Qutb Shahi-era mosques set to regain past glory

Shaikpet: Mosques from the Qutb Shahi period, which surround the Golconda and 7-tombs, will be getting facelift with the State government's grant-in-aid. An amount of Rs 1.35 crore is being allocated to Karwan constituency will help restore the glory of hundreds of years old structures.

Telangana State Wakf Board Chairman Mohammed Saleem and Chief Executive Officer MA Hameed, along with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Deputy Director B Narayana and Karwan MLA Kausar Mohiuddin, held inspections at the mosques in Shaikpet, Seven Tombs and at the surrounding of Golconda on Thursday.

During their visit, they inspected the masjids constructed during Qutb Shahi period such as Masjid-e-Shaik at Shaikpet, Masjid-e-Tayaba, Masjid Mustafa Khan and Masjid Mulla Khayali, besides graveyard situated at Golconda in New Quila near Golf course area.

Earlier in the day, they inspected the Masjid-e-Shaik which is notified Wakf property (published in Gazette, dated. 1 July 1982), which is under the control of the Archaeological Department. The masjid was not open for many years due to which vegetation grew there. The Board has cleaned the Masjid and cut the all trees and bushes that covered the area.

The VIPs also inspected the Qutub Shahi Tombs (7 Tombs) near Golkonda and the Masjids in surrounding area, which were constructed by the rulers of Qutubshahi dynasty, and Masjid-e-Tayaba. There are several Masjids located in Golconda area, many of which are not in use. Saleem requested the Archaeological Dept officer to protect this Masjids and maintain them clean and allow the tourist and visitors for performing prayers.

At Golconda, they inspected Masjid-e-Mustafa Khan and Masjid-e-Mulla Khayali and the graveyard situated at Golconda in New Quila Golf course area, which is also not in use. It is registered and notified as waqf property. Mohammed Saleem said that these Masjids were constructed during the Qutub Shahi period, and were wonderful monuments and holy places for prayer.

The Wakf Board would take all steps to protect the Masjids in Telangana with the help of government which was very secular and respectful to all religions. Later, he instructed all managing committees and muthawallies to maintain cleanliness at the Masjids and called upon the local people to continue Namaz at these areas.