The historic Konda Masjid in Khila Warangal (Warangal Fort) in Warangal, Telangana town is in need of immediate attention.
Warangal famous for its Kakatiya reign has remnants of several structures that were built at different historical times. The structures built during the Kakatiya reign are famous and are popular tourist destinations. But many of the iconic structures from these period are being ignored by the authorities.
One such structure is the Konda Masjid, now hidden behind the houses that have come up in the area. Though it is just 200 metres from the Warangal fort and right behind Kush Mahal, it is off the radar of tourists as well as officials. As a result, it has become a place for locals to defecate, and for the illegal activities.
According to the historians the structure of Konda Masjid is completely made of stone and was built after the death of Prataparudra. It has 40 pillars as tall as 20 feet set in four rows. The architecture, arches between the pillars resemble those in the Sithabh Khan Mahal.
Ancient texts suggest that the masjid was built by Ulugh Khan, the brother of Alauddin Khijli, one of the most powerful rulers of the Delhi sultanate, before he returned to Delhi. It was a gift for the Thurushka sardars to offer their namaz.
It is believed that the beautiful architecture was meant for concentration during namaz. In fact Konda masjid found a mention in the book ‘Kreedabhiramam’ written in the early 14th century by Vinukonda Vallabharayudu.
The structure comes under the limits of the Archaeological Survey of India but it has not made efforts to maintain it. Locals appealed to the authorities to develop the structure into a tourist attraction. Cleaning the surroundings, gardening, fencing the area and an information board would ensure that tourist visit the mosque.
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