The Qutub Shahi dynasty ruled from the early part of the 16th century to the end of the 17th century, with
Golconda as their capital in the
Telangana region of present day
Andhra Pradesh. Sultan Quli Qutub Shah, the founder of the dynasty, served the
Bahmanis and he was appointed governor of Telangana in 1496. He declared independence after the death of his patron king, Mahmud Shah in 1518. During his 50 years rule, the Sultan Quli extended his kingdom up to Machilipatnam.
The fortified city in Golconda from where the Qutub Shahis ruled was stricken by a disastrous drought. In search of water and looking to establish a capital city that had reliable water supply, the royal family, court and courtiers moved to Hyderabad on the banks of the
Musi River. They founded the city of Hyderabad and ruled this part of the Deccan from 1512 until 1687. The state was finally annexed by the Mughal emperor
Aurangzeb in 1687.
Golconda fort, Qutub Shahi tombs and the
Charminar of Hyderabad stands as a testimony to the rule of the Qutub Shahis.
