Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

BY : KRIPESH KARAKOTI, Bsc. HMCT 1st YEAR, ANSAL UNIVERSITY

Taj Falaknuma Palace stands two thousand feet above the city, and is a testimony to the famed life and times of

the Nizams of Hyderabad.

THE HISTORY

Built in 1894 for the Nawab Vikar-al-Umra, and later used as the residence of the Sixth Nizam Nawab Mehboob Ali Khan. Since the death of of the

Nizam VI, the Palace has mainly been used as a royal guest house.

THE HISTORY

Clock Tower

• The crown of the Nizam is depicted on this imposing ceremonial entryway to the palace

• It has two clocks facing east and west, both completely restored.

• Above the gate is a chamber where musicians played drums and shehnais to announce the arrival of distinguished guests.

The Nizams, the hereditary dynasty of this rich and strategic region, used the palace as a guesthouse.

The extravagant furnishings, sumptuous fittings and art collections of the palace were an obvious demonstration of the Nizam’s considerable resources and refined tastes.

Marble statues and chandeliers were imported from Europe by the hundreds.

Crowned heads of Europe and England arrived en masse.

The foyer, sitting rooms, and the family’s suites, preserved intact, all resemble a fantasy Continent, not India.

The family had a fascination with Europe, and were committed Anglophiles.

A grand 6,900-volume library, with an inlaid coffered ceiling and walnut paneling, was said to be inspired by one at Windsor Castle.

Marble statuary of goddesses and nymphs, rather frou-frou for India, were brought in from Rome, and life-size portraits of imposing English royals were commissioned in London.

Used for the coronation of every new Nizam.The venue for part of the coronation ceremony of Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur, after he was coroneted as the

VIII Nizam of Hyderabad

Rumoured to be one the richest men in the world…

Now adorns the Queen of England’s crown…

The Kohinoor diamond……

The world-renowned jewelery collection of over 173 pieces, was

built up over seven generations of

Nizams. The jewelery is a

synthesis of Mughal, Deccani,

as well as European

influences. It reflects the ethos of

a dynasty that originated in the

Mughal court, ruled the Deccan

and was a staunch ally of the British

empire.

Passed on for generations like a precious jewel, Falaknuma Palace or

‘Mirror of the Sky’ was the royal residence of Nizam Mehboob Ali

Khan.

After ten years of extensive and sensitive restoration, The Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has infused new

life into the Falaknuma Palace, which is ready to resume its status

as Hyderabad’s most exclusive address to offer its guests a glimpse of the regal lifestyle of the Nizams who governed the legendry city of

Hyderabad.

GLIMPSES OF THE PALACE

After 10 years of extensive restoration, and preserving the priceless art and artifacts, Taj Falaknuma Palace now welcomes guests – completely restored, renewed and

reinstated to its former glory.

• Hand made stained glass with Tudor faces is used on the palace doors.• The lead channels were painted using gold paint and all the glass was hand-made .

The ornate inlaid furniture, the finest collection of Jade, the rich handcrafted tapestries and brocades from France, and intricate frescos with English as well as

Indian influences, together give the Palace its distinct Baroque style.

• The carpet restoration took over 3 years and the highest quality of New Zealand yarn was dyed over 200-300 times to match the exact colour of the old carpets.• The fabrics in the Palace are over 70 years old and were imported from Europe with all the handmade designs. It took almost 4 years to restore the fabrics to their original splendour

VISION The Taj Group of Hotels commits itself to the overall improvement of the ecological environment, which we are all a part of. We recognize that we are not owners but caretakers of the Planet and owe it to our children and future generations of humankind. It is our endeavor not only to conserve and protect but also to renew and regenerate the environment in which we live and operate. Our commitment encompasses all actions related to our products, services, associates, partners, vendors and communities. We will partner and engage with our environment through EARTH: Environmental Awareness and Renewal at Taj Hotels. For us EARTH is not a program, nor a process; it is a way of life.

• Taj (luxury full-service hotels, resorts and palaces).• Taj Exotica• Taj Safaris• Taj Luxury Residences• Taj Wellington Mews, Mumbai

CELEBRITYCELEBRITY

CHEFSCHEFS

CHEF MORIMOTO CHEF OBEROI CHEF SRIRAM AYLUR

Prominent Japanese Chef Morimoto mastered the art of Sushi and traditional Kaiseki cuisine after having trained under several of his country’s master Chefs. Soon after that, he went on to open his own restaurant in hometown Hiroshima. Morimoto spent the next few years working in some of New York City’s most notable Japanese restaurants.

CHEF MORIMOTOCHEF MORIMOTO

CHEF OBEROICHEF OBEROI

Executive Chef Hemant Oberoi is a legend at the Taj. He is the quintessential culinary personality and has been the personal chef to Prime Ministers and Presidents. In his 30 years experience he has pioneered numerous culinary concepts and a seat in his Chef’s Studio is a coveted gastronomic coup.

CHEF SRIRAM AYLURCHEF SRIRAM AYLUR

In 1989 Chef Sriram joined the Taj group, where he grew from strength to strength. He conceptualised and actualised Karavali Restaurant. "The challenge was to make ethnic food without sacrificing too much in the recipes." It was that dedication and spirit that gave Karavali its place in top 5 Restaurants in India in 1995 - The Statesman. In 1999 London called and Chef Sriram left Indian to start the Quilon in the heart of London’s Westminster.In 2008 Quilon was awarded a Michelin star, an honour it has retained ever since. Chef Sriram’s vision about food - like everything else in the world - is progressive. Progression is logical in this world and true with everything. Therefore, the Quilon’s menu is an amalgamation of Ethnic and Progressive dishes for example - Black Cod, Asparagus and Mange Tout and Lobster butter pepper.

DURBAR HALLDURBAR HALL

LOBBYLOBBY

PALACE CORRIDORSPALACE CORRIDORS

PALACE EXTERIORPALACE EXTERIOR

GRAND STAIRWAYGRAND STAIRWAY

THE 101 DINNING ROOMTHE 101 DINNING ROOM

PALACE ROOMPALACE ROOM

ROYAL SUITEROYAL SUITE

GRAND ROYAL SUITEGRAND ROYAL SUITE

HISTORICAL SUITEHISTORICAL SUITE

NIZAM SUITENIZAM SUITE

GOL BUNGALOWGOL BUNGALOW

JADE ROOMJADE ROOM

JIVA SPAJIVA SPA

Any Questions???

Adaab…