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Springs back to life
The over three centuries old Hayat Bakshi Begum Mosque at Hayatnagar is now once again glowing and is back to its resplendent self.
Hayat Bakshi Begum Mosque
Constructed in 1672 during the reign of Abdullah Qutb Shah, fifth sultan of Golconda, the mosque which lay in obscurity for hundreds of years is now once again buzzing with devotees
Hyderabad: The over three centuries old Hayat Bakshi Begum Mosque at Hayatnagar is now once again glowing and is back to its resplendent self. Thanks to the Telangana Department of Archaeology and Museums, the mosque that was crumbling and cracks appearing in several places is now restored at a cost of Rs 80 lakh and people living in and around Hayatnagar are once again returning to the mosque.
Mohammed Iqbal, a resident of Dilsukhnagar says, “People have been coming back to the mosque once again in large numbers for this Ramzan. This is a lovely mosque and is very peaceful as there are a number of open spaces.” The mosque is unique in more ways than one. There are 133 rooms on either side. The serai (inn) flanked on both sides for overnight accommodation for travelers is still intact.
Saleem, a resident of Hayatnagar and member of mosque development committee said, “The department came in at the right time. The roof had become weak and was crumbling; now all the 133 rooms are saved.” The mosque livens up on three occasions in a year when there is a jalsa and food is served.
On Milad-un-Nabi and Jagne ki Raat, thousands from nearby colonies and districts visit the mosque. After restoration, the number of devotees have increased many fold, says 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.
The Queen
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. Due to this act of her, Golconda continued to be independent for a certain period without falling into Mughal hands.
By T P Venu
