Kaulas Fort

Kaulas or Kowlas Fort is located in Kaulas Village, Jukkal mandal, Kamareddy District, Telangana State, India , at the border of three states – Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Kaulas or Koulas village, which holds the illustrious past like a jewel in the crown, presently a gram panchayat, falls under Jukkal mandal. However, locals say that the fort has been empty for decades now but sees many visitors.

In the past there kingdoms Kaulas, Bodhan and Nizamabad were called Indur.

Spread across 6 sq km with two entrances, Kaulas is perhaps one of the largest royal forts in the state. The mega fort sits majestically on the outskirts of Kaulas village, less than 1 km from the main village, and is surrounded by the Kaulas nala (stream).

According to historians, it was built in Indra IV’s period of the Rashtrakuta dynasty in their political capital and was later captured by the Chalukyas of the Kalyani dynasty in the third quarter of the 10th century before it was captured by the Kakatiyas in the 12th century.

According to the state Heritage department, the Kakatiya insignia is inscribed on the fort’s gateways.

The Kakatiya kingdom, which ruled from present day Warangal, held the Kaulas Fort till 1323 AD, a period more or less parallel to the one and only Kakatiya woman ruler, Rani Rudrama Devi. Later, the Kaulas region is said to have come under the rule of the Bahmanis, Qutb Shahis, Yadavas, Naikwaries, Mughals, Devagiri, Kalyani, Marathas, etc and finally under the Asaf Jahis (Nizams) (1724 to 1948)

The main gate of the fort can be reached by traversing a path through agricultural fields and then crossing the Kaulas nala. As one takes the wide stairs, a cannon welcomes us in less than 3 feet. Multi-tier rock cut layers and several bastions in each corner is said to have made the fort unassailable by enemies.

The massive fortress is home to more than 50 bastions, with Hussaini, Mallika, Mula and Kadika Burj being the prominent ones. Three temples (Venkateswara, Ramalayam and Ganapati Mahadev temple) in the complex, which were constructed under different dynasties, have rare sculptures of goddesses.

A strong defence mechanism is visible at the fort; multi-layered walls, tall bastions and moats along the fort shows how unconquerable it once must have been.

“The different structures in the fort show semi-Dravidian and Indo-Islamic architecture as the fort was ruled by different dynasties,” Kumaraswamy says about fort’s architecture.

A view from any bastion of the fort shows the entire Kaulas nala and the miles of forests that the fort is situated amidst.

The RamaTemple, built of black and white basalt stone in the 17th century, is adorned with exquisite carvings and was restored in the past decade. The Kasikund Temple, built by Rajput kings, has a fresh water spring. There are also temples dedicated to Hanuman and Balaji. It is said that there were about 10 cannons inside the fort though later, most were shifted to police stations in Nanded and Bichkunda. However, four still remain – the most notable amongst which is the exquisitely crafted Navgazi tope (Hindi for cannon) atop a bastion. There are two natural reservoirs inside the fort, which once provided water to its inhabitants.

There is an Ashtabuji Mata (also known as Jagadamba Mata) Temple behind the fort, where the Rajput rulers went for benediction before embarking on a battle. There are also two mosques in the surrounding forest. As you exit to the main highway near Koulas Fort and drive towards Hyderabad, you will come across a picturesque lake, a few kilometres ahead, on your left. The desolate water body is a pleasant place to break a long journey.

Rashtrakutas

Chalukyas of Badami

Kakatiyas

In 1303, the Delhi Sultanate launched a military campaign against the Kakatiya kingdom. This resulted in the capture of the strategic fortress of Kaulas.

1325 AD – 1368 AD : Musunuri Nayaks

In 1347 the Bahmani kingdom was established by Allauddin Bahman Shah and soon Kapaya was involved in a struggle with that kingdom over the fort of Kaulas

In 1361, he gifted to the Bahmani Sultan Mohammed Shah I the Turquoise throne of Warangal, made during the Delhi rule, as part of a treaty agreement

Many battles were fought between the Bahmanis and Musunuri Chiefs in this village . 

1350 AD - 1518 AD : Bahmani Sultanate 
1350 AD : Bahman Shah led his first campaign against Warangal in 1350 and forced its ruler Kapaya Nayaka to cede to him the fortress of Kaulas which was added to Bidar district, currently known as Kalaburagi.

1355 AD : Vinayaka Deva, the son of Kaapaya was sent to free the fort of Kaulas helped by Bukka Raya, the king of Vijayanagar. However, eventually he was killed in a disastrous manner by Bahmani Force under Bahadur Khan

Rachakonda Recherla Nayaks as subordinates of Bahmani Sultanate    

1361 AD - 1383 AD : Anavotha nayaka
Capital : Rachakonda

1518 AD – 1687 AD : Qutbshahis / Golconda Sultanate

1518 AD - 1543 AD : Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk

While Sooltan Koolly was engaged in the siege of Koheer, Ibrahim Adil Shah, in conjunction with Kasim Bereed, had attacked part of the Telingana territories; and Sooltan Koolly, having now returned to his capital, resolved to revenge himself for the insult and injury done to him. He accordingly led an army against the fort of Etgeer, belonging to the King of Beejapoor, and also sent different detachments to recover the districts of Kakny, Gorowly, and Nargy, which had been usurped by Ismael Adil Shah during the time Sooltan Koolly Kootb Shah was engaged in war with Ramchundur and Seetaputty. The several detachments in a short time succeeded in reducing those districts, and occupied them in the name of Sooltan Koolly; after which the King invested the fortress of Etgeer, and at the same time sent an ambassador to Kasim Bereed Shah, demanding the cession of the towns of Meduk and Kowlas. 

1543 AD - 1550 AD : Jamsheed Quli Qutb Shah

1543 AD : Jagadeva Rao

Under Jamsheed’s rule, Jagdeva Rao rose to an eminent position. Jamshed acquired the tract round the fort of Kaulas , pushed Ali Barid into the Kaulas fort which was then ruled by Jagadeva Rao the chief of Naikwaris (Hindu soldiery).

1687 - 1724 A.D : Mughal Empire

1701 AD : Venkata Rao

During 1701 CE, Zamindar Venkata Rao accepted Aurangazeb’s rule and gave away his army. For this, he was given the position of ‘mansabdar’ in Mughal emperor’s army. Thus Venkat Rao became the first Telugu Zamiindar to join the mughal army.

Aurangzeb appointed two Kiladars, Khuni Khan and Ikhlas Khan who constructed two big mosques at the fort.

Two mosques and temples are seen in a dilapidated condition and covered by large, overgrown bushes. Rani mahal, Elephant well (Enugula bavi) and other wells are the highlights of the fort. Several bastions are in a damaged or deteriorating situation.

1724 - 1948 : Asaf Jahis 

1724 A.D - I748 A.D: Asaf Jah I - Mir Kamar-ud-din / Nizam-ul-Mulk

1724 AD : Raja Gopal Singh Gaur

The Nizams appointed Raja Gopal Singh Gaur, a Kshatriya or Rajput, as the Chief of Kaulas in the 1720s and his successors held this fort till 1948 when the Indian Union over took Hyderabad state. It was during this time that the Jagdamba Bhawani cannon or the Navgarji tope, which was the largest (10 feet long) cannon in the world of its time, was said to have made by Raja Gopal Singh in the year 1728.

While there are tales about Raja Gopal Singh’s bravery and warfare tactics, there is also ambiguity about his identity.

1748 A.D - 1750 A.D: Mir Ahmed Khan, Nasir Jung

1750 A.D -1751 A.D: Muzaffar Jung

1751 A.D - 1761 A.D: Salabat Jung

 

1857 AD - 1900 AD : Raja Deep Singh

Kaulas was always a crucial region irrespective of who was ruling. It’s also said that from a military point of view as well the Kaulas samsthanam (dominion) was strong. A successor of Raja Gopal Singh, Raja Deep Singh, is said to have participated in the 1857 Indian Rebellion from this fort and was persecuted for the same.

