The White Mughal Tour: Romance & Betrayal in Historic Hyderabad
4.0
4 Ratings
Hyderabad
Embark on a captivating half-day tour in historic Hyderabad, delving into the enchanting love story of an Englishman and a Hyderabadi noblewoman. Explore remarkable monuments and gain insight into life in 18th-century Hyderabad.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
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British Residency - The British Residency is an imposing building and architectural marvel. It was the backdrop for an incredible cross cultural love story between James Achilles Kirkpatrick a high ranking official of the East India Company and Khair-un-Nissa a noblewoman. In 1800, Kirkpatrick married her as per Muslim law and converted to Islam. Eventually he became a double agent working for Hyderabad against the interests of the Company!
The mansion was built after the Nizams and the British signed a treaty in 1798 to allow the British to settle down in Hyderabad. The mansion was a symbol of British authority in the deccan region.
The Durbar Hall is the highlight of the British Residency. It looks regal with Burma Teakwood flooring and Belgian mirrors and French chandeliers.
There is also a smaller replica of the Residency. Khair un-Nissa, being a Muslim lady, was in purdah and hence was not allowed to visit the mansion. Therefore James built a replica for his wife to enjoy! -
Bank Street,koti - Bank street is where the English bankers used to stay. Today it is a major commercial hub of Hyderabad. We will walk past here continuing the White Mughal story.
The surrounding area came to be known as Residency Bazaar and emerged as the financial center of Hyderabad in the mid-nineteenth century. After the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny against the British East India Company, the mansion was fortified with high walls and bastions. -
Ram Gopalpet Police Station - James also built a lavish palace for his Begum within the residency. Rang Mahal or Palace of colours was where Khair un-Nissa gave birth to their daughter Sahib Begum. It is unfortunately in ruins today.
The story of this forbidden cross-cultural love continues at a cemetery and a stepwell and ends at a resident’s dog memorial.
What's Included
- Entrance charges
- Guide
- Tea and coffee
Additional Information
Immerse yourself in an 18th-century romantic tale during this half-day tour in Hyderabad. Experience the love story between an Englishman, James Achilles Kirkpatrick, a high-ranking officer in the East India Company, and Khair-un-Nissa, a noblewoman from Hyderabad. Their fascinating love story sets the stage as we explore notable monuments that provide a glimpse into Hyderabad’s life two centuries ago. The White Mughal tour features visits to the striking British Residency building, Bank Street, the three significant gates named Empress, Robert & Landsdowne, Rangin Mahal, a British cemetery, a stepwell, and even a dog memorial!
Location
British Residency
Koti Road,, Osmania women's college
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.0
(4 Ratings)
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Nixter63
Feb 8, 2024
Trip into a bygone era in Hyderabad - Really interesting tour of late 18th century Hyderabad. Kumar had a wide knowledge, a pleasant manner, and good English. Would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samj68p
Aug 6, 2023
Thrilling heritage and romance of Hyderabad - The white mughals tour is a heritage tour about events in Hyderabad during the time of the East India company. There was a strange live story between an English officer and a noble woman from Hyderabad. The guide was outstanding and made this thematic tour very enjoyable. We saw the magnificent British Residency building and several other landmarks where significant events happened during the colonial rule. It is highly recommended for anyone wanting to understand the history and heritage of Hyderabad in a fun and enjoyable way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mariech1173kt
Aug 6, 2023
Engaging heritage tour - I had read the book on White Mughals by William Dalrymple. When I saw this tour listed on TripAdvisor I was intrigued. The tour turned out to be magnificent. We walked through magnificent buildings as out guide took us back 200 years into the British raj. One doesn't need to have read the book to enjoy this walk. The guide is very engaging and makes this tour very exciting. It is a great way to understand the history of Hyderabad.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Designed_b
Dec 29, 2023
No Romance or Betrayal.. Just a bad White Mughal tour. - It was a boring tour. No interesting story was provided about the white Mughal romance and betrayal relationship. We were taken to a building and ask to pay more money if we wanted to take pictures of an abandoned building being repaired. We had to walk around construction structures on the tour. I Definitely not we expected from the description of the tour.
Review provided by Viator