Secunderabad (Hyderabad)

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lies on the north of the city of Hyderabad. Both the cities are collectively known just as Hyderabad outside the state and together they form the fifth largest metropolis in India. Even, officially, the capital city of the state of Andhra Pradesh is referred to just as Hyderabad. Within the state, though, the two cities are popularly called as 'Twin Cities'. In common parlance, however, Secunderabad is seldom used outside the state. Though they are called twins, the cities have a different history and present fusion of different cultures, with Secunderabad having developed under direct British rule until 1948 and Hyderabad as the capital of Nizam's princely state. Secunderabad - the twin city of Hyderabad - was founded in the 18th century as a British cantonment and has a large Army and Air Force presence to this day. In fact the Secunderabad Cantonment happens to be the largest in India[citation needed]. Named after Sikandar Jah, the third Nizam of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, Secunderabad until recently had its own municipality and city government. Secunderabad was the area in Hyderabad which was under the control of the British. Now it is a part of the Hyderabad district. Secunderabad celebrated two hundred years of its formation in 2007.
Lake Hussain Sagar, which separates the city of Secunderabad from Hyderabad

The Cantonment area is farther from the Hyderabad portion than rest of the city. Adjoining Hyderabad is the mostly civilian portion of Secunderabad which is commercially active and centrally located. Begumpet Airport is close to Secunderabad and served both the cities until early 2008. Secunderabad railway station is one of the largest in India and is also the zonal headquarters of South Central Railway. The Twin Cities are separated by the man-made Hussain Sagar lake, which was built during the reign of the Qutub Shahis in the 16th century. The lake is a heart shaped jewel keeping the two cities together and is very dear to its citizens.

Sir Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II, was posted in Secunderabad during the 1880s as a subaltern in the British Army.

Sir Ronald Ross conducted his initial research on the cause of malaria in the city of Secunderabad. The original building is today called the Sir Ronald Ross Institute and is located on the Minister Road. The city of Secunderabad which was once said to be modern compared to its twin during the Nizam's rule, has grown tremendously over the years to catch up with the metropolis of Hyderabad. Populous places of the city include Paradise Circle, Trimulgherry, Marredpally, Sitaphalmandi, Kharkhana, Ranigunj, etc.Secunderabad is located at 17°27′N 78°30′E / 17.45°N 78.5°E / 17.45; 78.5.[2] It has an average elevation of 543 metres (1781 ft). Its climate is very similar to the metropolis of Hyderabad.As of 2001[update] India census,[3] Secunderabad had a population of 204,182. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Secunderabad has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; male literacy is 78%, and female literacy is 68%. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

The city also has a good population of Christians with famous churches like St. Mary's Church (biggest parish in twin cities), St. John's Church, and cathedrals found across the city. There are many Christian educational institutions like St. Andrew's, St. Ann's, St. Patrick's, St. John's, St. Mary's, St. Francis, Seventh Day Adventist located in the city providing primary, secondary, and higher education.

Secunderabad's population is a mix of cultures and religions, comprising people from all major states of India. Its population consists a significant number of Tamilians (Mudaliars), who are considered to be one of the original groups inhabiting the city, Parsis, Telugus and many others. It was under the rule of the Nizams, and later the British, that this community was held in high respect for its efficient administrative and trading skills. Padmarao Nagar, a residential suburb is named after Late Dewan Bahadur Padma Rao Mudaliar.