About Qutb Shahi dynasty and the Qutb Shahi tombs.

The Qutb Shahi dynasty ruled the Golconda Sultanate from 1518 AD to 1687 AD. The kingdom extended from the parts of modern-day states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Their capital was initially Golconda, which is a part of present-day Hyderabad. Muhammad Ali Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty founded Hyderabad city and moved his capital from Golconda to Hyderabad, during his reign from 1580 to 1612. The Charminar was constructed by him in 1591 and this landmark construction has become known globally as a symbol of Hyderabad and is listed among the most recognised structures in India. It has also been officially incorporated as the emblem of Telangana State. Makkah Masjid near Charminar is also constructed by this King.

Qutb Shahis were descendants of Qara Yusuf from Qara Qoyunlu, a Turkoman Muslim tribe. After the collapse of Bahmani Sultanate, the "Qutb Shahi" dynasty was established in 1518 AD by Quli Qutb Mulk who assumed the title of "Sultan". In 1636, Shah Jahan forced the Qutb Shahis to recognize Mughal suzerainty. The dynasty came to an end in 1687 during the reign of its eighth Sultan Abul Hasan Qutb Shah, when Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb seized Golconda fort and occupied the kingdom.

The Qutb Shahis were great patrons of Persianate Shia culture, eventually, it also adopted the regional culture of the Deccan (Telugu culture, language and the newly developed Deccani dialect of Urdu). Although Telugu was not their mother tongue, the Golconda rulers spoke and wrote Telugu, and patronized Telugu so exclusively that they were termed the "Telugu Sultans". The Qutb Shahis were known for their secular rule.

The eight sultans of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and their periods of reign are:

1.   Quli Qutb Shah (Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk) 1512-1543

2.   Jamsheed (Jamsheed Quli Qutb Shah) 1543-1550

3.   Subhan (Subhan Quli Qutb Shah) 1550-1550 (Died at the age of 7)

4.   Ibrahim (Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali) 1550-1580

5.   Muhammad Ali (Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah) 1580-1612

6.   Sultan Muhammad (Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah) 1612-1626

7.   Abdullah (Abdullah Qutb Shah) 1626-1672

8.   Abul Hasan (Tana Shah) 1672-1686

The Qutb Shahi Tombs are erected in the memory of the departed kings of Golconda, they are magnificent monuments that have withstood the test of time and nature’s vagaries. They are located one kilometre north of Golconda Fort’s Banjara Darwaza. They are imposing marvels of architectural excellence that stand as the reminders of the glory of Golconda kings who are buried at the same spot. Built by the Qutb Shahis, these tombs are considered to be among the oldest historical monuments of Hyderabad.

These tombs are present in a large group on a raised platform. They resemble Persian, Pathan and Hindu architectural styles that make use of grey granite, with stucco ornamentation and is a one-of-its-kind place in the world where the whole dynasty is buried at a single spot. They lie amidst beautifully landscaped gardens with intricately carved stonework.

The Tombs form the most reliable evidence of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and their architectural traditions. These are exquisite structures where every arch, column, dome, minarets, and galleries were created with finesse and are surrounded by landscaped gardens called Ibrahim Bagh. It houses seven tombs dedicated to the former kings of Golconda. The tombs are dome-like structures built on a square base. This is again surrounded by pointed arches. Each tomb is of quadrangular shape and rises around 9 to 15 meters above the terrace. The smaller tombs constitute single stories while the larger tombs are seen as two-storied. The domes actually constituted of blue and green tiles, whereas only a few pieces exist now. The Qutb Shahi Tombs are surrounded by enchanting minarets and there is a magnificent tomb with a height of 42.5 m covered by a large dome. The tombs were furnished with chandeliers and soft canopies on silver poles. These are the splendid mausoleums of the Golconda Sultans. During the Qutb Shahi period, legend says that these tombs were of great significance that even criminals taking refuge there were given a pardon. The tombs were neglected after their reign until Salar Jung III took up their restoration works during the early 19th century. Today it is maintained well by the Department of Tourism with due focus on heritage preservation and restoration. It is a popular destination in the tourist circuit of Hyderabad and visitors coming to Golconda fort do not miss the tombs, which are marketed as a historical destination.