The above photographs are from our recent trip to Taramati Baradari palace. Taramati Baradari though over 380 years old has come into limelight very recently and has now become a grand cultural and convention center, a heritage resort and a tourist attraction in Hyderabad. Thanks to APTDC-Andhra Pradesh Tourism and Development Corporation.
Taramati Baradari is a palace built for Taramati a favorite courtesan of Abdullah Qutub Shahi, the seventh Sultan of Golconda. Taramati and Premamati are two sisters and were good dancers and singers who entertained Abdullah Qutub Shahi. Baradari means 12 ways or 12 entrances and as the structure here has 12 entrances it is called Taramati Baradari. The love and respect the king had for these sisters is imminent from the fact that they have been buried at the royal cemetery of the Quli Qutub Shahi Kings and Queens. The information plaque put at Taramati Baradari by the Department of Archeology & Museums, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh is reproduced in the topmost photograph of this post. It reads as follows and tells everything:
“Taramati was a singer in the court of Abdullah Qutub Shahi. She was held in high esteem and was buried in a tomb built amidst the Qutub Shahi tombs. The Taramati Baradari was built about 1625 A.D. during the reign of Sultan Mohd. Qutub Shahi. It is a beautiful open pavilion, built of granite stone using lime mortar, with a terraced garden. The terrace has 12 arched doorways while the base of the terrace has 9 arches. Situated on the Road to Osman Sagar, close to Golconda fort, the perfect acoustics in the structure as well as in the Golconda fort enabled the ruler to enjoy Taramati’s song and even while sitting in the fort.”
This historical monument with some recent renovation and landscaping looks beautiful and thinking about the King’s love for Taramati, her dance and song hundreds of years ago at this place creates a pleasant and vibrant atmosphere here. After many years of neglect the place is now abuzz with regular tourists. Today cultural programs are held here frequently. There is a Haritha hotel, Haritha restaurant, Saqi bar and a souvenir shop here. The restaurant is quite popular with students from various colleges nearby and with people who pass by that way. I go to the Ordnance Factory-Medak via Taramati Baradari once in a while; when I make it a point to stop at this place for breakfast, buffet lunch or some snacks and tea. And in case I cannot stop I make it a point to watch the structure fondly as long as I can; as I pass by in either direction.
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