Newspaper: Nizam had 350 kg of Diamonds

Shared Moments; Naimathullah & Arshia

“CELEBRATING EID WITH HYDERABADI FRIENDS IS LIKE NOTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD” says Mr. Naimath Mohammed, Secretary

For this Year Awards Night -Flair & Sophisticated Looks

                  
Two acclaimed honorees -who know how to make a statement -will show you how to dress with distinction as they stand at the podium to address two hundred or so guest who came to attend the annual event of Hicksville Chamber of Commerce at the Westbury Manor. Dr. Dev Ratnam received Presidents award and Mr Hussain Baqueri for the Community Service.

Dr. Dev Ratnam, is an entreprenuer and the President of the Rotary Club of Hicksville. He is also very well known in the community as a philanthropist and he serves on the board of several non profits. He is on the board and as a Trustee for Interfaith Nutrition Network since 1995. Had been on the Board of Indo American Cancer Foundation under and thanks to his efforts have an outstanding Cancer Hospital in Hyderabad. Associated with South Asian Council for Social Services in Flushing, New York as an enthusiastic supporter of its services for the recent South Asian Immigrants who need help in settling down in America. Dr.Ratnam, a Phd from Penn State University in solid state science, is originally from Hyderabad and presently lives in Brookeville with his wife Dr.Runi Ratnam and two children.

Mr Hussain Baqueri, who is a pilot, an entreprenuer and the Executive Vice President of Hyderabadi Cultural Association. He is also the Secretary for Nargis Dutt Cancer Foundation and member of several non profits on Long Island. Hyderabadis know Hussain for his service above self and pleasingly gentle personality. Hussain is married to Noor Baqueri and lives in Albertson.
                                                                   

                         On Your Mark, Get Set, Go & Win

In a separate event Mr Hussain Baqueri won the third place in Entenmann's South Bay 5k half marathon held on Saturday 6 October 2012 at Bayshore Marina. Entenmann promote health, wellness, exercise, and nutrition. Proceeds of the event will be used for Tri-ing for Kids (TFK) an organization of all individuals of all athletic abilities inspired to compete a personal goal for a cause greater then themselves. TFK raises money and awareness by completing endurance events to help provide financial support for children in need.

Remarkable Diaspora: Krishna Madhuri Rallapalli

Humble, at the root. Madhuri Rallapalli is a real role model for inspiring our community. She walks two miles in the rain and cold to the Asamai Center in Hicksville where she volunteers on Sunday mornings. Started by Rotary Club’s philosophy of “Service Above Self”  Rota-Paal computer training Program,  where Madhuri passionately puts in hours of work to teach computers as a structured group instruction in Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Keyboarding, and Internet application to the South Asian adult community. Madhuri arrived from Hyderabad last year with her husband and is already making a difference in the lives of several South Asians who need computer skills for employment or for their daily lives. Before coming to the USA Madhuri worked at Capgemini India for their investment banking advisory wing. Madhuri is simply brilliant, dedicated and passionate about community, which is an excellent quality for a volunteer tutor, says Mr. Quddus Mohammed, who is the founder of Rota-Paal along with Mrs Vimmi Sikka, the Charter President of Rotary Club of Jericho Sunrise. "Adult education is challenging and she is a perfect fit for this" said Mrs. Arti Datta, a volunteer tutor for this program. “She is extremely proficient in MS Office but more importantly a uniquely pleasant”. The Rota-Paal programs are aimed to provide guidance and learning to the South Asian adult immigrant Community on Long Island. The level one Computer classes started on September 15th is a six week program with focus on basic MS Office which include Word, Excel, resume writing or flyer making using Word Art Application. The response for the computer class was phenomenal, says Mr. Quddus " Our Service Above Self volunteers will agree with me to continue these sessions throughout the year based on specific skill level – beginner, intermediate, and advanced". The team is considering to start one day programs on specific topics for advance users like how to use Excel Pivot Tables or creating dynamic tables or dynamic charting for work environment. The best part of this program is that it is absolutely free.

