Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

In news: Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah’s Tomb

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah and his contemporaries

Mains level: NA

Introduction

  • A digital twin of the Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah’s tomb was unveiled by a reality technology company, Hexagon in Hyderabad.

Who was Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah?

  • Parentage: Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah was born on April 4, 1565, as the third son of Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali and his Hindu mother Bhagirathi.
  • Literary Talent: He was not only an able administrator but also a skilled poet who composed verses in Persian, Telugu, and Urdu.

Contemporaries of Quli Qutb Shah

 

  • Akbar (1556–1605): Mughal Emperor known for his religious tolerance and administrative reforms.
  • Rani Durgavati (1550–1564): Queen of the Gondwana Kingdom in central India, renowned for her bravery in resisting Mughal expansion.
  • Maharana Pratap (1572–1597): Rajput ruler of Mewar, famous for his defiance against Mughal Emperor Akbar and his valor in battles.
  • Chand Bibi (1550–1599): Regent of the Ahmednagar Sultanate in Deccan, known for her role in defending Ahmadnagar against Mughal forces.
  • Guru Ram Das (1574–1581): Fourth Sikh Guru who established the city of Amritsar and contributed significantly to Sikhism’s growth.
  • Sher Shah Suri (1540–1545): Founder of the Sur Empire in North India, celebrated for his administrative reforms and construction of the Grand Trunk Road.

Key Accomplishments

[A] Reign and Accomplishments

  • Ascension to the Throne: Muhammad Quli succeeded his father in 1580 at the age of 15 and ruled for 31 years.
  • Military Campaigns: Despite facing rebellions, he effectively led troops and quelled disturbances, ensuring stability in his realm.

[B] Foundation of Hyderabad

  • Urban Planning: Concerned about overcrowding in Golkonda, Muhammad Quli initiated the construction of Hyderabad in 1591.
  • Land Selection: While folklore suggests a romanticized version of land selection, Muhammad Quli’s vision for Hyderabad’s development aimed at relieving congestion and promoting growth.

[C] Architectural Marvels and City Planning

  • Charminar: As the architectural centrepiece, Charminar was built under Muhammad Quli’s patronage, symbolizing the city’s grandeur.
  • City Layout: Hyderabad was meticulously planned with a gridiron layout, featuring significant landmarks like Darulshafa, Mecca Masjid, and Badshahi Ashurkhana.

[D] Support for Arts and Literature

  • Calligraphic Art: Under Muhammad Quli’s rule, calligraphy flourished, with various scripts adorning buildings such as the Mecca Masjid.
  • Literary Contributions: Muhammad Quli’s poetic works in Urdu and Dakhni languages reflected his diverse interests and cultural appreciation.
  • Taraqqi: He was a poet himself and composed poetry in Persian and Telugu under the pen name “Taraqqi”.

[E] Medical and Literary Contributions

  • Intellectual Hub: Hyderabad became a centre for medical and literary pursuits, with scholars producing notable works during Muhammad Quli’s reign.
  • Preservation of Culture: Muhammad Quli’s literary legacy, including his Diwan, is preserved in institutions like the Salar Jung Museum, showcasing his contribution to cultural heritage.

Legacy and Influence

  • Cultural Integration: Muhammad Quli’s reign represents a period of cultural fusion, blending Hindu and Islamic traditions in the Deccan region.
  • Symbol of Unity: His efforts to promote harmony and coexistence endure as a testament to the inclusive ethos of his administration.

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