Telangana History (Ancient) - కుతుబ్ షాహీలు

Key Characteristics of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty:

• Andhra Sultans: They are referred to as "Andhra Sultans" because they promoted the Telugu language.

• Religious Harmony: They prioritized religious tolerance and provided equal opportunities in employment to Hindus and Muslims.

• Cultural Enrichment: They are credited with fostering a great culture and promoting harmonious coexistence.

• Reduced Religious Conflicts: During their reign, religious clashes between Hindus and Muslims diminished, leading to a peaceful co-existence.

Key Figures and Facts:

• Founder: Sultan Quli Qutb Shah is the founder of the dynasty.

• Capital: Golconda was established as their capital.

• Golconda's History: Golconda has a long history dating back to the Chalukyas. A fort was initially built in Golconda during the Chalukya period, and it developed significantly during the Kakatiya era. By the time of the Bahmani Sultanate, it had become a robust fort. The name Golconda evolved from "Gollakonda" (Shepherd's Hill), named after Yadava shepherds who grazed their livestock on the hill.

• Greatest Ruler: Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah is considered the greatest ruler of the dynasty.

• Last Ruler: Abul Hasan Tanisha was the final ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.

• Official Language: Persian was the official language, but Telugu was the second official language. While decrees were issued in Persian, they were translated into Telugu and Urdu.

• Shia Muslims: The Qutb Shahi rulers belonged to the Shia branch of Islam.

• Timeline: Seven Qutb Shahi rulers governed for approximately 175 years, from 1512 to 1687 CE.

Sultan Quli Qutb Shah (Reign: 1512-1543 CE):

• Established the Qutb Shahi Dynasty in 1512 CE, making Golconda its capital.

• In 1518 CE, after the death of his Bahmani patron, he declared complete independence.

• He belonged to the "Kara Koyunlu" (Black Sheep) Turkic tribe from the Hamadan region in Persia (modern-day Iran).

• His father was Pir Quli.

• Initially, he served the Bahmani Sultanate.

• He received the title "Qawas Khan" for his bravery during a hunt and was granted the Jagir of Kurangal (Kodangal).

• Later, he was appointed as "Tarafdar" (governor) of Telangana and was given the title "Qutb-ul-Mulk," meaning "pillar of the kingdom."

• People affectionately called him "Bade Malik" (Big Master).

• He established the Qutb Shahi dynasty in 1512 CE.

• He was assassinated by his son Jamsheed.

Jamsheed Quli Qutb Shah (Reign: 1543-1550 CE):

• He was the second son of Sultan Quli Qutb Shah.

• During his coronation, only the ruler of Ahmednagar, Burhan Nizam Shah, sent congratulations, reflecting the disapproval of other Deccan rulers due to his parricide.

• Although described as capable, he was considered cruel and known for harsh punishments even for minor offenses, as recorded by Ferishta.

• Despite his negative portrayal, he was a patron of arts and literature.

• His poems were collected in "Tariq-i-Muhammad Qutb Shahi."

• His poetic themes included love, beloveds, wine, and advice.

• He died of tuberculosis (Rajayakshma or Kshaya Vyadhi).

Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah (Reign: 1550-1580 CE):

• Appointed Mustafa Khan as "Mir Jumla" (Finance Minister).

• During his reign, religious conflicts between Hindus and Muslims decreased further, promoting peaceful coexistence.

• He developed Golconda into a major trading center, attracting trade from Turkey, Arabia, and Persia, earning it the title "Second Egypt."

• He built Ibrahim Bagh and Pul Bagh gardens.

• He introduced the "Charasiya" style of architecture.

• He strengthened Golconda fort's outer walls and completed the Bala Hisar construction.

• He built the first bridge over the Musi River, known as the "Purana Pul" (Old Bridge), originally called "Nerva."

• He patronized Telugu poets like Kandukuri Rudra Kavi, who dedicated his "Nirankusopakhyanamu" and "Sugriva Vijayam" (the first Yakshaganam in Telugu) to Ibrahim.

• Telugu poets praised Ibrahim as "Malkibha Rama" (Rama among Kings), highlighting his popularity among Telugu people.

