Dinesh C. Sharma’s Beyond Biryani: The Making of Globalised Hyderabad is a meticulously researched and compelling exploration of Hyderabad’s evolution into a modern, global city. Sharma skillfully delves into the historical, cultural, and socio-economic factors that have shaped Hyderabad’s transition from a royal capital to a bustling tech metropolis. Through his narrative, readers are offered a profound understanding of how this dynamic city has balanced its rich heritage with rapid modernisation.
A Journey Through Hyderabad’s Historical Foundations
One of the most compelling aspects of Beyond Biryani is Sharma’s detailed examination of Hyderabad’s origins. He provides an in-depth look at the city’s foundation under the Qutb Shahi dynasty and its later prominence under the Nizams. The author emphasizes how these rulers shaped Hyderabad into a vibrant center of culture and politics. Landmark structures like the Charminar and Hyderabad’s famous biryani symbolize the city’s rich cultural legacy, serving as both literal and metaphorical landmarks in Sharma’s narrative.
The book goes beyond recounting history; Sharma ties Hyderabad’s past to its present, offering insights into how the city’s royal foundations influenced its rise as a modern metropolis. The city’s ability to embrace globalisation while preserving its cultural identity is a recurring theme, making Hyderabad’s journey all the more remarkable.
Hyderabad’s Transformation into a Globalised City
Sharma’s book truly shines in its exploration of Hyderabad’s modern-day transformation. As the city transitioned from being a princely state to a major hub for information technology and biotechnology, Sharma tracks the socio-economic shifts that contributed to this change. He focuses on the rise of “Cyberabad”—Hyderabad’s tech district—exploring how strategic geographic positioning, economic reforms, and an influx of international investment have driven Hyderabad’s rise on the global stage.
The author’s ability to connect the dots between historical legacy and modern growth offers a well-rounded understanding of how Hyderabad has managed to thrive in a globalised world. Sharma highlights how globalisation has not only affected Hyderabad’s economy but has also influenced its cultural and social dynamics.
Biryani as a Metaphor for Cultural Fusion
As the title suggests, biryani is more than just a culinary delight in this book. Sharma uses biryani as a powerful metaphor for Hyderabad’s ability to blend diverse cultural influences into something unique. Just as biryani mixes various ingredients into a harmonious dish, Hyderabad’s fusion of traditions and innovations reflects the city’s cultural synthesis.
Sharma artfully ties this metaphor to the broader theme of globalisation. As the city modernises, its traditional aspects—such as the preparation of biryani—remain intact, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of the old and the new. The biryani serves as a perfect representation of how Hyderabad maintains its unique identity while adapting to global trends.
Critical Insights on Urbanisation and Economic Growth
While Beyond Biryani celebrates Hyderabad’s success, Sharma does not shy away from addressing the challenges of rapid urbanisation. The book takes a critical look at the socio-economic disparities that have emerged as a result of Hyderabad’s tech boom. As skyscrapers rise and the city’s IT industry flourishes, Sharma draws attention to the growing divide between the wealthy tech elite and the city’s more traditional, often poorer neighborhoods.
The author raises important questions about the sustainability of Hyderabad’s growth, addressing issues such as urban planning failures, traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and the displacement of communities due to real estate expansion. Sharma’s nuanced critique of these challenges adds depth to his narrative, ensuring that the book is not just a celebration of progress but also a reflection on its costs.
Cultural Tensions in a Globalising City
Sharma’s exploration of the cultural and economic tensions brought about by globalisation is another key strength of Beyond Biryani. As Hyderabad becomes increasingly cosmopolitan, it faces the challenge of maintaining its rich heritage while adapting to the demands of a global economy. Sharma highlights the struggles of local artisans and traditional industries, many of which are finding it difficult to survive in the face of global competition.
The city’s architectural landscape becomes a visual metaphor for this tension, with modern skyscrapers standing alongside centuries-old mosques and palaces. This juxtaposition reflects the larger cultural struggle to balance preservation with progress, a theme that resonates throughout the book.
An Engaging, Accessible Narrative
Sharma’s writing is accessible and engaging, making complex topics like globalisation and urban planning easy to understand. He effectively uses anecdotes and personal stories from Hyderabad’s residents to humanise the narrative, drawing readers into the lived experiences of those affected by the city’s transformation.
His journalistic background is evident in the book’s thorough research and clear, concise writing style. Sharma’s ability to break down intricate socio-economic trends and cultural shifts into digestible insights ensures that readers stay engaged throughout the book.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Read on Urbanisation and Globalisation
Dinesh C. Sharma’s Beyond Biryani: The Making of Globalised Hyderabad is an essential read for anyone interested in urban development, globalisation, and the socio-cultural dynamics of modern India. The book offers a balanced perspective on Hyderabad’s transformation, celebrating its achievements while critically examining the challenges that come with rapid growth.
Whether you’re a resident of Hyderabad, a student of urban studies, or simply a curious reader looking to understand the complexities of city development in a globalised world, Beyond Biryani provides valuable insights. Sharma’s ability to intertwine history, culture, and economic analysis makes this book a rich and rewarding exploration of one of India’s most dynamic cities.
