[1]It’s a protected monument, supposedly under the State Archeological Department’s care, but Mulla Abul Malik’s Tomb lies in shambles, with weeds and plants sprouting up from it. Ironically, the department has even displayed a board on the premises, explaining the importance of the structure and the need for its protection. The rules state that no construction can be done within a 30-m radius of a protected monument, but the structure is surrounded chock-a-block by buildings.
The domed structure, going back to Qutub Shahi times is located adjacent to the Khairatabad mosque and is designated a tomb even though there isn’t any because it was built for the burial of Abul Malik. Mulla Abul Malik was the tutor of Khairunisa Begum, the daughter of Sultan Muhammed Qutub Shah, the sixth ruler of Golconda. The reason for its being devoid of any grave is that it was built by Abul Malik for self-burial, but he died during Haj pilgrimage in Mecca. The space thus remains vacant.
The archeology department officials said that though it was a protected monument, the department lacked funds for the upkeep of each and every monument in the city. Dr Mohammed Safiullah, historian, said the condition of monuments in the city was lamentable, and this was particularly ironical as the city was celebrating Heritage Week while almost all its heritage structures were in a state of disrepair. “There should be a separate package and policy from the government on heritage protection without which, there is no point in celebrating,” he added.
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[1] http://103.241.136.51/23mulla-malikjpgcropdisplayjpg-222