• He was a patron of Urdu, Persian, and Telugu poets.

• He faced an attack on Ahobilam temple by Golconda's general Murahari Rao, who looted golden idols from the temple.

• He followed the "Divide and Rule" policy, playing Deccan Sultanates against each other, which initially benefited Golconda.

• However, this policy eventually led to the Battle of Rakshasa Tangadi (or Bannihatti or Talikota or Bhogapuram) in 1565 CE, where Rama Raya of Vijayanagara was defeated. Vijayanagara was subsequently looted.

• Despite his initial alliance with Ahmednagar to defeat Bijapur, he later joined forces with Bijapur to defeat Ahmednagar, showcasing his shifting alliances based on his political strategy.

• Aliya Rama Raya, the Prime Minister of Vijayanagara, employed the "Divide and Rule" policy effectively in South India.

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah (1580-1612):

• He was the third son of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah and ascended the throne at the young age of 14.

• Despite his youth, he was well-trained in state affairs and is considered the greatest ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. His reign is often called the Golden Age of the dynasty.

• Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah engaged in a long war with Venkatapati Raya II, the Vijayanagara Emperor.

• He was a contemporary of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Akbar sent his envoy, Masood Beg, to Muhammad Quli's court, who was received with great honor and gifts, signifying friendly relations.

• In 1604, Muhammad Quli sent gifts to the Mughal Emperor.

• He was open to European traders, granting trade permissions to the Dutch in 1605 and the English in 1611, specifically at Machilipatnam on the East Coast. Machilipatnam was the main port of Golconda.

• To boost trade, he encouraged Persian families to settle in Hyderabad and Machilipatnam.

• Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah was a scholar and poet himself, using the pen name "Mani." He was known for his Ghazal writing and descriptive poetry. His collected poems are known as "Kuliyat Quli".

• Ganesh Pandit was a prominent scholar in his court, indicating the patronage of local scholars.

• During the Qutb Shahi period, the Andhra coastal region was known as the "Golconda Coast."

Hyderabad City & Charminar:

• Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah founded the city of Hyderabad south of the Musi River between 1590 and 1591, planned in a "Double Cross" shape.

• The iconic Charminar in Hyderabad was built in 1591-92 to commemorate the eradication of the plague in the city.

• Four arches, known as "Char Kaman," were constructed near the Charminar.

Other Constructions by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah:

• Jama Masjid (1597)

• Darul Shifa (Hospital and Medical College) (1595-96), which specialized in Unani medicine.

• Saidabad Masjid (1605)

• Mirpet Masjid (1610)

• Dad Mahal (Court)

Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah (1612-1626):

• He was the son-in-law of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, married to his only daughter, Hayat Bakshi Begum.

• He became the Sultan after Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah because the latter had no male heir.

• During the Asaf Jahi period, the Andhra coast transitioned from being called the "Golconda Coast" to the "Sarkar Coast."

Abdullah Qutb Shah (1626-1672):

• He was the son of Muhammad Qutb Shah and ascended the throne at the young age of 12.

• His mother, Hayat Bakshi Begum, served as his regent due to his youth.

• His reign marked the beginning of the decline of the Golconda kingdom.

• In 1636, Shah Jahan of the Mughal Empire invaded Golconda. Abdullah was defeated and forced to sign a treaty, making Golconda a subordinate state to the Mughals.

• Abdullah Qutb Shah was known to be indifferent to politics, leaving state affairs largely to his mother, Hayat Bakshi Begum.

• Masood Beg was Akbar’s envoy to Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah's court, not Abdullah’s.

• The speaker clarified that the coastal Andhra region was called Golconda Coast during the Qutb Shahi period, and later became known as Sarkar Coast under the Asaf Jahis.

• The period of Qutb Shahi rule was characterized by religious harmony, particularly between Hindus and Muslims, which contributed to the emergence of Deccani culture.

• Masood Beg was Akbar's envoy, not Abdullah Qutb Shah's.

Abdullah Qutb Shah's Treaty with Mughals (1636):

• Golconda was to become a tributary state to the Mughals.

• Golconda’s mint had to issue gold and silver coins in the name of the Mughal Emperor.

