The book “Beyond Biryani” by Dinesh C. Sharma, published by Westland, explores the fascinating transformation of Hyderabad from its founding in 1591 to its current status as a global hub for technology and industry. The city was originally established to address congestion and water shortages in the Qutub Shahi capital of Golconda. The author, a native of Hyderabad now living in Delhi, portrays the city’s evolution with deep affection and sensitivity.
In the introductory chapter, Sharma reflects on Hyderabad’s journey, stating, “This book is an attempt to capture the remarkable story of the rapid transformation of Hyderabad from what was, at best, a proto-colonial city in a quasi-Mughal princely state until the 1940s, to a modern and vibrant metropolis.” His personal connection to the city and the memories of his family allow him to present a compelling narrative.
While the book offers a detailed and well-researched account, its strength also lies in the author’s personal perspective. However, this personal viewpoint can sometimes lead to biases, though Sharma diligently avoids them. Throughout the narrative, the author highlights the significant contributions of various individuals who shaped Hyderabad’s destiny, such as rulers from the Qutub Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties, as well as bureaucrats and ministers in the post-independence era.
The book emphasizes the role of key figures in the city’s development. For example, Hussain Shah Wali, who built the Hussain Sagar Lake in 1562, laid the groundwork for Hyderabad’s creation 30 years later. Persian architect Mir Momin Astrabadi designed the city, drawing inspiration from Iran’s Isfahan. Other notable contributors include the Salar Jungs, who helped modernize the city, and Sir M. Vishweshwariah, who introduced modern town planning after the devastating Musi floods in 1908.
In more recent times, Hyderabad’s transformation into a major IT and biotechnology hub during the 1990s was driven by visionary leadership and skilled bureaucrats. Key figures such as R. Chandrasekhar, Randeep Sudan, J. Satyanarayana, and others played instrumental roles in the development of Cyberabad, Knowledge City, and Genome Valley.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to record these milestones with rich details and anecdotes that are not widely known. It avoids being a dry account of dates and events, instead offering a lively narrative that examines the processes behind Hyderabad’s growth. A prime example is the chapter on Osmania University, which became a center for scientific research and helped foster the city’s pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
The book also touches on the cost of development, particularly its impact on Hyderabad’s heritage and environment. In a chapter titled “The Price of Development,” the author highlights concerns shared by many long-time Hyderabad residents, who feel that the city’s cultural heritage and relaxed way of life are being eroded. However, the author concludes on a hopeful note, pointing out that parts of Hyderabad still retain their traditional charm, which led National Geographic to name it one of the top 10 tourist destinations in 2015.
Overall, “Beyond Biryani” is a unique effort to document Hyderabad’s evolution over the past four centuries. It offers a well-rounded account of the city’s milestones and processes, making it a must-read for those interested in urban development, modern history, and the cultural heritage of Hyderabad.
(Review by BP Acharya, IAS Retd, former Special Chief Secretary)
