Department of Heritage Telangana

KHAZANA BUILDING MUSEUM, HYDERABAD

The Khazana Building Museum, located near the historic Golconda Fort, is a monumental structure that once served as the royal treasury for the Qutb Shahi dynasty. This site offers a profound look into the administrative and military history of the Golconda Kingdom, which served as the capital from 1512 to 1590 CE under the rule of Sultans Jamshid Quli, Ibrahim Qutb Shah, and the founder of Hyderabad, Mohammad Quli Qutb Shah.

Historical Significance & Evolution

• The Royal Treasury: Originally constructed during the 16th century, this fortified building was specifically designed to house the state’s wealth and royal treasury to support the Qutb Shahi army and government.
• A Historic Quarter: The building is situated in a significant historical zone formerly known as Mohammad Nagar. It is flanked by the Ashrafi Mosque and Sham Sheer Kota (the royal armory) to the east, and the Chani Mosque to the west.
• Military Transition: After the 1948 Police Action, the building was utilized by the Indian Military as a salary distribution center for their staff before being handed over to the Department of Archaeology & Museums in 1951–52.
• Institutional Status: Upon its acquisition by the Department, the structure was converted into a specialized sculptural museum to preserve the heritage of the surrounding regions.

Architectural Highlights

• Structural Design: The museum is a robust, single-story stone structure characterized by a magnificent central arch that leads into a spacious courtyard and garden.
• Vaulted Halls: Flanking the central arch are grand halls with high roofs supported by a series of sturdy arches, designed to provide a secure environment for royal assets.
• Guard Rooms: The main entrance still features original guard rooms, reflecting the building's high-security origins.

Exhibits and Collections

The Khazana Building Museum currently houses a significant collection of archaeological finds and military artifacts:

• Sculptural Gallery: The museum features a vast array of stone sculptures spanning different periods, collected from various villages and archaeological sites within the district.
• Qutb Shahi Artillery: A highlight of the museum is the display of authentic canons from the Qutb Shahi period, representing the advanced military technology of the Golconda Sultanate.
• Epigraphic Records: Various inscriptions and architectural fragments discovered during local excavations are preserved here for research and public viewing.