• During Friday prayers, the Mughal Emperor's name had to be mentioned in the Khutbah.

• An annual tribute of 2.5 lakhs rupees was to be paid to the Mughals.

Meer Jumla (Muhammad Sayyid Ardistani):

• He was Abdullah Qutb Shah’s finance minister and was known to be highly corrupt and self-serving.

• Mir Jumla was originally from Iran and started as a diamond merchant.

• He amassed personal wealth by exploiting Golconda’s diamond mines using deceitful means.

• He became so powerful that he defied even the Sultan, Abdullah Qutb Shah.

• Koh-i-Noor diamond was discovered during Abdullah Qutb Shah's reign in the Kollur mine, which was controlled by Meer Jumla. Meer Jumla presented the Koh-i-Noor diamond as a gift to Shah Jahan to secure his son’s release from prison, where Abdullah Qutb Shah had imprisoned him for his corrupt practices.

• Historians note that 100 bullock carts were required to transport the huge rocks from the Shamshabad Karvi mines to the Kollur mines for diamond extraction.

Fall of Golconda:

• In 1674, Abul Hasan Tanisha appointed Madanna as Mir Jumla.

• Madanna was a capable administrator and improved state finances.

• In 1686, Aurangzeb’s son, Shah Alam, defeated the Golconda army in the Battle of Malkhed.

• In 1687, Aurangzeb himself laid siege to Golconda fort, and after eight months, the fort was captured due to treachery and bribery by Abdullah Pani, a Golconda commander.

• Abul Hasan Tanisha was imprisoned in Daulatabad fort's Kala Mahal, where he lived in confinement for 13 years until his death in 1700.

• His tomb is located in Aurangabad.

• After capturing Golconda, Aurangzeb appointed Ghaziuddin Khan as the Subedar of the region and returned to the north.

Qutb Shahi Dynasty: Administration, Society, and Culture

This document provides a detailed look into the Qutb Shahi dynasty's rule, covering their administrative structure, social conditions, economic activities, and religious tolerance. The information is drawn from historical accounts of foreign travelers like Tavernier, Thevenot, and Ferishta.

I. Administration:

• Bahmani Influence: The Qutb Shahis were initially vassals of the Bahmani Sultanate and adopted much of their administrative system.

• Sultan as Supreme Authority: The Sultan was the head of the state and was advised by a council called Majlis-i-Kish or Majlis-i-Diwandari (essentially a council of ministers).

• Key Officials:

○ Peshwa: Prime Minister. This term later evolved into "Diwan" during Abul Hasan Tanisha's reign. The term Peshwa is of Persian orgin.

○ Mir Jumla: Finance Minister.

○ Ain-ul-Mulk: War Minister.

○ Mazumdar: Prepared income and expenditure statements (assistant to Mir Jumla).

○ Nazir: Inspector of administrative matters, reported to the government.

○ Kotwal: Responsible for maintaining law and order.

○ Dabir: Dispatched royal decrees.

○ Mushrif: Oversaw matters related to royal etiquette.

○ Shurnavis: Protector of government records.

○ Hawaldar: Protected the royal treasury and stables.

○ Shah Bandar: High official in charge of ports, often Brahmins.

○ Mustajirs: They were revenue farmers who used to buy the right for tax collection through auction.

• Territorial Divisions:

○ Taraf: Province, governed by a Tarafdar (Governor).

○ Sarkar: District, with Faujdars responsible for law and order.

○ Pargana: Equivalent to a Taluk (sub-district), a group of villages, administered by a Tahsildar with revenue powers.

○ Villages: The smallest administrative unit, governed by the Ayagar system.

• Military:

○ Thevenot reported a Qutb Shahi army of 500,000 in 1660.

○ Giridhar Lal's Tarikh-i-Zafra mentions 55,000 cavalry and 96,000 infantry during Abul Hasan Tanisha's time.

○ Ain-ul-Mulk: Chief military supervisor.

○ Bakshi-ul-Mulk: Subordinate officer to Ain-ul-Mulk.

○ Siddha Sena: The Sultan's standing army.

○ Kasakhel: The Sultan's personal bodyguard, under his direct control.

○ Jagirdari Army: Maintained by Jagirdars (landlords) and supplied to the king during war.

