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).

Courtesy:

(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.)