In India, graffiti made its way through the influence of global street art movements, urbanisation, and cultural exchanges. While traditional mural painting has existed in forms like the Warli and Madhubani arts, modern graffiti first gained traction in metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Mumbai’s Bandra neighbourhood, with its iconic Chapel Road murals, is considered one of the earliest hubs of Indian street art. However, Indian graffiti has largely remained an underground movement without significant international recognition compared to cities like Berlin or São Paulo, which are known for their street art scenes.
Hyderabad’s entry into the graffiti world came through projects like the Maqtha Art District, a collaboration with St+Art India Foundation, and initiatives in public spaces like Necklace Road. Unlike other cities where graffiti often reflects protest or rebellion, Hyderabad’s murals weave together a blend of its royal Nizam heritage, contemporary urban narratives, and local storytelling traditions. The city, known for its rich history, biryani culture, and tech-driven future, finds a unique visual representation in these artworks.
Brushstrokes of the Past, Spray Cans of the Present
The Nizams of Hyderabad were known for their deep patronage of the arts, fostering a rich cultural legacy that blended Persian, Mughal, and Deccan influences. Their love for paintings was evident in the flourishing of Deccani miniature art, which depicted royal court life, Sufi themes, and intricate floral patterns. The Nizams also supported artisans and painters who adorned palaces, mosques, and manuscripts with exquisite designs. This deep-rooted appreciation for visual storytelling has continued to shape Hyderabad’s cultural identity, with its historic monuments, traditional crafts like Bidriware, and vibrant storytelling traditions.
Graffiti, in many ways, is an extension of this artistic heritage, reinterpreted for the modern urban landscape. By turning public walls into canvases, graffiti ensures that Hyderabad’s love for art remains alive, reflecting its past, present, and future in colorful, dynamic forms.
A Burst of Colors and Stories on City Walls
Maqtha Art District: A Living Canvas
At the heart of Hyderabad’s graffiti movement is the Maqtha Art District, specifically its Blue Chowk area. As you walk through these streets, you’re enveloped in a world of artistic wonder. Vivid blues, geometric patterns, and surreal depictions of urban life create an immersive experience.
Each mural tells a story—whether it’s an abstract interpretation of cityscapes, a tribute to Hyderabad’s lakes and greenery, or a social message hidden in layers of paint. The neighbourhood was transformed by St+Art India Foundation, bringing local and international artists together to give the walls a voice. Unlike traditional art galleries, Maqtha’s art is for the people, unrestricted by walls or ticketed access. Here, every passerby is an audience, and every painting sparks curiosity.
Necklace Road: Social Commentary in Strokes
Along the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake, Necklace Road is more than just a scenic promenade—it’s an open-air art gallery. Graffiti here leans into themes of environmental conservation, gender equality, and urban identity. One striking mural features a powerful depiction of a woman—a visual anthem for women’s empowerment in Hyderabad. Another mural brings the city’s iconic Charminar into a modern, neon-inspired aesthetic, symbolising the blend of tradition and progress.
Necklace Road’s murals are often created by independent graffiti artists and community-driven initiatives, giving voice to young artists who see public spaces as their creative playground. The murals evoke a feeling of movement, making them an extension of the bustling energy of the road itself.
The Hidden Murals of Secunderabad: A Tribute to Heritage
Moving beyond the mainstream spots, Secunderabad houses some lesser-known yet breathtaking murals, particularly around St. Ann’s School, Sangeet Theatre, and Marredpally. These murals stand out for their deep connection to Telangana’s folk art traditions, especially Cheriyal scroll paintings.
Unlike the more abstract and modernist graffiti found in Maqtha or Necklace Road, these murals depict traditional Indian motifs—elaborate village scenes, mythological figures, and rustic landscapes. They serve as a bridge between generations, blending classical Indian art with contemporary graffiti styles.
Safilguda Underpass: Street Art in Unexpected Places
Who would expect a railway underpass to become an artistic hotspot? The Safilguda Underpass in Anandbagh has been given a new lease on life with murals that range from hyperrealistic portrayals of Hyderabad’s monuments to colorful surrealist dreamscapes. These walls were once dull and unnoticed, but graffiti has breathed new life into them, making them interactive storytelling spaces.
Commuters passing through experience a moment of artistic escapism—be it a splash of bright florals against a grey concrete background or a hyper-detailed image of a street vendor capturing the everyday essence of Hyderabad.
Jumerat Bazaar: Where Street Art Meets Hyderabad’s Bustling Market Culture
Nestled in the heart of Begum Bazaar, Jumerat Bazaar is a sensory overload—a chaotic yet fascinating marketplace where traders, shoppers, and street vendors gather every Thursday to buy and sell everything imaginable. This flea market is a treasure trove for bargain hunters, offering everything from second-hand goods and vintage electronics to traditional jewelry and knickknacks. But beyond the bustling commerce, something else catches the eye—the stunning street art that transforms the walls of this vibrant marketplace into a dynamic, open-air gallery.
The beauty of Hyderabad’s graffiti scene lies in its ability to evoke emotions. Walking past these murals, you may feel nostalgia when you see a depiction of an old Hyderabad alley, awe at the sheer scale of some works, or inspiration from a message about social change. The artists behind these murals, often uncredited street painters or young collectives, are shaping the visual identity of Hyderabad in real-time.
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