• Merit-Based Appointments: The Qutb Shahis gave equal importance to Hindus and Muslims in high-ranking positions, prioritizing merit.

○ Aliya Ramaraya held a high position during Sultan Quli's time.

○ Jagadev Rao was a military commander under Jamshid.

○ Murahari Rao served as a military commander under Ibrahim and raided Ahobilam.

○ Akkanna and Madanna held high positions during Abul Hasan's reign (Akkanna as Sar-i-Lashkar and Madanna as Mir Jumla).

II. Justice System:

• Sources of Law: The Quran, royal decrees (Farman), and local customs served as the basis for legal decisions.

• Sultan as Chief Justice: The Sultan was the highest judicial authority.

• Shariat Panch: The chief judge after the Sultan.

• Subordinate Judges:

○ Qazi: Judge under the Shariat Panch.

○ Mufti: Scholar and judge.

○ Mohtasib: Explained Muslim legal principles and ensured moral conduct among the people.

○ Qazi, Hawaldar, Majlis: Judicial officers in each Pargana.

○ Thanedar: The lowest-ranking official in the judicial system.

• Gotsabha: Local assemblies that assisted in case விசாரணைகள் (investigations) at the village level.

III. Economic Conditions:

• Prosperous Kingdom: The Qutb Shahi kingdom was wealthy.

• Revenue: British employee Methwold estimated the government's income at 5 crore hons (gold coins).

• Agriculture: The primary occupation. Land revenue contributed 2 crore to the government's income.

• Land Revenue Auction System: Land revenue collection rights were auctioned off. Those who won the auction were called Mustajirs. This system led to heavy tax burdens on farmers due to the intermediaries' profit motives.

• Mirasi and Inam Lands: Many villagers held Mirasi (hereditary) and Inam (gifted) lands.

• Ayagars: 12 Ayagars with Mirasi rights are mentioned in royal decrees. Persian terms are used for them, instead of the Telugu terms used during the Kakatiya period.

*Manasabhu/Munasabhu (Patel)

*Kulkarni (Village Accountant)

*Chaudhary (Head of Merchants)

*Deshpandya (District Accountant)

*Nahani (Barber)

*Parit (Washerman)

*Guru (Priest)

*Sutar (Carpenter)

*Kumbhar (Potter)

*Veshahar (Gatekeeper)

*Joshi (Scholar)

*Potedar (Coin Exchanger)

• Gotsabha Dominance: Mirasi holders dominated the village assemblies (Gotsabhas).

• Village Watch System: A system to prevent thefts and robberies was in place.

• Irrigation: Rulers provided irrigation facilities.

○ A reservoir was built at Durg (now Durgam Cheruvu) to supply water to the Golconda fort, using hydrological engineering to lift water to higher elevations.

○ A 1551 inscription mentions repairs to the Udaya Samudram tank (originally built by the Kakatiya ruler Rudradeva) by Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah.

○ Ma Saf Tank was built by Khanam Agha, mother of Muhammad Qutb Shah, but named after his wife, Hayat Bakshi Begum (Ma Saheba).

• Trade Centers: Vemulawada, Gulbarga, Aurangabad, and Srisailam were prominent trade centers.

• Perika Caste: Transported goods from one place to another.

• Diamond Industry: The Qutb Shahi kingdom was famous for its diamond industry.

○ Golconda diamonds were world-renowned.

○ Kollur, Paritala, Golconda, Ramallakota, and Vajrakarur were diamond mines.

○ The Krishna River valley was a major source of diamonds.

○ The Koh-i-Noor diamond was found in the Kollur mine in 1656.

○ Methwold reported 30,000 workers in the Kollur mine.

○ Tavernier reported 60,000 workers in the Kollur and Paritala mines. Tavernier, a French gem merchant, visited India and Golconda six times, writing "Six Voyages in India and Persia." He mentioned diamond polishing experts in Karwan, Hyderabad, and saw the Koh-i-Noor in Aurangzeb's treasury in 1665.

○ Abul Hasan leased Madras to the British for 1200 pagodas per year.

