Nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur was a High Ranking Elite Mansabdar, Nobleman and an advisor to the Nawab Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Bahadur, Asaf Jah VI, Nizam of Hyderabad-Deccan, the Ruler of the Kingdom. He was a Legendary Horseman, also known for his philanthropic work and his contributions to the development of Hyderabad. He built several Monuments, public buildings, including mosques, schools, and bridges. This Blog Editor is his great grandson Wajahat Ahmed Khan, also a Horseman.(wafahmss@gmail.com)

The Fall of Palestine

British soldiers in the Grand Mosque in Gaza 1917. We fooled the Arabs into believing that if they allied with us against Turkey we would give them unity and independence. But at the very moment we conquered Gaza we had promised it to an obscure group of European and American settlers. We betrayed Palestine. We betrayed the Arabs. We betrayed the Muslims. The source of everything that happened next.

(George Galloway)

The 9th Deccan Horse

Mukarram jah bahadur can be seen wearing waist-belt of the same insignia, The 9th Deccan Horse.

1984 Presentation of Regimental Guidon to the Deccan Horse Stamp

The insignia of the 9th Horse (Deccan Horse)

H.E.H. Mir Barkat Ali Khan (Mukarram Jah Bahadur - Asaf Jah VIII).

The insignia of the 9th Horse (Deccan Horse) underwent significant changes following India's independence in 1947. Prior to 1950, as the Royal Deccan Horse, the cap badge featured crossed lances with pennons, incorporating the numeral "IX" and the royal cypher of the British monarch, reflecting its status as a royal regiment within the British Indian Army.Post-independence, the badge was redesigned to align with national symbols, consisting of crossed lances surmounted by the Ashoka Lion Capital, emblematic of India's republican identity and shared across many Indian cavalry regiments

The motto of the 9th Horse (Deccan Horse) with the State Emblem of India and a scroll at the base with the words The Deccan Horse. The numeral "9" is inscribed on the crossing of the lances along with the motto of the 9th Horse (Deccan Horse) is संघे शक्ति "Sanghe Shakti," a Sanskrit phrase translating to "In Association, there is Strength," emphasizing the regiment's core principle of unity and collective resolve among its members.

Mukarram jah bahadur can be seen wearing waist-belt of the same insignia , The 9th Deccan Horse.

The Deccan Horse or 9 Horse can trace its origins back to 1790 when two regiments of irregular cavalry were raised for service under the Nizam of Hyderabad in Berar. These regiments were formed to support the Nizam's army and were initially known as Asif Jah's Irregular Cavalry.

In 1903, during Kitchener's reform of the Indian Army, the 'Hyderabad Contingent' was incorporated into the regular British Indian Cavalry as the two regiments, the 20th Deccan Horse and 29th Lancers (Deccan Horse).

In 1921, 20th Deccan Horse was given the title "Royal" for its distinguished service during World War I. In 1921, the two regiments were merged under the name "The 9th Royal Deccan Horse". In 1927, the designation was changed to "The Royal Deccan Horse (9th Horse)"

After India gained independence in 1947, the regiment was divided between India and Pakistan. Pakistani portion continues to serve as the 20th Lancers.

On India becoming a Republic in 1950, the regiment's name was finally changed to "The Deccan Horse (9th Horse)".

(From collection of Inayat Farooqui)

Flights of Fancy...... Hyderabad Aviation History

In 1917, a British pilot challenged the enemy an aircraft bearing the name Hyderabad. During World War II, the British operated the "Hyderabad Squadron which carried on the aircraft the line. "Presented by his Exalted Highness, the Nizam of Hyderabad". Funds had been raised in Hyderabad to buy these Spitfires!

In the 30s young Indian fliers including J.R.D Tata, P. M. Reddy. Babur Mirza, Manmohan Singh and Chawla having received their licenses and training in England, were among the first Indians to fly from London to Karachi. P. M. Reddy was the first Indian to obtain a navigator's licence. T. N. Khatri was the first Indian ground engineer, having got a licence in 1931.

An air service operating between Karachi and Bombay was introduced in January 1920 by the Indian Government, primarily to explore the possibility of establishing air services for public use. It lasted only six weeks. Meanwhile external air links had already been established.

