Qutb Shahi Women: Their Role in Politics, Administration and Culture

Why in News?

The contributions of Qutb Shahi women were highlighted at the storytelling programme “Hayat Aur Hukumat: The Women Who Built Golconda”, held at the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park in Hyderabad.Speaking at the event, historian and museum professional Fatima Husna explained that women helped shape Golconda’s political, social and cultural history, although their contributions were largely overshadowed in royal chronicles.

Background

• Women of the Qutb Shahi dynasty influenced administration, diplomatic relations, public welfare and cultural activities.
• However, they did not have dedicated court biographers. Information about their contributions often survives through scattered references in royal chronicles, monuments, inscriptions and oral traditions.
• Their history highlights the importance of examining sources beyond accounts centred on kings and military achievements.

Major Contributions of Qutb Shahi Women

Hayat Bakshi Begum: Administration and Political Leadership

• Hayat Bakshi Begum was among the most influential royal women of Golconda.
• When her son, Abdullah Qutb Shah, became Sultan while still a minor, a regency council was established. She became the driving force behind this council and played an important role in the kingdom’s administration.
• A regency council governs on behalf of a ruler who cannot govern independently, such as a minor.

Diplomacy with the Mughals

Hayat Bakshi Begum helped Golconda respond to two major Mughal threats.

Mughal pressure in 1636

• Emperor Shah Jahan advanced towards the Deccan.
• Recognising that Golconda lacked the military strength to confront the Mughals, she advised Abdullah to accept the deed of submission.
• Her advice reflected a practical approach to protecting the kingdom.

Aurangzeb’s campaign in 1656

• Aurangzeb, then the Mughal prince in charge of the Deccan, approached Golconda.
• Hayat Bakshi Begum personally travelled to his camp and requested that he spare her son and the kingdom.
• According to the account presented at the event, she offered ₹1 crore as war indemnity.

War indemnity means money paid as compensation following a conflict or as part of a peace settlement.

Public Welfare and Development of Hayathnagar

Hayat Bakshi Begum was associated with the establishment of Hayathnagar, about nine miles east of Hyderabad.

According to the account, the settlement was built to celebrate her son’s first shave. It included:

• A sarai — accommodation for travellers.
• A masjid — a mosque.
• A bowli — a well.

These surviving structures preserve the memory of her contribution to public facilities and settlement development.

She was also remembered for large-scale food distribution. Accounts of her generosity describe extensive charitable activities during her time.

Religious and Social Contributions

• The report associates Hayat Bakshi Begum with the installation of Bibi ka Alam, which continues to be revered by thousands.
• A local tradition connects the installation with her concern for Sultan Abdullah’s well-being. It reflects the relationship between royal patronage, religious practices and community memory.
• The ornamentation of her tomb also reflects the respect associated with her position.

Women and Dynastic Diplomacy

• The discussion highlighted women’s role in diplomatic relationships surrounding the Battle of Talikota in 1565, which weakened the Vijayanagara Empire.
• The historian referred to Bibi Jamal, whose grave stands beside that of her husband, Sultan Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah Wali, while explaining women’s place in royal alliances.
• The account presents royal women as important participants in relationships connecting ruling families.

Water Infrastructure and Court Influence

• The report identifies Khulsum Agha, mother of the sixth Qutb Shahi Sultan, as an influential figure in the royal court.
• According to the historian, an inscription deciphered during the Nizam’s period attributed the construction of Ma Sahiba Tank, now known as Masab Tank, to her.
• This account highlights women’s contribution to water infrastructure and public works.

Contributions to the Arts

• Women associated with the arts also occupied an important place in Qutb Shahi society.
• The report mentions Premamati and Taramati, whose tombs are present in the Qutb Shahi tomb complex. Their remembrance demonstrates women’s place in the kingdom’s cultural life.

Conclusion

Qutb Shahi women contributed to political leadership, diplomacy, public welfare, infrastructure and the arts. Although their achievements were often overshadowed in royal chronicles, their legacy survives in monuments and cultural traditions. Recognising these contributions provides a more complete understanding of Golconda’s history.