Dallas Hyderabadi Association Wishes Eid Mubarak

EID GREETINGS

Socha kisi apne se baat karun,
Apne kisi khaas ko yaad karun,
Kiya jo faisla eid mubarak kehne ka,
Dil ne kaha kyun na HCA of Greater New York se shuruaat karun:)

Mere aur mere ahle-Khana ki janib se aap ko dili

*EID MUBARAK *

Arshad Nizam

Past President of Dallas Hyderbabadi Association

EID MUBARAK

CELEBRATE YOUR EID WITH HYDERABADI FRIENDS

RSVP TODAY AT: HCAOFGNY@GMAIL.COM

HCA Marches in India Day Parade in Hicksville, Long Island

The President Mr. Quddus Mohammed and his wife Seema Zaki were holding the banner of Hyderabadi Cultural Association as they march in the India Parade in Hicksville, Long Island along with Mr Naimath Ullah and other friends.

The Long Island Indian community was extremely excited as they celebrated the first parade. The Bollywood celebrity star Vinod Khanna and his wife were the chief guests and several executives of Nassau County including County Executive Hon Ed Mangano attended the parade. Colorful floats and marchers holding Indian flags and over 2,500 community members marched in the parade as the Hicksville community distributed free water and cold drinks to the marchers as a mark of Indian solidarity.

Hyderabad'​s Charm Found in Ramadan Delights - NYTimes.co​m

Friday, August 10, 2012

Hyderabad’s Charm Found in Ramadan Delights

By APARNA ALLURI

Mahesh Kumar/Associated PressPeople break their fast outside the Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, July 21, 2012.

 

Hyderabad, the Scottish historian William Dalrymple wrote, hides “its charms from the eyes of outsiders, veiling its splendors from curious eyes behind nondescript walls and labyrinthine backstreets.” But some secrets, like Hyderabad’s sinfully rich food, perhaps its greatest charm, are hard to keep. And the month of Ramadan is ideal for discovering the city’s most indulgent dishes.
A graceful, 400-year-old city, Hyderabad’s aristocratic order has given way to wealth born of industry, real estate and entrepreneurship. Once it became the capital of Andhra Pradesh, families from the traditionally Hindu coastal belts to the east populated the infertile, rocky city; then, with the boom in software and outsourcing, people began pouring in from all over India seeking jobs. Today’s Hyderabad is a curious mix of Hindu and Muslim, of native and settler, of old and new.

But the month of Ramadan, known as Ramzan in India, offers a peek into the city’s culinary past. When dusk arrives during Ramadan, with a shrill siren that signals the end of fasting, the narrow streets of Hyderabad’s old city fill up fast with vendors, shoppers and food buffs. What awaits the hungry are simmering pots of biryani with a distinctly Hyderabadi flavor; endless bowls of haleem — a thick, spicy paste of lamb and wheat, cooked to perfection; dried apricots and fresh cream served together as the wildly popular qubani-ka-meetha; and other flavors that carry the richness of a sultan’s sumptuous meal although they have been prepared in humbler kitchens.

Krishnendu Halder/Reuters“Haleem”, a dish made of wheat and meat, is distributed during Ramadan in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh in this Sept. 22, 2008 file photo.

 

Obscure restaurants light up their signboards promising the city’s best haleem – certainly the most sought-after dish at this time, partly because it’s not easily available for the rest of the year.
Mr. Dalrymple himself has recommended Salim, “the best biryani cook in Hyderabad,” in the opening pages of “White Mughals.” A decade after the book’s publication, Mr. Salim is hard to find, but there’s still plenty to choose from.

Hotel Shadab, a small, locally loved restaurant, is at its hopping best during Ramadan. Started in 1990, it has since added an air-conditioned upper floor for “ladies and families.” Rumored to serve the best haleem and biryani in town, the menu also offers fresh, soft loaves of sheermal and a decadent qubani-ka-meetha. The delicately flavored Pakistani chicken curry is a must.
Four Seasons, a restaurant that should not be confused with the luxurious hotel chain of the same name, is best known for its kebabs and biryani. But during Ramadan, its haleem, slightly spicier than most, is a hit. Fresh garlic naan goes best with the haleem. The almond kheer – milk, rice and sugar boiled together and seasoned with saffron and almonds – is a treat.