Rubayi

Visit to the grave of Nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur

Meeting with Moulana Shah Agha Mohammad Qasim Sahab Qibla Abu Al-Alai

{Sajjada Nasheen Dargah Hazrat Aga Dawood Sahab Qibla (r.a.)}

The grave of Nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur is situated in the divine vicinity and Tomb of Hazrath Moulana Muhammad Abul Hassan Sahab Qibla, Aghapura, Hyderabad.

Wajahat Ahmed Khan, great grandson, regularly visits the grave for Ziyarat, spends time and prays at the Mosque in the Dargah Hazrath.

(Wajahat Ahmed Khan is the great-grandson of Nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur. He has been actively vocal about the neglect of Tipu Khan Bridge, Tipu Khan Sarai, Tipu's Dwar and Tipu's LookOut. Nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur was a legendary Horseman and teacher of Horsemanship to the Nizam VI and Nizam VII. The tradition of Equestrianism continues in Wajahat Ahmed Khan, is involved in Equestrian sports. Wajahat Ahmed Khan is a trustee/ caretaker of Waqf-properties endowed by Late Nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur sahab— including Mosques and other religious properties .

Wajahat Ahmed Khan has publicly appealed for preservation of the heritage institutions built by his ancestor (Sarai, bridge, mosques), emphasising their historical and social value to Hyderabad.

Tipu Khan Bridge - Restoration Efforts

Tipu Khan Bridge, located near Langer Houz in Hyderabad, has been in a state of neglect for years. Efforts by Wajahat Ahmed Khan, great grandson of Nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur has been pursuing by approaching the relevant government department for its restoration. Residents and heritage enthusiasts have reported that the area around the bridge has become a dumping ground for garbage, with overgrown vegetation and a lack of proper maintenance.

The absence of illumination has made it a safety concern, especially at night, and there are claims it has become a spot for undesirable activities. The historical nameplate, which once provided details about its construction by Nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur in 1910, is missing, further diminishing its recognition as a heritage site. Despite its continued use by vehicles and pedestrians, the bridge's condition reflects a broader neglect of its historical significance.

Restoration Efforts :

In May 2021, MAUD (Municipal Administration and Urban Development) Principal Secretary Arvind Kumar announced that restoration work on the Tipu Khan Bridge would be undertaken soon, following public outcry about its poor condition. This came after reports highlighted its transformation into a garbage dump and mosquito breeding ground. Earlier, in 2014, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) proposed constructing a foot overbridge (FoB) at the site to address pedestrian safety amid heavy traffic, though this plan focused on functionality rather than heritage preservation.

As of the latest updates from 2021, officials were preparing cost estimates for a complete restoration, but no specific timeline or completion details have been widely publicized since then. Given the current date of March 20, 2025, and the lack of recent news, it’s unclear whether significant progress has been made beyond the initial announcements.

Wajahat Ahmed Khan has publicly appealed for preservation of the heritage institutions built by his ancestor (Sarai, bridge, mosques), emphasising their historical and social value to Hyderabad.)

Tipu Khan Bridge - Iconic Landmark

Tipu Khan Bridge is one of the iconic landmarks of Hyderabad city.

Tipu Khan Bridge, located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, is a historic structure built in 1910 by Nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur, a high-ranking official during the reign of the Nizam VI, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI, Nizam of Hyderabad. Situated near Langer Houz, the bridge spans the confluence ("Sangam") of the Musi and Eisa rivers. Nawab Tipu Khan, known for his contributions to public welfare, constructed the bridge with his own funds to serve as a public utility, facilitating travel and trade in the region.

The structure, made of stone with nine arches, reflects the architectural style of its time and remains in use today for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Historically, the bridge was a vital link in Hyderabad, and during the era of the Nizam VII, Mir Osman Ali Khan, it was adorned with plants, illumination, and shaded by trees along its sides. Over time, however, it has fallen into neglect. Reports indicate that the bridge is now surrounded by overgrown vegetation, lacks proper lighting, and has become a dumping ground for garbage, posing safety hazards and attracting undesirable activities. The nameplate that once detailed its history is also missing. Efforts have been made to raise awareness about its condition, with calls for restoration from residents, heritage activists, and descendants like Wajahat Ahmed Khan, the great-grandson of Nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur. In 2021, authorities signaled plans to undertake preservation work to restore this heritage structure.

