Hayath Bakshi Begum mosque gets facelift

Hyderabad: The famous centuries-old Hayath Bakshi Begum mosque at Hayathnagar, about 16 km from the city on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada National Highway, has been restored.

Built on a raised platform, which makes the structure even more imposing, the mosque, based on Qutb Shahi architecture, overlooks the 133 sarais (inns for travellers) on either side.

The unique edifice had crumbled due to age and was restored after an eight-month effort by the department of archaeology and museums.

Restoration of sarais and others structures will be be taken up depending on the availability of funds.

“We spent about Rs 1 crore for restoration of the mosque and brought in skilled workers from Peddapur, Kakinada and stone workers from Guntur. The lime mortar for restoration was brought from Pidugurala in Prakasam district, famous for the raw material,” said Mohd Raheem Shah Ali, deputy director (engineering), department of archaeology and museums.

He said that time and nature had taken its toll on the structure. “It’s a beautiful mosque. We ensured the original design was retained. The workers we have hired are adept at this,” Mr Shah Ali said.

Thanks to the release of Rs 45 crore by 13th Finance Commission, the department took up renovation of not only the mosque but also several other structures under its control in the state. Out of the 133 sarais, restoration works have been completed in 45 rooms and work is continuing.