The Qutb Shahi Tombs are located in the Ibrahim Bagh (garden precinct), close to the famous Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, India. They contain the tombs and mosques built by the various kings of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and is one of the most incredible graveyards in the world. Seven of the nine rulers are buried here in massive mausoleums. The huge area has several mosques and water tanks, some 100 feet deep.
The galleries of the smaller tombs are of a single storey while the larger ones are two storied. In the centre of each tomb is a sarcophagus which overlies the actual burial vault in a crypt below. The domes were originally overlaid with blue and green tiles, of which only a few pieces now remain.
The tombs form a large cluster and stand on a raised platform. The tombs are domed structures built on a square base surrounded by pointed arches, a distinctive style that blends Persian, Pashtun and Hindu forms. The tombs are structures with intricately carved stonework and are surrounded by landscaped gardens.
The tombs were once furnished with carpets, chandeliers and velvet canopies on silver poles. Copies of the Quran were kept on pedestals 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.
HISTORY. During the Qutb Shahi period, these tombs were held in great veneration. But after their reign, the tombs were neglected until Sir Salar Jung III ordered their restoration in the early 19th century. A garden was laid out, and a compound wall was built. Once again, the tomb-garden of the Qutb Shahi family became a place of serene beauty. All except the last of the Qutb Shahi sultans lie buried here.
Sultan Quli Qutb Mulk’s tomb (1543). The style sets the example for the tombs of his descendants, it is on an elevated 30m square terrace. The octagonal tomb chamber proper with three graves has a circular dome and twenty-one graves on the surrounding terrace. The inscription refers to Sultan Quli as Bade Malik (Great Master). The tomb was built in 1543 A.D. by the Sultan, during his lifetime, as was the custom.
Jamsheed Quli Qutb Shah’s (1550). His son, is the only Qutb Shahi tomb not of shining black basalt, is two stories, and is the only tomb without any inscriptions.
Subhan Quli Qutb Shah. Jamsheed’s son, ruled for a short time and does not have any inscriptions.
Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah (1580). Traces of enameled tiles are on the southern wall. The tomb has two graves in the main chamber and 16 on the terrace. There are inscriptions in the Thuluth script on all faces of the sarcophagus by three famous calligraphists.
Muhammed Quli Qutb Shah (1580-1612). Built in 1602, this is the grandest of the Qutb Shahi tombs on a terrace 65m square and 4m high. A second terrace is 126 feet square and 6 feet high. The main room is 33 feet square inside and has 3 galleries culminating in a massive dome with 8 turrets on the corners. A flight of steps is 22 m square. Inscriptions are in Persian.
Muhammed Qutb Shah (1626). The 6th sultan, the facade of enamelled tiles has only traces now evident and six graves.
Abdullah Qutb Shah The last of the royal tombs.
While the tombs of those who ruled dominate the area, interspersed are many other monuments, most of them tombs of other members of the royal family.
Abul Hasan Qutb Shah (Tana Shah), the last Qutb Shahi Sultan, was a prisoner in the fortress of Daulatabad, near Aurangabad, when he died.