Raja of Kowlas , Convict No. 558 , pleaded his ignorance about the agent of Nana . He , however , confessed that Kasi Ram , Convict No. 560 , stayed at Kowlas for 21/2 months and that Shaikh Madar , Convict No. 559 , visited Kowlas

1900 AD - 1915 AD : Raja Durjan Singh
The last chief, Raja Durjan Singh, died prematurely and childless. In 1915 it came directly under the rule of the Nizam.The annual revenue of the fiefdom was then 22,517 rupees.

1915 : Kiladar Maulvi Muhammad Jamaluddin Sheikh

Kiladar (Kiladar-e-Kaulas) Maulvi Muhammad Jamaluddin Sheikh, a zamindar (landlord) of Turkish descent belonging to the Barlas clan and a descendant of Muhammad Sheikh who was the great-great-grandson of Emir Timur through his son Umar Sheikh Mirza. His sons held the position of Kiladar until the 1947 Partition of India. 

Maulvi Jamaluddin Sheikh had 3 sons named Moinuddin Cowlas, Khwaja Karimuddin Sheikh & Khwaja Nizamuddin Sheikh who after Partition of India moved to Pakistan.

Situated around 200 km from Hyderabad, one can reach the fort by taking National Highway 161 to Jukkal, from where Kaulas village is less than 20 km. The fort can also be approached via NH44 through Kamareddy and Banswada.

https://www.thenewsminute.com/telangana/slice-telangana-history-exploring-once-impregnable-kaulas-fort-109363

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Mughal Empire in Telangana

1687 AD - 1724 AD : Mughal Empire (1526–1857)
Founder : Babur (reigned 1526–1530), a Central Asian ruler who was descended from the Turco-Mongol conqueror Timur (the founder of the Timurid Empire) on his father's side, and from Genghis Khan on his mother's side.

Capitals: Agra (1526–1530; 1560–1571; 1598–1648), Delhi (1530–1540; 1554–1556; 1639–1857), Lahore (1586–1598), Fatehpur Sikri (1571–1585)

The four sons of Shah Jahan (ruled 19 January 1628 –31 July 1658) all held governorships during their father's reign.

In 1632, Shah Jahan captured the fortress at Daulatabad, Maharashtra and imprisoned Husein Shah of the Nizam Shahi Kingdom of Ahmednagar. Golconda submitted in 1635 and then Bijapur in 1636. 

1636 : Shah Jahan appointed Aurangzeb as the viceroy of the Deccan in 1636 and forced the Qutb Shahis to recognize Mughal suzerainty, 

In 1644, Aurangzeb's sister, Jahanara, was burned when the chemicals in her perfume were ignited by a nearby lamp while in Agra. This event precipitated a family crisis with political consequences. Aurangzeb suffered his father's displeasure by not returning to Agra immediately but rather three weeks later. Shah Jahan was outraged to see Aurangzeb enter the interior palace compound in military attire and immediately dismissed him from his position of viceroy of the Deccan

Aurangzeb became viceroy of the Deccan again after he was replaced by Dara Shukoh in the attempt to recapture Kandahar.

In 1655, Aurangzeb under the command from Shah Jahan took over Hyderabad by surprise and restricted Abdullah within the Golconda fort. Abdullah worked hard to negotiate reasonable terms of surrender but the Mughals forced him into accepting severe conditions. However, the severe terms were sweetened by a matrimonial alliance between the two families: Abdullah's second daughter, known as Padshah Bibi Sahiba, was married to Aurangzeb's eldest son, Muhammad Sultan Mirza. 

In 1656, a general under Qutb Shahi dynasty named Musa Khan led an army of 12,000 musketeers to attack Aurangzeb, who was besieging Golconda Fort. Later in the same campaign, Aurangzeb, in turn, rode against an army consisting of 8,000 horsemen and 20,000 Karnataki musketeers.

On 10 August 1659, Dara was executed on grounds of apostasy and his head was sent to Shahjahan. The first prominent execution of Aurangzeb was that of his brother Prince Dara Shikoh, who was accused of being influenced by Hinduism although some sources argue it was done for political reasons.Aurangzeb had his allied brother Prince Murad Baksh held for murder, judged and then executed.Aurangzeb is accused of poisoning his imprisoned nephew Sulaiman Shikoh. Having secured his position, Aurangzeb confined his frail father at the Agra Fort but did not mistreat him. Shah Jahan was cared for by Jahanara and died in 1666.

 

In1687 when the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb conquered the Golconda sultanate. Sultan Abul Hasan Tana Shah was captivated and imprisoned at Daulatabad fort in 1699 CE, where he died after some time

Between 1687 and 1724, the Deccan was under the authority of the Mughal Viceroys.

1687 - 1707 : Aurangzeb 

Governor: Rahulla Khan

Aurangazeb appointed Rahulla Khan as a temporary representative of the Mughal emperor in Golconda before leaving for Delhi. Rahulla khan Failed to control the Maratha attacks in outskirts of Hyderabad, He took shelter in the Golconda fort due to Maratha attacks

Subedar : Zansifar Khan
Aurangazeb then handed over the responsibility of ruling Hyderabad to subedar Zansifar Khan. Zansifar Khan worked as the subedar of Bijapur in 1687 CE . Zansifar Khan was an efficient military general and an able ruler, he protected Hyderabad from the Maratha attacks.

Zansifar khan made repairs of the forts of Kaulas, Elgandal, Koilkonda, Warangal, Pangal etc., and also made a stationary military force at these forts.Zansifar Khan continued the fauzadar’s appointments as present in the Qutb Shahi period. Most of them were Dakkani muslims. Fauzadars had the authority to impose and collect taxes from the lands that were within the radius of 10kms from the Haveli Paraganas.

For easy administration, Circar region was divided into several of districts. Each district was placed under the headship of a”deshmukh’.

Collecting various taxes from the people, Fauzdars, Deshmukh and Havaldars were appointed, Taxes were collected from the people with help of local zamindars.

Zamindars had tiles such as ‘ manne-sultan”

Zamindars took advantage of Maratha attacks in the Deccan. After 1687 CE they declared independence. Some Zamindars declined to accept the Mughal superiority and revolted against them.

Some importants Zamindars from telangana revolted against Mughal viceroy were from Kaulas, Palvnacha, Jataprolu and Noorkoel. The most famous among the Vasireddi Zamindars were Venkatadri Naidu.

1700 - Subedar : Khambaksh 

In 1700, Khan Sifar khan, subedar of Hyderabad died, succeeded by prince kambaksh as the subedar of Hyderabad. Aurangazeb decided to make kambaksh as the ruler of Hyderabad and bijapur.

During 1701 CE, Zamindar Venkata Rao accepted Aurangazeb’s rule and gave away his army. For this, he was given the position of ‘mansabdar’ in Mughal emperor’s army. Thus Venkat Rao became the first Telugu Zamiindar to join the mughal army.

In 1702 CE, nearly 50,000 Marathas under the leadership of Tarabai, attacked Hyderabad and plundered it for 3 days. Rustum kkhan helped maratha in attack

From 1701-1702, severe drought conditions prevailed in the hyderabad, According to the contemporary European accounts, nearly 20,000 people died.

Aurangazeb appointed Qasim khan, the fauzdar of kolanupak to suppress Sarvai papanna. In the battle between the forces of Papanna and Mughal fauzdar Qusim Khan at kolanupak lost his life. Thus, the rise of Papanna in Telangana has become an important issue for the Mughal empire.

In 1702 CE, the deputy governor of Hyderabad suba, ‘Rustumdil khan’ confronted Papanna with a huge army. Papanna and his key follower ‘Sarvadu’ escaped

By 1704 CE, the Hyderabad people lost faith on the Mughal emperor as the marathas attacks on outskirt areas of Hyderabad.

