The tomb area conceals below its surface a number of archaeological remains of various structures such as: processional gate, summer house, enclosure wall and aqueducts etc.

A typical mosque measuring around 16 meters in front and 6 meters on sides, the front facade of the mosque was found largely intact. However, the external facade on the rear and the north and south sides had signs of cracks in plaster and were loose. The roof was also found to be leaking and signs of moisture could be seen on the internal side of roof.

28. Area North of Hamaam

The summer house was excavated during the year 1969-70 up to 1972. Over a period of years it was again buried under the debris and vegetation.

Outcome

  • The area of the ‘Summer House’ was cleared of debris.
  • So far, remains of a mosque, attached rooms and steps, water systems have been revealed.
  • The plan of the site has been prepared and it has been photographically recorded.
  • A terracotta pipe was found running and it was traced up to a length of 40ft.
  • Grain storage vats have been revealed.

Next Steps

  • Pointing to consolidate the structure to arrest vegetation growth.
An extensive labyrinth of structures have come to light in the section north of the Hamaam. These include many living quarters
An extensive labyrinth of structures have come to light in the section north of the Hamaam. These include many living quarters © Aga Khan Trust for Culture

29. South Processional Gate

In archival photograph of 1860 it was evident that there was a processional path way connecting the Golconda fort with the tomb complex. In order to ascertain it, the area was excavated and the processional pathway was exposed.

Action Taken

  • Careful removal of earth has led to the pathway and retaining walls to be revealed
  • The exposed remains have been photographed and measured drawings conducted.
View of Qutb Shahi Heritage Park in 1860 from roof of Jamshed Quli’s Tomb. The South Gate once served as entrance to the site through a ceremonial passage for the dead, Source: Alkazi Foundation (Below) Scientific trenching at the South Gate
View of Qutb Shahi Heritage Park in 1860 from roof of Jamshed Quli’s Tomb. The South Gate once served as entrance to the site through a ceremonial passage for the dead, Source: Alkazi Foundation (Below) Scientific trenching at the South Gate © Aga Khan Trust for Culture, (inset) Alkazi Foundation

30. Exposure of Aqueduct

An aqueduct belonging to the period of Qutb Shahi dynasty was exposed partially from the northern side up to the southern side of the site along its western edge.

Outcome:

    • Photographic documentation of the revealed aqueduct has been completed and measured drawings are being carried out.
    • Clearance of the water channel suggests that the water flowed from south to north and not the other way as popularly perceived

Next Steps

  • Removal and resetting of the stone blocks covering the channel.
  • Pointing to strengthen the structure and water tightening so that the vegetation growth is arrested.
The Qutb Shahi aqueduct was traced and exposed. On the basis of the study of the slope of the floor level of the aqueduct, it is reasonably felt that it was for conserving the water inside Bagh-i-Faiz. The exposed length of the aqueduct measures 246 meter
The Qutb Shahi aqueduct was traced and exposed. On the basis of the study of the slope of the floor level of the aqueduct, it is reasonably felt that it was for conserving the water inside Bagh-i-Faiz. The exposed length of the aqueduct measures 246 meter © Aga Khan Trust for Culture