Purani Haveli, Hyderabad

About Purani Haveli

Purani Haveli, also called Masarrat Mahal or Haveli Khadeem, is a royal palace located in Pathar Gatti, Hyderabad. It was originally built in the 18th century for Sikander Jah, Asaf Jah III, by his father, Asaf Jah II of the Nizam dynasty. The palace served as the official residence for several Nizams and was the birthplace of the sixth and seventh Nizams, making it a site of important historical events in Hyderabad. The U-shaped complex covers about eight acres and blends European-style facades with traditional Indian courtyard planning. Key features include grand arches inspired by European architecture and the world’s longest wardrobe, symbolizing the wealth and opulence of the Nizam era. Today, Purani Haveli is an important heritage site and tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle and history of Hyderabad’s royal families.

Architecture of Purani Haveli

Purani Haveli shows a blend of Indo-Islamic and Deccani architectural styles, typical of late 18th-century Hyderabad. Built mainly with local granite and lime mortar, the palace demonstrates skilled masonry and wooden craftsmanship. Its design focuses on symmetry, good ventilation, and decorative details, reflecting the wealth and lifestyle of the Nizams. The mansion has a U-shaped layout, with two long rectangular wings parallel to each other and the residential quarters at the center. It was originally developed under Mir Nizam Ali Khan (Asaf Jah II, 1762–1803), with later additions by subsequent Nizams. Key architectural features include large open courtyards, arched verandahs, and intricately carved wooden balconies, making it a valuable heritage site that showcases Hyderabad’s royal architecture and history.

Interesting facts about Purani Haveli

• Purani Haveli’s U‑shaped layout combines European façade articulation with traditional Indian courtyard planning.
• The western wing houses what is claimed to be the world’s longest wardrobe, originally designed to hold over 700 pairs of royal garments with a manually operated wooden elevator.
• The palace’s façades incorporate 18th‑century European details such as triangular parapets and semicircular archways.
• Construction utilized granite and marble externally, with rich wooden interiors and craftwork typical of Nizam era palaces.
• The Nizam’s Museum within the palace exhibits gifts, vintage cars and memorabilia from the last Nizam’s silver jubilee.
• Parts of the complex now house a technical institute and police offices, showing adaptive reuse of heritage architecture.

How to reach Purani Haveli