The very name “Khazana” means treasure. Built during the reign of Ibrahim Qutb Shah (1550–1580 AD), this majestic building served as the royal treasury of the Qutb Shahi kingdom. It stored the wealth, army payroll, and government funds of the dynasty that ruled Golconda. Located on the main road from Fateh Darwaza to Bala Hissar, the building’s strategic position near the fort ensured security. After the Police Action of 1948, the Indian Army used it as a salary disbursement office. In 1951–52, it was handed over to the Department of Archaeology and Museums, which transformed it into a museum. The structure was in a dilapidated state for years, but a six‑month restoration in 2016 gave it a new life, preserving its unique Qutb Shahi architecture for future generations.
Architectural grandeur and dual purpose. The Khazana Building features a majestic central arch flanked by two large halls – these were the actual storehouses of the treasury. The arch supports the roofs of these halls and leads to a central courtyard and gardens. As with many Islamic buildings of the period, the complex also contains two mosques: the Ashrafi Mosque in the eastern quarters, and the smaller Chani Mosque (also built during Ibrahim Qutb Shah’s time). Opposite the museum stands Sham Sheer Kota, the building where royal arms and weaponry were once stored. Today, visitors can see cannons from the Qutb Shahi period displayed in the courtyard, along with stone sculptures from the Chalukya, Kakatiya, Qutb Shahi, and Bahmani dynasties.
From Royal Treasury to Public Museum
Golconda was the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, and the city was originally known as Mohammed Nagar. During the reigns of Sultans like Ibrahim Qutb Shah and Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah (founder of Hyderabad), the capital housed all major religious, military, and administrative buildings. The Khazana Building was the treasury of the army and government. After the Nizams were replaced by the democratic government in 1948, the building’s ownership passed to the Indian Government. The Indian Army used it to distribute salaries to its staff, and a gabled section was added to the courtyard during this period. In 1951–52, the building was handed to the Department of Heritage Telangana, which converted it into a museum and began adding artefacts. The facelift in 2016 (reported by Deccan Chronicle on May 17, 2016) restored the dilapidated structures and made the museum more visitor‑friendly.
Museum Highlights & Collections
Nearby Attractions (Golconda Circuit)
Golconda Fort (1 km): The iconic fortress of the Qutb Shahis, famous for its acoustic clapping hand, grand gates, and light‑and‑sound show.
Qutb Shahi Tombs (2.5 km): A magnificent necropolis of the Qutb Shahi rulers, with domed mausoleums and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Toli Masjid (1.5 km): A stunning mosque built in 1671 AD, often called the “Jewel of Qutb Shahi architecture”.
Taramati Baradari (3 km): A historic pavilion with acoustic marvels and a cultural centre.
Telangana State Archaeology Museum (Public Gardens, ≈8 km): For a broader collection of Deccan heritage.
Heritage Itinerary (Half‑Day)
Morning – Khazana Museum & Golconda Fort
- 10:30 AM: Arrive at Khazana Building Museum (opens at 10:30). Spend 1.5 hours exploring the treasury halls, cannons, weapon displays, and the two mosques.
- 12:00 PM: Walk or drive to Golconda Fort (entry from Fateh Darwaza, near the museum). Explore the fort’s ramparts, palaces, and acoustics (allow 2–3 hours).
- 2:30 PM: Lunch at a restaurant near Toli Chowki or inside the fort complex (limited options).
Afternoon – Tombs & Evening Light Show
- 3:30 PM: Visit the Qutb Shahi Tombs (closes by 5:00 PM). Marvel at the Indo‑Islamic architecture.
- 5:30 PM: Return to Golconda Fort for the sound‑and‑light show (usually in the evening; check timings).
- 7:30 PM: End the day with dinner at a traditional Hyderabadi restaurant (try the biryani near Toli Chowki).
Visitor Information – Khazana Building Museum
Timings & Entry
Opening hours: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM (all days except Fridays and public holidays).
Entry fee: Nominal – typically ₹10 for Indian citizens, ₹20–30 for foreign nationals (subject to revision).
Best time to visit: November to February (cooler months). Weekday mornings are less crowded.
Photography: Allowed for personal use (flash may be restricted inside galleries).
Location & Access
Address: Khair Complex, Toli Chowki, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500008. (Near Golconda Fort, on the road from Fateh Darwaza to Bala Hissar).
By road: 8 km from Mehdipatnam, 12 km from Charminar. Well‑connected by autos, buses, and Ola/Uber.
By rail: Nearest MMTS station – Fateh Nagar (≈4 km) or Jubilee Hills (≈6 km).
Parking: Limited roadside parking available; better to park at Golconda Fort’s designated lot and walk.
Facilities & Restoration
Visitor Facilities
- Clean drinking water
- Restrooms (basic but functional)
- Seating arrangements in the garden
- Low‑price booklets and brochures (available at entry)
- Small souvenir shop (limited items)
2016 Restoration
In May 2016, the Telangana State Archaeology and Museums Department completed a six‑month repair and facelift of the Khazana Building. The structures, which were in a dilapidated condition, were restored to a large extent. The work included structural repairs, landscaping, improved lighting, and better display arrangements. The restoration ensured that the unique brick and lime mortar heritage of the Qutb Shahi period was preserved for future generations.
Travel Tips for History Lovers
🔍 Insider tip: After visiting the museum, walk across the road to the Sham Sheer Kota building – the former royal armoury. Though not open to the public as a museum, its exterior architecture is worth a look. Also, ask the museum attendant about the “headless” stories from the treasury – local lore says the treasure was guarded by spirits, adding to the mystique.
A Hidden Gem of Deccan Heritage
The Khazana Building Museum may not be as famous as the Golconda Fort, but it offers an intimate, focused journey into the administrative and military heart of the Qutb Shahi kingdom. From the cool halls where coins were once counted to the silent cannons in the garden, every corner whispers of a glorious past. The 2016 restoration has made it a clean, well‑labelled, and engaging museum for anyone fascinated by the dynasties that shaped Hyderabad. Don’t miss it – it is truly a khazana (treasure) of history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Khazana Building Museum the same as the Nizam’s Museum?
No. The Nizam’s Museum is at Purani Haveli, displaying Nizam-era artefacts. Khazana Museum focuses on Qutb Shahi, Bahmani, Kakatiya, and Chalukya relics.
Are there guided tours available inside the museum?
Not always. However, you can hire a licensed guide from the Golconda Fort ticket counter to accompany you.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Partially. The courtyard and ground‑floor halls are accessible, but there are some steps at the entrance.
Can we see the actual treasure?
No. The original treasure was dispersed after the fall of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. The museum displays historical artefacts, not the treasury itself.
Are the mosques still used for prayers?
Yes, the Ashrafi and Chani mosques are active religious sites. Visitors are welcome but should dress modestly and avoid prayer times.
How long should I plan for a visit?
About 1 hour for the museum; add 30 minutes for the mosques and garden.
References & Further Reading
- Telangana State Archaeology & Museums – Official Khazana Building Museum Page
- Deccan Chronicle – Khazana building in Hyderabad turns into museum (May 17, 2016)
- Wikipedia – Qutb Shahi dynasty
- Telangana Tourism – Golconda Heritage Circuit