Lakkad Kotha, Chini Khana, Nizam Bagh and Noor Mahal, which no more exist. There is now a local bazaar and grocery market.
Salar Jung Museum for the Tourists
Dewan Devdi also housed the Salar Jung Museum. The museum was inaugurated on 16th December 1951 by Jawaharlal Nehru and its priceless collection was housed in this 100-year-old palace, a private collection of the Salar Jungs, before it moved to its present location.