Pista House, Shah Ghouse, Sarvi and 555 are all famous for their haleem, doing a roaring business during Ramadan, as one can see from the line of vehicles waiting for takeaway orders.
The venerable Nizam Club is restricted to members only, but it brings so much to the table that it deserves a mention, especially during Ramadan. Few can cook biryani and haleem better than the chefs at this 128-year-old club established by the prime minister in Hyderabad’s erstwhile royal court. And nowhere else can you find some of the dishes on offer here, like dalcha, a sambar of meat and lentils flavored with tamarind, or the spicy, tangy mutton chutney.

But if you happen to find yourself in the city during Ramadan, do try and snag an invitation for an iftar, the evening meal after the fast is broken, or lunch on Id-al-Fitr, the day that marks the end of Ramadan, which falls on Aug. 18 this year. Hyderabad’s best restaurants notwithstanding, nothing can compare to a home-cooked meal. And it’s the best way to taste some of the more painstaking dishes, like sheer korma, a steaming pudding of milk and vermicelli, peppered with dates, which is considered an Id delicacy.

EID PARTY ANNOUNCEMENT

Shared Moments: Hussain Baqueri

Shared Moments :

19 May 2012 First Annual Gala Dinner

Dear Friends:

The happiest moments my heart knows are those in which it is pouring  forth its affections towards my  friends. The memory of  the night softens my heart. .

            I can never speak the power of shared laughter.

  Hussain Baqueri,
  Executive Vice President

A Royal Palace for Royal Books : Chowmahalla Palace

A Royal Palace for Royal Books : Chowmahalla Palace

The breath taking grandeur and style of the royal palaces constructed during the Asaf Jahi dynasty features the architectural past of 18th century Hyderabad. Chowmahalla Palace, one of the six sumptuously illustrated palaces, is located in densely populated medieval streets of old Hyderabad. Its grand arches, pillared grand hall, Italian marble statues and a marble royal seat Takht-e-Nishan was intended as the visible expression of the glory of the Nizams. Here the Nizams held their durbar and other religious and symbolic ceremonies. The masterpiece interior offer vivid insights in to Asif Jahi imperial classicism, traditions and deeper social insights of the time. Soon this will be the next home to the Royal library.

Chowmahalla palace was the royal seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and was also official residence of the Nizams VII. Architecturally modeled on Shah of Iran’s palace in Iran, the Chowmahalla or four palaces are walled within the vast gardens. The palaces are named Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal and Aftab Mahal. The three of the four palaces are single storied, while the main palace Afzal Mahal, is a two storied structure. The carefully fabricated architecture with elements of arts in its walls and ceilings and flowing from the ceiling 19 spectacular chandeliers of Belgian crystal is a symbol of royal extravagance. The two courtyards of the palace, a southern courtyard and a northern courtyard, provide a private and public space. The southern court yard host four palaces, while the Northern courtyard is a long series of rooms facing the fountain and pool to host visiting dignitaries.

HE. Asaf Ad-Dawlah, the third son of Asaf Jah initiated its construction in 1750, but it was completed by HE. Afzal Ad-Dawlah, the Nizam V between 1857 and 1869 in several phases. The exact date of construction is not known: no dated inscription or other source of information has survived. The palace originally covered 45 acres, extends from Lad bazaar in the north to Aspan Chowk in the south. But only 14 acres remain today.

Since the death of Nizam VI HE. Mir Mehboob Ali Khan in 1911 the palace was used as an official residence for foreign signatories. After the family fled in 1948, although the Palace was owned by the Asif Jah family, but it was largely disintegrated, disconnected and encroached. No one was permitted to even enter the palace gates, and gradually the palace fell into disrepair.

The present Nizam, Prince Mukarran Jah and his former Turkish wife Princess Esra showed appreciation of the monument and invited renowned architect Rahul Malhotra of RMA Architects, a Mumbai-based firm who recently completed a corporate campus project in The HITEC city of Hyderabad, to conserve and restore the Chowmahalla palace. The Princess personally oversaw every detail of the restoration project with aristocratic zeal. Rahul Malhotra said that the buildings were in a state of severe decay, damaged drainage system, molded plaster ceilings had caved in; floors of rare wood were rotting. After five years of restoration the palace opened to the public in early 2000. The visitors may step into history to gain understanding of the Asaf Jah Dynasty and also listen to the music records from Nizam’s private collection, which is played on an antique phonograph.

