Abstract

QUTB SHAHI ARCHITECTURE: A SYNTHESIS OF DECCANI INNOVATION AND INDO-ISLAMIC GRANDEUR

Gangadhar Sripada

Volume: 9 Issue: 1 2019

Abstract:

The Qutb Shahi dynasty (1518-1687), which ruled the Golconda Sultanate in the Deccan region of South India, left an enduring architectural legacy that shaped the cultural and historical identity of Hyderabad and its environs. Emerging from the fragmentation of the Bahmani Sultanate, the Qutb Shahis established a vibrant architectural tradition that blended Indo-Islamic, Persian, and regional Deccani elements. Their architecture, characterized by monumental scale, intricate ornamentation, and innovative structural designs, reflects their political power, religious piety, and cosmopolitan outlook. This article explores the historical context, stylistic features, key monuments, urban planning, socio-cultural significance, and enduring legacy of Qutb Shahi architecture, situating it within the broader framework of Indian architectural history.

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