Zain Yar Jung

Nawab Zain Yar Jung Bahadur, also known as Zainuddin Hussain Khan, was born on January 15, 1889 in Hyderabad. He completed his education at Nizam College before pursuing further studies in England. Upon his return, he was appointed as an engineer in the Irrigation Department of Nizam’s Dominions in 1912. In time, he became one of the most esteemed engineers and architects in all of India.

Nawab Sahib was appointed the Executive Engineer in charge of the Royal Palaces Division by the Nizam’s Government. In 1930, he was commissioned by the Government of Hyderabad to design the Osmania University, which he did under the guidance of the famous Belgian architect Jasper. The university stands as a testament to Nawab Sahib’s talent. He also designed and built many beautiful mosques and temples in the Nizam’s Dominion, and is recognized as the exponent of a new style of architecture known in Hyderabad as the “Osmania Architecture”. In this style, he blended Hindu and Muslim cultures, with each retaining its own characteristics and yet together giving the impression of a unity of purpose and solidarity.

Nawab Sahib designed several gurdwaras outside the Nizam’s Dominion and was responsible for remodelling the Aligarh University and the Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad. He was also involved in preserving several architectural marvels, including the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, and the Ajanta caves in Aurangabad.

In 1939, he was appointed as the Chief Architect of the State. In 1944, he was appointed as the Minister for Public Works, Commerce, and Industries. In 1947, he became Nizam’s Agent General in Delhi. After the Police Action in 1948, he was again appointed as a minister in the Military Cabinet.

On Nawab Sahib’s advice, the Nizam started a charitable trust in June 1954, and he became its first chairman and trustee for all the 36 trusts. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan on October 6, 1956, in recognition of his valuable services as an architect.