"The Princes gathering scattered papers dusting in the cellar of Nazri Bagh Palace, Chowmahalla Palace and Chiran Palace".


The Princess Esra has enthused scholars and historians by expressing their desire to house the treasure trove of Nizam's rare books, manuscripts and documents at the Mehtab Mahal of Chowmahalla palace belonging to sixth and seventh Nizam, reported Times of India. The library will also host eight volumes of Nizam's published poetry. A web directory is being created," said G Kishan Rao, Advisor of Chowmahalla palace. Spanning back to 16th century research scholars and historians will have access to this magnificent collection from the three Asaf Jahi palaces; Chowmahalla, Nazri Bagh and Chiran palace. There is a large collection of books and manuscripts at Falaknuma Palace library, which will be left at the location. The collection of Chiran Palace is the intellectual generosity of Prince Mukarram Jah, while the collection at Nazri Bagh is expected to be most important as this was the official residence of the Nizam until his death in 1967.

In 2,000 the Princess Esra contacted Amin Uddin Khan, a scion of Hyderabad nobility and a noted writer to take the project of saving documents dusting in the cellar of Nazri Bagh Palace. The books here are from all over the globe. The officials estimate that there are 5,000-6,000 books covering diverse subjects including history, art and culture. Several Islamic books are also part of the massive collection, including about 1,000 hand written copies of the Quran, some of which are 600 years. Among the documents also include royal decrees issued on variety of subject, correspondence between viceroys, details of visits of dignitaries and administrative records. These records date back to times of fifth, sixth and seventh Nizam, says Times.

Times of India reported that the team working on restoration found large numbers of pieces of papers over, which the Nizam had scribbled notes by pencil. A study of these documents may capture the moments of absolute importance to the history of what was going on in the mind of the Nizam who, after reaching pinnacle of power in 1937, had to merge his state into the Indian Union. The years, say between 1937 and 1948, are most crucial, writes Times.

The Chowmahalla palace’s advisor Mr. G Kishan Rao says "the library, which has already taken a decent shape will be consolidated and opened for research scholars soon. This, he believes, will help at relooking at Nizam, his contributions and the times more objectively".

Nizam VII, a poet himself, valued rare books, manuscripts, scholars and writers. He wrote poetry in Urdu and Persian. There is not much information available on his education but records of his early life tells us that eminent scholars were engaged to teach him English, Urdu and Persian languages. He enjoyed the company of intellectual elites and held endless series of discussions with scholars at his darbar. He was also tutored by Islamic scholars and acquired deep knowledge of theology. According to writer and historian Mr. Narendra Luther by the age 30 Nizam VII had already published 750 poems (ghazals) in six volumes. His last published poem was written in 1958 in Persian and was published in English news papers by the order of Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru.

Nizam VII strongly believed in education of his people. He played a central role in introducing educational reforms that helped his generation and generations to follow. He cultivated education across his state through encouraging scholars and building of universities. He provided easy access to education by ordering establishment of schools and made primary education compulsory. He provided free education to the poor. Among the many buildings constructed during his reign include Osmania Hospital and Medical University, translation bureau and Osmania University. The forward-thinking ruler also made education of English language compulsory in universities. He supported institutions like the Telugu Academy for bringing out the book on Ancient Hindu buildings of Hyderabad, Banaras University, Aligarh University and Dar Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh.

The legal advisor to Prince Mukarram Jah, Mr.Vijay Shankardass, says to read between the lines of Princess Esra’s efforts to restore palaces is not fair. While she owes her interest in palaces to her training in architecture, he says that it is in a constructive spirit she has restored the legacy of the Nizams. "Rest assured all this is being done on Mukarram Jah name,’’ he says, adding that one can’t fault her for carrying out the restoration of the Asaf Jah dynasty.

Written by:
Quddus Mohammed
President
Hyderabadi Cultural Association of Greater New York
Our Mission is to engage a diverse audience in the exploration of history and the distinct culture of Hyderabad.

Hyderabadi youth bags Junior Scientist Award from Melbourne University

Posted By: Mr. Ghulam Mustafa Qureshi, New Jersey
 gqure@aol.com

Wednesday, 2 May 2012:

Mr. Mohammed Abdul Rahim, M.Tech of old city of Hyderabad bagged the young scientist Award from Melbourne University for his commendable research work in Aerospace area. He has also been selected as the best scientist by the Indian Coast Guards.

