Secunderabad

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Located six miles northeast of Hyderabad, Secunderabad is often called the twin of Hyderabad; both are usually popularly referred as “Twin Cities”, although the name Secunderabad is rarely used outside of both. Its history runs parallel to that of Hyderabad, with some scholars claiming that its origin was technically established back to the time when Hyderabad was also formed. Hussain Sagar, a manmade lake built by the Qutub Shahis during the 16th century, separates Secunderabad from Hyderabad, and both cities shared the same airport until early 2008. In spite of the close connections between the two, though, both cities have a different fusion of cultures, with Secunderabad having fully developed under a direct British rule while Hyderabad has been a princely state since its inception.

Origin and City History

Although Secunderabad’s history is tied closely to that of Hyderabad, Secunderabad as it is today was actually established in the 18th century, when Hyderabad was under the reign of the third Nizam of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, Sikandar Jah. It was founded in order to station the French and, subsequently, the British troops back when the British and the French established their hold over India.

Secunderabad holds one of the chief British military stations in India and as of now is the headquarters of the 9th Division of the Southern Army. It also includes Bolaram, the former military station of the Hyderabad contingent which has now been merged in the Indian army, and Trimulgherry, the artillery military station that, today, is now a well-developed suburban part of the city. In 2007, Secunderabad celebrated its 200th year of formation.

Demographics and City Information

During the 2001 India census, the population of Secunderabad is pegged at 204,182, with males constituting 51% of the population and the females, 49%. A large percent of the population of the city is literate, clocking in at 73%, which is markedly higher than the national average which is 59.5%.

Like Hyderabad, the culture and religion in Secunderabad are mixed, owing to the various groups of people coming from all the major states of India. Christians have a stronger presence here with St. Mary’s Church, the biggest parish in both cities, located in Secunderaband. Famous churches and cathedrals are also found throughout the city, as well as many Christian education institutions. A large number of the population are Tamilians (or Mudaliars) and they have managed to maintain their distinct identity across the centuries.

Those who want to get around Secunderabad generally won’t have any problems with transportation as it is the headquarters of the Indian Railways’ South Central Railway. The oldest and largest railway station in the Twin Cities, the Secunderabad Railway Station, is also found there. Secunderabad is well-connected to any city within the Telangana state, as well as the country in general. Aside from this, Secunderabad is also one of the major hubs of the City Bus transport of the AP State Road Transport Corporation.

Tourists will also be glad to know that, aside from having several interesting sites to visit, Secunderabad is at par with Hyderabad when it comes to amenities and recreational parks and grounds. Places to see include famous historical towns such as Begumpet, Bollarum, and Sanathnagar.

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