Zainuddin Hussain Khan, Nawab Zain Yar Jung Bahadur, was born at Hyderabad on 15 January, 1889. After completing his education at the Nizam College he went to England for higher studies. On his return he was appointed as an engineer in the Irrigation Department of Nizam’s Dominion in 1912 and later became one of the leading engineers and architects of all-India standing.

The Nizam’s Government appointed him the Executive Engineer in charge of the Royal Palaces Division. In 1930 the Government of Hyderabad commissioned him to design the Osmania University under the guidance of the famous Belgian architect Jasper. The Osmania University is an eloquent testimony to the Nawab Sahib’s talent. Besides Osmania University, he designed and built many beautiful mosques and temples in the Nizam’s Dominion. Nawab Sahib was the exponent of a new style of architecture known in Hyderabad as the “Osmania Architecture”. In this style he has blended the Hindu and Muslim cultures in happy companionship, each retaining its own characteristics and yet together giving the impression of a unity of purpose and solidarity.

Nawab Sahib also designed several gurdwaras outside the Nizam’s Dominion. He was also responsible for remodelling the Aligarh University and the Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad. He was associated with the work of preserving the Taj Mahal at Agra, the Badshahi Mosque at Lahore and the Ajanta caves at Aurangabad. In 1939 he was appointed as the Chief Architect of the State. In 1944 he was appointed as the Minister for Public Works & Commerce & Industries. In 1947 he became Nizam’s Agent General in Delhi. After the Police Action in 1948 he was again appointed as a minister in the Military Cabinet. On Nawab Sahib’s advice the Nizam started a charitable trust in June, 1954 and he became not only its first Chairman but trustee for all the 36 trusts. For his valuable services as an architect he was awarded Padma Bhushan on 6th October, 1956.