Purani Haveli

Purani Haveli, meaning old mansion, is a palace complex in the Old City of Hyderabad, Telangana, India, near the Musi River and the Salar Jung Museum. It was built around 1750 for Nizam Ali Khan, the second Nizam of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, who ruled from 1762 to 1803, and it served as a residence and administrative centre in the early years of the dynasty. Its later importance came under Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, the sixth Nizam, who was born there and lived in it for much of his life, and who made further additions and improvements in the 19th century. In that sense the haveli marks a step in the story of the Asaf Jahi court, which moved from older residences such as Chowmahalla to grander new palaces as the dynasty grew wealthier. The complex is a sprawling mansion set around courtyards, combining Deccani, Mughal and European influences, with arched galleries, columned halls and a large central garden. Different wings are known by names such as Nizam's Museum, the Mahbub Mansion and the Jubilee Pavilion, and some parts have been converted for other uses. In the 20th century the compound was used for administrative offices, and other sections were repurposed as museum spaces. The Nizam's Museum, opened in the palace's former buildings, displays gifts presented to the seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, on his silver jubilee in 1936, including silver caskets, gold items and models. Preservation is uneven, with some wings restored and others in poor condition, and access is limited to certain sections. Interpretation is mainly through museum labels, and there is no structured route through the wider complex. A visit usually forms part of an Old City itinerary with Chowmahalla Palace, Charminar and the Salar Jung Museum, and takes around one hour.