• Other Industries:

○ Gunpowder (Surekharam): Machilipatnam

○ Textile Industry: Warangal

○ Kalamkari Industry: Machilipatnam (pen painting on cloth)

○ Steel and Weapons: Indalwai (Nizamabad district)

○ Wooden Toys: Kondapalli

○ Wood Industry: Narsapuram

○ Blue Dye: Nagula Vancha

○ Ships and Boats: Narsapuram (e.g., the British ship "Globe" used by Hippon in 1611)

○ Carpets: Eluru, Narsapuram

○ Damascus Swords: Nirmal (swords exported to Damascus, hence the name)

○ Tobacco: Introduced by the Portuguese.

• Currency:

○ Hon: Gold coin

○ Fanam, Tar, Kasu: Other coins

○ Mughal Rupee (silver): Also accepted as currency.

○ Foreigners called the Hon "Pagoda."

• Suka Saptati, Hamsa Visati and Oada Beramu books describe Qutb Shahis foreign trade

• Foreign Trade:

○ Shuka Saptati, Hamsa Vishati, and Odaberam texts describe foreign trade.

○ Pulicat, Chennapatnam, Narsapuram, Nizampatnam, and Machilipatnam were major ports.

○ Trade with Malaya, Malaysia, Arakan, Burma (East), Turkey, Arabia, Persia, and European countries (West).

○ Shah Bandar: Port official who collected customs duties.

IV. Social Conditions:

• Caste System: The caste system was strong, with many sub-castes. The Shuka Saptati and Hamsa Vishati mention the castes.

• Brahmins: Respected and held high positions (as mentioned by foreign travelers Pryor and Bowrey).

• Kshatriyas: Served as landlords, jagirdars, and mirasidars.

• Vaishyas: Engaged in trade and agriculture.

• Shudras: Primarily involved in agriculture and other crafts.

• Untouchables: Lived outside the village and made shoes from the skins of dead animals.

• Patriarchal Society: Family structures were patriarchal.

• Women: Respected in society, but social evils like child marriage, polygamy, belief in omens, and the Devadasi system existed.

• Widows: Their condition was miserable.

• Courtesans: Enjoyed royal patronage and social respect.

• Forced Sati: Women were often forced into Sati (self-immolation).

• Tavernier: Mentioned 20,000 courtesans in Golconda.

• Qutb Shahi Sultans: Tried to eradicate Sati.

• Plastic Surgery: Foreigners praised doctors in Golconda for performing plastic surgery in 1670.

• Religious Tolerance: Rulers granted lands to Hindu temples.

○ Abul Hasan Tanisha donated Bhadrachalam, Shankaragiri, and Palvancha to the Bhadrachalam Ramalayam in 1652.

○ He also donated Bhogapuram, Cherukuru, and Veeranna Pattanam to the Malleswara Swamy temple on the Krishna River.

○ Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah's commander, Ashwa Rao, donated the village of Sri Kurmam to the Kurmanatha temple.

• Syncretic Architecture: Hindu influences were visible in mosques.

○ Musa Khan, in Sultan Abdullah's court, built the Toli Masjid (now Toli Chowki), incorporating Hindu architectural elements like the Purna Kumbha and elephant-shaped bases.

• Hindu-Muslim Harmony: Sufi teachings fostered Hindu-Muslim harmony, leading to a composite culture (Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb).

○ Hindus participated in Ramadan and Muharram festivals.

○ Muharram was celebrated as Peerla Panduga in Telangana villages.

○ Shab-e-Barat, a Muslim festival before Ramadan, resembled the Hindu festival of Diwali.

○ Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah celebrated Vasantotsavam (spring festival) in Golconda.

• National Festivals: Quli Qutb Shah recognized 14 festivals as national festivals.

Literature and Language:

• Persian as Official Language: Persian was the official language for administration and decrees.

• Telugu and Urdu Translations: Despite Persian being the official language, decrees were translated into Telugu and Urdu for public understanding.

• Promotion of Telugu: The Qutb Shahi rulers actively promoted Telugu, which led to them being called "Andhra Sultans."

• Early Telugu Literature: The literary period of the Qutb Shahis is marked by the work of Shankara Kavi, whose "Harishchandropakhyanamu" is considered the first significant text of this era. This work, detailing the story of Harishchandra, was dedicated to Eiduru Ellaya, a Jagirdar under Sultan Quli Qutb Shah.

