Introduction to Abids – Past and the Present Conditions | Urban Regeneration
Abids is a major commercial hub of the city of Hyderabad, India. It is the oldest and famous business area which developed after the development of Old City and Secunderabad. Major number of government buildings are located in this area. For example, the state government building APSFC, and President Plaza etc.
This place has a mixture of Anglican Architecture, Persian Architecture and the modern Architectural style. This place has heritage structures which have been preserved from the past 200 years. The city of Hyderabad was not much developed. The two hotspots of the city were Secunderbad and Old City. Secunderabad is the twin city of Hyderabad. Old City and Secunderabad were the only areas where businesses were set up and gradually got overcrowded.
Evolution of the name of the Area – ABIDS | Urban Regeneration
After 1908 floods in Hyderabad, King Koti Developed. The Nizamshahis went shopping in the horse carriages to Abids. The area had a shop belonging to Albert Abid, a Jewish valet of Nizam VI of Hyderabad state, hence the area came to be known as Abid shop and the main road abutting the shop was known as Abid road. Later on, this area became popular as Abids. But this was just a small stretch which developed.
During British rule in India in the year 1844 AD, St. George’s Church was constructed. Along with it came Grammar School for boys. This gave a boost to the construction of new schools in Abids. This area has many schools and educational institutions.
The development of schools and educational institutions gave rise to the development of commercial activity related to the necessities of the School going children.
For example, footwear shops/showrooms, Textile showrooms, stationaries etc.
Gradually, the jewelry business, textile market started flourishing and it was announced as “Business District of Hyderabad”. To sustain the growing population of Hyderabad, Decentralization became a necessity. The commercial hubs spread to Somajiguda, Punjagutta etc which left an impact on the flow of commercial activity in Abids.
Urban Designers pass a statement saying, “Abids is dead” or “Abids is no more”. Though the activity in Abids has gone through a considerable decrease, it still holds its essence and has a wide scope for its revival.