Information on Toli Masjid (Hyderabad, Telangana) - History & Architecture

Toli Masjid is located in Karwan in Hyderabad in the state of Telangana, in South India. It is popularly known as Damri Masjid among the local communities of this region. It is situated on the way to Charminar and just 2km from the Golconda Fort. It is the finest example of Qutub Shahi architecture. On ranks of architecture, this mosque scales next after Mecca Masjid of old city of Hyderabad. The Archeological Survey of India has declared this mosque as heritage site. It received the INTACH award.

Religious Significance

As Toli mosque is situated in close proximity from Mecca Masjid, Muslim community give equal importance to both these mosque during prayer meeting and festivity. A good number of local Muslim people visit this mosque on Friday prayer with much commitment and dedication. This mosque follows the strict rules and regulation mentioned in the Islamic books. It is known among the locals for its special prayer meetings that cater to the needs and requirements of the local population in this region.

Architecture Significance

With a high plinth, Toli Masjid is perfectly built on a high raised platform. The mosque is largely divided into two big halls. It is to be remembered that the outer halls has five-arched openings. On the other hand, among five outer arches, the middle arch is wider slightly and more uniquely ornate. It is to be highly noted that two minarets of approximately 20 meters each rightly flank the edifice with a lot of perfection. On top, the parapets comprise a set of miniature arches with screens of perforated shapes of different special designs. With beautiful lotus medallions in the spandrels, there are five attractive arches. The unique inscription in the hall of prayer reveals that Musa Khan built this building structure for religious purpose. The upper portion of this particular mosque is attractively well-decorated in a religious manner. The parapet comprises of a set of arched with jali screens of different styles and patterns. All these said features adds additional beauty and attractiveness to this mosque when compared with other mosque of this region and rest of India. The local people give good respect to its architectural significance and have taken steps to preserve in its historical form in all means to a great extent.

Festivals

In Toli Mosque, all the festive days and religious important events are marked with grand celebration with full participation of the local residents and people from both the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Muslim people is large number attend the Friday prayer with lot of dedication and commitment in a religious manner.

Historical Significance

In 1671 AD, Toli Masjid or Damri Masjid was built during the region of Abdullah Qutb Shah by Mir Musa Khan Mahaldar. He used the assistance of the royal architect of Sultan Abdullah Qutub Shah and the architect Mecca Masjid of old city of Hyderabad for building this particular mosque. According to the historians and local legends, in the royal records known as "Gulzar-e-Asafia", there is a special chapter that mentions that while the royal architect was built in a successful manner Mecca Masjid, he was granted one damdi/damri (coin) out of each and every rupee spend on it. The collected sum of amount was thus used by Musa Khan in order to construct Toli Masjid. So this mosque is also known as Damri Masjid by the locals.