When uniforms' spiced up Osmania University

Hyderabad: From 1918 and well into the 1950s, students at Osmania University wore the Deccani sherwani and pyjama or salwar kameez and saris (the latter for married women), almost like a school uniform.

In keeping with the times, women invariably had their heads covered. The Gandhi topi also made its appearance. The upper echelons of society wore western-style clothes.  As the university, founded by Nizam VII Mir Osman Ali Khan, celebrates its centenary, its alumni and others recall the traditions associated with the University.

Ninety-seven-year-old Dr Hasnuddin Ahmed, a retired IAS officer who graduated with an MA in Economics in 1943, says that the sherwani was the norm. “It’s a long coat in a dark colour, not gaudy. We also wore caps. Students were highly disciplined and there was pin-drop silence in the class and the library” Dr Ahmed told Deccan Chronicle.

Students from the upper echelons of the society wear western outfits but cover their heads with caps while attending classes at the university.

Mr Safiullah, a managing trustee of the Deccan Heritage Trust, says, “It was considered highly improper not to wear the traditional dress. Mr Shahid Hussain, former GPA of the Nizam Trust is coming out with a book on Prince Mukkaram Jah, Nizam VIII, and his close association with him.”

Prof H. Venkateshwarlu, special officer, Osmania University Centenary Celebrations, says from the University’s collection of videos and photographs it’s clear that the traditional sherwani was the preferred dress for male students.

“In the photographs we see male students in sherwani and women in salwar khameez. Boys and girls had separate classes. Courses started from intermediate and over a period of time, degree courses were added - BA, BCom and BSc in the Arts College - and subsequently post graduate courses were started,” he said.