A Blend of Persian, Pathan & Hindu Forms
The tombs are graceful structures with intricately carved
stonework. The tombs display a distinctive style, a mixture
of Persian, Pathan and Hindu forms. The material used for
constructing these tombs was grey granite embellished with
stucco ornamentation.
The tombs form a large cluster and stand on a raised platform.
They are domed structures built on square bases' surrounded
by pointed arches. Each tomb stands on a wide quadrangular
terrace approached on all sides by flights of steps. The
galleries of the smaller tombs are single storied while
the larger ones are two storied.
The main body of the edifice is broad, rising 9 to 15m
above the terrace of each tomb is a sarcophagus, which overrules
the actual burial vault in a crypt below. The domes were
originally overlaid with blue and green tiles, of which
only a few pieces remain now.
The Tomb Structure
Balustrades surround it with beautiful minarets at the
corners. These are the tombs of the six Qutub Shahi kings.
Noteworthy among these is the tomb of the fifth king of
the Qutub Shahi dynasty and founder of Hyderabad - Mohammed
Quli Qutub Shah. Rising to a height of 42.5m with a large
dome and 28 open arches, his tomb is one of the largest
and most imposing of monuments.
The tombs were once furnished with carpets, chandeliers
and velvet canopies on silver poles. Qurans were kept on
supports and readers recited verses from the holy book at
regular intervals. Golden spires were fitted over the tombs
of the Sultans to distinguish their tombs from those of
other members of the royal family.
These tombs bear mute testimony to the past glory and grandeur
of the Qutub Shahi's. The tombs are open for the public
on all days except on Fridays from 9.30am to 4.30pm. Every
year Department of Tourism conducts "Deccan Festival"
for five days by organising programmes of internationally
renowned artists.
How to Get There
Air:
Hyderabad being the capital city is well connected by air
and has got its own airport.
Rail:
Hyderabad has got its own railhead, which connects it to
all the major cities within the state as well as in the
country.
Road:
Hyderabad is well connected by road with various cities
in and outside the state. Tourists can take city buses from
any point of the city. Rickshaw's and Taxi's are the other
modes of transport to get to Qutub Shahi Tombs.
Where to Stay
Accommodation is available in the hotels at Hyderabad.
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