Mr. Rahim told that earlier, he had tried to obtain existing free to Air T.V. Channels on his frequency and after his continuous efforts for two years, he was successful. He was successful in 87 Free to Air Channels on his frequency. It is a unique device which is very cheap which provides maximum facilities. If this programme is successful in one colony, all the inhabitants of the colony can benefit from it. 

He had sent his research work to the Australian university saying that this research is unique in the entire AP State. Melbourne University of Australia admitted him for its junior scientist award. The university authorities informed that his research work will be useful not only for AP State but it is a unique work in UP, Uttarakhand and Rajastahn as well. Impressed by his scientific research work, University of Melbourne has nominated him as their branch head in Hyderabad and permitted him to impact education in the courses taught by this university in Australia in Hyderabad itself.

Mr. Rahim told that right from the beginning, he had an aptitude for scientific research and he has been working on it with interest. He also told that he wants to enhance the standard of education and quality of scientific research in India. He pointed out that in the education system of India, more emphasis is laid on theory rather than practicals which results lack of interest among the students. If more attention is paid on practical training, it will yield rich dividends.

SHARED MOMENTS FROM HYDERABADI GALA NIGHT

INSIDE THE HEART OF A CARDIOLOGIST

THE REMARKABLE DIASPORA

“INSIDE THE HEART OF A CARDIOLOGIST”

DR. RASHEED UDDIN JAFER

At 8:00 am on a bright spring morning while the mist is still sitting on the colorful lilies in his garden the patients, every race and color, are already lining outside the home office of Dr Rasheed Uddin Jafer, a busy cardiologist in Baldwin, New York.

After completing his MBBS and MD from Osmania Medical College in Hyderabad, Dr. Jafer migrated to USA to pursue his fellowship in cardiology at Cornell Medical College. He was awarded F.A.C.P in 1976. He is also a visiting Cardiologist at four hospitals.

In the evening, however, with their five children now grown up, the doctor and his wife Sayeeda Tahera have time to pursue their mission of educating Muslim youth and promoting world peace through dialogue. The unique message and personal credibility of Dr. Jafer combined with his humanitarian services allow him to transcend cultural, religious, ethnic, and geo-political barriers to bring relief to oppressed and unfortunate people.

Dr. Rasheed Udiin Jafer  was awarded Medal of Freedom for his involvement in peace diplomacy on behalf of humanity. He was instrumental in starting two organizations to bring peace to the world; Only One Creator (OOC) and World Without Borders (WWW). He received letters of appreciation from President Reagon, Nixon and George Bush and many others.

By using a positive message of love, hope, peace Dr.Jafer had meetings and dialogue with American Presidents including Barrack Obama, Clinton, Carter and Gerlad Ford. Among other world leaders, Dr Jafer has met president of Russia Mr. Garbachov and Prime Minister of England Mrs. Margeret Thacher. He has been a staunch supporter of vast grassroots networks that support humanitarian and peace efforts.

For the youth says Dr Jafer says “I believe in equipping young people with the skills and personal qualities they need to handle the major transitions in life – from pre-school to primary, primary to secondary, secondary to further and higher, and to work. We believe that a major purpose of education should be to develop in young people a passion for learning that will last for their lifetime.  Dr. Jafer was the founder and Chairman of Crescent High School of USA. He donated a lake with 100 acres of land to ICNA to start summer camp for youths of tri-state area.

Congratulations Mr Ilyas Quraishi on the appointment as director on the Board of the Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce

Dear Mr Ilyas Quraishi,

On behalf of all the members of the Hyderabadi Cultural Association of Greater New York I congratulate you for your appointment as the Director to the Board of the Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce (AICC).

Mr Ilyas Qureshi, director of advertising and marketing at Parikh Worldwide Media LLC is among four new directors appointed to the Board.  AICC is a not-profit organization to meet the entrepreneurial and businness needs of the growing Asian Indian Community in New Jersey. Please see the below news paper link link of this announcement

Mr Ilyas Quraishi is a proud Hyderabadi and among the prominent members of the HCA.

