Restored to its pristine glory

The Hayat Bakshi Begum Mosque, which lay in obscurity for hundreds of years, is now shining in its resplendent beauty

The Hayat Bakshi Begum Mosque does not boast of the intricate stucco work; neither its Paigah Tombs, nor the chandeliers that adorn many old mosques in the city. But the imposing mosque based on Qutub Shahi architecture, on a raised platform, overlooking the 133 rooms on either side, is something that makes it unique.

Besides the sheer expanse and open spaces, what makes the mosque unique is that the three-centuries-old mosque and the serai (inn) with a large courtyard, for overnight accommodation for caravans, is still standing.

Thanks to the State Department of Archaeology and Museums, the mosque is gaining prominence once again. The Archaeology and Museums department special officer SS Rangacharyulu said, “The monument has so much scope. A lot can be done.”

Saleem, a resident of Hayat Nagar and president of mosque development committee said, “The department came in at the right time. The roofs had become weak and were crumbling; now all the 133 rooms are saved.”Out of the 133 rooms, works on 45 rooms has been completed and the remaining 98 rooms would be completed this year, informs a senior official of the archaeology department.

The archaeology and the tourism departments have plans of developing the Hayat Bakshi Begum mosque as a tourist spot. Consultant engineer, Azim Osman says, “The workmanship is unique in many ways. There are also steps that lead to the top of the minaret. It has huge potential to be developed and become a must-see for all tourists.”

As for the people living in and around Hayat Nagar, the mosque livens up on three occasions in a year when there is a jalsa and food is served. At other times, about 500 people congregate for the Friday prayers. On Milad-un-Nabi and Jagne ki raat, thousands from nearby colonies and districts visit the mosque.

Spread in an area of five acres, the mosque is a protected monument and none is allowed to reside inside. The watchman Mohammed Masood Ahmed who lives close by, keeps vigil all day long making sure no anti-social elements enter through any of the three entrances.

There is also a large well 'Hathi Bowli' on one side that reminds one of the far sightedness of the builders who kept in mind the needs of travellers. Today it has gone dry. The archaeology department officials say that it would also be brought to life.

Hayat Bakshi Begum

Qutub Shahi Queen Hayat Bakshi Begum was the daughter of a king, wife of a king, mother of a king and a de-facto empress herself. She was the daughter of Muhammed Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth sultan, the wife of Sultan Muhammed Qutub Shah, the sixth sultan and the mother of Abdullah Qutub Shah, the seventh sultan.

Widowed in her 20s, she ruled the kingdom with tact and intelligence. In 1685, when Aurangazeb came with an army and laid siege to the city, she went to the emperor's camp and struck a deal and as a result the siege was called off..

She even met Aurangzeb in 1656 AD and requested the prince to pardon her son Abdullah Qutb Shah and accept the treaty of marriage of Abdullah's daughter with Auranzeb's son Prince Muhammad.57 Due to this act of her Golconda continued to be independent for a certain period without falling into Mughal hands.

By T P Venu