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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Spanish Mosque, Hyderabad

The Spanish Mosque also known as Begumpet Mosque or Masjid Iqbal Ud Daula or Jam e Masjid "Aiwan-E-Begumpet" is located in S.P Road, Indian Airlines Colony, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India is one of the most beautiful mosques in Hyderabad, located within the premises of Paigah Palace. The unique architecture and its glorious history make it one of the most alluring heritage monuments of the city that you must visit.

Masjid

1900 - 1906

The construction of the mosque was started by the fifth Paigah Nawab Viqar-ul-Umra Iqbal-ud-Doula, was the maternal grandson of the third Nizam. Among his contributions to Hyderabad’s Paigah legacy are the Paigah Palace, Vikhar Manzil and the iconic Falaknuma Palace. He commissioned the Spanish Mosque in the year 1900. Sadly, he died within a couple of years, and its completion in 1906 had to be overseen by his son Paigah Nawab Viqar-ul-Umra Iqbal-ud-Doula after a trip to Spain, where he is said to have been very impressed by the architecture he saw. The mosque is also called Jama Masjid Iqbal-ud-Doula after him.

The mosque stands on one end of a sprawling courtyard. What strikes the visitor first is that instead of the bulbous domes seen in other mosques, the roof and the minarets of this mosque end in slender octogonal spires plastered in lime.

Another unusual feature is the lack of an ablution tank. Inside the mosque, the prayer hall is decorated with beautiful Moorish arches and delicate calligraphy. The mosque is painted a pale mint green now, but until a few years ago, it was cream, with the roof and minarets glinting in gold.

The design and architecture of the Spanish Mosque is inspired from the grand Cathedral–Mosque of Córdoba in Spain and the Jama Masjid of Gulbarga. The pointed arches, minimal geometric design and octagonal spires are some of the striking features of this mosque. The elements of Moorish, European and Islamic architecture beautifully blend in this spectacular mosque.

Thought to have been modelled by a Moorish architect, It is also known as the Mosque of the Moors, due to its unique Hispanic (Moorish) style of architecture and is said to be one-of-its-kind in India. The stand-out feature is the spires instead of the usual minarets or domes; they give this mosque a church-like appearance. 

Moorish architecture is a kind of Islamic architecture that originated in the Iberian Peninsula, of which Spain is a part. With heavy Roman influences, the style is characterized by horseshoe arches, intricate calligraphy and mosaic work.

The Paigahs were an aristocratic family of the princely state of Hyderabad, founded by a soldier named Abul Fateh Khan Tegh Jung Bahadur. Appointed to protect the second Nizam of Hyderabad, he was given the hereditary title Paigah, because he commanded an army, called a Paigah. Paigah also means "right hand man", so it was no surprise that the Nizam called him that.

"Shams-ul-Umra" or "the sun among the nobles" was another of his titles. Sons of the Paigah family traditionally married princesses from the Nizam’s family, so they were the most powerful nobles in Hyderabad. They were passionate builders too, leaving their stamp on the city in the form of beautiful palaces and mansions.

Hyderabad has its share of magnificent mosques - the colossal Mecca Masjid that was completed about seven decades after its construction began, the sublime Toli Masjid, the huge Kulsumpura Masjid named after a princess, the Miya Mishk Masjid built by an Abyssinian guard in the Golconda army, the Hayathnagar mosque built by an inspirational royal lady, and so many more. While these are all special in their own ways, the most offbeat mosque in the city is undoubtedly the Spanish Mosque.

The Spanish Mosque is a declared heritage site by ASI and is under discussion for the consideration of UNESCO Asia Pacific Merit

https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/spanish-mosque-moorish-architecture-heart-hyderabad-50366

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Ramji Gond

Name: Ramji Gond
Born: Present Asifabad District, Telangana State, India (erstwhile Hyderabad Princely State)
Died: 9 April 1860

Ramji Gond, who hailed from current Nirmal and combined Adilabad district of Telangana, was among the most prominent leaders of the First War of Independence in the erstwhile Hyderabad Princely State, who ruled the tribal areas in present-day Adilabad, Nirmal and Asifabad districts of Telangana. The areas under his rule included Nirmal, Utnoor, Chennuru, and Asifabad. 

Ramji Gond and the Rohillas leader called Miya Saheb Khurd jointly fought a guerrilla campaign against the British, for which he was caught and hanged on 9 April 1860.

1857: Hyderabad Sepoy Revolt - First war of Independence

Many regions in Nizam’s domains were aflame with anti-British sentiments when the mass insurrections broke out in 1857. Among these was the Adilabad district, where the resident Gond tribal community who were unhappy with the state’s oppression and exploitation of the peasantry, and its support of the activities of the British colonial state. The Gonds were joined in their endeavour by the Rohillas, who proclaimed Nana Saheb as their leader and pledged to plunder the territory of the Nizam for allying with the British. Under the leadership of Ramji Gond, the Gonds and the Rohillas kept up the joint insurrection for almost two years. The British assigned a massive armed force to suppress this uprising but to no avail. 

It was only in 1860 that the rebellion was quelled after several armed clashes, in which several people, from both sides, died. However, Ramji Gond managed to escape the colonial pursuit and remained free. Though the British archival documents do not speak of Ramji’s arrest, according to the legends preserved by the Gonds, he was arrested later, tried, and hanged. The tree from which he was hung is venerated even today as “Gondumarri" or Ramji Chettu.

Legends say that about a thousand Gond revolutionaries were hanged to the trunks of a banyan tree on the outskirts of Nirmal, which came to be known as Banyan of Nooses (Veyyi Urula Marri) fell down a decade ago.

 

The hanging of 1000 Gonds of Telangana was a more brutal and earlier event than the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. At the time this mass hanging of Gonds did not get widespread attention.

Ramji Gond’s legendary contributions to the anti-imperialist struggle in 1857 remain inspirational for us even to this day.

Nov 14, 2007: Stupa, built by Telangana Sangarshana Samithi, unveiled on November 14, 2007, by balladeer Gaddar and Bellal Naik, at the height of the separate Telangana movement, marks the spot where it once stood. The macabre incident inspired many of the freedom fighters who challenged British rule.

Nov 15: 2021 : As part of its commitment towards development of tribal community, the state government with help from the Centre will set up a Ramji Gond memorial museum in Telangana, a press note from Telangana tribal welfare ministry stated.

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