Some of the contributions of Nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur are --

1) Tipu Khan Sarai or 'Nampally Saraai', at Nampally Station Road,

2) Tipu's LookOut at Khairtabad,

3) Tipu Khan Bridge at Langer Houz in Hyderabad, India and

5 Mosques at Gowliguda Chaman, Nampally, Adikmet O.U.Campus, Shahalibanda near Charminar and Chatta Bazar near Nayapul, all in Hyderabad city).

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Wajahat Ahmed Khan has publicly appealed for preservation of the heritage institutions built by his ancestor (Sarai, bridge, mosques), emphasising their historical and social value to Hyderabad.)

The Two Great Visionaries and Philanthropists

A Life that battled against all odds and have reached the pinnacle of success by their courage, determination and perseverance. Their lives have inspired a whole generation of a family and continue to inspire many and others all around the world.

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Wajahat Ahmed Khan has publicly appealed for preservation of the heritage institutions built by his ancestor (Sarai, bridge, mosques), emphasising their historical and social value to Hyderabad.)

Felicitation to Shri Mohd Ali Rafath (IAS) on being elected as President of TFA

Felicitation to Shri Mohd Ali Rafath (IAS) on being Elected as President of Telangana Football Association (TFA) and Shri G.P.Palguna as Secretary of TFA,

By Shri Wajahat Ahmed Khan in 2015 at the Office of Telangana Football Association at Fateh Maidan, Hyderabad.

Wajahat Ahmed Khan seen along with Sri Mohd. Ali Rafath, Mr.Palguna and other officials of the Telangana State Football Association at its office in Fateh Maidan

Wajahat Ahmed Khan facilitating Mr.Palguna, Secretary - Telangana State Football Association

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Wajahat Ahmed Khan has publicly appealed for preservation of the heritage institutions built by his ancestor (Sarai, bridge, mosques), emphasising their historical and social value to Hyderabad.)

Bibi ka Maqbara, Aurangabad

The Great Mughal Emperor Alamgir Aurangzeb (1618-1707; Reign: 1658-1707) was an enigmatic personality in the history of South Asia. Aurangzeb assumed the name of Alamgir only on becoming the Emperor in 1658. Unlike the Mughal emperors who preceded him, he is not directly credited with a lot of architectural activity other than religious and pious buildings. For example, Aurangzeb’s personality and architectural contributions are described thus: Alamgir Aurangzeb was known for his piety and zeal, and his reign was marked by a gradual increase in Islamic orthodoxy.

The latter part of his reign marks the end of a great age of imperial Mughal patronage. Alamgir Aurangzeb added little to the imperial palaces built by his forebears but commissioned the construction of a number of mosques. Aurangzeb is credited with commissioning the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore (1671), and was also responsible for various mosque expansions such as the Jamia Mosque in Bijapur (1686) and the Mecca Masjid Mosque in Hyderabad (1687). The construction and enlargement of mosques is often understood as an expression of his Sunni zeal.

In the Deccan, where he spent much of his life, first as the Viceroy (ca. 1636-45, and 1653-58) and later as the Mughal Emperor (ca. 1683-1707), only two sites other than mosques are popularly associated with him, the Bibi-ka-Maqbara mausoleum that he built for his wife in Aurangabad, and his own grave at Khuldabad.

Both are well-known, and serve to highlight his complex personality. The ostentatious Bibi-ka-Maqbara (literally ‘Tomb of the Queen’ in Urdu) was built in memory of his wife Dilras Banu Begum (posthumously known as Rabia-ud-Durrani died 1657), a princess from the Safavid ruling family

As per an in situ inscription, the Bibi-ka-Maqbara was completed in 1660/61 after Alamgir Aurangzeb had become the Emperor.

Yet, the story of his son being the patron is commonly perpetuated because the commission does not fit the narrative of Aurangzeb’s puritanical zeal and austerity. In keeping with that latter image, Aurangzeb’s grave at Khuldabad is a very simple affair, a piece of land open to the ground in the corner of a courtyard in the dargah of Sayyad Zain-al-din Shirazi.

