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Golconda
Fort Golconda
Fort is one of the most magnificent fortress complexes
in India. It is located on the outskirts of the city
of Hyderabad, the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh.
The history of Golconda Fort dates back to the early
13th century, when this south eastern part of the country
was ruled by the Kakatiyas. The bulk of the ruins of
this fort, date from the time of the Qutab Shahi kings,
who had ruled this area in the 16th and 17th century.
Golconda city remained the capital of the Qutab Shahis
from 1512 to 1590, from where they later shifted it
to Hyderabad. One of the most remarkable features of
Golconda, is its system of acoustics. The sounds of
hands clapped in the grand portico can be heard in the
Durbar Hall, at the very top of the hill. The tombs
of the Qutab Shahi kings, lie about one kilometre north
of the outer wall of Golconda. These graceful structures
are surrounded by landscaped gardens, with beautifully
carved stonework.
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| History
Of Golconda Fort Before
the city of Hyderabad was founded the Deccan was ruled
from Golconda fort. Founded originally by the Kakatiya's
in the 13th century the existing structure was expanded
by the Qutub Shahi kings into a massive fort with granite
walls and ramparts extending some 5-km in circumference.
The first three Qutub Shahi kings rebuilt Golconda,
over a span of 62 years. Shepherd's Hill" or "Golla
Konda", as it was popularly known in Telugu, has
an interesting story behind it. One fine day, on the
rocky hill called 'Mangalavaram', a shepherd boy came
across an idol. This was conveyed to the Kakatiya king,
who was ruling at that time. The king got a mud fort
constructed around the holy spot. Over a period of time
this lowly construction was expanded by the Qutub Shahi
kings into a massive fort of granite, which has been
a silent witness to many historic events.
A Well Planned Architecture
The magnificent architecture of the Golconda fort is
manifest in its acoustic system, the structural grandeur
of the palaces and ingenious water supply system. The
fort was famous for its diamond trade and the 'Kohinoor'
diamond is said to have come from here. One is perplexed
to see the meticulous details of the architecture and
the fading gardens, which were once upon a time replete
with sprawling lawns and playing fountains. Golconda
is built on a granite hill 120m high, and is surrounded
by crenulated ramparts constructed of large masonry
blocks weighing several tonnes. The design of the ventilation
reveals the brilliant planning of the architects; they
are designed to let in a flow of fresh cool breeze,
which is a respite from the heat of summer.
The massive gates are studded with large pointed iron
spikes to prevent elephants from battering them down.
The outer wall surrounding the entire township of Golconda,
is about 11-km long, and is strongly fortified. In its
heyday, the 10-km long road from Golconda to outer Hyderabad
was a fabulous market selling jewellery, diamonds, pearls
and other gems, which were famous all over the world.
The Sound & Light Show in Golconda Fort
A
new attraction at the fort is a sound and light show
that brings the legend of Golconda to life. With a spectacular
interplay of audio and visual effects, the story of
Golconda unfolds over centuries of splendour. The show
livens up the glorious past and it is an experience
worth watching. The show is presented in English, Hindi
and Telugu. |