Aurangzeb died in the year 1707 CE at the age of 99 years. After his death war of succession broke among his sons, kambaksh (Deccan Subedar), Azam Shah (viceroy of Gujarat) and Shah Alam (Viceroy of Kabul). All the three princes fought with each other to occupy the throne.

1707 - 1709 : Khambaksh

After ascending the throne by defeating Muhammad Azam Shah at the battle of Jajau near Agra in 1707, Bahadur Shah I ascended the throne. During this time, Kambaksh declared himself as the sultan of Golconda in Hyderabad. 

In May 1708, Shah wrote a letter to Kam Bakhsh informing him of the happenings. Shah I thought that this incident would "be a warning" to him, so that he could not declare himself an independent sovereign.

In 1708 CE, an independent Golconda Kingdom was reestablished with previous territories of the Qutub Shahi Kingdom were brought together again under the rule of Kambaksh.

Khambaksh imposed ‘Jizia’ in hyderabad and raised the taxes. The merchants and traders of Hyderabad were feared by the atrocities of kambaksh.

Subedar Jan Sipar Khan

28 June 1708: When Shah reached Hyderabad on 28 June 1708, he received the news of Kam Bakhsh attacking Machhlibandar. Actually, there were thirty-two lakhs of treasure hidden in the fort which he wanted to seize for further campaigns. The subedar of the province Jan Sipar Khan refused to hand over the money. Enraged by the refusal, he confiscated the property and ordered that four thousand men to be recruited for the attack

On 5 November 1708, Shah's camp reached Bidar which is 67 miles north from Hyderabad. Historian William Irvine writes that as his "camp drew nearer desertions from Kam Bakhsh became more and more frequent". On 1 November Kam Bakhsh captured Pam Naik's (the zamindar of Wakinkhera) belongings after he had left his army

On 20 December 1708, Kam Bakhsh marched towards Talab-i-Mir Jumla, on the outskirts Hyderabad with "three hundred camels, twenty thousand rockets" for the war against Bahadur Shah I. Shah made his son Jahandar Shah the commander of the vanguard, but was replaced by Khan Zaman. On 12 January 1709, Shah finally reached Hyderabad and set up his tent training his troops.

On 13 January, Shah's army charged towards him. The troops were divided in two bodies – one was under the commandant of Mumin Khan and was assisted by Rafi-ush-Shan and Jahan Shah and the second under Zulfikar Khan.

With his soldiers being outnumbered and unable to resist the attack, Kam Bakhsh himself started shooting arrows at the enemy, finishing two quiverfuls of arrows. Irvine writes that when he was "weakened by loss of blood" the opposition surrounded him and took him and his son Bariqullah as prisoners. However a dispute rose among Mumin Khan and Zulfikar Khan about who had actually captured him. Rafi-us-Shan solved the matter by attributing it to the latter

The next morning on 14 January 1709, Kam Bakhsh died. 

1709 - 1712 : Bahadur Shah I (Shah Alam I)  (1707 - 1712)

The emperor Bahadur shah I, recognized Sarvai Papanna as a king and honored him by gifting ‘Robe of Honor’.In return, Papanna offered to the emperor vast wealth.

1712 - 1713 : Jahandar Shah 

Bahadur Shah I died in 1712, and his successor Jahandar Shah was assassinated on the orders of the Sayyid Brothers. In 1713, Jahandar's nephew Farrukhsiyar (r. 1713–1719) became the emperor with the brothers' help. 

The term Sayyid brothers refers to  Syed Abdullah Khan and Syed Husain Ali Khan, who were two powerful nobles during the decline of the Mughal Empire.

1713 - 1719: Farrukh-Siyar 

His reign marked the ascendancy of the Sayyid brothers, who monopolised state power and reduced the Emperor to a figurehead. The brothers conspired to send Nizam-ul-Mulk to Deccan, away from the Mughal Court, to reduce his influence. 

During the rule of Farukh siyar that the Deccan suba and Hyderabad were placed under two efficient Sardars namely, Mubrezkhan and Mir khamruddin Chin Qilich Khan or Nizam-ul-Mulk.

June, 1713 - Governor Mubrez Khan
Farukh siyar appointed Mubrez Khan as the governor of Hyderabad in June 1713.  As governor of Hyderabad, Mubrez Khan received several Privileges and concessions from the emperor Farukh siyar.

Mubrez occupied Elgandal fort and defeated Venkata Naidu. 

1713 - 1719 : Viceroy of the Deccan

Mir Qamar-ud-din Khan Siddiqi (11 August 1671 – 1 June 1748) also known as Chin Qilich Qamaruddin Khan, Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah and Nizam I was appointed as the subedar of 6 provinces in the Deccan in the year 1713. But in 1715, Sayyed brothers forced the Mughal emperor to remove Nizam-ul-mulk from the position of subedar of the Deccan.

In 1719, the Brothers blinded, deposed and murdered Farrukhsiyar.

They then arranged for his first cousin, Rafi ud-Darajat, to be the next ruler in February 1719. When Rafi ud-Darajat died of lung disease in June, they made his elder brother, Rafi ud-Daulah (Shah Jahan II), ruler. After Rafi ud-Daulah also died of lung disease in September 1719, Muhammad Shah (r. 1719–1748) ascended the throne at the age of seventeen with the Sayyid Brothers as his regents until 1720. 

1719 - 1724: Muhammad Shah (1719–1748)

Muhammad Shah, to take back control of his rule, arranged for the brothers to be killed with the help of Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah. 

1722 - 1724 : Asaf Jah I - Grand vizier

From 1720 to 1722 he helped the new Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah eliminate the Sayyid brothers and was rewarded by being elevated to the grand viziership from 1722 to 1724.

Syed Hussain Ali Khan was murdered at Fatehpur Sikri in 1720, and Syed Hassan Ali Khan Barha was fatally poisoned in 1722

Governor Mubariz Khan (1713 - 1724)

 He was the governor of Golconda from 1713 to 1724. His is known to have ruled Golconda with a free hand and brought it under stable rule from constant Maratha Raids to extract Chauth.

The war between Mubrez Khan and Hussian Ali Khan. At last, Mubrez khan won over Hussian Ali with Huge wealth and tried to place his son as the ruler of the Golconda fort.

1724 : Battle of ‘Shakarkhed’ in 1724 CE took place between the Mughal forces, Mubrez Khan and the armies of Nizam-ul-mulk. In this battle, the Mughal forces were defeated and Mubrez khan lost his life.

One of the most important events in Indian history was the establishment of the independent Hyderabad state in 1724 CE. This state was founded by Mir Qamruddin-chin-Qulichkhan. His successors ruled the modern Telangana, Andhra and Rayalseema regions from 1724 CE to 1948 CE.

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Thatikonda Fort

Thatikonda or Tatikonda Fort is located in Thatikonda village, Station Ghanpur mandal, Jangaon district, Telangana State, India.

Thatikonda Fort is built in the 17th century by Sardar Sarvai Papadu, popularly known as Sardar Sarvai Papanna of Quillashapur, a local leader who had then defied Mughal imperial authority and also revolted against the Golconda Nawabs. The historic Quilla i.e., hill fort is situated in survey no. 513 and the gadis are in survey no. 369. The fortifications lie on the top of the hillock. The mud fortification wall in intermittent patches runs from the top to the fort of the hill to join the gadi.

The gadi is square in plan covering an area of about 5.36 acres. The basal width of wall is 3 feet and the height is about 16-20 feet. The material used for the construction of walls from the basement until 3 feet is stone and above this, it is made of mud. The mud wall consists of pati earth, which is mixed with potsherds, gravel, coarse sand, small chips etc. The mud wall appears to be consisting of different layers. It has four bastions on four corners. The bastions are constructed with dressed stones.

