Barkas, Hyderabad

Barkas
Neighbourhood
Barkas
Location in Telangana, India
Barkas
Barkas (India)
Coordinates: 17°18′47″N 78°28′58″E / 17.31306°N 78.48278°E / 17.31306; 78.48278Coordinates: 17°18′47″N 78°28′58″E / 17.31306°N 78.48278°E / 17.31306; 78.48278
Country  India
State Telangana
District Hyderabad
Metro Hyderabad
Founded by Nizam of Hyderabad
Named for barracks
Government
 • Body GHMC
Languages
 • Official Telugu, Urdu
Time zone UTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN 500 005
Vehicle registration TS
Lok Sabha constituency Hyderabad
Vidhan Sabha constituency Chandrayangutta
Planning agency GHMC
Website telangana.gov.in

Barkas is a neighbourhood in Hyderabad, India, located in the old city area. The name "Barkas" is believed to be derived from the English word "barracks". Before Indian independence, Barkas served as the military barracks of the Nizam of Hyderabad, hence the name.

Barkas is now inhabited mainly by the Chaush community, who are direct descendants of the Hadhrami, who were Arab military men and bodyguards from the Hadhramaut region of South Arabia (now part of the Republic of Yemen).

History

Before Indian independence, Barkas served as the military barracks of the Nizam of Hyderabad. The Nizams were surrounded by hostile rulers in the Deccan, and chose to employ Arabs instead of local military. These Arabs formed the bulk of the Nizams' personal army and were more reliable as they could not defect to the rival states unlike locals and were trustworthy because the Asaf Jahi rulers also claimed Arab ancestry. Many mentions state that the last Nizam loved their trait of Loyalty and trusted them more than anybody else. The Arab population increased during this period, settling in mainly in barracks on the outskirts of the walled, gated city.

Culture

The area is noted for it's unique culture, which shows Arab influences. which is integral to the Culture of Hyderabad.[1]

The local cuisine includes a sweet version of Harees (meat cooked with crushed wheat and spices) that is only available in Barkas. In the recent past 'Mandi', a Yemeni rice dish made with either chicken or mutton has grown into prominence which saw opening of multiple restaurants in Barkas and nearby areas.[2]

These restaurants also serve a variety of Arabic cuisine such as Kabsa, Majboos, Maqluba, Quzi, Saleeg and snacks such asShawarma, Falafel and Mutabbaq.

Organisations

Barkas is home to Jaundice Medicine Barkas, a non-profit organization providing free jaundice medication. The organisation is led by a team from Al Qureshi tribe.

Sabi Ul Khair is a non-profit organization established in Barkas catering to the social development of the area. And it offers various schemes for the social development of the locals, like providing funds for Marriage of girls belonging to poor households, funeral services etc.

Barkas also has a non-profitable organization called Bait-ul-Maal the sole intention of this organization is to help the needy people and looking for the betterment of communities.

Main Attraction

Barkas houses a lot of mosques especially the 'Jama'a Masjid'

'Barkas Maidan' a multi use playground, which is helped the growth of great sportsmen espically in the field of football like Habeeb Khan, Salam Aidroosi, Majid Khan etc. who have won laurels for Barkas in National and International level.

'Mandi Road' which is actually the main road of Barkas going to the Shamshabad Airport from Chandrayangutta cross roads. It is lined with many restaurants serving a variety of Arab cuisine.

'Barkas bazaar' also called 'Dubai bazaar' which is a market having all imported items from Arab states of the Persian Gulf. It also has many Restaurants serving the famous Sweet & Salty Harees as well as Cafes serving the famous Suleimani tea and Yemeni Qahwah. Many locals and visitors can be found relaxing and chatting here. Some cafes also keep Sheesha for their customers.

'Barkas Kamela' or Meat market is also famous for its fresh Poultry, Mutton and Beef which is supplied on daily basis even on large scale. The Al Quraishi tribe manage this market.

References

  1. ↑ "Little Arabia - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
  2. ↑ Aneez, Prabalika M. Borahzeenab (2014-07-18). "So, what's khaas about Barkas?". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2018-07-25. 
Prakashan, Bombay, 1996
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