In the Media

After more than a decade of dedicated conservation and landscape restoration efforts, the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park is now complete and was inaugurated today.Situated at the foot of the majestic Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, Telangana, the 106-acre park commemorates the Qutb Shahis, a Persianate Shia Islamic dynasty which ruled parts of southern India for 169 years during the 16th and 17th centuries.
 

It is not everyday that history lovers have something to cheer for in the city, given the sorry state of our heritage. Which is why Sunday, July 28, 2024, will probably go down as a watershed moment in the years to come, as it marks the formal completion of the spectacular restoration of the historic Qutb Shahi tombs complex in the city by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) and the state.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy inaugurated the restored Qutb Shahi Heritage Park on Sunday. The restoration project was a collective effort by the Heritage department, Quli Qutub Shah Urban Development Authority and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. 
 

Telangana is bestowed with thousandsof years of history, culture and traditions. This region was ruled by Satavahanas, Kakatiyas, Qutub Shahis,Nizams and others. Every ruler left his own unique cultural imprint.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Qutub Shahi Heritage Park restoration project on Sunday, which was organised by the Telangana government and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

Highlighting Telangana’s rich history, culture, and traditions, he said these reflected in the architectural masterpieces such as Charminar, Golconda Fort, and Qutub Shahi Tombs, apart from temples such as Thousand Pillar temple, Ramappa Temple, and Alampur Temple.

Twelve years of complex restoration and conservation efforts by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in this joint venture has conserved almost 100 monuments, and revitalised the landscape and ecology across this 106-acre site.As we pause for a moment to take in the splendour of this achievement, let us reflect on the energy and dedication of the multidisciplinary team that has undertaken the work.

Mohammed Saleem, a coppersmith, works out of a small workshop in the rear portion of the Jama Masjid near Chauk in Hyderabad. In 2017, he was drafted by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture to create the copper finial for one of the tombs at the 17th-century Qutb Shahi Tombs Complex. He set about the task in his workshop with a small piece of the finial of Hakim’s Tomb that was recovered during an excavation in the crypt of Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah.

The skyline of Hyderabad changed yet again on Friday as the Telangana Department of Archaeology and Museums (DAM) unveiled the tilework of the Mohammmed Qutb Shah’s tomb at the foothills of the Golconda Fort. 

INDIA takes pride in being an ancient culture. Yet, we protect less than 3,700 monuments of national importance. The states and municipalities together protect a similar number. By comparison, New York City has almost 30,000 heritage buildings protected by law. In the United Kingdom, close to 600,000 heritage buildings are recognized and protected.

Located in the shadows of the mighty Golconda Fort, lies a huge necropolis. It contains an assortment of tombs housing the mortal remains of the rulers of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. It ruled the Golconda Sultanate from 1518 to 1687. Hyderabad served as their capital from 1591 to 1687. Charminar, the famous landmark of Hyderabad, was a creation of this dynasty. Another important historical site of the city is the Qutb Shahi Tomb complex

The skyline of Hyderabad changed yet again on Friday as the Telangana Department of Archaeology and Museums (DAM) unveiled the tilework of the Mohammmed Qutb Shah’s tomb at the foothills of the Golconda Fort.

Hidden in a corner in the Old City beyond any touristic eye lies the Paigah tombs, which is perhaps one of the most underrated historical sites that the city houses. From its unique minarets to the ornate Jali work, the tiny tomb complex is currently undergoing a transformation thanks to restoration works which began two years ago.