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In 1950 the city of Hyderabad was founded by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, a prominent ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The erstwhile capital of the Golkonda state, Golkomda City suffered a severe draught and hence the Sultan shifted his base to this city which stands on the banks of the Musi River, 8 kilometers east of Golkonda. The Sultan laid the foundations for the phenomenal growth of this city by constructing the world famous monument, Charminar. The subsequent centuries saw the golden era of the Qutb Shahi dynasty's rule. The Sultans of this dynasty were learned men and exceptional monarchs who worked towards the prosperity of the populace. They promoted learning and fine arts in their kingdom ruled from Hyderabad. The Golkonda Fort was an impregnable fortress that stood silent sentinel to their benevolent rule. Trade and business prospered in the city. Pearls, precious stones, steel, weapons and fabrics were traded freely in the city. In 1686, Aurangzeb the Mughal emperor set his covetous eyes on this flourishing city and seized it. The city however went into the shadows and its glory was eclipsed under his rule. The Asaf Jahi dynasty's rule saw the emancipation of the city Aurangzeb's death and this era saw the construction of a number of damns and other monuments. These Nizams were distinguished statesmen and they joined forces with the British and French at various periods of time. Though they never really relinquished authority, they gained immunity from the foreign rulers due to their discretion and tact. They ruled their land well during a time when upheaval and unrest prevailed all around. Post independence, the Nizams choose not to accede to the republic of India but overpowering economic sanctions forced him to join the Indian union in 1948. In 1956, the city was discerned as the capital of Andhra Pradesh, a state newly formed on linguistic basis.
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