Qutb Shahi tombs, Royal mausoleums in Hyderabad, India
Qutb Shahi tombs are royal mausoleums in Hyderabad district, India, consisting of seven main structures built from grey granite with domed roofs. Each structure displays stonework on facades and arches, surrounded by lawns and pathways that run between the monuments.
The mausoleums were built between 1543 and 1672 for seven rulers of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, who governed the Golconda sultanate. After the fall of the kingdom, the site declined over centuries until restoration work began in the 20th century.
The architectural style merges Persian arches with Indian decorative elements, visible in the carved columns and wall paneling. The tombs still carry inscriptions with the names of rulers and their families, found on close inspection across the stone surfaces.
The complex opens daily from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM and offers shaded areas under trees for resting. Stone pathways connect the tombs, and the grounds are mostly flat, though there are stairs when entering the buildings.
Each royal tomb contains multiple graves on different levels, with the actual burial chamber in an underground vault beneath the main structure. The ceilings in some rooms still show traces of old painting, visible only under certain light conditions.
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