Restoration

July 23, 2021: Rains cause crack in the mud wall of Thatikonda Fort

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2021/jul/23/rains-cause-crack-in-the-mud-wall-of-thatikonda-fort-2334008.html

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Akkanna Madanna Temple

Akkanna Madanna Temple is located in Shalibanda, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India. The presiding deity in this temple is Lord Mahankali. The temple is at a distance of 1 kilometer from Charminar

It is popular during the festival of Bonalu that is celebrated in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The temple is famous for the Ghatam procession during the Bonalu festival which is majorly celebrated in the holy place. As per the records, nearly 1 lakh devotees visit the temple during Ghatam. During the festival, the devotees present an offering to Devi Mahakali.

Architecture

The beautiful temple is built in blush and coral shades of red, with pillars and ceilings of carvings and inscriptions of Hindu God and Goddess. The pillars and ceiling of this temple has carving and inscription of hindu Gods and Goddess and their related stories and tales. The temple premise is a walled complex and houses several small temples within it. The main tower has images of Gods and Goddesses in it.

History

This temple was believed to be constructed by two brothers 'Akkanna' and 'Madanna' during the rule of Abul Hasan Qutb Shah (1672 to 1686), also known as Abul Hasan Tana Shahwas the eighth and last ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, sovereign of the Kingdom of Golconda in South India. 

Madanna and Akkanna both served as the Commander-in-Chief and Prime Minister, respectively. These two brothers were one of the favorite ministers of the king and stayed in a house near his own, where the temple of Mahankali existed. Being the true disciples of Goddess Mahankali, Akkanna and Madanna performed pooja every day at the holy temple before they left for the court of Golconda for their day's work. Soon after the killing of these two brothers, the temple was closed.

Madanna started as a clerk with the Golconda Sultanate and moved higher up through talent. At some point Madanna and Akkanna came into the service of Sayyid Muzaffar a nobleman of Persian descent. After sometime Sayyid Muzaffar had brought bul Hasan Qutb Shah  to the throne. He made them responsible for collecting jizya taxes from the Hindus predominant part of the Sultanate's population. Then official Madanna and brother locked him up in his house and took over the charge of the treasury. As a treasurer Madanna became more and more powerful until he practically ruled the Sultanate in all but name till his death assisted by his brother Akkanna and his nephew Rustam Rao. Akkanna was appointed General of the Army not so much to conduct military operations, but more to keep it from waging war.

By the 1680s, according to the colonial era Dutch India archives, they controlled all the tax collection and the exchequer of the Golkonda Sultanate. According to Gijs Kruijtzer – a historian specializing in Deccan Sultanates, the Madanna and Akkanna brothers can be viewed as early "nationalists" seeking the welfare of their people and the general public. They can also be viewed as "communalists" who criticized the Muslim elites as exploitative who do not care about non-Muslims, who serve the interest of their holy land in Arabia, and seek personal gain. The two brothers spent the taxes they collected in Golconda on the "welfare of the public", states Kruijtzer, which included furthering trade with the colonial Dutch, building public sarai (resting place for travelers), as well as restoring and building temples. Their remarkable rise to power and public priorities in the Golconda Sultanate, whose elite predominantly were Muslims, became a folklore among the Hindus. Muslims reached out to Aurangzeb, who in 1683 sent his army to attack Golconda Sultanate. The brothers attempted for peace with a deal to pay a large annual tribute to the Mughal empire. 

In 1685, Aurangzeb sent a regiment led by his son to end Golconda Sultanate, absorb it into the Mughal empire. This time the Mughal army captured and beheaded Madanna and Akkanna. The two brothers remain popular among the Hindus in the modern era Telangana, with many monuments named after them. They were also the maternal uncles of the popular Bhakti saint Bhadrachala Ramadasu.

It is believed that in 1948, Devi Kali appeared in the dream of an old lady, and asked her to find the hidden temple and re-open it. Later some people from Arya samaj were able to find the temple and revived from the debris of Hari Bowl at Shalibanda.

In the year 1998, the temple was attacked by a group of anti-social elements and partly destroyed the idol and temple belongings

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Sir Ronald Ross Building

Sir Ronald Ross Building or Heritage Building of World Medicine or Sir Ronald Ross Institute of Parasitology is a malaria research institute located in Begumpet, Secunderabad (Mandal), Hyderabad, Telangana State, India.

Major Ronald Ross (13 May 1857 – 16 September 1932) was a British Doctor born in Almora, in current Uttarakhand, India. He was the first of ten children to be born to General Sir Campbell Claye Grant Ross, a British officer stationed in Secunderabad as as Duty Medical Officer for the Military.

At the age of eight, he was sent to England to be educated and spent much of his childhood with an aunt and uncle on the Isle of Wight.

He commenced the study of medicine at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in London in 1875; entered the Indian Medical Service in 1881. 

He served in the third Burmese War in 1885 as a member of the Indian Medical Service. After studying bacteriology in London from 1888 to 1889, he returned to India and commenced the study of malaria in 1892.  

Built in 1895, this building was surrounded by marshes which proved rather helpful for his research experiments. 

It was in this building on 20 August 1897 that he made the discovery of the malarial parasite inside the body of a mosquito. His study confirmed that mosquitoes were the carriers of malaria parasite using birds that were already sick with malaria, Ross clearly showed that the disease could be carried in the insects’ salivary glands and transmitted to healthy birds through mosquito bites.

20 August is celebrated as the World Mosquito Day.

Ross returned to England in 1899 and joined the faculty of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. He later taught at the University of Liverpool. Ross married Rosa Bessie Bloxam in 1889. They had two sons, Ronald and Charles, and two daughters, Dorothy and Sylvia. 

For his work in demonstrating the life-cycle of the parasites of malaria in mosquitoes, and thus establishing the hypothesis of Laveran and Manson, Ross was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology/Medicine in 1902.

His book The Prevention of Malaria was published in 1910. 

He was knighted by the British government in 1911 for his achievements in medical research. 

In 1912 he became physician for tropical diseases at King’s College Hospital in London. When the Ross Institute and Hospital for Tropical Diseases was founded in his honor, he became its director.

His wife died in 1931, Ross survived her until a year later, when he died after a long illness, at the Ross Institute, London, on September 16, 1932.

In 1935, the Secunderabad Cantonment Board, the local civic agency, installed a marble tablet in appreciation of Ross' achievement.

In 1955, Satyanarayan Singh, a Professor of Zoology at Hyderabad's Osmania University acquired the building from the then Deccan Airlines and established the Malaria Research Institute in this building.

Research scholars from Osmania University and Osmania Medical College worked here until the building was taken over by the Airports Authority of India. 

A pilot training center was set up in this building. Former Prime Minister of India, Rajiv Gandhi, was trained in this building. 

In 1979, Osmania University took over the building and continued research here

In 1997, about 700 scientists from 30 countries gathered at this building to commemorate the centennial of Ronald Ross' discovery. On this occasion, the building was renovated at the cost of ₹4.1 million(US$51,000) by the British High Commission. Being a heritage building, the Archaeological Survey of India granted ₹ 650,000 for its further development. In addition, a plan was announced to convert the facility into a center of excellence and develop the landscape around the building. Despite spending money on renovation, the building was not properly maintained.

In 2008, the state government formed a committee for the restoration, conservation and promotion of the building as tourist destination. A grant of ₹ 4 million was to be utilised for developing a horticulture park and relocation of airport offices. Upon the completion of restoration, the local tourism department was set to promote the building and its heritage as a destination for national and international tourists. Despite several attempts to revive the facility, the building lies secluded and devoid of academic or research activity and without steady source of financial support. Lack of political will and lack of bureaucracy was blamed for its current state.

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Errum Manzil

Errum Manzil or Iram Manzil is an expansive palace s located on top of a hillock off the Irram Manzil Colony, Panjagutt, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India.

It was built around the year 1870 by Nawab Safdar Jung Musheer-ud-daula Fakhrul Mulk, a nobleman of Hyderabad state. The story goes that Errum Manzil was the result of a wager between the Nawab and Sir Vicar ul Umra as to who could build a higher palace.

