Charminar, Charkaman, Pathergatti: A Walk Through Hyderabad's Jewellery Bazaars
For centuries, Hyderabad's jewellery trade has lived in the lanes around Charminar. A walk through these bazaars is a walk through the city's history: pearls, bangles, gold and stones, traded in the same streets for generations. Here is a short guide to the main stops, and how the trade has grown beyond them.
Charminar
Built in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad, Charminar is the city's most famous monument and the centre of the Old City. Its four minarets rise above one of the busiest markets in India.
The streets that radiate from Charminar were planned as the city's commercial heart, and they have remained so ever since. Jewellery, pearls, bangles, perfumes, fabrics and food are all sold within walking distance. Start your walk here.
Charkaman
Just north of Charminar stand four great arches known as Charkaman. The arches frame the old market streets and were built as part of the original city plan.
The lanes around Charkaman became one of the city's great jewellery districts, where families came for gold, pearls and bridal pieces. This is where Tibarumal & Sons was established in 1920, and where the family built its name. Read From Charkaman to Shaikpet: The Journey of Tibarumal & Sons.
Pathergatti
Pathergatti, near Charminar, is known for its handsome stone arcades and its pearl shops. For generations, it has been one of the best places in the city to see pearls being sorted, sold and strung.
If you are shopping for pearls here, take time to compare quality and ask questions. Read Hyderabadi Pearls: Why the City Is India's Pearl Capital for how to judge pearls.
Laad Bazaar
Laad Bazaar, also called Chudi Bazaar, runs west from Charminar and is famous for its bangles, especially colourful lac bangles set with stones and glass. Brides, families and visitors come here for bangles in every colour, often to match a wedding outfit.
The market is also known for bridal accessories, and it becomes especially lively in the weeks before weddings and festivals such as Eid.
Where the trade went next
As Hyderabad grew, many families moved west, to Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Film Nagar, Tolichowki and beyond. Jewellers followed, opening showrooms closer to the families they served.
The Old City bazaars are still very much alive, and a visit is worth the trip. But today the city's jewellery trade is spread across Hyderabad. Read Old City vs West Hyderabad: Where Should You Buy Gold Today? for a comparison.
Tibarumal & Sons is one of the jewellery houses that made that journey, carrying the traditions of Charkaman to a showroom in Shaikpet. For the royal history behind the bazaars, read Nizami Jewellery: A Short History of Hyderabad's Royal Style.
Tips for visiting: go early in the day to avoid crowds, wear comfortable shoes, keep valuables secure, and allow plenty of time. Weekday mornings are usually calmer than evenings and weekends.
Visit Tibarumal & Sons Jewellers, Shaikpet
Tibarumal & Sons Jewellers
Shop No. 102, 8-1-299/121, RP Business Park, Al Hamra Colony, Shaikpet, Hyderabad 500008
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11am to 8:30pm
Phone: +91 88855 00805
WhatsApp: Message us on WhatsApp
Instagram: @tibarumalandsons
