Hyderabad is a city located in the Sindh province of Pakistan. It is the second-largest city in Sindh and the eighth-largest in Pakistan. Hyderabad was founded in 1768 by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro of the Kalhora Dynasty after the capital of the region, Khudabad, was washed away by floods. The city was named after the Prophet Muhammad's son-in-law, Ali, who was also known as Hyder in the South Asian subcontinent. Over time, Hyderabad evolved into a major commercial and cultural center, renowned for its bazaars, traditional crafts, and historic architecture. The city is situated on the east bank of the Indus River, which has historically been significant for trade and agriculture in the region. Hyderabad has a mostly hot desert climate, with mild to warm winters and scorching summers. The city often sees strong windstorms prior to the monsoon season, which typically starts in July and ends in September. The Indus Valley civilization, which dates back to 3300 BCE, had significant influence in the region, and many historical artifacts have been discovered nearby. Hyderabad's history is marked with various periods of rule, including the Mughal Empire, Talpur dynasty, British Raj, and eventually, after 1947, as part of the new state of Pakistan. The culture of Hyderabad is rich and diverse, reflecting the heritage of Sindh and the variety of ethnic groups that have settled in the city over the centuries. Sindhi is the most spoken language in Hyderabad, representing the linguistic identity of the people of Sindh. Urdu, the national language, is also widely spoken and understood, serving as a lingua franca among the diverse ethnic populations. English is typically used in official business, higher education, and the upper echelons of society. Hyderabad is famous for its educational institutions like the University of Sindh, Sindh Agriculture University, and Mehran University of Engineering and Technology. The city’s demography is quite diverse, with Sindhis being the largest ethnic group, followed by Muhajirs—Urdu-speaking people who migrated from India after the partition in 1947—Punjabis, Pashtuns, and various other groups. The city's economy is diverse, with sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and services playing significant roles. The city is also known for its association with the Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and for the annual 'urs' celebrations held in his honor. One of the most prominent features of Hyderabad is the Charminar, a historical building modeled after the one in Hyderabad, India, which acts as a center of cultural and social activities. Other landmarks include the Sindh Museum, which showcases the history and cultural heritage of Sindh; and the Rani Bagh, a large public park. Hyderabad's cuisine is part of its cultural identity, with dishes like Sindhi biryani, haleem, and various sweet delicacies being regionally famous. The vibrant handicrafts, such as Ajrak and Sindhi Topi, are emblematic of Sindhi cultural identity and are popular souvenirs for tourists. The city’s population has seen substantial growth over the past decades due to urbanization and economic opportunities, which has also contributed to various urban challenges such as congestion and pressure on infrastructure. Nevertheless, Hyderabad has remained an important cultural, historical, and economic hub in Pakistan, contributing significantly to the nation's diversity and vitality.