One of the first palaces to come upon a hillock facing the Hussain Sagar in Hyderabad, Iram Manzil (meaning heavenly abode), has been a silent surveyor of the city ever since it was built.

The mansion is located atop a hillock known as Erragadda or "red hill" in the native Telugu language. For this reason, nawab Fakhrul Mulk decided to name the new palace "Iram Manzil" (Persian for 'Paradise Mansion'), because the Persian word 'Iram' (ايرام), meaning 'Paradise,' sounds like "Erra" (ఎర్ర), the Telugu adjective meaning "red." He also had the building painted a shade of red in order to emphasize the link, and thus the red-coloured palace can be found on top of Erragadda hill. The nawab intended that the mansion be known by two similar-sounding names: 'Iram Manzil' for the Persian-friendly Muslim nobility of the state and 'Erram Manzil' for the local Telugu people. In time, the latter name has prevailed, and "Erra Manzil" is now the official name of the palace. Alternative spellings include "Irrum Manzil" and "Irram Manzil"

Errum Manzil was used for royal banquets and other grand events. Later, the palace was taken over by the Government to be used as a records store-house. After some years it was again transferred into the hands of Public Works Department. Presently the land on which the palace is located houses offices of the Engineers-in-chief and the Chief Engineers of the Roads and Buildings and Irrigation/Command Area Development Departments.

Built in the Indo-European Baroque style of architecture, during its heyday the palace had over 150 rooms furnished with Louis XVI furniture, nine-hole golf course, polo ground, stable for horses and a dairy farm. The palace was full of stucco and ornamental works. The palace used to overlook the Hussain Sagar, but this view has now been blocked by other buildings.

The Erram Manzil building has rich architectural features exhibiting a multitude of cultural influences. The architecture is a symbiosis of Indo Persian and Saracenic features, blended with classical Greek, Roman, Gothic, Regency, and Baroque styles.

The two-storeyed palace, a listed heritage building spread over 1,13,793 square feet, was full of stucco and ornamental works, and had huge banquet halls, over 150 rooms, and was furnished lavishly with Louis XVI furniture.

Hyderabadi lore has it that Errum Manzil was the result of friendly competition between the Nawab and Sir Vicar ul Umra (The prolific Paigah aristocrat/builder from the city who also built the Falaknuma Palace) as to who could build a higher palace. Due to Fakhrul Mulk’s originality and creativity, the mansion was a blend of unique architectural styles, making it stand out from other palaces.

Dr Mir Asghar Husain, a direct descendant of Nawab Fakhrul Mulk, Former Director of Education, UNESCO-Paris, recalls his great grandfather as someone who dedicated his life to secularism, public service, and the state of Hyderabad. He adds, “A consummate builder, he always wanted to construct monuments that last, and as a heritage for the future. When the city of Hyderabad was expanding, he chose a spot (near Punjagutta) which was then at the outskirts, and being a visionary and nature lover, built a house that was in harmony with its natural environment and ecology.”

The mansion soon became the nucleus of a small village which sprung around it to cater for Fakhrul Mulk’s family, which consisted of five sons and four daughters. Soon, polo grounds, stable for horses and elephants, a dairy farm, and a tennis court were added as was a shooting range, and the Nawab held court twice a day.

Nawab Fakhrul Mulk was among the first noblemen in Hyderabad to adopt Western dress and styles while keeping the strict oriental code of conduct in domestic matters. His cultural ingenuity and openness of mind enlarged his vision to include architectural styles from Europe. A popular story goes saying that he used to explain his ideas to the architects by drawing the outline on sand with the help of his walking stick, and expected the engineers and the masons to give shape to it.

Errum Manzil was specifically placed atop a hill to stand out in its surroundings. Dr Er Ar SP Anchuri, Architect and Structural Engineer, explains, “The height of the building was about 36 feet elevated compared to the present main road level. The height was chosen to indicate the power of the area to dominate the surrounding environment, providing a peaceful environment and isolated atmosphere from the busy road and streets.”

Several entrances are seen to the building, and were used for different purposes. Each entrance of the manzil has a unique architectural character that highlights from other immediate surfaces. Anchuri adds, “The building is in U shape with a three-side enclosed courtyard towards west. The central wing acted as the barricade between the mardana and zenana. Special female servants called mamas acted as messengers between the two blocks.”

With contours which slope naturally towards eastern side, giving a magnificent view of Hussain Sagar, the best suitable structural system was adopted in construction of the palace. The staircases and balconies are made of wood. Even today, one can catch a glimpse of Romanesque semi-circular arches, Indo Saracenic rounded horseshoe openings, and elliptical Gothic arches based on Indo-Islamic architecture.

Dr Husain says that the palace was a unique futuristic model of construction, which was self-sufficient and even had its own water bodies built as a part of its estate. He adds, “Impressed by the stark beauty of Errum Manzil when they passed by during their visit to Hyderabad, Yasser Arafat and Jacqueline Kennedy asked what this impressive monument was!”

The palace was in the possession of the Nawab’s descendants till late 1940s, when it was taken over by the government, and used for storing records. Then the erstwhile Government of Hyderabad purchased the building and the surrounding land belonging to Nawab Fakhar ul Mulk Bhadur, when Sir Mirza Ismail was Sadar-i-Azam (prime minister) of the State in 1946.

In the year 1956, after the formation of Andhra Pradesh, the State government quarters were constructed in the open land, and the same is known as the Erum Manzil colony.

Later, it was transferred to the Public Works Department, and now, the Roads and Buildings and Irrigation/Command Area Development departments share it. In 2017, KCR’s government wanted to demolish the heritage building to construct a new State Legislative Assembly, and only a huge public outcry resulted in the government changing its initial proposal.

Today, the building is in a state of disuse and neglect but used for occasional heritage walks. Anuradha Reddy, Convenor, INTACH Hyderabad, says that the palace has substantial architectural and historical value, being a legacy building. Having conducted a building structural condition assessment in 2019, she calls for the adaptive reuse of the palace, and says, “The structure can be reused in a socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable manner. Well executed adaptive reuse can restore an old building not only for new use, but also for the community to continue appreciating the site's historical significance and maintain links to the past.”

Errum Manzil is one of the best examples of the time which informs the present generation of the historical, architectural, and aesthetic importance of such monuments.

Anchuri says that proper repairs and rehabilitation of the Errum Manzil can bring back its erstwhile glory. He adds, “The palace can serve a few more centuries, keeping its heritage alive. Based on the observations of the existing structure on preliminary visual inspection, the Errum Manzil building is an important heritage asset, can be structurally sound after rehabilitation, repairs, and partial reconstruction undertaken after proper in-depth analysis, and can be used for a number of probable adaptive reuses before this architectural marvel and its style disappear.”

Currently, the heritage monument is known to many only because of the metro station named after it. Husain adds, “The whole world is looking for architecturally original monuments for tourism. Erram Manzil is unique because it blends major architectural styles of the time, and there are few other buildings like it that reflect the creative originality of the Deccan. Restored, it can be a powerful magnet on the tourist circuit.”

Errum Manzil is a perfect example of the old Hyderabadi architecture which has stood the test of time. With its integrated design blending the best of structural systems, architectural style, and interiors, the need of the hour is to conserve it.

Renovation
Feb 2, 2022: Irrum Manzil Palace abuzz with film shoots

https://www.firstpost.com/art-and-culture/iram-manzil-palace-overlooking-hussain-sagar-in-hyderabad-has-been-a-silent-surveyor-of-the-city-10076191.html

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Khazana Building Museum

Khazana Building Museum is located Near Golconda Fort in Khair Complex, Toli Chowki, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008, India. It has a collection of relics from Qutb Shahi, Bahmani and Kakatiya dynasties.

 Khazana Building, As the name suggests, Khazana Building was the place where the kingdoms Khazana or treasure was stored. It was the treasury of Ibrahim Qutb Shahi. Khazana Building is located close to the Golconda Fort in Hyderabad. Located on the main road, on the way from Fateh Darwaza to Bala Hissar road.