His own orders regarding his simple burial are quite well known. Even the marble screens added around the spartan grave were only added in the early twentieth century upon the insistence of Lord Curzon, who asked the Nizam of Hyderabad to commission them.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311951630_A_Tale_of_Two_Imperial_Residences_Aurangzeb's_Architectural_Patronage

Nawab Shujat Ahmed Khan Basketball Tournament - 2017

Nawab Shujat Ahmed Khan Basketball Tournament - 2017, Organised by City College Old Boys Association at the City College Grounds, participated by Wajahat Ahmed Khan

Nawab Sahab has dedicated his life by providing opportunities for the youth at large and the community members to promote and enhance their work by connect-ing with each other and with regional and global opportunities for growth and capacity building.

Wajahat Ahmed Khan along with the Teams and (officials of CCOB.

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Wajahat Ahmed Khan has publicly appealed for preservation of the heritage institutions built by his ancestor (Sarai, bridge, mosques), emphasising their historical and social value to Hyderabad.)

Tipu Khan Bridge, Hyderabad

It's a one man's passion to ease sufferings and lives of the 'Dhobi's' (washermen) community. The River Musi was swelling to its brim in frequent floods. The washermen swept away by the full River Musi was tragic sight and Nawab Muhammad Tipu Khan Bahadur constructed Tipu Khan Bridge to save lives and ease sufferings of the poor washermen community.

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Wajahat Ahmed Khan has publicly appealed for preservation of the heritage institutions built by his ancestor (Sarai, bridge, mosques), emphasising their historical and social value to Hyderabad.)

Historic Tipu Khan bridge to be restored ...(The Hans India, 10-05-2021)

Historic Tipu Khan bridge to be restored

The Hans India, 10 May 2021, - By Mohammed Hussain

(https://www.thehansindia.com/news/cities/hyderabad/hyderabad-historic-tipu-khan-bridge-to-be-restored-685626)

Golconda: Tipu Khan Bridge constructed by Nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur in 1910 at Langer Houz is now in the lists of preservation and restoration of heritage structures in and around Hyderabad. The bridge marks and spans the 'Sangam' of two rivers 'Musi' and 'Eisa'. Nawab built the bridge from his earnings for public utility. It is still being used by automobiles and pedestrians.

The heritage structure has been neglected for years, which lead to illegal dumping of garbage underneath the bridge, with little concern for the structure, has upset the family of Tipu Khan who has demanded immediate action in the matter, urging the authorities to preserve and safeguard the bridge.

Speaking to The Hans India, Wajahat A Khan, great-grandson of Nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur said, -

"The Tipu Khan bridge constructed by my great grandfather Nawab Tipu Khan, a High Ranking Noble during the reign of Asaf Jah VI in the year 1910 AD is neither illuminated nor maintained. It is fuming to see that the government have not even given Tipu khan any recognition for the marvel."

Wajahat demanded the concerned authorities to take up the preservation works of Tipu Khan Bridge, which is one of the strongest bridges in the city. However, in a bid to improve and restore heritage structures in and around Hyderabad, with historic bridges at several places losing their charm across the city, the Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) and Municipal Commissioner of Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) Arvind Kumar promised to soon take up repair works of the bridge along with estimation.

He has publicly appealed for preservation of the heritage institutions built by his ancestor (Sarai, bridge, mosques), emphasising their historical and social value to Hyderabad.

Wajahat Ahmed Khan is an equestrian professional. He is a passionate horse rider and actively participates in equestrian sports. Wajahat is a life member of both the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) and the Telangana State Equestrian Association (TSEA). His involvement in the sport reflects a family legacy tied to horsemanship, as his great-grandfather was a renowned horseman who taught horse riding to the Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah VI, Nawab Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, Nizam of Hyderabad and was considered one of the greatest Equestrians of his time in India).

Fate of Nampally Serai hangs in balance....(The Hindu, 09-12-2021)

The Hindu

Fate of Nampally Serai hangs in balance

GHMC panel gives assent to construction of dorm for women.

(https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/fate-of-nampally-serai-hangs-in-balance/article37918407.ece)

- By Serish Nanisetti, 09 December 2021

The heritage structure of Nampally Serai is in cross-hairs after the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC)’s Standing Committee gave assent to construction of a Transit Dorm for women at the location.

The Standing Committee resolution approved on December 8: “Construction of new RCC building for proposed transit dorms with 187 beds for women at Nampally Serai.”

