Golconda Fort also called Gol Konda, Golla Konda, or Shepherds Hill in Telugu is a fort in Hyderabad, Telangana state in India. Golconda was the capital of the medieval sultanate of the Qutb Shahi Empire (c. 1518–1687). It’s located 11 kilometers west of Hyderabad and epitomizes the luxurious “Nawabi” tradition of the time.

The area has produced a number of the world’s most well-known diamonds, together with the colorless Koh-i-Noor (now owned by the UK), Blue Hope (United States), pink Daria-i-Noor (Iran), and white Huh. Regent (France), Dresden Inexperienced (Germany), and the colorless Orlov (Russia), Nizam and Jacob (India), in addition to the now misplaced diamonds Florentine Yellow, Akbar Shah, and the Nice Mogul.

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Historical past

The Golconda area (Mankal) was dominated by the Kakatiyas from 1083 to 1323. The fort was constructed on a hill that was as soon as the territory of the Kakatiya king of Warangal in 1143 AD. In the course of the reign of King Pratap Rudra Deva, a shepherd instructed him to construct a fort on this hill. The king welcomed the concept and constructed a mud fort on a granite hill. That is the explanation why the fort couldn’t stand up to the invasion.

In 1336 the Musunuri leaders defeated the military of Muhammad bin Tughlaq and captured the Golconda. Musunuri Kapaya, who dominated the Golconda in 1364, ceded the area to the Bahmani Sultan Muhammad Shah as a part of the Treaty of Bhupathi. From then till 1512 it turned the capital of the Bahmani kingdom, after which it turned the capital of the Muslim kings Qutb Shahis.

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These 5 rulers turned impartial on account of the instability of the state:

Khasim led the Shaka royal dynasty to Bidar (1492 to 1609 AD).

Fatahullah-Imadul Mulk the Imad Shahi dynasty in Berabar (1490 to 1527 BC)

Ahmad Nizamul Nizam Shahi dynasty in Ahmednagar (1490 to 1663 A.D.)

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Yusuf Adil Shah (1490 to 1686) in Bijapur to the Adil Shahi dynasty

Sultan Quil (1518 to 1687) at Golconda to the Qutb Shahi dynasty

Qutb Shahi dynasty Golconda The fort was constructed over a interval of over 60 years and was fortified on a 120-meter-high black stone hill. The fort has a fringe of about 5 km together with towers. Golconda Fort was well-known for its diamond commerce through the time of the Nawabs. The world-famous Kohinoor, Orloff, Hope, and Pitt diamonds got here from the Paritala-Kollur mines inside the kingdom. The wealth of the place made the Nizams extraordinarily rich. The Nawabs’ rule resulted in 1687 with the victory of Aurangzeb. At the moment, Aurangzeb destroyed the Golconda fort to some extent.

Golconda Highlights

500 years have handed because the development of this fort. Golconda is a testomony to the Nawab’s rule and historical past, having survived many disasters and invasions over time. There are numerous exceptional constructions contained in the fort. In the course of the development of the fort 87 crescent towers have been constructed inside a radius of 10 km to guard it from enemies. Cannons can nonetheless be seen in a number of the towers.

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Golconda Fort nonetheless stands in splendor as we speak with 8 predominant lion gates, 4 towering bridges, many royal palaces, temples, and mosques. As soon as on the outskirts of Bhagyanagar, the Golconda is now an integral a part of the town, thriving as a heritage treasure. A number of the buildings discovered contained in the fort are Habshi Commons (Abyssian Arches), Ashlah Khana, Taramati Mosque, Ramdas Bandikhana, Camel Steady, Personal Room (KW), Mortuary Bathtub, Nagina Bagh, Ramsasa’s Kotha, Durbar Corridor, Amber Khan, and so on.

Superb acoustics

Based on phonology, a construction was constructed right here in order that these above would know instantly if anybody entered the fort illegally. Standing close to the construction and clapping, the sound may be heard as much as a kilometer above the fort. Constructed to guard towards enemies, the constructing has now grow to be a vacationer attraction. Vacationers get an odd feeling whereas standing right here and clapping.

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Ramadasu Jail

Lord Tanisha imprisoned Sri Ramadasu within the fort for constructing the Ramalaya in Bhadrachalam. Statues of Sitaram carved by Sri Ramadasu are nonetheless seen within the jail at the moment. Folks additionally pay homage to these idols. Vacationers visiting Golconda can’t go with out seeing the Ramadasu Dungeon.

Baradari

Baradari is a three-storied meeting corridor within the Golconda Fort. Wanting east from this pavilion, one can see the ruins of Charminar, the Mecca Mosque, and the Qutb Shah dynasty, the primary constructions within the metropolis. Seeing any supply like this makes one thing appear distinctive. On the higher flooring of the mandapa is the royal throne. From this place, the 30 miles of the town look lovely.

Mortuary Bathtub

This toilet may be seen on the best way in from the Balahisar Gate within the fort. Those that fill this room with water from the pond. Preparations have additionally been made for warm water and channels to come back right here. The royal household used to wash right here with scorching water when somebody died. It’s stated that this toilet is used solely in a very powerful circumstances.

Yellamma Devi

The Ellamma Devi Temple was constructed within the Golconda Fort through the reign of Tanisha and her elder sister Madanna. Bona festivals are held right here yearly through the month of Ashada. Massive numbers of individuals from the dual cities flock to view the truthful.

