A Hidden Gem of Qutb Shahi Architecture: Toli Masjid stands as one of the finest examples of Qutb Shahi architectural brilliance in Hyderabad. Built in 1671 CE during the reign of Abdullah Qutb Shah, this mosque is often overlooked by tourists but is revered by architects and historians for its exquisite ornamentation and unique design elements. On the ranks of architecture, this mosque scales next only after the Mecca Masjid of the old city of Hyderabad.
The mosque is popularly known as Damri Masjid among local communities, a name that comes from a fascinating legend involving the construction of the nearby Mecca Masjid and a handful of coins that made this mosque possible.
📜 Historical Significance – The Legend of the Damri
💰 The Story Behind "Damri Masjid": According to historians and local legends recorded in the royal records known as "Gulzar-e-Asafia", there is a special chapter that mentions a unique arrangement. While the royal architect was successfully building the magnificent Mecca Masjid (one of India's largest mosques), he was granted one damdi/damri (coin) out of each and every rupee spent on its construction. The collected sum of money was then used by Musa Khan to construct Toli Masjid. Hence, the mosque earned the name Damri Masjid – the mosque built with "damri" coins.
Builder: Toli Masjid was built in 1671 AD during the reign of Abdullah Qutb Shah by Mir Musa Khan Mahaldar, a nobleman in the Qutb Shahi court. He used the assistance of the royal architect of Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah – the very same architect who designed the Mecca Masjid of the old city – for building this particular mosque.
Protected Monument: The mosque is listed as a state-protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has declared it a heritage site. It has also received the INTACH award for its architectural significance. However, the lands endowed to the mosque have been encroached, and the mosque and its surroundings are currently in a neglected condition.
🏛️ Architectural Marvel – Qutb Shahi Brilliance with Hindu Influences
🎨 Unique Fusion of Styles: Toli Masjid displays considerable Hindu influences in its style – a hallmark of Qutb Shahi architecture. These include the use of excessive ornamentation, elephant-tusk brackets, and pot-shaped bases for the minarets. The niches in the post and lintel style are similar to those in temples used to accommodate images. Additionally, the parapet wall is decorated with miniature minarets just as miniature shikharas are seen in temples.
Structure and Layout: With a high plinth, Toli Masjid is perfectly built on a high raised platform. The mosque is largely divided into two big halls – an outer hall and an inner prayer hall.
The Outer Hall: The outer hall features five-arched openings. Among these five outer arches, the middle arch is slightly wider and more uniquely ornate than the others, drawing the visitor's eye to the center. With beautiful lotus medallions in the spandrels, these five arches create a stunning visual rhythm.
Minarets: Two minarets of approximately 20 meters (65 feet) each rightly flank the edifice with great perfection. The minarets rest on pot-shaped bases – a distinct Hindu architectural influence that sets this mosque apart from purely Islamic designs.
Parapet and Jali Screens: On top, the parapets comprise a set of miniature arches with screens of perforated shapes of different special designs. The parapet comprises a set of arched jali screens of different styles and patterns – a feature that adds additional beauty and attractiveness to this mosque when compared with other mosques of this region and the rest of India.
Inscription: The unique inscription in the prayer hall reveals that Musa Khan built this structure for religious purpose. The upper portion of this mosque is attractively well-decorated in a religious manner.
🏺 Architectural Ranking: On the ranks of architecture, this mosque scales next after the Mecca Masjid of the old city of Hyderabad. The local people give great respect to its architectural significance and have taken steps to preserve it in its historical form to a great extent.
💧 The 350-Year-Old Stepwell – A Heritage in Crisis
⚰️ A Dying Treasure: While the Telangana government restored the 17th-century Bansilalpet stepwell to its former glory, the structure surrounding the 350-year-old stepwell built as part of Toli Masjid during the reign of the 7th Qutb Shah ruler Abdullah Qutb Shah is in shambles. As one enters the open premises of Toli Masjid, debris can be seen floating inside a walled structure filled with stagnated algae-covered green water.
Dimensions and Condition: The stepwell, which is approximately 35 meters (115 feet) deep and has a flight of around 130 steps inside, is now almost invisible because its surface is filled with algae water, liquor bottles, and furniture foam floating on the well's surface. Authorities had only placed a concrete sheet over a portion of the stepwell, beneath which is a massive hollow indicating how the stepwell is collapsing on the inside.
Historical Use: The stepwell, which is protected by the state heritage department, was built to supply water to the mosque. Locals recalled how water from the stepwell was used for drinking purposes around 50 years ago, and how children used to swim in the well – which is now dying slowly.
Neglect and Pollution: "People from nearby liquor shops have been dumping liquor bottles and even foam from the surrounding furniture workshops," said Abu Bakar Bakulka, pointing to the stepwell. "Because the premises are unattended and unsupervised, there is no one to intervene and protect this centuries-old structure. People come and throw garbage after late evenings when no one is around."
Appeals for Restoration: Afzaluddin Farooqui, joint secretary of the Toli Masjid Committee, stated that a complaint was filed with the relevant authorities about three years ago, but there was no response and no further action taken.
