Exuding the atmosphere of 400 year old Muslim splendour, Hyderabad is a city of  infinite variety. Founded in the 16th century by Quli Qutub Shah the fourth king of the Qutub Shahi dynasty, the new city encircled by pre-historic rock structures, was laid about 9 km from Golconda on the east bank of river Musi.

                Legend has it that it was called Bhagyanagar, named after a village girl Bhagamati to
whom Quli Qutub Shah was attracted to , during one of his hunting trips. When the maiden was ushered into the royal family she was known as Hyder Mahal. Significantly, the city was renamed Hyderabad.