In the course of the Kakatiya interval, a statue of a shepherd goddess was discovered on the Golconda hill and the Kakatiya kings constructed a construction out of clay there. Occasions have handed however the idol of the goddess remains to be worshiped by the folks. Bonas is first supplied to the sellers on the Bonala Truthful.

Fateh Darwaza

One of many predominant sights of Golconda Fort is the Fateh Darwaza (Victory Gate), which was named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s seize of the fort after the siege of it for eight years. Aurangzeb’s victory over the Golconda Fort led to the demolition of its magnificent construction.

The Journey of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond and Different Diamonds

The realm was well-liked for its mines; So well-liked that they introduced prosperity to many rulers of Hyderabad together with the Nizams and Qutb Shahis. If some sources are to be believed, India was one of many locations the place diamonds have been mined throughout that interval. The area was well-known for its mines, particularly the Kollur mines, which extracted a number of the most treasured gems in historical past. Therefore, through the Kakatiya dynasty, Golconda steadily turned the middle of diamond cutters. It was additionally a spot the place treasured stones and gems have been offered available in the market right here. The Khans introduced prosperity to many rulers of Hyderabad, together with the Qutb Shahis and the Nizams.

Additionally, talking of coveted treasured stones, it’s believed that the well-known Kohinoor, Dariya-i-Noor, and Hope Diamond have been unearthed. The realm is dwelling to treasured diamonds such because the Hope diamond, the Nasak diamond, and the Koh-i-Noor diamond, one of the treasured gems in India.

The fort additionally has some historical temples constructed by the Kakatiya kings. Aside from Hindu temples, many mosques are additionally discovered right here.

Golconda is the biggest fort within the Deccan. It’s stated that there isn’t any different fort in South India with such architectural splendor, space, and selection. It’s inconceivable to rebuild such a fort inbuilt these days when there was no expertise. Golconda Fort is listed as an archaeological treasure by the Archaeological Survey of India on the official “Checklist of Monuments” ready beneath the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Websites and Stays Act. Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Charminar, and Thousand Pillar Temple in Hanamkonda have been nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage Website recognition.

Tons of of individuals go to the Golconda Fort day by day, which is magnificent in Italian and Persian kinds. After studying concerning the historical past of Golconda, you too is not going to really feel like visiting this place even as soon as. There are good transport amenities from everywhere in the nation to achieve Golconda. Golconda may be reached by practice, highway, and air in half-hour from Hyderabad by taxi or bus. Why not make Golconda a part of your vacation journey this time too late? Take historic experiences with you.

Golconda Fort Attention-grabbing Details

1. 425 years previous tree remains to be there –
   An African Baobab tree, which was additionally recognized by the native folks because the tree of Hatia, this tree comes into the brand new fort complicated. This tree is 425 years previous. It’s stated that Arabian merchants gifted it to Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah.
2. It was a brick fort that was later expanded –
   Golconda Fort was constructed by the Kakatiya rulers within the thirteenth century. Earlier it was solely a brick fort and later it was expanded.
3. The world well-known diamond –
   Darya-i-Noor, Noor-ul-Ain diamond, Kohinoor, Asha diamond, and Regent Diamond have been with the Sultan of Golconda earlier than leaving India.
4. Historic madman saved the town –
   As soon as upon a time, there was a madman, Majjub, who lived behind the Fateh Darwaza and guarded it. When Aurangzeb was making ready to enter the fort, he might by no means assault whereas this madman was there. Solely an officer of the Mughal military had requested him to go away the place in order that Aurangzeb might assault the fort.
5. Tali Maro Miyan –
   You possibly can simply hear the clap performed on the entrance of the fort within the Bala Hisar Theater of the fort, which is the topmost a part of the fort. It signifies two issues – both the intruder has are available in, or an emergency has occurred. It was additionally used in order that the folks of the royal household might know concerning the upcoming company.
6. Mahakali Temple is constructed on the topmost a part of the fort –
   Shri Jagadamba Mahakali Temple was constructed on the topmost a part of the fort. King Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah was very well-known amongst Hindus, Hindus additionally known as him by the identify of Malkabhiram.
7. This has impressed many movies like Shri Ram Dasu –
   Ram Dass was a income officer who was imprisoned by Abul Hasan Tanah Shah. As a result of he had misused the cash in constructing Badrachalam Shri Ram temple. It’s stated that Lord Ram had come within the dream of Tanah Shah and he had additionally compensated for the cash he had drowned to rescue Ram Dasu.
8. Mysterious tunnel and exit –
   It’s stated that there’s a mysterious tunnel on this fort that begins from the Durbar Corridor and leads out via the bottom a part of the fort. This tunnel was utilized by the folks of the royal household to exit in emergency instances however this tunnel has by no means been seen at current.
9. Voice and Gentle Present –
   The attractive voice and lightweight present right here is the primary level of attraction for the viewers. By this, the tales of the kings, love, and historical past are advised. This scene is a must-watch!!!
10. This fort impressed three locations with comparable names within the USA, first Arizona, second Illinois, and third Nevada –
    The mining city can be in Golconda, Arizona and as we speak it’s known as a ghost city, the identify of that place is Golconda It was positioned simply after the fort.

Prompt Learn: Charminar – Hyderabad’s 4 towers