Osmania Arts College Building

The Osmania Arts College Building is a heritage structure on the Osmania University campus in Hyderabad, Telangana. Completed in December 1939 during the reign of Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam, it was designed by Belgian architect Ernest Jasper. The building exemplifies Osman Shahi architecture, blending Qutub Shahi, Mughal, and Kakatiyan temple influences. Constructed entirely of pink granite, it features broad facades, high stairways, arched entrances, and a distinctive dome with a crescent.

Visitors can view the exterior of this grand pink granite building, which showcases Indo-Islamic architectural elements including smooth modernistic pillars, intricate Jali work, and carefully balanced stonework. The building's facade reflects a harmonious blend of Ajanta-Ellora pillar styles and Islamic arches. While interior access may be restricted as it remains an active academic institution, visitors can appreciate its scale, materials, and cultural importance from the campus grounds. On Sunday evenings, a light and sound show with facade illumination is held at the building.

The foundation stone was laid by the seventh Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan on July 5, 1934, and the building was inaugurated by him on December 4, 1939. It represents a significant milestone in Hyderabad's educational and architectural heritage, being constructed entirely of pure granite while other campus buildings used brick and lime mortar. The building became the third trademarked building in India in 2025.

The building exemplifies Osman Shahi architecture, a unique fusion style that blends Qutub Shahi, Mughal, and Kakatiyan temple architectural elements. It symbolizes Hyderabad's rich cultural heritage and the Nizam's vision for higher education. The structure's design incorporates influences from Ajanta and Ellora caves alongside Islamic architectural traditions.