Hyderabad: Once regal fountains now lie in a shambles

Hyderabad: When Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, planned Hyderabad, it was as though he had dreamt of a heaven and proceeded to replicate it in reality. Fountains, gardens, palaces and palatial houses — the city had them all and visitors were awestruck.

During the designing of palaces and palatial houses, emphasis was laid on the location, design and the size of the fountains. In later decades, fascination with fountains found resonance with the Asaf Jahi rulers as well.

At one time, several fountains dotted the Golconda fort and the Qutb Shahi tombs. The fountain in front of the Hayath Bakshi Begum tomb at Qutb Shahi tomb is crafted in marble and is one of the most beautiful edifices remaining in the city.

“It is in the shape of a fish and when the water flows down, one can hear a sound that is similar to that of a fish swimming. It was a collaborative effort of artisans and engineers of the Qutb Shahi era,” said historian Dr Mohammed Safiullah. 

There are a few fountains at the Qutb Shahi tomb complex that need urgent repairs. There are also fountains dating back to the Qutb Shahi period at the Golconda fort.

Water to the fort was supplied for both drinking and ornamental purpose from the Talab-e-Durg, which is now called Durgam cheruvu. 

“The engineering worked on the principle of gravity. The water flowed downwards from the Durgam cheruvu at a great speed into the fountains,” said Mr M.A. Qayyum, former deputy director of the department of archaeology and museums. 

While these fountains are striking the one that really takes the breath away is at Ameenbagh — now the High Court parking area. It was built in the Greco-Roman style with impressive figurines. 

“There is an elephant replica with the water gushing out from its trunk,” said Dr Safiullah.

The oldest is at Charminar and dates back to the 15th Century. The Gulzar Houz fountain was originally octagonal when it was constructed along with the Char Kaman. 

A few more fountains dotted the Chowmahalla Palace, Purani Haveli and other palatial houses. “During the Qutb Shahi dynasty the water was drawn from the Jalpally tank through dedicated channels,” said Mr Qayyum.

Several fountains have disappeared in the last few decades with little or no interest in its upkeep.