Previous Year Question

Abul Hasan Qutb Shah, also known as Tana Shah, was the last ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty of Golconda. He ruled from 1672 to 1687 CE.

The capital of the Qutb Shahi kingdom was initially Golconda, while Hyderabad later emerged as its major political centre. In the 17th century, the kingdom was extremely prosperous because of its trade in diamonds, pearls, steel for weapons and textiles.

Aurangzeb's Deccan policy aimed at incorporating independent Deccan kingdoms such as Bijapur and Golconda into the Mughal Empire. After the conquest of Bijapur in 1686 CE, Aurangzeb turned his attention towards Golconda.

Aurangzeb besieged Golconda in 1687 CE. The fort resisted the Mughal army for several months. Because of the strong fortifications and adequate supplies within Golconda, the Mughals were initially unable to succeed.

Finally, on 21 September 1687 CE, the Mughal army succeeded in entering the Golconda fort. With this, the independent authority of the Qutb Shahi kingdom came to an end and Golconda was annexed to the Mughal Empire.

Abul Hasan Qutb Shah was taken prisoner and confined in the fort of Daulatabad. He thus became the last ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty.

Sikandar Adil Shah was the last ruler of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, while Ali Adil Shah II also belonged to the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur. Shayasta Khan was a Mughal officer, not the ruler of Golconda.

Hence, when Aurangzeb captured Golconda in 1687 CE, its ruler was Abul Hasan Qutb Shah.