This is the place where the dead bodies of the seven famous rulers of the Golconda for about 171 years (1518-1689), the Qutub Shahi kings were buried. It is very graceful and has nearly 30 small and big tombs of many royal members of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. It is surrounded by the beautiful Ibrahim Bagh gardens, just 1 kilometer away from the Golconda fort.
These Qutub Shahi tombs are of different sizes and are exceptional to each other in architectural aspect and the exquisiteness. It is situated 11 km from the Nampally Railway Station, Hyderabad and 10 km from the central Bus Station, Hyderabad.
The grand stylishness of the tombs, the complicated stonework is all sign of sovereignty of Qutub Shahi rulers. The grey granite used with stucco adornment, pointed arches and the domed structure are a mixture of architectural dignity and Persian splendor, deccan engineering ideas influencing Pathan and Hindu styles.
The founder of Qutub Shahi dynasty, Sultan Quli Qutub Mulk, respected the custom of building a tomb in lifetime and built an octagonal hall with sides measuring almost 10 meters. Built in 1543 AD, the tomb had a spherical dome inscribed with the words used by the Deccan people, ‘Bade Malik’, meaning elderly and reputable person.
The tomb of the founder of Hyderabad city, Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah stands tall at 42.5 meters and is considered to be the finest of the tombs. Crowned by a huge dome with Persian and Naksh scripts, the minarets and rich patterned fortifications complete the Islamic style of architecture.
It is easy for tourists to tell apart the tombs of the royal family members and the sultans which have golden spires. There are also tombs of Husain Wali, a Sufi saint and builder of Husain Sagar Lake and Fatima Sultan, a sister of Muhammad Qutub Shah beside the royal tombs. Although every tomb has an adjoining mosque, the luxuriest of them was built in 1666 for the crypt of Hayat Bakshi Begum, daughter of fifth Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah. The ceiling of the construction has fifteen cupolas and two tall minarets border the prayer-hall.
Sir Salar Jung III in the early 19th century refurbished these square-based tombs tribute and craftsmanship which stood as the test of time and the vagaries of nature.
Tombs Timings: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Closed on Friday
Qutb Shahi Tombs/Burials/ Tombs of the Qutb Shahi Kings (1518 – 1687 A.D):
- Subhan Quli Qutb Shah (1st King 1518-1543 A.D)
- Jamsheed Quli Qutb Shah (2nd King 1543 – 1550 A.D)
- Subhan Quli Qutb Shah (1550)
- Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali (3rd King 1550 – 1580 A.D)
- Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah (4th King 1580 – 1612 A.D)
- Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah (5th King 1612 – 1626 A.D)
- Abdullah Qutb Shah (6th King 1626 – 1672 A.D)
- Mirza Nisamuddin Ahmed (7th King 1672 – 1687 A.D)
Qutub Shahi Tombs Entry Fee:
Rs.10/- for adults
Rs.5/- for children
Rs.20/- camera
Phone: 04023513410
See also:
Golconda
Charminar
Makkah Masjid
Chowmahalla Palace
Purani Haveli
Taramati Baradari