The museum houses cannons from the Qutb Shahi period, stone sculptures from neighbouring regions of Chalukya and Kakatiya period as well as Qutb shahi and Bahmani dynasties, rare coins to centuries old relics unearthed during various excavations etc, 3,500 arms and weapons of Qutb Shahi period among others.

As is with most Islamic buildings, there are religious centres inside the complex. Ashrafi Mosque in the eastern quarters of the building, Chani mosque (built during Ibrahim Qutb Shahi time 1550-1580 AD), the smaller mosque of the two.

After the police action in 1948, Indian Army used this building as treasury office for distribution of salaries to their staff. It was handed over to the Department of Archaeology and Museums in 1951.

During the reign of Qutb Shahi dynasty, Golconda was the capital. This was the period during which Sultan Zam Sheed, Ibrahim Qutb Shahi and IVth Sultan, Mohammed Quli, who was also the founder of Hyderabad, ascended the throne. At that time, during the reign of the Sultans, the capital came to be known as Mohammed Nagar. Being the capital city, all the major religious, military, administrative offices and important buildings were built here.

When tourists enter the Khazana Building Museum, they can first notice the guard rooms of the royal treasury of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. As with most Islamic buildings, there are religious centres inside the complex- Ashrafi Mosque in the eastern quarters of the building and Chani Mosque (built during Ibrahim Qutb Shahi time, 1550 AD – 1580 AD), the smaller mosque of the two. Located opposite to the Khazana Building Museum is Sham Sheer Kota. During the reign of Ibrahim Qutb Shah, royal arms and weaponry were stored in this building.

Khazana Building has a majestic central arch, on the sides of which are two halls. The arch supports the roofs of these halls. The halls had a special purpose too, these were storehouses of the royal treasury of the army and government of Qutb Shahi. The central arch leads to the Courtyard and the gardens. Today, there are Canons from the Qutb Shahi Period on display, here. Also, stone sculptures from neighboring regions, of the Chalukya and Kakatiya period as well as Qutb Shahi and Bahmani dynasties are on exhibition. From rare coins to centuries-old relics unearthed during various excavations, the region’s treasure of history and heritage are displayed at the Khazana Building Museum.

When the Nizams were replaced by the democratic government, in 1948, the ownership of Khazana Buildings was passed on to the Indian Government. It was then allocated to the Indian Military to use this building to distribute the salary to its staff. At that time, an addition was made to the complex, a gabled section was constructed in the courtyard. During 1951-1952, the Khazana Building Museum was passed to the Department of Heritage Telangana. This was when the Khazana Building had become a Heritage Building with a changed shape and became a monument, as we see it today. The artefacts exhibited in the building today were added by the Department of Heritage Telangana.

Visitor Facilities
Clean drinking water and rest rooms are available. Seating arrangements are provided in the garden. Low price booklets and brochures are available.

Timings 10:30am AM to 5:00pm PM
closed on Fridays and Public Holidays

Restoration

May 16, 2016: Khazana building in Hyderabad turns into museum

The age-old Khazana building, once a treasury and royal arms of Qutb Shahi kings near Golconda and converted into a museum, finally gets a facelift.
The structures, which were in a dilapidated condition, have been restored to a large extent by Telangana State Archaeology and Museums Department after a six-month repair work.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/170516/khazana-building-in-hyderabad-turns-into-museum.html

https://heritage.telangana.gov.in/museums/khazana-building-museum-hyderabad/

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Shamsheer Kota

Shamsheer Kota is located in Golconda, Hyderabad district, Telangana State, India.

During the reign of Ibrahim Qutb Shah, royal arms and weaponry were stored in this building.

There are many historic monuments near Golconda fort of Hyderabad and one of them is Shamsheer Kotha monument which is located near Khazana Building on the main road from the Fateh Darwaza to Bala Hissar. There are series of rooms for storing arms and weapons and a masjid, constructed in Qutb Shahi style.

There is a large cannon on display at the entrance gate here that reflects the glory of historic era of Qutb Shahis who had ruled this region for nearly two centuries.

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Khursheed Jah Devdi

Khursheed Jah Devdi a beautiful two-story structure is a European styled architectural palace located on Government Degree College Rd, Murgi Chowk, Charminar, Hussaini Alam, Hyderabad, Telangana 500064, India

The palace, built by Paigah noble Nawab Fakhruddin, is European-styled and is considered as one of the best examples of Palladian architecture.  

Nawab Khursheed Jah Paigah was the maternal grandson of the third Nizam of Hyderabad. Khursheed Jah Baradari was his residence, near the Charminar. It is a gorgeous Palladian mansion with imposing pillars and a strikingly European design. While it is commonly referred to as a baradari (literally means having 12 doors) or a devdi (sort of like a haveli) it is counted as one of Hyderabad's best palaces.

The construction of the palace was started by Sir Khursheed Jah's grandfather, and completed by his father. It is said, that when the Paigah family lived in this palace, it was full of expensive furniture, chandeliers and paintings, and that the extensive grounds adjoining it, had immaculately kept gardens with fountains and little reservoirs. Apparently, in addition to the horses in his stables, Sir Khursheed Jah also kept ostriches!

Khursheed Jah Deroi was the Baradari of Nawab Khursheed Jah Bahadur (15 October 1914 – 3 August 1975). It was originally designed by Nawab Khurshid Jah Bahadur’s grandfather, Shams-ul-umara Amee-e-Kabir and was completed by his father – Rashiduddin Khan in the late 19th century. It houses the Hussaini Alam Government Girls College in the same compound.

Despite the name, Baradari which literally means 12 doors, the palace only has 5 doors. It is commonly known as Khursheed Jah Devdiin which Devdi means “Lord’s house”. The building which is influenced by European architecture, and is similar to Koti Women’s college which is was then knows as British Residency. The entrance has eight Corinthian pillars about 40 feet in height and the inside of the building has Elliptical arches and some areas have wooden flooring. The verandah has beautiful multi-colored floor tiles.

There used to be the Ishrat Mahal (courtroom) as a part of the same compound.

The playground which is under the government school right now, was actually a beautiful garden with Tara Hauz which is means star shaped fountain.
As you enter the building, you can well imagine how grand it would have been at the time when the Paigahs lived here.

Khurshid Jah Bahadur was born in Rang Mahal, Delhi the only son of Mirza Muhammad Fayazuddin. He was recognized as head of the Timurid Dynasty, in 1931 by the Government of India. He emigrated to Lahore in Pakistan following the independence of Pakistan in 1947.

He was married to Nawabzadi Arghwani Begum Sahiba (born 2 January 1920) and they had two sons and four daughters, with his eldest son succeeding him as head of the Timurid Dynasty on his death on 3 August 1975.

Restoration

Dec 30, 2022 : Khursheed Jah Devdi to be restored to original grandeur
Dec 31, 2022 : Though listed as a heritage monument, Khursheed Jah Devdi, situated just a kilometre away from Charminar, has been lying in neglect. 

Jan 30, 2023 : 138-year-old Khursheed Jah Devdi to morph into cultural space with Rs 12 crore facelift in Hyderabad

Jul 19, 2023 : Restoration works at Khursheed Jah Devdi finally begin

https://www.thehansindia.com/news/cities/hyderabad/hyderabad-khursheed-jah-devdi-to-be-restored-775694

https://unseenhyderabad.wordpress.com/2018/03/22/khursheed-jah-devdi/

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Shaikpet Mosque and Sarai

Shaikpet Mosque and Sarai are located at distance of nearly 11 km from the centre of Hyderabad in Shaikpet, Hyderabad district, Telangana State, India.

The Sarai was built on the way to Bidar, capital of Barid Shahis, for the traders to halt at night, before obtaining permission to enter into the fort from Quiladar of Golconda Fort.

