Qutub Shahi Tombs

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Located in the heart of the Hyderabad city, Qutub Shahi Tombs are quite close to the Golconda Fort, which is a famous landmark of Hyderabad. The Qutub Shahi Tombs are a perfect merge of Indian and Persian architectural forms, built in gray granite decorated with beautiful adornment. The tombs are vaulted structures, which are built on an elevated square base encircled by pointed arches. Each tomb is quadrangular and rises to a height of 9 - 15 meters above the veranda. The smaller tombs are single storied while the bigger ones are double storied. The domes were initially covered with blue and green tiles, of which only a few portions remain now.

The tombs were formerly furnished with carpets, chandeliers and velvet canopies on silver poles. Holy book of the Muslims, like Qurans were kept on supports and readers recited verses from the sacred book at regular intervals. Golden spires were set over the tombs of the Sultans to differentiate their tombs from those of the other members of the noble family.

Enthralling minarets at the corners enclose the Qutub Shahi Tombs. This wonderful tomb is one of the main monuments in Hyderabad reaching up to a height of 42 meters with a large dome adorning the top. The designer has carefully intended it on a double terrace, elevating it to a height of 6 meters from the ground level of the terrace. These mausoleums of the Golconda Sultans are really grand monuments that have stood the trial of time and braved the natural elements. During the Qutub Shahi age, these tombs were held at such high admiration that criminals who took refuge there were pardoned and let off. But after their time, the tombs were neglected for. Later, Sir Salar Jung III prepared their renovation and renewal in the early 19th century.

In precise, these monuments are a work of superb beauty and creativity. The numerous tombs of the affiliates of the royal family, laid delightfully on the sprawling gardens are worth the visit. They are not only architecturally impressive; rather they also make a good picnic spot. Another appeal of these tombs is that every year the State Government authorities perform a 'Deccan Festival', which is exclusive to the city of Hyderabad with these tombs as the backdrop as they verbalize volumes about the history of the city of Hyderabad.