Dewan Deodi of Hyderabad
Exploring the grandeur and legacy of Hyderabad's prime-ministerial estate; from power centre to national museum.
A prime ministers' residence
Dewan Deodi, near Charminar in Hyderabad, was the palace of the Salar Jung nobles. Dewan means Prime Minister, and Deodi refers to mansions. Five members of this family served as Prime Ministers under the erstwhile Nizam rule (1724 - 1948) before Hyderabad state joined the Indian Union after Independence from British rule.
History of power at Dewan Deodi
Originally, Dewan Deodi belonged to Mubariz Khan, Viceroy of the Deccan appointed by the Mughal Emperor before the First Nizam took control in 1724. Earlier occupants included Nawab Mir Alam and his son-in-law, Nawab Ali Zaman Khan Muneer-ul-Mulk, both of whom served as prime ministers.
Role and impact of Sir Salar Jung I
Nawab Mir Turab Ali Khan, Sir Salar Jung I, was 'Dewan' from 1853-1883, gave Dewan Deodi its name and prominence. He reformed Hyderabad's financial, revenue, and judicial systems during his influential tenure.
This image shows portraits of Salar Jung II (dewan/prime minister 1884 -1887) and Salar Jung III (dewan/prime minister 1912 -14).
Salar Jung Baradari/Lakkad Kot (1900/1950)Salar Jung Museum
Lakkad Kot - Salar Jung Baradari
Lakkad Kot, originally called Gulzar Mahal, was a wooden palace built by Qutub Shahi king Tana Shah, known for its gardens and carved floral designs. Quranic verses adorned its arched panels. The palace was also called Salar Jung Baradari.
Nawab Mir Alam Bahadur used this palace as his residence. The third Nizam Sikandar Jah stayed at Lakkad Kot as his guest. It came into possession of Mir Alam's grandson Salar Jung I who renovated this 'baradari', extended its gardens and constructed an arch at Chatta Bazaar to connect 'Bagh-e-Baradari 'and 'Dewan Deodi'. The arch still exists as 'Chatta Bazaar kamaan'.
The Salar Jungs: Prime Ministers and Art Collectors
Salar Jung I, II, and III, were key figures in Hyderabad's politics and culture. From Dewan Deodi, the Prime Minister managed the state under the Asaf Jahi rulers. Salar Jung I, and III, are known for their art collecting initiatives from around the world.
A prominent landmark
With five members of the Salar Jung family serving as Prime Ministers of the Hyderabad state, Dewan Deodi's proximity to the Nizams (erstwhile rulers of Hyderabad) made it a significant landmark in the historical landscape of Hyderabad.
Salar Jung III at Noor Mahal
Dewan Deodi had seventy-eight rooms in it, including courtyards and different buildings; Ainakhana, Lakkad Kot, Chinikhana, Jolukhana, Nizam Bagh, Noor Mahal, Naya Makaan, Mehman Khana, Shaaadi Khana, Chota mahal, Bada mahal, Lal Kacheri, Khazana, Basanti Haveli, and Toshakhana.
Mehman Khana at Dewan Deodi (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Mehman-khana
The Dewan Deodi's guest house, or Mehman-khana, blends Indian and European styles. Note the arches, ornate jharokhas (windows), and four Corinthian columns.
Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III hosting European guests at Ainakhana at Dewan Deodi, Hyderabad.
Shakhram (1900/1950)Salar Jung Museum
'Shakhram' of Salar Jung III
This image depicts a shakhram, an ox-drawn carriage with ornate canopies for the occupant and the driver. It was owned by Salar Jung III and offers insight into the opulent lifestyle of the Salar Jung family.
Staffing the Dewan Deodi
The Dewan Deodi had attendants for different duties. There were Chaprasis (seen here in uniform), Shagird-pesha, Pahredars(sentinels), Mashalchis (who lit lamps), Bercha bardars (accompanied carriage of Nawab Salar Jung) in processions, Mamas (women helpers), Dastarband among others.
A caparisoned elephant with an ornate 'howdah' (litter) with a canopy in a procession at Dewan Deodi,, Hyderabad.
Birthday procession of Salar Jung III at Dewan Deodi (1900/1950)Salar Jung Museum
Birthday procession of Salar Jung III
This image shows part of Salar Jung III's birthday celebration's procession at Dewan Deodi, featuring the personal attendants who were an integral part of the palace' activities.
The entrance to Dewan DeodiSalar Jung Museum
A prominent gateway
Mez Khana, Bhoi Khana, Mashal Khana, Farrash Khana, Darzi Khana, Bawarchi Khana, Motor Khana, Baggi Khana, stables and garages were there, the entrance gateway (south) to the palace still exists. The architecture of the Deodi was a mix of Qutub Shahi, Mughal and European styles.
North Gate of Dewan Deodi (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Dewan Deodi's North Gate
The north gate of Dewan Deodi blended Mughal and Rajput styles. It featured three cusped arches, space for the 'Naqar Khana', where drums were beaten thrice a day and 'Roushan Chauki'. Today, the Dewan Deodi area has been repurposed into a modern transport and shopping complex.
