India's is an ancient civilisation which has seen the rise and fall of many kingdoms and cities. Many of its cities, through hundreds of years old, are still vibrant with life today. To draw attention to this rich legacy, Department of Posts proposes to issue special stamps on historic cities of India from time to time. Our first set consists of special stamps on Bikaner, Cuttack and Hyderabad. This year the city of Hyderabad completes 400 years of its existence. Founded along the river Mussi, a tributory of river Krishna, environs of Hyderabad have highly picturesque appearance. It was founded by Mohammed Quli, the fifthe Qutab-Shahi kings.

Hyderabad was the fulcrum of cultural and political activities in the southern part in India more commonly known as Deccan. The city boasts of Charminar, a stately rectangular building of 180 ft. height built in 1591. It also has the famous Salarjung Museum. It is dotted with water reservoirs such as Osman Sagar, Himayet Sagar, Hussain Sagar and Meer Alam Tank. The city got consolidated as the seat of power for the erstwhile state of Hyderabad during the reign of Asaf Jah, the Nizam of Hyderabad. Ever since its inception, the city has been centre of rich cultural traditions and customs side by side with its status of political and commercial capital.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India