Qutb Shahi Tombs restoration

AKTC Aims to Manage Qutb Shahi Tombs Post-Restoration

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) has successfully completed the restoration of the historic Qutb Shahi Tombs in Hyderabad. This remarkable achievement raises the question of whether the Telangana government will allow the AKTC to manage the site, potentially marking the first time a non-governmental organization would oversee such a significant heritage site.

Headed by CEO and conservation architect Ratish Nanda in India, the AKTC has transformed the Qutb Shahi Tombs, restoring the monuments and enhancing the landscaping with meticulous attention to detail. This comprehensive restoration effort has elevated the site, making it a prime heritage destination for both locals and tourists in Hyderabad.

Despite the successful restoration, the AKTC officials have remained tight-lipped about the possibility of managing the site. However, they confirmed that discussions with the Telangana government are ongoing to explore potential management arrangements. The primary concern now shifts to the regular maintenance and upkeep of the Qutb Shahi Tombs complex.

The completion ceremony for the restoration of the Qutb Shahi Tombs was held on July 28, 2024. This event highlighted the collaboration between the AKTC and the Telangana government, along with financial support from other organizations. However, an official involved with the site noted a critical issue: the need for revenue generation to sustain the maintenance of the complex, as the current revenue is insufficient for this purpose.

The AKTC’s involvement in Hyderabad extends beyond the Qutb Shahi Tombs. The organization is also working on other heritage sites, including the Paigah Tombs and the Baadshahi Ashurkhana in the Old City. Additionally, the AKTC has restored major monuments in India, such as Humayun’s Tomb and Sunder Nursery in New Delhi, showcasing its extensive expertise in heritage conservation.

During the completion ceremony, AIMIM chief and Hyderabad Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi urged Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to consider the AKTC’s proposal to manage the Qutb Shahi Tombs. Owaisi recounted his childhood visits to the site and emphasized the need for continued preservation and management by the AKTC to maintain the tombs’ grandeur.

The Qutb Shahi Tombs complex is becoming a major tourist attraction due to the AKTC’s exceptional restoration work. The site comprises nearly 100 structures, including tombs, a Hamam (Turkish bath), mosques, gardens, unmarked graves, and stepwells. These elements collectively contribute to the historical and cultural significance of the site.

Historically, the Qutb Shahi Tombs were connected to the Golconda Fort, a walled city before the founding of Hyderabad in 1591. However, local encroachments have obstructed the pathway that once linked the fort and the tombs complex. The necropolis serves as the royal burial site for the Qutb Shahi dynasty, also known as the Golconda dynasty (1518-1687), which ruled from the Golconda Fort before establishing Hyderabad.

As the discussions between the AKTC and the Telangana government continue, the potential management of the Qutb Shahi Tombs by the AKTC holds promise for the future preservation and promotion of this historic site. The AKTC’s proven track record in heritage conservation, combined with their recent restoration success, positions them as a suitable candidate to oversee the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of the Qutb Shahi Tombs complex.

The Qutb Shahi Tombs are situated in the Ibrahim Bagh, a garden precinct near the renowned Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, India. These tombs and mosques were constructed by the kings of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The smaller tombs feature single-story galleries, while the larger ones are two-storied. At the center of each tomb lies a sarcophagus, positioned above the actual burial vault located in a crypt below. Originally, the domes were adorned with blue and green tiles, although only a few fragments of these tiles remain today.

In 2014, UNESO added the Qutb Shahi Tombs complex to its “tentative list” for consideration as a World Heritage Site. This recognition is part of the larger group titled “Monuments and Forts of the Deccan Sultanate,” acknowledging the region’s historical significance despite being home to several different sultanates.

Gyanvapi mosque Varanasi court 17 Aug