Rare Photograph of Nizam Hyderabad at Maula Ali Shrine

The Nizam VI returning in a procession from Maula Ali(1895)
Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 
Shrine of Maula Ali on a hill top near Secunderabad is a popular destination of pilgrimage.It was built after hand prints of Maula Ali were discovered by an eunuch of Hyderabad State in 17th century.Since then, it has grown and enjoyed patronage from Nizams of Hyderabad.Nawab Mahboob Ali Khan and Mir Osman Ali Khan carried out renovation at the shrine.Entire population of Hyderabad used to move to Maula Ali hill for celebrations on 13th Rajab  for about two weeks.William Dairyample in his famous book 'White Mughals' has given a detailed description of   festivities and also about the participation of elite of the society in the fair.A number of nobles also lie buried near the shrine.Mahlaqa Bai Chanda who was a great devotee of Maula and the first woman Sahab-e-Diwan poetess also chose Maula Ali hill as her last resting place.Her shrine has been recently renovated also.Hundreds of people flock to the shrine every day.The number will swell in days to come as Rajab -the month of Maula's birth is approaching.  In the above picture, 6th Nizam Mir Mahboob Ali Khan is returning from Maula Ali Hill in a royal procession. The photograph gives an idea as to how Nizams of Hyderabad revered the shrine. (Photo Courtesy Google Images)