Most of the forts of India are located in Rajasthan. But one of the most beautiful fort named Golconda Fort is located in Hyderabad India, and was the capital of the medieval sultanate of the Qutb Shahi dynasty (c.1518–1687), is situated 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) west of Hyderabad. This historic fort derives its name from the Telugu word “Golla Konda” which means Shepherd’s hill. The fort stands on a 400 ft high hill and was initially built by the Kakatiya dynasty in the twelfth century. The fort is considered as a hallmark of excellence in military architecture. Golconda Fort is one of the grandest forts in India.
Founded as early as in the 12th century, the Golconda Fort was constructed by the Kakatias rulers who belonged to Warangal.The mighty Golkonda fort was turned into a mightier one by the Qutub Shahi kings with addition of granite walls and fortifications extending it circumference to around 5 kms. India’s most impressive forts, boasting 87 semicircular bastions and eight mighty gates, complete with gruesome elephant-proof spikes. It was once a city of diamond trade and hence some brilliant gems like the Koh-i-Noor and the Darya-i-Noor were excavated from the mines around Golkonda.
Golkonda was originally known as Mankal and built on a hilltop in the year 1143. Golkonda Fort was first built by the Kakatiya dynasty as part of their western defense along the lines of the Kondapalli Fort. It was originally a mud fort but was later reconstructed in stone. This was done by Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah Wali , the fourth Qutub king of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. The area eventually became a heated battleground between three kingdoms, finally culminating in the victory of the Islamic Bahmani Sultanate and the fort became a capital of a major province of the Sultanate. The Qutb Shahis expanded the fort, whose 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) outer wall enclosed the city. The fort finally fell into ruin in 1687, after a year long siege leading to its fall at the hands of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
The Golkonda Fort used to have a vault where once the famous Koh-i-Noor and Hope diamonds were stored along with other diamonds. Golkonda’s mines yielded many diamonds. Golkonda was the market city of the diamond trade, and gems sold there came from a number of mines. Magnificent diamonds were taken from the mines in the region surrounding Golkonda, including the Daria-i-Noor or “Sea of Light”, at 185 carats (37.0 g), the largest and finest diamond of the crown jewels of Iran.
It has 87 semi circular bastions which are 50 to 60 geet high. The fort also contains the tombs of the Qutub Shahi kings. These tombs have Islamic architecture and are located about 1 km north of the outer wall of Golkonda. The Golkonda fort is divided into four distinct forts. The exceptional architecture still shines through in each of the apartments, halls, temples, mosques and even the stables.The important structures inside the fort are the striking Silai Khana, a three-storied armory building, Nagina Bagh, guide lines, Akkanna-Madanna Offices, Ramdas jail, Darbar hall and a Masjib founded by Ibrahim Qutub Shah. Moreover, the fort also has an ingeniously evolved water supply system. The Victory Gate. It is called so as it is through this gate that Aurangzeb marched in with his army after his victory. This humongous gate is laden with huge iron spikes which proved helpful in saving it from being knocked down by elephants.
Its architecture is also the embodiment of Nawabi culture and style. The eastern gateway is the biggest gate and the only entrance open to visitors now. Constructed on a hill, this intelligently planned architectural splendor has excellent ventilation which used to be a huge respite during the summers for the royals. It derives too many visitors from different different regions of the world and India. Tourists loves to visit this place. After char minar in Hyderabad , Golconda Fort is the 2nd Most Famous place of Hyderabad.
How To Reach:
By Air: Hyderabad has international airport, Flight from all major city of India and as well as from abroad comes.
By Rail: Hyderabad is headquarter of South Central Railway, which is well connected to all major city of India.
By Road: Hyderabad is capital city which is well connected to all major city of India by road.
ImageCopyright by commons.wikimedia.org