Write about Qutb Shahis’ period architectural development
Golconda Qutb Shahis gave more important to cultural activities.
- i) Building Construction in Golconda:
The Qutb Shahi Sultans were great builders of magnificent monuments and lovers of art and architecture. They were well-known for their own labeled style of art and architecture. On the other hand Golconda, with Muhammadnagar, Hyderabad, Hayatnagar and its immediate environs being centrally located in the Deccan plateau, and its topography is very much suitable for the constructions of all types.
The Qutb Shahi kings of Golconda were great architects and patrons of art. So it’s natural that the art and architecture are conspicuous for their features and an impressive legacy of their rule. They reflect the combined cultural achievement of the kings, nobles, architects, artists, calligraphers, craftsmen and many other skilled workers.
According to Michel and Zebrowski, “Deccan architecture is the stuff of dreams” and the monuments include forts, mosques, palaces, tombs, sarais, hospitals, gardens, etc.
Impressive Forts
Golconda fort was built in 1578 by Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-mulk. The fort rises some 400 feet above the plains and its granite wall is over seven km in circumference. There were eight gates in the outer wall and several opulent palaces with lush gardens. Meanwhile, the forts at Bhongir, Devarakonda, Penukonda and Kogalkonda, etc. were rebuilt by the Qutb Shahi kings.
Ode to The Divine
One of the oldest Qutb Shahi mosques in Hyderabad is the Jama Masjid near Charminar. It was built in 1597 by Mohd Quli under the supervision of Mir Jumla Amin-ul-mulk, at a cost of 2 lakh huns (about nine lakh rupees), and can accommodate 800 worshippers.
Begum’s Mosque or Sajida Khannum’s Mosque
This mosque was built in 1593 and is situated on the opposite side of Mecca Masjid. Saridahad, Mushirabad and Meerpet mosques were built by Mir Momin in 1610 in Meerpet, eight miles south-west of Hyderabad.
Khairtabad Mosque
Built in 1612 by Akhwand Mullah Abdul Malik, tutor of Princess Khairatunnisa Begum. Dar-ul-shifa mosque: It is situated opposite Dar-ul-shifa, the first hospital built in 1595 by Mohd Quli Qutb Shah.
Mecca Masjid
The most famous of all the city mosques, the foundation was laid by Sultan Mohammad Qutb Shah in 1614. It was completed in 1692.
Bricks made from the soil of Mecca Shareef are believed to have been used in its construction and can be seen in the middle arch. The construction work was carried out by engineer Farizullah Baig with the assistance of Rangaiah Choudary alias Hunarmand Khan. Some 30 lakh huns were spent on its construction.
Hayat Bakshi Begum’s Mosque
This huge and impressive mosque still exists in Hayathnagar today. There is a caravan sarai (travellers’ rest house) inside the mosque. There is a large well with beautiful arches adjacent to the mosque.
Toli Masjid or Damri Masjid
Situated in Karwan , it is one of the most beautiful specimens of Qutb Shahi architecture. It was built by Moosa Khan Mahaalda, the supervisor of Mecca Masjid, in 1643. He saved that money and constructed this mosque. The splendid minarets are 60 feet high.
Miyan Mushk Masjid: Built by Miyan Mushk, the real bearer of Qutb Shahi era in 1643, it is located in Puranapul. At the rear side is the hamam (bath) with a large tub, used for Unani treatment.
Attapur Mosque
Located near Mushk Mahal in Attapur, this structure was built by Miyan Mushk and is endowed with 11 small arches. Currently, it is being used as an Idgah, place where prayers are offered on Ramzan and Bakrid festivals.
Masid-e-Raheem Khan
It exists in Mustaidpura and was built in 1643 by Raheem Khan, a Qutb Shahi noble. A well is still present inside the mosque.
Kulsum Begum Masjid
It was built by Princess Kulsum Begum, daughter of Sultan Md Qutb Shah. The locality Kulsumpura is named after her.
Some prominent fort mosques in and around Golconda
- Masij-e-Safar masjid: It stands outside Golconda fort and was built by Sultan Quli in 1518
- Heera Masjid: It was built in 1668 near Moti Darwaza during the rule of Abdullah Qutb Shah, especially for the diamond merchants. There is large sarai (rest house) within the compound wall.
- Ashrafi Masjid: This is an early Qutb Shahi mosque, located between Shamsheer Kotha (armoury) and the Khazana-e-Shahi (treasury).
- Cheeni Masjid: It is near the Khazana-e-Shahi and was built in 1589
- Mullah Khayah’s mosque: It is situated between Jallad Burj and Anankob Burj. Below the courtyard is a row of vaulted rooms with 13 arched openings.
- Premamati’s mosque: It lies opposite Taramati Baradari, but the minarets at the top are still incomplete.
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