Once home to many magnificent structures of the Qutb Shahi era, today it’s a different story. Hayathnagar, which dates back to the Qutb Shahi period, was founded by Hayath Bakshi Begum, daughter of Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad. Located on the Ramoji Film City bypass road, not many know that the ceremonial maiden shaving ceremony used to be performed here. The locality used to have a palace and guesthouses which have all been destroyed. The only vestiges of the era are the spacious and beautiful Hayath Bakshi mosque, a sarai and a school.
The mosque, which was built by Hayath Bakshi Begum, in 1672, was constructed on a square terrace measuring almost 150×150. The mosque has five double-arched openings in the façade flanked by two lofty minarets. Inside the mosque on either side is a large caravan sarai, i.e. a resthouse for travellers and a large well.
Perhaps the most significant achievement of Hayath Bakshi Begum was mediating a truce with Aurangzeb when Golconda faced the threat of annexation from Emperor Shah Jahan. Known for her compassion and piety, she was very popular among the people and was addressed as Ma Sahiba. She was one of the few women who had a consistent influence during the reign of three kings of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, first as a daughter, consort and finally as Queen Mother. Her position as the daughter of Mohammad Quli, the founder of Hyderabad and marriage to Sultan Mohammad, who succeeded the throne allowed her influence not only over the functioning of the palace but also in public affairs. #KhabarLive
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