• Telugu Proficiency of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah: Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah was known for his fluent and pure Telugu, comparable to the sweetness of honey. He had connections with Vijayanagara court and befriended Telugu poets like Bhattu Murthy.

Key Telugu Poets and Works:

• Kandukuri Rudrakavi:

○ Authored "Sugriva Vijayam," considered the first Yakshagana (a form of folk theatre) in Telugu literature.

○ Wrote "Nirankusopakhyanamu," which depicts social conditions, including the Devadasi system and the behavior of courtesans during the Qutb Shahi period.

○ Other works include "Janardhanashtakamulu," "Balavardhi Shatakamu," and "Guvvala Chenna Shatakamu."

○ Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah gifted him the village of Rentachintala or Chintalapalem as a grant for his contributions to literature.

• Addanki Gangadharudu:

○ Wrote "Tapati Samvarnopakhyanamu," dedicated to Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, portraying him as an incarnation of Rama.

• Ponnaganti Telaganarya:

○ Wrote "Yayati Charitra," considered a pure Telugu Kavya (poem) devoid of Sanskrit, Prakrit, or other foreign language influences, showcasing the beauty of Telugu. Dedicated to Ameen Khan, a Jagirdar of Pathan Cheruvu.

• Sarangu Tammayya:

○ Authored "Vaijayanti Vilasamu" during the reign of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah.

○ He was a tax collector from Golconda.

• Yellareddy:

○ Known for his "Bala Bharatam" Kavyas.

• Mallareddy:

○ Authored "Padma Puranam," "Shat Chakravarti Charitra," and "Shiva Dharmottaram." The "Padma Puranam" is frequently mentioned in exams.

• Singanacharya/Singaracharyulu:

○ Wrote "Seetha Kalyanam" and "Raghava Yadava Pandaveeyam," showcasing Dvardi (two meanings) and Tyardi (three meanings) poetry, covering themes from Ramayana, Mahabharata, and stories of Krishna.

• Pattamatasoma Ji:

○ Wrote "Soota Samhita" and "Brahmottara Khandam."

• Nebati Krishnamacharyudu:

○ Authored "Rajaneeti Ratnakaram," focusing on political science.

Urdu Poets:

• Ghavasi:

○ Translated the Sanskrit work "Shuka Saptati" into Persian as "Tutinama."

• Ibn-e-Nishati:

○ Wrote the Urdu Kavya "Phoolban."

Other Notable Points:

• Kshetrayya: A poet who was patronized by Abdullah Qutb Shah, known for his devotional songs of Muvva Gopala.

• Vemana and Pothuluri Veerabrahmendra Swamy: Contemporary social reformers who opposed superstitions and emphasized social harmony.

• Lakshmi Narasimham: Wrote "Narasimha Vilasam."

• Karpur Krishna Macharyulu: Translated the Bhagavad Gita into Dvipada Kavya (couplets).

Architecture and Construction:

• Sultan Quli Qutb Shah's Contributions:

○ Strengthened Golconda Fort.

○ Built the Dominaar Masjid inside Golconda Fort (still visible today).

• Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah's Contributions:

○ Constructed the Purana Pul (Old Bridge) over the Musi River in 1578 CE, the first bridge over the river, which was compared to the Pont Neuf in Paris by Tavernier.

○ Built Ibrahim Patnam town and tank.

○ Initiated the construction of the Hussain Sagar lake in 1562 CE on a tributary of the Musi River, overseen by his son-in-law Hazrat Hussain Shah Wali, a Sufi saint.

○ Constructed the "Langarkhana" (community kitchen) at Golconda, where food was regularly distributed to the poor and orphans.

• Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah's Contributions:

○ Founded Hyderabad city, planned and executed by his Peshwa Mir Momin Astrabadi, who used Isfahan (Iran) as a model.

○ Designed Charminar as the central point of Hyderabad, drawing inspiration from Maidan-i-Naqsh-i Jahan in Isfahan. Construction began in 1590 CE in a double-cross shape.

