The cosmopolitan and fast-expanding capital of Andrha Pradesh on the Deccan Plateau and Musi River, busy Hyderabad has drawn its population from all over the country and is a meeting point between North and South. New shopping malls and high office buildings belie the 500-years-old history of this former seat of the Nizam, the ruler of the largest and the most opulent 'princely state'. In the old city lies on the south bank of the river are most of the historical attractions, including the minaret-crowned Charminar, a city landmark, and the 12th century Golconda Fort. The Hussain Sagar Lake is also a major attraction