From the annexation of the princely state of Hyderabad in September 1948 to the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1956 and the eventual creation of Telangana in 2014, these broad brushstrokes of Hyderabad’s history are well-documented. What has long been missing, however, is the perspective of the people, the different communities who lived through these upheavals—the communal violence of Independence and Partition, the push for a linguistic re-imagination of the state and its bifurcation, the long-drawn-out struggle for statehood—and those who were forced to adapt to a rapidly changing India.
For the first time, Daneesh Majid brings their stories to light. Drawing from generational interviews, oral histories, literature in Urdu and English and his personal experiences, he drafts a modern history of Hyderabad. A work of this scale and size has never been attempted before and “The Hyderabadis” promises to open new doors to the former kingdom’s past and future.
Join us at Lamakaan as Senior Journalist Syed Mohammed discusses a chronicling of Hyderabad, its past, present, and future through the eyes of its people with author Daneesh Majid.
Heritage stalwart and journalist Yunus Lasania writes, “Hyderabad has been written about more by outsiders who settled here than by its own people—it’s just an observation and isn’t born out of xenophobia. That’s why Daneesh’s book is important—its no only provides social-political context, but also throws light on how ordinary people have lived through the city’s ever-changing landscape post-Independence.”
The event will also feature some recitations of some traditional Deccani humour poetry by some of Hyderabad’s renowned humour poets—Lateefuddin Lateef, Moin Amar Bamboo and Fareed Sheer. Excerpts from the Harper Collins-published book will also be read!
Daneesh Majid Bio: Daneesh Majid is a Hyderabad-based writer who concentrates on South Asian culture, security and Urdu literature. He has worked for “Siasat.com,” the online English edition of the prominent Urdu daily. His writing has been featured in numerous South Asian media outlets, such as “Mint Lounge,” “The Hindu Business Line,” “Express Tribune,” “The New Indian Express,” “The Wire,” “The News Minute,” “The Print,” “Madras Courier,” “DailyO,” “The Nation (Pakistan)” and “Dhaka Tribune.” He is an alumnus of Franklin and Marshall College, Pennsylvania, and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.
About Syed Mohammed: Syed Mohammed is a journalist with a national English daily. His focus is on the city of Hyderabad, communities and transport. He has a special interest in archives and telling relevant stories through archival material.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Organizer
Lamakaan & Daneesh Majid
Lamakaan, a vibrant and inclusive cultural space in Hyderabad, is dedicated to promoting and presenting the finest in art, literature, cinema, theater, debates, discussions, and dialogue. Committed to accessibility and openness, it offers a welcoming environment where creativity and intellectual exchange thrive.
Daneesh Majid is a Hyderabad-based writer.
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