Khursheed Jah Devdi

Khursheed Jah Devdi is a European-styled heritage palace located in Hussaini Alam, Hyderabad, approximately one kilometer from Charminar. Built in 1884 during the time of Shams-ul-Umra II, it showcases Palladian architecture with Ionic columns and barrel-vault roofs. The palace was once home to Paigah nobles and has undergone major restoration work since 2023. Currently undergoing final restoration phases, it is expected to reopen as a cultural tourist attraction by mid-2026.

Visitors can expect to see a two-story European-style palace featuring grand Corinthian pillars, elliptical arches, and multi-colored Athangudi tiles. The structure represents a confluence of Palladian and Edwardian architectural styles with Indian influences. After restoration completion, the site will function as a cultural space potentially housing a cafeteria, art gallery, or cultural center while preserving its heritage character.

Built in 1884 during the reign of Shams-ul-Umra II (1781-1893), the palace was constructed by ancestors of Paigah noble Amir-Paigah Khursheed Jah Bahadur. The Paigahs were aristocrats second only to the Nizam of Hyderabad. The building served as a women's college in 2008 before falling into disrepair. In 2023, authorities allocated Rs 12 crore for its restoration. The palace interiors were once adorned with expensive carpets and exclusive chandeliers, with water supplied from Jalpally lake through a dedicated pipeline network.

The palace represents the architectural patronage of the Paigah nobility and exemplifies the confluence of European Palladian and Indian architectural traditions in Hyderabad. It is one of the few remaining devdis that has retained significant structural elements from the Paigah era, serving as a testament to the cosmopolitan tastes of Hyderabad's aristocracy in the late 19th century.