Best Wishes

Quddus Mohammed

President,

THE LEGACY OF JACOB VICTORIA DIAMOND :BY PARVEZ HUSSAIN, HUNTSVILLE, ON CANADA

THE LEGACY OF JACOB [ VICTORIA ] DIAMOND

Mir Mehboob Ali Khan [Pasha] The Jacob Diamond Falaknuma Palace

Asif Jah V1 1869-1911

 

The "Jacob Diamond"" also known as "Victoria ", and "Great White" owned by Mir Mehboob Ali Khan [Pasha]

The V1 Nizam of Hyderabad remains the sixth largest diamond worth about 400 crore rupees. It is believed to have been found as a rough stone in Africa, as the exact location and time of discovery are uncertain. It has been Reported that it was found at a Dutchman's farm in Orange Free State, along with several other names of leading diamond mine companies of South Africa. Its weight from various reports is estimated from 100-250 carats uncut. Mr. George F. Kunz, Mineralogist and diamond expert gave his account of Jacob's whereabouts in New YorkTimes published in 1897. He states that it was found in June or July of 1884 by a security officer of Kimberley Mines, South Africa. His job was to search the mining crew, but not himself--- so it got through the mine andwas sold to a diamond dealer in Cape Town for £19000. Thereupon, it was shipped to London to a syndicate by mail on passenger steamer to avoid customs with a price of £ 45,000.

 

Mir Mehboob Ali Pasha purchased this rare gem in the fall of 1891 through Alexander Jacob, a diamond dealer for a sum of £200,000-- twice the sum for which anyone could have purchased for. [Alexander Jacob, was an Armenian gem dealer who had settled in Simla in 1871].

 

Mr. Kunz further went on to add that it was finally decided to cut it into the largest possible piece, rather than into small stones, and Amsterdam was selected as the place to for its shiny cuts. The Jacob was sent to a company of Jacques Metz where a special workshop was constructed for its cutting. First, a piece was shaved off that formed a 19 carats. The stone was later bought by the King of Portugal and its location is unknown today, but it may be on display in the Ajuda Palace in Lisbon.The cutting of the largest piece of Jacob began on April 9, 1887 and the operation took about a year because the regular procedures for cutting a diamond were by-passed and it was polished on the scaife (cast iron polishing wheel) among

other engineering and milling designs to reduce wastage-- restore color and shine. A great deal of time was taken by the cooling of the stone as it over heated after hours on the running wheel.

 

The cutter was Mr. M.B. Barends.

 

The finished diamond was a slightly rectangular, measured 1.3/8" long 5/16" wide, and weighed 184.5 carats.

 

The diamond's cut is not entirely even and one side is flat.It is blueish white in color and it is believed that Mir Mehboob Ali Khan had bought the Jacob to bring good luck. It was several years after his death that Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asif Jah V11 found the Jacob in the toe of his fathers shoe at Chowmahalla Palace. He was not too keen on this gem and had used it as a paper weight. At that time his jewellery collectionestimated worth was between £13 -£15 million under trust, dividing them into two groups; the first was made up of forty pieces which the trustees could sell; the second and slightly larger group Jacob was included in the second category which were not for sale.

Nizam's collection consisting 173 priceless jewels, including the Jacob diamond that is almost double the size of the Kohinoor diamond,

on exhibition in an especially constructed safe room with tight security--- New Delhi 2007

After the death of the Nizam V11 in 1967 his jewels were again in the media. The trustees hoped to sell some of them to help pay his estates mounting taxes. Many super rich rushed to Hyderabad for the sale and certain conditions were set forth for would-be buyers who wanted to examine, pay a non-refundable fee and no one could bid without a security deposit. The auction was put off because of public outrage of many Indians who felt the jewels that belonged to the Nizam must be declared as a national heritage and therefore be kept in India.

In 1995 after much court litigation and Supreme Court's intervention and directions; the Indian Government purchased the 173 pieces of collection (37 pieces are said to be priceless) for 218 crore rupees ($44.5 million)  The Nizam's Jewellery Trust Which includes over several diamonds weighing over 12,000 carats (2.4 kg) There are also emeralds, some of them Colombian, which weigh over 10,000 carats (2.0 kg), and pearls

exceeding thousands of chows. The collection includes gemstones, turban ornaments, necklaces and pendants, belts and buckles, earrings, armbands, bangles and bracelets, anklets, cuff links andbuttons, watch chains,rings, toe rings, and nose rings. Among them is the seven-stringed Basrah pearl necklace, known as Satlada, which has 465 pearls embedded in it.

