HYDERABAD: With the Telangana government releasing `40 lakh, restoration work has finally begun on the centuries-old and one of the tallest tombs in the country, Dargah of Shah Raju Qattal at Misrigunj.
Scaffolds have been erected along the 165-foot monument and around the dome which was constructed by the eighth and the last Qutub Shahi king Abul Hassan Tana Shah in remembrance of his spiritual guru Shah Raju. The repairs are much needed as the dome has suffered extensive damage with large chunks falling off over a period of time.
On October 4, 2016, the Telangana government sanctioned `50 lakh for the same and so far `40 lakh has been released to the Archaeology and Museums department. The Archaeology department would first attempt to stabilise the structure which is supported by 110 solid pillars, with no joints, each measuring 25 feet. N R Visalatchy, Director of the Archaeology and Museums Department said, “The outer layer of the dome has fallen off in some places. Since the damage is at a very high spot, we have erected scaffoldings so that our conservationists can examine the damage.”
Since the restoration needs lime plaster, two lime wells have been constructed behind the Dargah. Lime mortar takes a considerable amount time to make. Nadeemullah Hussaini, the 10th mutawalli or the traditional caretaker of the monument said, “The last time the monument was repaired was in 2010, when the interiors were restored and painted.”
Annals of history
The monument gains importance as devotees believe that Abul Hassan Tana Shah became a Qutub Shahi king because of the spiritual guidance of Hazarat Shah Raju Hussaini Qattal. Abul Hassan was not the direct heir to the throne