Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Qutb Shahi Tombs' Domes Blacken After Restoration Efforts
Imagine a special old building in Hyderabad that has many tombs.
A few years ago, people worked hard to fix up the shiny tops of these tombs.
But now, the shiny tops are turning black!
Some people think the way they fixed them wasn't good, and that some parts are falling off or look weird, especially after rain.
They also worry that digging holes nearby might have hurt the old buildings.
Another problem is that it's now much more expensive to visit, so fewer people from the town can go.
Other people think the black color might just be from the weather, like rain or pollution.
They plan to look closer to figure out why the tops are changing color.
The people in charge of fixing the tombs haven't said why this is happening.
Domes of several Qutb Shahi tombs in Hyderabad have turned black within a decade of restoration.
Tiles on Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah's tomb are reportedly coming off, exposing sections that have blackened.
A local heritage enthusiast alleges that restoration failed and excavations tampered with ancient structures.
A steep increase in ticket prices has reportedly discouraged domestic tourists and locals from visiting.
The cause of the blackening is debated, with possibilities including environmental factors or restoration issues, and officials have not commented.
- Who
- Structures at the Qutb Shahi tombs, including Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah's tomb, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), local heritage enthusiasts, and Intach.
- What
- The domes of several structures at the Qutb Shahi tombs have turned black shortly after restoration efforts, with tiles detaching and concerns raised about the restoration quality, alleged excavations, and a significant ticket price hike.
- When
- Restoration works were carried out between 2017 and 2018. The blackening has occurred within a decade of these efforts, with recent observations highlighting the issue.
- Where
- Qutb Shahi tombs complex in Hyderabad.
- Why
- The exact cause of the blackening is debated, with local enthusiasts citing failed restoration techniques and alleged tampering, while others suggest environmental factors like rain and pollution. The ticket price hike is noted as a deterrent to visitors.
Local Heritage Enthusiast
Convener of Intach, Hyderabad
Reason for Blackening
Local Heritage Enthusiast
The blackening is due to a failed restoration experiment, with tiles falling off and plaster/adhesive oozing. Excavations have also tampered with structures.
Convener of Intach, Hyderabad
The blackening could be due to environmental factors like rain or pollution, and the dome will need to be cleaned.
Ticket Price Hike Impact
Local Heritage Enthusiast
The steep 350% ticket price hike has discouraged domestic tourists and locals who can no longer afford to visit.
Convener of Intach, Hyderabad
No direct opposing view provided, but the article mentions the hike as a discouragement to visitors.
- Location
- Hyderabad
- Site Area
- 106 acres
- Number of Tombs
- Around 50
- Restoration Contractor
- Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC)
- Restoration Period
- 2017-2018
- Original Entry Fee
- Rs. 10
- Current Entry Fee
- Rs. 45 (Rs. 20 per head + Rs. 25 for mobile phones)