 

At present Southeby's and Christie's Auctions estimate the present value of his entire collection well over $ 500 million. The collection is kept at the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai. The Jacob was also part of Nizam's Jewellery Collection exhibition held at Hyderabad in 2002 &2007.

 

References:
1. The Nizam V1: History and Relations with the British (1861) by Henry George Briggs
2. Jewels of the Nizams [ illustrated hardcover] by Usha R. Bala Krishnan
3. Rediff India: First Look The Nizam's Jewels
4. The Story of the Imperial diamond: New York Times May 30, 1897
5. National Museum of New Delhi

 

Parvez Hussain

Huntsville, ON Canada

FROM THE AUTHOR OF "ME IN AMRICA" NEW MASAHIYA "WELCOME TO AMERICA"

Welcome to America
 
 
If I wanted to..
I could have stayed in Hyderabad…
 
Eating Paan
Thuking in Ugaaldaan
And Kheeching Naukar’s Kaan..
 
Enjoying Nahari Kulcha’s
Savoring Chai Samosa’s
Taking afternoon Siesta’s…
 
Paid off Gadi’s and Bangla’s
Wearing Sharara’s and Jhumka’s
Attending Mushaira’s with Hukka’s
 
Instead…..
I chose to become an “American”
 
Chewing gum
Cleaning Khuddi, Kapde and Bartan
Became a ‘Bai’ instead of a‘Begum’
 
Eating cereal..
Thandi smelly Tuna ..
Rushing through breakfast, lunch and dinner..
 
Working long hours…
Ghasing my back…
To pay Uncle Sam Tax.
 
By the way..
What is Siesta?....

WRITTEN BY : MRS RESHMA GHOURI (TAKHALLUS: HYDERABADI KHATTI DAAL)

Dr Najma Shares a Joke : Hyderabadi !

Hyderabadi..!!

Mom: Kaiku rora
Beta: teacher maari merku
Mom: Kaiku maari re churail ne?
Beta: Mai usku murghi bola
Mom: Kaiku
Beta: Kaiku bole to, har exam mein "anda deri merku."

This Joke is Posted by Dr Najma Sultana

MR. ARVIND ACHARYA: FOLLOW THE WRITER ON HCA BLOG

Mr Arvind Acharya is now the proud member of the HCA. Arvind graduated from Osmani and currently lives lives in NY. While I do not know more details about him but if you google him you know for sure he is a historian. Show him a picture of a historic building and he knows, or talk to him about any person. His well circulated article on Princess Niloufer from siasat is appended below with his permission. Please Welcome Mr Arvind Acharya to the Hyderabadi Cultural Association of Hyderabad. We hope to invite him for DINNER with ARVIND.

Niloufer The Last Princess (Published in Siasat):

January 03:

On 4th January, 1916, Niloufer was born in the Goztepe Palace in Istanbul in Turkey. Her mother was Adile Sultan, a grand-daughter of Sultan Murad V, who had been deposed on the grounds of purported mental illness.

Adile herself was married and divorced and it was with her second husband, Salahuddin Morali, that she gave birth to Niloufer.
.

At the age of eight, Niloufer moved to Nice in France. This was not a voluntary move. Turkey had lost its bearings during the First World War. When the war ended, the mighty Ottoman empire was divided, and all that was left of it was Turkey itself. Kemal Ataturk, the revolutionary leader, decided to modernize the country.
Princess Niloufer With Prince Moazzam Jah
He forbade the wearing of traditional dresses and decreed that women had to dress in the European style. Fearing that the presence of royalty might bring the Sultan back to power, he banished the entire royal family into exile.

This meant that the Sultan, Abdul Majid II, who also had the title of the Khalifa, had to give up his palatial possessions and move to southern France. For the Muslims worldwide, this was a low point in their history when the Khalifa himself became a poor man. At that time, rescue came in the form of the Nizam of Hyderabad. The Nizam promised the Khalifa a pension of 300 British Pounds a month. On this income, the Khalifa maintained his establishment.