📝 "We filed a written complaint with the heritage department, requesting that the entire mosque area be protected and the stepwell be restored. Because the monument is a government-protected site, all activities are prohibited. We attempted to clean the stepwell but were denied due to the restrictions. The authorities are not taking any action, and we are not permitted to do any cleaning. The situation gets worse during monsoons when the stepwell overflows. The aquifers are still active inside the well, and if it is restored to its original state, water can be provided for the mosque again." – Afzaluddin Farooqui, Joint Secretary, Toli Masjid Committee
🏛️ "The stepwell inside the mosque area was beautiful, but it is now in bad shape. The garden and water channels have also vanished. We are blessed with such jewels and a rich heritage in the Deccan plateau, particularly in Telangana. It is critical that we spend the appropriate budget and hire a technically qualified workforce to restore such wonderful gifts that we have inherited over the centuries." – P. Anuradha Reddy, Co-convenor, INTACH
🕌 Religious Significance – A Vibrant Place of Worship
As Toli Masjid is situated in close proximity to Mecca Masjid, the Muslim community gives equal importance to both mosques during prayer meetings and festivities. A good number of local Muslim people visit this mosque for Friday prayers (Jummah) with much commitment and dedication.
In Toli Masjid, all festive days and religiously important events are marked with grand celebration with full participation of local residents and people from both the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Muslim people in large numbers attend the Friday prayer with dedication and commitment in a religious manner. This mosque follows the strict rules and regulations mentioned in Islamic books and is known among locals for its special prayer meetings that cater to the needs and requirements of the local population.
⏰ Visitor Information
📍 Address
Toli Masjid / Damri Masjid
Ramsingh Pura, Karwan Area,
Old City, Hyderabad, Telangana
Nearby Landmarks: 2 km from Golconda Fort, on the road to Purana Pul and Charminar
🕐 Timings
Open: All days of the week
Best to visit: 9 AM – 12 PM, 3 PM – 5 PM
Friday Note: Avoid during Jummah prayer time (1-2 PM)
🚗 How to Reach
Metro: Nearest station – New Market (approx. 3 km)
Bus: TSRTC buses to Karwan area
Auto/Cab: Easily available from Golconda Fort or Charminar
Route: Located on the road connecting Golconda Fort to Purana Pul
💰 Entry Fee
Free entry (donations welcome)
Dress Code: Modest attire required (cover shoulders and knees)
📸 Photography Tips: The best time to photograph Toli Masjid is in the late afternoon (3-5 PM) when the sun highlights the five arched openings and the intricate ornamentation on the middle arch. The two minarets are best captured from the far corners of the courtyard to show their full 20-meter height. The lotus medallions in the spandrels require a telephoto lens to capture the fine details. The stepwell – though in poor condition – can be photographed to document the urgent need for restoration. Wide-angle lenses help capture the full facade of this Qutb Shahi masterpiece.
🏛️ Nearby Attractions
- Golconda Fort – The magnificent fortress of the Qutb Shahi sultans (2 km)
- Mecca Masjid – One of India's largest mosques, near Charminar
- Charminar – Hyderabad's iconic monument
- Purana Pul – The historic bridge over the Musi River
- Qutb Shahi Tombs – The royal necropolis of the Qutb Shahi dynasty
📊 Toli Masjid Among Qutb Shahi Mosques
The Qutb Shahi sultans and their nobles built several magnificent mosques across Hyderabad. Toli Masjid holds a special place among them:
- Mecca Masjid – Largest and most monumental (completed 1693)
- Toli Masjid – Most ornate and refined (built 1671)
- Hayathnagar Mosque – Known for its unique location
- Miya Mishk Masjid – Built by an Abyssinian guard
- Kulsumpura Masjid – Named after a princess
Architecturally, Toli Masjid is considered the most exquisitely decorated of all Qutb Shahi mosques, with its Hindu-inspired ornamentation and perfect proportions.
✨ Key Features Summary
- Name: Toli Masjid / Damri Masjid
- Location: Ramsingh Pura, Karwan area, Old City, Hyderabad (2 km from Golconda Fort)
- Built: 1671 CE (during reign of Abdullah Qutb Shah)
- Builder: Mir Musa Khan Mahaldar (nobleman in Qutb Shahi court)
- Architect: Royal architect who designed Mecca Masjid
- Name Origin: Built with damri coins collected from Mecca Masjid construction
- Architectural Style: Qutb Shahi with significant Hindu influences
- Structure: High plinth, raised platform, two big halls
- Facade: Five-arched openings (middle arch wider and more ornate)
- Minarets: Two minarets, approx. 20 meters each, with pot-shaped bases
- Ornamentation: Lotus medallions in spandrels, elephant-tusk brackets, miniature minarets on parapet
- Stepwell: 35 meters deep, 130 steps, built to supply water to mosque (now in severe neglect)
- Heritage Status: ASI state-protected monument, INTACH award winner
- Current Condition: Neglected, encroached, stepwell polluted and collapsing
📚 References & More Information
- Deccan Chronicle – 350-Year-Old Stepwell in Hyderabad's Old City Begs for Attention (2022)
- Om Astrology – Toli Masjid Information
- Wikipedia – Toli Masjid