Toli Masjid


Toli Masjid, also known as Damri Masjid, is a mosque in Karwan, Hyderabad, India. It is 2 km from the Golconda fort on the way to Charminar. Built by Mir Musa Khan Mahaldar during the reign of Abdullah Qutb Shah in. This mosque is INTACH awarded and a declared heritage site by Archaeological Survey of India. On scale of architecture Toli Mosque ranks next after Mecca Masjid, Hyderabad, India.

History

Built by Mir Musa Khan Mahaldar in 1671 AD during the rule of Sultan Abdullah Qutub Shah, it is one of the finest examples of Qutub Shahi architecture. He used architect Mecca Masjid of Hyderabad and royal architect of Sultan Abdullah Qutub Shah.
There is a chapter in the royal records called the "Gulzar-e-Asafia." It mentions that when the royal architect was building Mecca Masjid, he was given one damri/damdi out of every rupee spent on it. The sum of money thus collected was used by Musa Khan to construct the Toli Masjid. Hence, this masjid is also called Damri Masjid.

Architecture

The mosque is built on a raised platform with a high plinth, divided into two halls, the outer one having five-arched openings, among five outer arches the central arch is the largest and most decorated. The central arch is a bit wider and more ornate than the remaining four.
The inscription in the prayer hall reveals that Musa Khan built the mosque. The Musa Burj of the Golconda fort is also his work.

Deterioration

According to The Hindu, the land around the Toli Masjid had been encroached by the local residents under political influence, and due to pollution and lack of maintenance the mosque minarets are losing its carved beauty.

Gallery