You may have seen parts of the British Residency in several movies before, when it was a part of the Osmania Women's College popularly called the Koti Women's College. Built during the Nizam's era two centuries ago, The British Residency was in a state of ruin until a few years ago. Thanks to the efforts by the World Monuments Fund for nearly a decade, the building has now been restored and opened to the public.
The palatial building has 22 marble steps with lion statues flanking the iconic staircase as you walk up to the portico with columns over 40 feet in height. The facade is stunning with beautiful stucco work, and a seal of the British empire, denoting the monument's origins. Go inside, and you'll find yourself in a hall flanked with staircases on either side, leading up to the Durbar Hall.
The Durbar Hall is the central attraction of The British Residency, with fully restored Burma Teakwood flooring that dates back to two hundred years. The mirrors and chandeliers were brought down from Belgium and France back in the day. The Chandeliers have also been restored to a fully working condition. The main attraction of the hall is a fully restored paper mache ceiling with stunning work using the same colours as the original artwork done centuries ago.
A walk around the calm Durbar Hall will give you a sense of the city's colonial past, complete with a Billiards room. Interestingly, the Residency also has a dungeon in the premises which was once used for imprisoning criminals. While you cannot see the inside of the dungeon, you can take a walk around the Durbar Hall and admire the beautiful restoration work. The space is also available on hire for film shoots.
The Residency is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Saturday and 9.00 AM to 12.00 PM on Sundays. You get twenty-five-minute slots to view the inside of the building with tickets priced at INR 100.
The British Residency was built after the Nizams and the British signed a treaty in 1798 to formally allow the British to settle down in Hyderabad. Setting up of the British cantonment area in Secunderabad followed soon after. You will also hear stories of the then British representative James Achilles Kirkpatrick and his marriage with Khairunnisa, a Hyderabadi noblewoman often, at the Residency.
The twin cities have witnessed the British rule very closely, with several churches and old buildings bearing witness to the same. The British Residency is an architectural marvel that remained an undisturbed seat of British authority until the Indian Independence in 1947. Head here for a lesson in history and to marvel at the beautiful restoration work!
