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Finally, as the sun started to dip, we climbed up the claustrophobic stairwell of the Charminar, a landmark whose four tawny minarets could be the city’s insignia, to take in the gilded view of the old city.

Hyderabad old and new: the Charminar, top left, is one of the oldest and most famous monuments in the city, and below a modern replica built as part of Hitech City.

In the heart of the historic old city, near the iconic 1591 Charminar arch, stands another landmark: Hotel Shadab.

Ivanka is everywhere in Hyderabad this week: in televised clips played on loop by news channels; on billboards beside India’s prime minister, Narendra Modi; and as the beaming face of a mannequin outside Mohammed Cap Mart, a bustling store near the medieval-era Charminar mosque.

"I only pray that Mr Chandrasekhar Rao does not decide tomorrow that the construction of the iconic Charminar in Hyderabad was not done according to vaastu principles in 1591 and is thereby declared inauspicious for Telangana," mocks opposition leader Shabbir Ali.