Which pair of Cities in India is known as the "Twin Cities"?
VerifiedAnswer: Hyderabad - Secunderabad
Explanation:
The cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad in Telangana state are famously known as the "Twin Cities" of India. These two cities are located adjacent to each other and are separated by the Hussain Sagar Lake, which acts as a natural boundary between them. Despite being administratively separate, they function as a single metropolitan area and share a common urban landscape.
Hyderabad, the older of the two cities, was founded in 1591 by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. It served as the capital of the Hyderabad State under various rulers including the Qutb Shahis, Mughals, and later the Nizams. The city is renowned for its rich history, magnificent architecture, and cultural heritage, with landmarks like the Charminar, Golconda Fort, and numerous palaces.
Secunderabad, on the other hand, was established much later in 1806 by the British as a military cantonment. It was named after Sikandar Jah, the third Nizam of Hyderabad, and was developed as a garrison town to house British troops. The city was planned with wide roads, military barracks, and administrative buildings, reflecting typical British colonial urban planning.
The term "Twin Cities" perfectly captures the relationship between these two urban centers. While they have distinct historical origins and administrative boundaries, they have grown together over time to form a continuous urban sprawl. The Hussain Sagar Lake, built in 1563, sits right in the middle and connects the two cities through various bridges and causeways.
Today, the twin cities together form the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) area and serve as the capital of Telangana state. The region is a major hub for information technology, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology industries. The presence of HITEC City (Hyderabad Information Technology and Engineering Consultancy City) has earned the area the nickname "Cyberabad," making it one of India's leading IT destinations alongside Bangalore and Pune.