Portrait Room (1900/1968)Salar Jung Museum
A portion of the palace in Naya Makan where portraits of the Salar Jungs can be seen in gilded wooden frames. The monogram, chandeliers, a Banaganaplly chair add gravitas and beauty to the space.
Chandeliers at Dewan DeodiSalar Jung Museum
Aina-khana
The Aina-khana, or 'hall of mirrors', was Nawab Ali Zaman Khan's idea. Its Indo-Persian design featured long dalans, multi-coloured glass inlays, European statuary, chandeliers and candelabras, making it truly magnificent.
Nizam VII at Dewan Deodi (20th century)Salar Jung Museum
Salar Jung III is seen hosting Nizam VII along with other noblemen at Aina-khana at Dewan Deodi. The prized possession, an exquisite Italian neo-classical style marble statue called 'Veiled Rebecca' graces the space.
Chinikhana at Dewan DeodiSalar Jung Museum
Chini-khana
The Chini-khana (China house) was commissioned by Nawab Ali Zaman Khan, Muneer ul Mulk. It showcased the porcelain and glassware collection of Nawab Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III. The pieces were a colourful assortment from both the West and the East.
Ivory gallery at Dewan DeodiSalar Jung Museum
Ivory Room at Dewan Deodi
Beyond the arch, ornate chairs originally owned by Tipu Sultan are part of the ivory collection at Dewan Deodi.
Sculpture Gallery (1901/1999)Salar Jung Museum
European Bronze statuary
European bronze statuary collection housed at Dewan Deodi.
European Bronze Statuary Room (1900/1968)Salar Jung Museum
African Room
The African collection housed at Dewan Deodi, including statuary and furniture. The highlight is a man reading a newspaper, a unique sculpture!
Double statue at Dewan Deodi (1951/1951)Salar Jung Museum
The Double Statue
This 19th-century 'double statue' of Mephistopheles and Margaretta, characters from Goethe's 'Faust,' was crafted by a French sculptor from sycamore wood; showcased at Dewan Deodi.
Arms Room (1900/1968)Salar Jung Museum
Arms Room
Dewan Deodi held a collection of arms, including swords, daggers, shields, and rifles. A portrait of Salar Jung III in Middle-Eastern attire was also featured in this room.
A view from Dewan DeodiSalar Jung Museum
Room with rosaries
This room at Dewan Deodi displays rosaries and fine furniture, enhanced by miniature paintings adorning the walls.
Japanese room at Dewan DeodiSalar Jung Museum
Japanese Room
Exquisite vases, furniture and a large screen with two folds depicting foliage and birds displayed at Dewan Deodi.
Clock Room (1900/1968)Salar Jung Museum
Clock Room
A fine collection of European clocks displayed at Dewan Deodi.
Clock Room (1900/1968)Salar Jung Museum
Clock Room - second view
A fine collection of European clocks displayed at Dewan Deodi.
Far Eastern collection of artefacts (1900/1968)Salar Jung Museum
Far Eastern Porcelain Room
Porcelain from Far Eastern countries displayed at Dewan Deodi.
Indian Bronzes Room (1900/1968)Salar Jung Museum
Indian bronzes and Textiles Room
South Indian bronzes, including the painted textile Kalamkari and Malabar chairs displayed at Dewan Deodi.
Manuscripts Room (1900/1968)Salar Jung Museum
Manuscripts Room
Illuminated manuscripts displayed at Dewan Deodi.
Western Furniture Room (1900/1968)Salar Jung Museum
Western Furniture Room
An array of Western furniture including chairs and a replica of French King Louis XV' writing table can be seen on display at the Dewan Deodi.
Celdonware Room (1900/1968)Salar Jung Museum
Celadon ware Room
A variety of plates and dishes including the famed Celadon ware showcased at Dewan Deodi.
Toys and Dolls (1900/1968)Salar Jung Museum
Toys and Dolls Room
Different types of toys and dolls displayed at Dewan Deodi in a room enhanced with chandeliers in different shapes.
Inauguration of Salar Jung Museum by Pandit NehruSalar Jung Museum
Inauguration of Salar Jung Museum
After Salar Jung III's passing, the collection at Dewan Deodi was given to the Govt. of India and was transformed into the Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru opened its doors to the public on 16th December 1951.
Inside the main gateway (1900/1968)Salar Jung Museum
Inside the main gateway
People queued up to buy tickets at Dewan Deodi to visit Salar Jung Museum.
Salar Jung Museum (2000/2010)Salar Jung Museum
Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad.
The museum which opened at Dewan Deodi in December 1951, was shifted to a new building and is housed there since July 1968.
Text and Curation: Soma Ghosh
Photography: M. Krishnamurthy and Bahadur Ali
Research Assistance: Dinesh Singh and E. Rajesh
Special thanks to : Ms. Priyanka Mary Francis, IAS, Director, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
Dr. G. Kusum, Curator, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
References:
1. Nigam, M. L, ed. (1976) - Salar Jung Museum Silver Jubilee Celebrations souvenir, Hyderabad : Salar Jung Museum Board.
2. Ali, Ahmed, ed. Hussain Moazzam (2010) – The Salar Jungs of Hyderabad, Hyderabad – IMPACT
3. https://www.indianetzone.com/dewan_devdi (accessed on 6th August 2025)
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.