Princess Niloufer With Begum Aga Khan
The deposition of the Khalifa was a significant political event. Mahatma Gandhi felt that this would be the right time for the Khilafat movement, to restore the Khalifa. The leaders of the movement were Maulana Mohammed Ali and Maulana Shoukat Ali. During this movement, Shoukat Ali came to be on very friendly terms with the Khalifa.

Thus, in 1931, seeing that the Khalifa had no son, Shoukat Ali proposed that the Khalifa’s daughter, Durru Shehvar, be married to Azam Jah. The negotiations for the terms of the marriage started, but soon broke down, as the Nizam felt that the requirement for the Mehr was exorbitant. Eventually, the Nizam was able to get two marriages within the specified amount. In this way, the marriage of Niloufer to Moazzam Jah was finalized. They were married on November 12, 1931; at this wedding, the Khalifa himself acted as the Kazi.
A few weeks later, the two princesses, Durru Shehvar and Niloufer set sail for India. They spent a few days in Bombay, and played tennis with the daughters of the Governor of Bombay. They were taught how to wear sarees, and the expected etiquette in the presence of the Nizam. With great trepidation, they boarded the train to Hyderabad.

When the train pulled up at the Nampally station, Azam Jah hopped off the train and simply prostrated in front of the Nizam. He bowed again several times; this pleased the Nizam who kept smiling and repeating “fatherly affection”. When the turn of Niloufer, she stepped off the train ever so lightly. All eyes were on her. At this moment, the Boy Scouts presented a guard of honour.

Niloufer and Moazzam Jah moved in to Hill Fort. The shell of this building still stands, on the ascent from Public Gardens to Noubat Pahad. It was a large house, purchased from the previous owner, Sir Nizamat Jung. Moazzam Jah’s rooms were on the ground floor and Niloufer’s on the first floor. Almost every evening, Moazzam Jah organized a mushaira. Many well known names were present in the gatherings.

A book by one of those, Sidiq Jaisi, details these glittering evenings. One of those present was Fani Badayuni, for whom a car used to be sent every evening to bring him to Hill Fort. Another well known name that graced these sessions is that of Akhtari Bai, who later attained fame as Begum Akhtar.

As the years rolled by, Durru Shehvar gave birth to a son, Mukarram Jah. When several years passed, and still Niloufer had not conceived, she consulted various doctors in Europe and was planning to go to America for a medical visit. During this time, one of her maids died during childbirth. At that time, there was no specialized hospital for children and mothers. Niloufer’s resolve to build such a hospital materialized in the form of the current hospital in Red Hills.

While her private life seemed empty due to lack of children, her public life became very glittering. She was invited to several functions, inaugurated several events and became a torch-bearer for women’s advancement. During the Second World War, she obtained training as a nurse, and helped in relief efforts. Her beauty, and her active public life, received mention in the press, and frequently on cover pages of magazines. She was judged one of the 10 most beautiful women in the world, and was offered several roles in films.

Niloufer had a style of dressing that attracted the public and caught the attention of the fashion media. Her sarees were especially crafted by Madhavdas, a designer from Bombay. These were frequently studied and analyzed. Even in later years, when she shifted to wearing European style clothes when travelling abroad, she still managed to cut a fine figure. One of her European dresses formed the topic of discussion in the New York Times in 1961.
When India became independent, Niloufer was in a peculiar position. Hyderabad had yet to decide on joining the Indian Union. As this situation dragged on, eventually Hyderabad was amalgamated into the Indian Union by a “Police Action”. Although the Nizam was retained as the Head of the State, he was just a shadow of his former self.
Niloufer decided never to return to India again. Her marriage with Moazzam Jah came to an end in 1952. She continued to live in Paris, with her mother, in a flat. Since she was only 36, she continued to attract a lot of attention, and had some of the most famous people as friends. She was offered yet another role in a Hollywood film, but she turned it down again.
Niloufer died in Paris in 1989 and was buried next to her mother.

The Author of this Article is: Arvind Acharya. He can be reached at arvindach@gmail.com

Source: http://www.siasat.com/english/news/niloufer-last-princess