○ Constructed Dar-ul-Shifa, a Unani hospital in 1595 CE.

○ Other constructions include the Jama Masjid (1597), Saidabad Masjid (1605), Taramati Baradari, Bagh-e-Muhammadi, Bannath Ghat, Mirpet Masjid, Dad Mahal (court), Toli Masjid, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah's tomb, and Naddi Mahal.

• Muhammad Qutb Shah's Contribution:

○ Laid the foundation for Mecca Masjid in 1617 CE, which was completed by Aurangzeb in 1694 CE.

• Hayat Bakshi Begum's Contribution:

○ Built Hayat Nagar town east of Hyderabad, considered as beautiful as French palaces in Paris by Tavernier.

○ Built a Serai (inn) with water facilities in the Karwan area for travelers and merchants.

• Qutb Shahi Tombs:

○ Unique in world history for having all rulers' tombs in one location, except for Abul Hasan Tanisha's tomb in Daulatabad.

○ Located near Banjara Darwaza of Golconda Fort.

○ Sultan Quli's tomb is the largest, built on a square platform.

○ Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah's tomb is a two-storied building with five arches.

○ Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah's tomb is 42.5 meters tall with an 18.2-meter dome, within the same complex as the tombs of Muhammad Qutb Shah and Abdullah Qutb Shah.

○ Tavernier noted that Anna Daanam (food donation) occurred daily at the tombs.

Painting Style:

• Deccani Style: Qutb Shahi painting is characterized by a blend of Hindu, Persian, and Western traditions, known as Deccani style.

• Founder of Deccani Style: Mir Hashim is considered the father of the Deccani style of painting.

• Miniature Paintings: The period saw the flourishing of miniature paintings in manuscripts.

• Tarikh-i-Muhammad Qutb Shahi: This book contains 14 miniature paintings, considered the first Deccan miniature paintings, depicting Rakshasa Tangadi battle scenes, Sultan's court life, and rural landscapes.

• Peak of Deccani Style: The Deccani style reached its zenith during the reigns of Abdullah Qutb Shah and Tanisha.

Qutb Shahi Dynasty - Key Points and Exam Perspective

Arts and Culture:

• Painting:

○ During Qutb Shahi processions, paintings of Akanna and Madanna were visible, resembling Ajanta paintings, known as mural paintings.

○ Portraits of Abdullah and Abul Hasan in half-profile, painted during Abul Hasan's time, have been discovered.

○ Golconda's influence is seen in Kalamkari dyes made for use in South India. In the 17th century, Deccani style portraits were found in Machilipatnam Kalamkari dyes. Machilipatnam Kalamkari is famous for pen painting.

• Music and Dance:

○ Qutb Shahis patronized music and dance. Dance performances took place in courts and the residences of feudal lords. Social and religious festivals also prioritized music and dance.

○ Tavernier mentioned that Golconda had 2000 courtesans skilled in dance and music, who performed at the court every Friday.

○ Abul Hasan granted Kuchipudi village as a Mirasi (hereditary grant) to Kuchipudi Bhagavathulu for the development of Kuchipudi dance. Siddhendra Yogi is considered the founder of Kuchipudi dance. Kuchipudi village is in Krishna district.

○ Kuchipudi dance traditions were performed during this period. Bama Kalapam, Usha Parinayam, and Golla Kalapam were popular Kuchipudi dance forms.

○ Dances like Perini Natyam, Bandikamu, Charchari, Dandu Lasyamu, and Kundali Nrityamu existed.

○ Instruments like Veena, Tambura, Flute, Veeranam, Kinnera, and Mridangam were used.

○ Tulsimurthy was a great musician in Abdullah Qutb Shah's court, and Ghulam Ali was a musician during Abul Hasan's time.

Diamond Industry:

• After agriculture, the diamond industry was the highest source of income for the Qutb Shahi dynasty. Golconda was famous for diamonds.

• Golconda mines exported diamonds worldwide.

• A 20% tax was levied on diamond sales.

• Gollapalli, Rajipenta, Mallapalli, Ramallakota, Paritala, Chandarlapadu, Kodavatikalulu, and Kolluru mines were famous for diamonds.