The Sarai complex was initiated by Ibrahim Qutb Shah (1550 – 1580 CE). The Sarai gradually came to provide amenities like sarai blocks, mosques, a tomb, stables for horses and camels and other minor structures. It is a typical, large caravan Sarai constructed in Qutub Shahi style of architecture consisting of a two storied building exclusively meant for traveller’s rest.

An inscription indicates that a larger part of the Sarai complex was built by Abdullah Qutb Shah in 1633 – 34 CE. Shelter for horses and camels was also added to the Sarai towards southern side.

The sarai had 30 rooms, stables for horses and camels, a mosque and a tomb of an unknown Sufi saint. It could accommodate 500 people.

The terrain around Golconda and its traverse formed the basis of an important trade route from Ahmednagar. It passed Bidar, Patancheru, Golconda and on- wards to Machilipattnam on the east coast. By its side lay the dargah of Hazrat Syed Hussain Shah Wali - a revered Sufi saint during the reign of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and descendant of Khwaja Banda Nawaz (Gesu Daraz) - the most influential Sufi saint of the Chisti order in South India. Hazrat Syed Hus- sain Shah Wali is credited with building the Hussain Sagar Tank at Hyderabad (1562), which served as a water reservoir for the city till the 1920s.

Renovation

October 26, 2017: Crumbling Shaikpet Sarai & mosque crave attention

April 28, 2018: Broken and cracked: Shaikpet mosque, a protected mosque now in shambles

March 25, 2021 : One of the oldest mosques of Qutub Shahi era and an archaeological grandeur is slowly giving away to the sands of time in Hyderabad. 

The centuries-old mosque, which once housed hundreds of worshipers, has been neglected by authorities.

Recent conservation works by Government of Telangana included structural restoration and protection from encroachments.

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Akkana Sarai

Akkana Sarai is located in Maisaram, Maheswaram, Rangareddy district, Telangana State, India.

Akkana's Sarai is a square shaped sarai dedicated to Akkana, a senior officer who served the Qutb Shahi Empire from 1674 CE to 1686 CE. It is surrounded by a huge compound wall with built-in cubicles facing inner side of the compound, which was probably used as rest house. There is a palatial building situated in the middle. There is another pillared structure, probably used as meeting hall. The compound wall consists of some cubicles near the gate, constructed on the outer side. A small Hindu temple is also present on the first floor of the square shaped Sarai enclosure.

There is a huge compound wall, constructed as a supporting back wall with large number of cubicles present in the sarai. Some cubicles are much bigger in size, provided with small niches, some cubicles are smaller in size and these rest rooms are provided in the masjid area also. Some of the rest rooms are constructed like dormitory places. All these structures are constructed on huge rocky pillars and even the roof is made with huge stone slabs. It is a huge resting place designed as cubicles, dormitory and open verandah and the total resting place is supported by huge stone pillars built as per the Hindu art and architecture. The floral designs are also observed on the walls and roof and also on the pillars. The pillars are quadrangle in shape.

Madanna and Akkanna were two Brahmin brothers who rose to prominence in the 17th-century in the final two decades of the Golkonda sultanate. Madanna started as a clerk with the Golconda Sultanate and moved higher up through talent. At some point Madanna and Akkanna came into the service of Sayyid Muzaffar a nobleman of Persian descent. After sometime Sayyid Muzaffar had brought bul Hasan Qutb Shah  to the throne. He made them responsible for collecting jizya taxes from the Hindus predominant part of the Sultanate's population. Then official Madanna and brother locked him up in his house and took over the charge of the treasury. As a treasurer Madanna became more and more powerful until he practically ruled the Sultanate in all but name till his death assisted by his brother Akkanna and his nephew Rustam Rao. Akkanna was appointed General of the Army not so much to conduct military operations, but more to keep it from waging war.

By the 1680s, according to the colonial era Dutch India archives, they controlled all the tax collection and the exchequer of the Golkonda Sultanate. According to Gijs Kruijtzer – a historian specializing in Deccan Sultanates, the Madanna and Akkanna brothers can be viewed as early "nationalists" seeking the welfare of their people and the general public. They can also be viewed as "communalists" who criticized the Muslim elites as exploitative who do not care about non-Muslims, who serve the interest of their holy land in Arabia, and seek personal gain. The two brothers spent the taxes they collected in Golconda on the "welfare of the public", states Kruijtzer, which included furthering trade with the colonial Dutch, building public sarai (resting place for travelers), as well as restoring and building temples. Their remarkable rise to power and public priorities in the Golconda Sultanate, whose elite predominantly were Muslims, became a folklore among the Hindus. Muslims reached out to Aurangzeb, who in 1683 sent his army to attack Golconda Sultanate. The brothers attempted for peace with a deal to pay a large annual tribute to the Mughal empire. In 1685, Aurangzeb sent a regiment led by his son to end Golconda Sultanate, absorb it into the Mughal empire. This time the Mughal army captured and beheaded Madanna and Akkanna. The two brothers remain popular among the Hindus in the modern era Telangana, with many monuments named after them. They were also the maternal uncles of the popular Bhakti saint Bhadrachala Ramadasu.

Restoration

Oct 20, 2009: The Department of Archaeology and Museums is all set to renovate the erstwhile group of temples -- Maheshwara, Kondandarama, Rajarajeshwara and Rajarajeshwari of Maheshwram in Rangareddy district which was believed to be built by Akkanna and Madanna, Ministers in the court of Abdul Hasan Tanisha, the last ruler of the Qutub Shahi dynasty.

Feb 1, 2011:From being a popular place of worship in the 17th century, the Akkanna Madanna sarai has now turned into an abandoned and dilapidated structure, waiting to crumble any moment. 

Sep 1, 2023: The State government is initiating measures for beautification and restoration of the historic Akkanna Sarai

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/7491563.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

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Premamati Mosque

The Premamati Mosque stands on a hillock overlooking the Taramati Baradari is located in Mohammad Nagar, Golconda (Mandal), Hyderabad district, Telanagan State, India.

The mosque was built around 1625 CE and it was attributed to Prema mati a famed courtesan during the reign of Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah and Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah.

According to department deputy director Mohd Raheem Shah Ali, the mosque was presumably built for the courtesan and others to offer namaaz during a break from song-and-dance sessions at the Taramati Baradari.

The mosque with intricate work has five arches and does not have minarets.

Bilgrami, in his book ‘Landmarks of the Deccan’, associated the Baradari and the mosque with both Taramati and Premamati. Tombs of both the courtesans are seen near the Qutb Shahi Tombs.

The arches are supported by piers, which have a band of mouldings at the top. This is reminiscent of Hindu temples, such as the Ramappa Temple. The elaborately carved chajjas above the arches also display Hindu influences.

The facade is flanked by two semi-decagonal minarets, which are incomplete.The roof consists of ten flat domes which are not visible from below.

The mosque is incomplete as there is no parapet wall and no kiosks above the minarets.

Restoration

Premamati masjid, a deserted mosque on a hillock overlooking the Taramati Baradari on the way to Gandipet, it is getting a facelift from the Telangana department of archaeology and museums.

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Mian Mishk Mahal

 Mian Mishk Mahal is located in Attapur, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India.  In the area between Golconda and Purana Pul, at a tranquil and deserted place, stands “Mushk Mahal”

In 1678, the palace was constructed by Miyan Malik Mishk, a commander of the Carnatic Forces of Abul Hassan Tana Shah, the last of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. In it’s time, it was a grand three-storied garden pavilion with waterways and gardens spread over a 10-acre area from where one could see the Golconda fort on one side, Musi river on another and the emblematic Charminar from another.

Attapur is an old locality on the right bank of Musi, before Charminar. While one road is dotted with ancient temples, nothing much remains of the other old structures that would have existed in the area — except a grand palace complex whose hulk can still be seen once you enter the inner lanes on the left side of the main road. Surrounded by tall grass, the grandeur of the building can still be evidenced from the shape of the balcony or the staircase. This is the Miyan Mishk Mahal built by an African soldier in the employ of Abul Hasan, the last ruler of Qutb Shahi dynasty.

