Medieval Archaeology And Historical Reconstruction: A Case Study of Qutṭb Shāhī Tombs

Abstract

History as a discipline studies the actions of the past and tries to understand the formation of future courses of actions in society. Historians study actions as developments in the context of society. In his endeavour for search of truth he is also guided by the growth of knowledge in different relevant areas of science. Archaeology is one of the disciplines whose findings help the historian in establishing the co-relation of truth with past society. It seeks to promote ‘a better understanding of past human behaviour through the study of the physical remains associated with any such behaviour’. An attempt has been made in the article to understand the level of technology prevalent in medieval India and its incorporation into the building construction and garden culture followed during that period of time. For this purpose the study of the Qutb Shāhī tomb complex has been undertaken and understood through principles of medieval archaeology. It also shows the involvement of nature in meeting the requirements of the time. Rain-water harvesting techniques, which are in much demand today, were followed to fulfil one’s necessity. Hence, these monuments, which are evidence of the past, act as a live connection between the past and the present. Not only to students of history but to the public in general, they arouse curiosity in the minds and need to be conserved and preserved for the coming generations.