Intricate blue and green glaze tile patterns on the facade and dome of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah’s mausoleum, hidden away for centuries, peeked through. The dilapidated tiles are now a glimpse into the 16th-century world when the mausoleum was created.

Nestled between the many tombs of Qutub Shahi Heritage Park in Hyderabad are the six baolis brimming with water. All six - Badi, Bagh, Eastern, Idgah, Western and Hamam baolis - are almost at total capacity. Altogether, the baolis have a capacity of 19.3 million liters. 
 

In the marvellous garden of a stucco work necropolis of the Qutb Shahi tombs, it is a deep stepwell of dressed granite. While curvy flowy lines and stucco decorations are the norm in the tombs complex, the stepwell is all about straight lines and minimalistic design. Recently restored to the way it appears in archival images from 19th century by the Department of Archaeology and Museums, the effort has been aided by US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation.

Stepwells are sometimes small stone-lined trenches, capturing rainwater and refilling underground aquafers, while others are masterpieces of inverted architecture, like the Chand Bawri in Rajasthan—a World Heritage Site consisting of the inverse of a step pyramid dug straight into the ground and lined by 3,200 steps set on symmetrical staircases

It has been nearly a decade since efforts have been on to get the UNESCO World Heritage site status for the Charminar and Golconda fort. Both heritage spots are however far from it, all thanks to local encroachments and politics. However, there is still some hope, and if all goes well, then perhaps the Qutb Shahi tombs, or the royal necropolis where Hyderabad’s founders are buried, will become major global tourist attraction in the coming days.

The restoration work at the Qutb Shahi Tombs is in full swing. However, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture is not just working to restore the structures. They are also looking at developing the premises as an eco-space that will give the 106-acre Qutb Shahi Heritage Park a green facelift.

Conservation architects at the Qutb Shahi Tombs complex have uncovered an old battlement wall that enclosed the tombs of Hayat Bakshi Begum and her husband Sultan Qutb Shah.

Bolstered by the World Heritage Site status for the Ramappa Temple in Palampet, the Telangana Government has made its intentions clear about securing UNESCO status for the Golconda Fort and the Qutb Shahi Tombs complex. Speaking on the floor of the Legislative Assembly recently, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister K.T. Rama Rao said, “We are working towards securing the World Heritage Site status for the Qutb Shahi Tombs and the Golconda Fort.”

Telangana municipal administration and urban development minister K. T. Rama Rao (KTR) praised the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) for its “stellar” work on behalf of the state government. Acknowledging the state’s partnership with the AKTC to restore the Qutb Shahi tombs, KTR said that efforts are on to get World Heritage Site status for the Qutb Shahi tombs.

The 16th Century Qutub Shahi Tombs are one of the main tourist attraction in the city.  A heritage park is being added as a new chapter to this attraction.The unique heritage park is likely to come up on 106 acres of land with the joint efforts of Aga Khan Foundation, Heritage Telangana and Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

The Qutb Shahi Tombs, the 16th Century necropolis and one of Hyderabad’s most known heritage tourism spots, is all set for a new chapter. The combined efforts of Aga Khan Foundation, Heritage Telangana and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture will soon see the 106 acre premises donning the mantle of a one-of-its kind heritage park.

EVERY city has its surprises and they show up for those who look for them. In Hyderabad, the Qutb Shahi tombs don’t usually find mention. But these tombs are marvels of architecture, design, craftsmanship and engineering.