Sultan Quli Qutb Shah, who was the founder of Qutb Shahi Dynasty, built this tomb in 1543 A.D., during his own lifetime, as was the custom. His tomb stands on a 1.8m high plinth along with two other tomb structures. The building is square in plan with an area of 11.5m x 11.5m, with its bulbous dome reaching to a height of 16m. Inner grave chamber is square (9.5m X 9.5m) at the lower level which gets converted into an octagonal shape using four corners vaulted chambers. An archival image from the1860’s (Above Left) showed the extent of details once present on the Tomb of Sultan Qutb-ul Mulk. However, the existing monument had no details on it, making it a simple and subtle monument. Over two layers of lime and cement plaster were evident on the external surface. Hence, there was need for careful unearthing of the existing plaster for possibilities of getting traces of the ornate plaster work. Loose plaster was removed using small hammers to expose intricate lime stucco works on the South entrance way, parapet, merlons and domes on the minarets.

IMPACT:

The original shape of the dome has now been revealed which was otherwise changed by the cement plaster. This has marked the beginning of the restoration works which would be carried out in this structure. Planning for the garden restoration within the square enclosure wall would need to incorporate 16th - 17th century alterations to the landscape but to dismantle 20th century alterations.