Golconda Fort is located
in the western part of Hyderabad city and is about 9 km from the Hussain Sagar
Lake. The outer fort occupies an area of three square kilometers, which is 4.8
kilometers in length. It was originally known as Mankal, and built on a hilltop
in the year 1143. It was originally a mud fort under the reign of Rajah of
Warangal. Later it was fortified between 14th and 17th centuries by the Bahmani
Sultans and then the ruling Qutub Shahi dynasty. Golconda was the principal
capital of the Qutub Shahi kings. The inner fort contains ruins of palaces,
mosques and a hill top pavilion, which rises about 130 meters high and gives a
bird’s eye view of other building. Golconda
fort is undoubtedly one of most magnificent fortress complexes in India. The
history of Golconda Fort goes back to early 13th century, when it was ruled by
the Kakatiya’s followed by Qutub Shahi kings, who ruled the region in 16th and
17th century. The fortress rests on a granite hill 120 meters high while
huge crenellated ramparts surround this structure.
It was
initially called Shepherd’s Hill, meaning Golla Konda in Telugu while according
to legend, on this rocky hill a shepherd boy had come across an idol and the
information was conveyed to the ruling Kakatiya king at that time. The king
constructed a mud fort around this holy spot and after 200 years, Bahamani
rulers took possession of the place. Later the Qutub Shahi kings converted this
into massive granite fort extending 5km in circumference. The fort is considered
a mute witness to historic events. The Qutub Shahis reign at Golconda ended in
1687 when it was run over by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who intentionally left
it in ruins
Golconda
still boasts of mounted cannons, four drawbridges, eight gateways, and majestic
halls, magazines, stables etc. The outermost enclosure is called Fateh Darwaza
meaning Victory gate, after Aurangzeb’s army marched successfully through this
gate. At Fateh Darwaza one can witness fantastic acoustical effects, which is
one among the many famous engineering marvels at Golconda. Clapping your hand
at a certain point near the dome entrance reverberates which is heard clearly
at the hill top pavilion, almost one kilometer away. This served as a warning
note to the inhabitants of the fort of any impending danger, Ofcourse it now
amuses visitors. The fort gains an impressive place among the architectural
marvels and heritage structures of India and is a testimony to Hyderabad’s
glorious past.
Golconda fort is located
at a distance of nearly 11 km from Hyderabad and is accessible by road.
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