If you find yourself in Hyderabad, you must pay a visit the Golconda Fort. To the north of the fort and its Banjara Darwaza (Gate of Gypsies) lie a series of tombs and mosques built by the kings of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. The Qutub Shahis originally migrated to India from Iran. They established the Golconda Sultanate in the 16th century and adopted the regional culture of the Deccan, earning them the title of ‘Telugu Sultans’. These rulers patronised an amalgamation of Indian and Persian architectural styles, and built various monuments such as the Charminar, Golconda Fort and the Qutub Shahi tombs. It was custom for each ruler to build his own tomb during his lifetime. Sultan Quli Qutub Mulk’s tomb, built in AD 1543 by the sultan himself, set an example for his descendants to follow. The area is full of the tombs of unknown rulers. This walk will transport you to the era of the Qutub Shahis, who left an indelible mark on the history of Golconda.
This guided tour is free.