A few kilometres away, in the Malakpet area of the city, is another grand old structure. A building in ruins that has virtually been boxed in by a housing complex built by the Andhra Pradesh Housing Board. This is the Mahbub Mansion built by the sixth Nizam Mahbub Ali Khan.  

Need of Renovation

24 June, 2018: GHMC to the rescue.The fate of Miyan Mishk Mahal, in Attapur seemed to be like that of scores of historical monuments in the city. Years of neglect by successive governments and encroachments eating up their spaces, the building lies in a sad state of ruin.However, things on Saturday offered a glimmer of hope to heritage activists in the city. Hours after activists took to Twitter to complain about the dumping of sewage on the property of the Qutub Shahi era palace, the state government sprung into action and cleared the area.

March 1, 2021: Hyderabad’s 300-year-old Mushk Mahal needs urgent attention

Stones are used as a cornice for the roof of the first floor projected with brackets which are in a better shape. The inner walls are damaged. The central portion distinct with an octagonal drum shape lost its sheen. The upper portion typically reflects the architectural style of the Qutub Shah. Two rows with Arches façade jutting out is attractive.

The top of the structure, designed to lead to Zenana (ladies) toilet is seven meters high with a large balcony and a stair case leading to the roof opening. The ground floor has large bedrooms with low walls that are probably used as resting chambers. 

According to the Department of Archaeology, this monument had a beautiful garden with a fountain in front which has now disappeared. While the first floor is relatively in a better shape, the other parts have lost their luster and are in ruins. 

Nov 17, 2021: Do we transform a 300-year-old building into a heritage site or do we let it be used as a thunder seat by the neighbourhood

Jan 13, 2022: Miyan Mishk Mahal is a picture of neglect

https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/living-hyderabad-lost-link-to-the-past-miyan-mishk-mahal/article24240357.ece

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2018/jun/24/miyan-mishk-mahal-ghmc-to-the-rescue-1832822.html

https://www.siasat.com/mushk-mahal-in-malodorous-and-dilapidated-condition-2100359/#google_vignette

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Mian Mishk Masjid

Mian Mishk Masjid is located on Karvan Road Puranapul, Charminar (Mandal), Hyderabad district, Telangana State, India.

1678 : Mian Mishk Masjid was successfully built in 1678 A.D during the reign of Qutb Shahi period by Mian Mishk who is a noble of sixth King of Golconda named Abdullah Qutb Shah.

It is just 3.3 km from Nampally Railyway Station. It is one of the most sought-after and interesting mosques in this area. This particular mosque is situated at the end of a large courtyard which is lined up with chambers that are used to wholeheartedly provide better accommodation for travelers to a great extent. A large crowd of Islamic people gather at this particular mosque on all Fridays and festive days to a great extent. This mosque is known for its architectural and historical significance in India.

It is actually named after its unique builder who was an Abyssinian slave of Abul Hasan Tana Shah. The special inscriptions over the West and East gates are demonstrated with the unique styles of calligraphy of several periods. Moreover, it is a good example of the Qutab Shahi style and pattern. It is to be remembered that this mosque has a garam hamam that offers a hot bath, which largely complying with the Islamic principle of purification and hygiene with a lot of perfection. It is to be highly noted that this mosque is listed among the special 137 heritage monuments of Hyderabad Urban Development Authority. On the other hand, it isn't listed in the Archeological Survey of India. The architectural significance of this mosque is really a wonder to be personally witnessed and experienced. It is unique in different manner from other leading mosque of this region. Mian Mishk Masjid is visited by domestic and international tourists throughout the year because of its special historical and architectural significance. Even local people regard this mosque with great respect.

Islamic special festivals are marked with festivity and special prayer in Mian Mishk Masjid are Day of Ashura, Arba'een, Islamic New Year or Muharram, Mawlid an-Nabi., Birthday of Aliibn AbiTalib, Laylat al-Mi'raj, Rabi' al-Awwal, First day of Ramadan, Chaand Raat, Laylat al-Bara'at, Birthday of Muhammad al-Mahdi, Dhu al-Haji, Laylat al-Qadr, Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Ghadeer. Muslim people from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh visit this particular mosque on festive and important days with different types of wishes to be immediately fulfilled through prayers of much dedication and commitment. Most of the Islamic people are given religious significance in this mosque by the local Islamic communities of this region. Basic facilities and special arrangement are made in this mosque in order to manage the crowd.

On the right of the main masjid is the tomb of Mian Mishk, which is well kept. An inscription on Mian Mishk’s tomb mentions that he was secretary to the king, holding charge of the royal key and of the Carnatic troops. There is a suggestion that he might have been of African origin.

Stone pillars, brackets, and sajjas typical of the time and region abound. On the left of the main tomb are many minor tombs surrounded by the serai which is now in a dilapidated condition.

Each of the inscription tablets fixed on the entrances have farmans (edicts). A copy of the firman of Sultan Abul Hasan Qutb Shah reads:

"Trusted servant of the Imperial Court, Malik Mishk, the Commander of the Carnatic troops, has been granted the honour of laying this request before those standing in the resplendent court that the income of the bazaar attached to the mosque of Malik Mishk, besides the annual grant of 80 huns (gold coin of the Deccan about 50 grams in weight, often called pagoda), as detailed in the firman...shops and stalls on both sides of the bazaar of the masjid...be graciously awarded and endowed for the expenses to be incurred in connection with the feeding of the poor, the religious ceremonies of the first ten days of Muharram and the maintenance of alawa (where incense is burnt and rites performed) and abdar khana (water closet where cold drinks are distributed to the thirsty). And the lights and carpets of the above mosque as also for similar expenses."

On the eastern gateway there is another inscription which records the erection of a building in 1035 AH (1625 AD) during the reign of Muhammad Qutb Shah.

The masjid is among the 137 heritage list of Hyderabad Urban Development Authority, and now there is a board which says that it is under the Archaeological Survey of India.

Need of Renovation

May 19, 2018: Mian Mishk Masjid left to decay by caretakers

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/200518/mian-mishk-masjid-left-to-decay-by-caretakers.html

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Kulsum Begum Masjid

Kulsum Begum Masjid locally known as Badi Masjid (also known as Kulsumpura Masjid or Jama Masjid Karwan) is located in Kulsumpura, Asifnagar (Mandal), Hyderabad, Telangana State, India. Kulsumpura is situated at a distance of nearly 4 km from Charminar via Karwan road

It was built in the 17th century by Kulsum Begum, daughter of Sultan Mohammad Qutb Shah during his reign from 1612 – 1626 CE  with the Mehr (money or gift given as a mark of respect to the wife at the time of marriage)

The mosque has been constructed on a raised square platform. Its beautiful minarets are a fine example of Qutb Shani style of architecture. The facade of the mosque is exuberantly decorated with stucco ornamentation. The main entrance is styled in the pillar and lintel style accompanied with heavy wooden doors. There is an inscription seen at the top of the gate reading ‘Allah, Mohammed Ali, in Arabic script.

The arched gateway is flanked by two rooms, meant for guards, on either side. There is a fountain in the courtyard. The mosque complex consists of an elevated sarcophagus, a well (Hamaam), and several graves and is surrounded by a Caravan Sarai and main gate.

Need Restoration
March 11, 2018: Kulsum Begum’s memory erodes with masjid cracks 

Dec 1, 2020: 400-year-old Kulsumpura mosque lies in neglect

October 11, 2022: College to be built in Kulsumpura Serai

October 12, 2022: Telangana: Officials vow to block MIM’s plans of college on heritage masjid site
“If they want to build an educational institution for Muslim students, they should seek land from the State government. But destroying a heritage monument is a violation and is punishable,” said Sajjad Shahid, heritage activist.'

https://heritage.telangana.gov.in/monuments/kulsum-begum-mosque/

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