INHERENT GRANDEUR — THE FALAKNUMA PALACE
A Big Fat Indian Wedding needs a venue of such proportions. When actor Salman Khan booked the venue for an extravagant sum for his sister’s wedding, all eyes were on the majestic Falaknuma Palace.
Text Maria John Photos Various sources
A fairy tale wedding needs a palatial setting. Get enticed by the historic Falaknuma Palace and reeled into its wondrous past and eclectic elegance.
Marriages are probably made in heaven, and we strive to create that atmosphere down here on earth. We go big on all counts with exquisite décor, exclusive guest lists, and enticing venues. Hyderabad is replete with charming royal structures that give an insight into its colorful history. Of them, the most resplendent is the Falaknuma Palace. Now a luxurious hotel, the palace stands atop a hill with incredible views of the city. Right out of a fairy tale, the building is approached by a winding driveway that lets you drink in its regality.
History
The Palace originally belonged to the Paigarhs, an aristocratic family of the Hyderabad State. Under the rule of the British, they were believed to be richer than an average Maharaja. Nawab Vicar- ul-Umra, a Paigarh noble and the Prime Minister of Hyderabad and Berar, was a well-traveled man. His many journeys inspired him to build the palace. The Palace was so opulent that Sir Vicar went over his budget and had no means to finish the residence. It is said that his wife advised him to invite her brother Mehboob Ali Pasha Nizam VI to the home. The Nizam fell in love with Falaknuma and extended his stay following which Sir Vicar offered the palace to his majesty. The story follows to narrate that the Nizam, being who he was, gave the entire sum for the palace to the Vicar and used the Falaknuma as his royal guest house till he moved out in the 1950s. The place fell silent till it was turned over to a luxury hotel. The renovation was overseen by the first wife of the seventh Nizam, Princess Esra Jah, an authority on the city’s royal abodes. It was an extensive process, taking up to a decade, with much research being done into the building, surroundings and its many priceless treasures.
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`Structure
Falaknuma means ‘mirror in the sky’ in Urdu. Its location on the hill gives it a commanding view over Hyderabad, a good position for any royal residence. The European architect William Ward Marret, didn’t just create a palace, but a haven for experiencing luxury. A unique blend of Italian and Tudor styles, the Falaknuma vied to compete with western palaces. It took about nine years to complete and furnish the palace. The Vicar moved into a part of the residence in 1889 to personally oversee the construction.
Situated on a thirty-two acre plot, the Neo-classical creation is built in the shape of a scorpion with two wings projecting out as stings in the north. The scorpion was believed to be the zodiac sign of the Nizam. The main part of the house was in the middle while the kitchen, Zenana Mahal and the harem quarters were located in the south. The structure retains the E-shaped plan of the Tudor style, and its staunch horizontality is broken by the colonnade of Corinthian columns on the main part of the house. The ground floor has simple arched entries while the upper floors are characterized by rectangular doors with ornamental work. The symmetrical plan is accentuated by the symmetrical treatment of its elevation. The rhythm of doors and columns are broken only by the main entries. The building is almost entirely made of Italian marble, cover an area of 93,971 square meters.
Interiors
The interiors are highly detailed with elaborate cornices, ornate ceilings, and paneling. The finely worked stain glass windows throw a myriad of colors inward, giving the ambiance a rich hue. The Falaknuma is known for its collection of over forty Venetian chandeliers, jade sculptures, and other priceless objects d’art. Victorian furniture adorns its interiors while a grand marble staircase with carved balustrades, takes you to the upper level from the lower living quarters. The palace has sixty lavish rooms and twenty two halls. It is famous for having the longest dining table seating a hundred guests. The library, which houses an enviable collection, has a carved Walnut roof that is a replica of the one at the Winsdor castle. The palace also boasts a billiard table by Burroughs and Watts from England, of which an identical one is present at the Buckingham Palace.
The Falaknuma Palace is surely a prized jewel of Hyderabad. The rich history of the Nizams can be experienced through the building and its surroundings. Its grandiose interiors and palatial exteriors are ideal for an elegant affair,.
- The arts and crafts of the region are vibrant. Take inspiration from these to form your place settings, décor and souvenirs.
- Treat your guests to a cultural feast. The traditional forms of performance art include Kuchipudi, Kolatam, Lambadi, Tholubommalatta, Dappu, etc.
The Nizam’s jewels maybe a national treasure, but when decked out in these inspired wedding attire, your spouse might be the gem that shines the brightest.
