Why Hyderabad
Hyderabad is the second-largest city in the Sindh province and the seventh-largest in Pakistan, serving as the capital of the Hyderabad Division. Situated roughly 150 kilometres inland from Karachi, the city is positioned along the eastern bank of the Indus River on a low limestone ridge historically known as Ganjo Takkar. It is directly linked to Karachi by a rail connection and the M-9 motorway, while the Kotri Bridge, built in 1900, crosses the Indus River to connect the local rail network.
Originally known as Neroonkot, the city was established in 1768 by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro of the Kalhora Dynasty after shifting river courses caused frequent flooding in the previous capital of Khudabad. Named Hyderabad—meaning Lion City—in honour of Caliph Ali, it functioned as a provincial capital under both the Kalhora and Talpur dynasties. Following the Battle of Hyderabad in 1843, British forces captured the stronghold and transferred the administrative capital to the Bombay Presidency. The city later served as the capital of Sindh between 1947 and 1955.
Several historical fortifications and monuments reflect Hyderabad's royal past. Pacco Qillo, or the Strong Fort, is a 36-acre complex constructed from baked clay bricks atop the ridge in 1769. Another fortification, Kacha Qila, was erected to protect the tomb of the Sufi saint Shah Makki. On the northern edge of Ganjo Hill lie the Tombs of the Talpur Mirs, housing the remains of the former rulers. Devotees also visit Qadamgah Maula Ali, a sacred site containing a stone gifted by the Shah of Iran that is believed to carry the imprint of Caliph Ali's feet.
Urban development during the British period introduced the districts of Saddar and Soldier Bazaar, alongside public facilities such as the Navalrai Clock Tower, constructed in 1914. The city's prominent public park, Rani Bagh, was initially established in 1861 as Das Gardens before being renamed in honour of Queen Victoria. Historically, Hyderabad developed into a bustling commerce and craft center renowned for leather tanning, gold and silver work, calligraphic arts, and woven textiles such as Susi and Khes cotton, as well as distinct Sindwork handicrafts exported worldwide.
The city's cultural composition shifted significantly following the Partition of India in 1947, when much of the Hindu population departed and large numbers of Urdu-speaking Muslim refugees, known as Muhajirs, settled in the city. Today, Hyderabad is a diverse urban area primarily inhabited by Urdu and Sindhi speakers, alongside Punjabi, Pashtun, and Hindko communities.
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