• World-renowned diamonds like Kohinoor, Jacob Diamond, Blue Light Diamond, Regent Diamond, Pitt Diamond, Orloff Diamond, Golconda Diamond, Kollur Diamond, Karur Diamond, and Rubila Diamond were found in Golconda mines.

• History of Kohinoor Diamond: From Muhammad Sayyid to Shah Jahan, under Mughal control until Muhammad Shah Rangeela, taken from India by Nadir Shah in 1739, returned to India by Ranjit Singh through Shah Shuja, gifted to the British by Maharaja Duleep Singh to save his life, became British property in 1849.

Mughal Rule in Telangana (1687-1724):

• In 1687, Aurangzeb attacked Golconda Fort, ending the Qutb Shahi dynasty. He imprisoned Abul Hasan Tanesha and annexed Telangana to the Mughal Empire.

• Mughal direct rule from 1687 to 1724. Asaf Jahi dynasty started in 1724.

• Mughals established six Subahs (provinces) in Deccan: Hyderabad, Aurangabad, Berar, Khandesh, Bidar, Bijapur.

• Each Subah had a Faujdar responsible for maintaining peace and order.

• Aurangabad was the capital, Golconda was a military cantonment.

• Rahulla Khan was appointed as temporary representative, later Khan Sifar Khan became Subedar.

• Hyderabad lost its political identity. Agriculture, industries, and diamond mines were neglected, leading to anarchy.

• Robbery and banditry increased, trade declined due to insecurity on roads.

• Maratha raids and Zamindars looted villages.

• Famine and cholera epidemic occurred in 1688, described by French trader Martin.

• Western Andhra regions were in Hyderabad Subah, Coastal Andhra regions in Masulipatnam Subah.

• Highway built from Hyderabad to Machilipatnam by Aurangzeb. Postal system introduced. Mixed culture of Deccan and Mughal emerged.

Sardar Sarvai Papanna Goud:

• Between 1695-1710, centered in Kilaspur (Jangaon), attempted to protect Telangana people from Mughal Viceroy's cruel rule.

• Born in Lingampalli village (Jangaon district).

• Rebelled against Zamindars, Jagirdars, and upper-caste landlords, helping the poor.

• Belonged to the toddy tapper (Gouda) caste. Refused his father's profession, sought political prominence.

• Built a small fort in Tarikonda, formed an army of 1200 soldiers. Meera Saheb was a key commander. Supported by Chakali Sarvanna, Hasan Hussain, Dudehkula Peeru Imam, Mangala Masanna, Kummari Govindanna.

• Started revolt by building a fort in Sarvaipet, later a mud fort in Shapur (Kilaspur).

• Killed Qasim Khan, sent by Kolanupaku Faujdar to suppress him. Rebuilt a stronger stone fort after initial fort was destroyed. Defeated Rustum Dilawar Khan sent by Aurangzeb.

• After Aurangzeb's death in 1707, Bahadur Shah became king, neglecting Deccan politics.

• Papanna captured Bhuvanagiri Fort and Warangal Fort (Orugallu) on April 1, 1708. Built another fort on Tatikonda.

• In 1709, invited to Bahadur Shah I's public Durbar, honored with Robab of Honor (robe of honor).

• Some officials, unhappy with Papanna's honor (due to his caste), complained to the emperor.

• Bahadur Shah ordered Yusuf Khan to punish Papanna.

• Papanna captured Golconda throne in 1709. Yusuf Khan eventually captured and killed Papanna.

• Known as Telangana Shivaji. First revolutionary hero in Telangana, opposing Muslim rulers’ tyranny.

Important points from exam perspective:

• Shah Bandar: Port officer, tax collector in ports.

• Masab Tank: Who built it?

• Charminar: Builder - Mayor Momen Asrabadhi, Chief Engineer.

• Karwan Sarai: Built by Hayat Bakshi Begum, diamond polishing area.

• Mushirabad Mosque: Built by Abul Hasan Tanesha, 5 arches (Shia symbol).

• Gosha Mahal: 100 rooms, tunnel to Golconda.

• Telugu Poets: Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, Kancharla Gopanna, Akanna Madanna.

• Relationship between Kilaspur region and Sardar Sarvai Papanna Goud.