Purani Haveli is a palace of architectural splendour, which shows the Nizam art. The Nizam art evolves in the post Mughal era and the inception of colonial empire in India. This palace shows the architectural excellence of Mughal architecture. Therefore this palace is one of the popular attractions to the national and international tourists.

Location of Purani Haveli
Purani Haveli is located in Hyderabad, which is now the capital of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for a span of 10 years. Purani Haveli was the official home of the Nizams of Hyderaabd from the 17th Century. It lies in the southeast of Afzal Gunj Bridge in Hyderabad.

History of Purani Haveli
Purani Haveli was also known as the Haveli Khadeem. The term Haveli Khadeem means the "old mansion". The Purani Haveli was constructed by Ali Khan Bahadur, Asaf Jha II for his son Sikander Jha, Asaf Jha III at the advent of Nizam rule in Hyderabad. At that time Hyderabad was known as the Princely State of Hyderabad. Originally, the place was supposed to be the residence of Mir Momen, the Prime Minister of Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, ruler of Hyderabad during the Qutub Shahi dynasty in the late 16th century, just after the decline of Mughal Dynasty. When the 18th century rolled in, the place was renovated by the second Nizam, Asaf Jah II, with the intention of giving it to his son and successor, Sikandar Jah, the third Nizam of Hyderabad. However, when the latter assumed the mantle, Sikandar Jah decided to transfer his residency to the Khilwat complex in Chowmahalla, which is known as the Chowmahalla Palace. The building became known as Purani Haveli, and was relegated to the sidelines. When Nawab Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Siddiqi, the sixth Nizam, made it his official residence in the 19th century, the palace regained most of its former glory.

Architecture of Purani Haveli
Purani Haveli is a "U" shaped complex with one storey built in the European style and surrounded by two double storied rhombus wings corresponding to each other while the residential palace is located perpendicularly in the centre. The main building of Purani Haveli is somewhat similar to the 18th century European palaces. In the palace compound there is the Nizam`s museum, which is, dedicated to the last Nizam of Hyderabad.

Library in Purani Haveli
Purani Haveli is one of the important landmarks in Hyderabad. A library and the Mukarram Jah Technical Institute also constitute part of the complex of Purani Haveli. A museum exhibiting the seventh Nizam`s collection of gifts is also present for the national and international tourists.