However, the resolution is ambiguously worded: “Dismantling old dilapidated building/office rooms and using the existing vacant land behind the existing heritage structure by including the provisions for firefighting system, building elevation… The Central and State governments’ share will be arrived to proposed 60:40 ratio after obtaining necessary administrative sanction from the government.”

Nampally Serai was included in the list of protected heritage structures by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development department in 2006 via GO Ms No. 185. Earlier, when the State government planned to demolish the Irrum Manzil, another Grade IIB heritage structure, the Telangana High Court scuppered the State’s plan. “Even if a part of the heritage building is being retained, the proposal has to be approved by the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) before implementation,” says Sajjad Shahid of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage.

“The HC had ruled that Regulation 13 stands and the only body that can take a decision regarding this would be the HCC. But the newly-constituted HCC doesn’t follow the norms laid for constitution of HCC as per the statute,” said Mr. Shahid, adding that demolition of the heritage structure would be contempt of court.

The double-storied Nampally Serai was built along with the railway station for the Nizam’s Guaranteed State Railway. While the station began functioning from 1907, the serai was completed sometime in 1910. Also known as Tipu Khan Serai after its benefactor Tipu Khan, an equestrian trainer for the Sixth Nizam, there is an attached masjid called Masjid-e-Tipu Khan Serai across the road.

“This is part of an ongoing effort to erase the city’s heritage. First they stop maintenance and once the building looks old they abandon it and the next step is a plan to demolish it. It will be big loss for the city if this plan goes ahead,” said convenor of INTACH Anuradha Reddy.

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Wajahat Ahmed Khan has publicly appealed for preservation of the heritage institutions built by his ancestor (Sarai, bridge, mosques), emphasising their historical and social value to Hyderabad.)

Nampally Sarai to be demolished.......(The Siasat Daily, 10-12-2021)

Nampally Sarai to be demolished to build a new guest house.

The Siasat Daily, 10 December 2021 - By Syeda Faiza Kirmani

(https://www.siasat.com/nampally-sarai-to-be-demolished-guest-house-to-be-built-over-it-2237353/)

The Sarai was built in 1919 by Meer Mahboob Ali Khan for the convenience of passengers coming from different places.

Hyderabad: Tipu Khan Sarai, popularly known as Nampally Sarai, one of the prominent heritage structures in Hyderabad, is all set for demolition. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has proposed to build a new guest house in its place. The decision will be taken at the standing council meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
The Sarai was built around 1910 by Meer Mahboob Ali Khan for the convenience of passengers coming from different places. In 2011, it received the status of a heritage site from the government, because of the efforts of heritage activists and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

“The beautifully arched Nampally Sarai, which now faces the threat of demolition, is an important heritage structure since it marks the beginning of the railways,” said architectural designer and the founder of Deccan Archive, Sibghatullah Khan.

After a part of the Sarai collapsed in 2019 injuring two persons, the government of Telangana had promised to take up restoration at the heritage site. Special chief secretary MAUD, Arvind Kumar, in September had announced the restoration of the Sarai, but reports suggest otherwise.

The Historic ‘Nampally Sarai’

The ‘Nampally Saraai’ or ‘Tipu Khan Saraai’ was built by Nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur in 1910. The original name of the structure was Tipu Khan Sarai (a peaceful resting place). The Sarai was built during the reign of Mir Mahboob Ali Khan opposite the Nampally railway station.

The location was chosen because of its proximity to the railway station and the customs house to enable visitors to pay customs duty and stay at the Sarai.

“Nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur, a high ranking official with the Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Bahadur, Nizam VI, built travellers waiting rooms, first time in the history of Hyderabad for the public, at the Nampally Railway Station known as ‘Tipu Khan Sarai’ also known as ‘Nampally Sarai’. Travellers used to stay for three days and were provided with food free of cost irrespective of caste or community,” Sibghatullah Khan cited Wajahat Ahmed Khan, the great-grandson of Nawab Tipu Khan Bahadur as saying.

The Sarai was used as a state guest house after 1948 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. In 2002, the government contemplated demolishing the structure and building a new one.

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Wajahat Ahmed Khan has publicly appealed for preservation of the heritage institutions built by his ancestor (Sarai, bridge, mosques), emphasising their historical and social value to Hyderabad.)