CHAPPIDI ABHIRATH REDDY,
C/O COL GKS REDDY,
I, along with some friends visited Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, on 06 Oct 2014 and it was an exciting experience, to go through what remains of the Ruins, after the damage sustained by the Fort during the seize of the by Mughul Emperor Aurangzeb and subsequent fighting that reportedly continued for eleven months, before the Fort was over powered and captured in the year 1687. Photographs in the blog have been taken by Mr Srinivasa Reddy, a friend of mine
Hyderabad (i/ˈhaɪdərəˌbæd/ hy-dər-ə-bad; often /ˈhaɪdrəˌbæd/)
is the fourth largest city in India and capital city of the Indian state of Telangana in South India. Currently, Hyderabad is also the
capital city for Andhra Pradesh, as per the Andhra
Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, an arrangement that is scheduled
to last for a maximum of ten years. Hyderabad occupies 650 square kilometres
(250 sq mi), along the banks of the Musi River a tributary of Krishna River, it has a
population of about 6.8 million and
ametropolitan population of about 7.75 million,
making it the fourth
most populous city and sixth most populous urban agglomeration in India.
A Survey by Telangana State Government, 'Samagra kutumba survey' on August 19,
2014, reveals that Hyderabad's population has crossed 12 million. At an average
altitude of 542 metres (1,778 ft), much of Hyderabad is situated on hilly
terrain around artificial lakes, including Hussain Sagar—predating the city's founding—north
of the then city centre.
Established
in 1591 by Muhammad Quli Qutb
Shah, Hyderabad remained under the rule of the Qutb Shahi dynasty for nearly a century before the Mughals captured
the region. In 1724, Mughal viceroy Asif Jah I declared his sovereignty and created
his own dynasty, also known as the Nizams of Hyderabad.
The Hyderabad State ultimately became a princely state during British rule, and remained so for 150 years,
with the city serving as its capital. The city continued as capital of a new Hyderabad State after the Nizam acceded to the Indian Union in
1948. In 1956, it became the capital of Andhra Pradesh, formed by merging
Telangana region of Hyderabad State with the Telugu-speaking Andhra State. In June 2014, after Telangana
state was carved out of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad became part of Telangana
state and the joint capital of both states. Relics of Qutb Shahi and Nizam rule
remain visible today, with the Charminar—commissioned by Muhammad Quli Qutb
Shah himself—coming to symbolise Hyderabad. Golconda fort
is also a major landmark of Hyderabad. That legacy is also evident in the
city's distinctive cuisine,
which includes Hyderabadi biriyani and Hyderabadi haleem. The Qutb Shahis and Nizams
established Hyderabad as a cultural hub, attracting men of letters from
different parts of the world. Hyderabad emerged as the foremost centre of
culture in India with the decline of the Mughal Empire in the mid-19th century,
with artists migrating to the city from the rest of the Indian subcontinent.
While Hyderabad is losing its cultural pre-eminence, it is today, due to the Telugu film industry,
the country's second-largest producer of motion pictures.
Hyderabad
was historically known as a pearl and diamond trading centre, and it continues
to be known as the City of Pearls. Many of the city's traditional bazaars, including Laad Bazaar, Begum Bazaar and Sultan Bazaar, have remained open for
centuries. However, industrialisation throughout the 20th century has also attracted major Indian
manufacturing, research and financial institutions, including the Bharat
Heavy Electricals Limited, National
Geophysical Research Institute and
the Centre
for Cellular and Molecular Biology. Special economic
zones dedicated to information
technology have
encouraged companies from across India and around the world to set up
operations and the emergence of pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in the 1990s led to the
title of Genome Valley. With an output of US$74 billion, Hyderabad is the
fifth-largest contributor to India's overallgross domestic
product.
Golconda Fort
Introduction
Golconda, also
known as Golkonda or Golla konda ("shepherd's hill"), a
ruined fort of Southern India and capital of medieval Golconda Sultanate (c.1518–1687), is situated 11 km west of Hyderabad. It is also a mandal of Hyderabad
District. The region is universally famous for the mines that have
produced the world's most famous and coveted gems, including the Hope Diamond, The Eye of the Idol (aka the Nassak Diamond).
History
The Golconda fort was first
built by Kakatiya as part of their western defenses. It was built in 945 CE-970
CE on the lines of the Kondapalli fort. The
city and fortress are built on a granite hill that is 120 meters (400 ft)
high and is surrounded by massivecrenelated ramparts. The fort was rebuilt and
strengthened by Pratapa Rudra of Kakatiya dynasty. The fort was further strengthened by Musunuri Nayaks who overthrew the Tughlak army
occupying Warangal. The fort was ceded by the Musunuri chief, Kapaya Nayaka to
the Bahmanis as part of the treaty in 1364 AD. The fort became the capital of a major
province in the Sultanate and after its collapse the capital of the Qutb Shahi kings. The fort finally fell into
ruins after a siege and its fall to Mughal emperorAurangazeb in 1687 AD.
After
the collapse of the Bahmani Sultanate,
Golkonda rose to prominence as the seat of the Qutb Shahi dynasty around 1507.
Over a period of 62 years the mud fort was expanded by the first three Qutb
Shahi kings into a massive fort of granite, extending around 5 km
incircumference.
It remained the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty until 1590 when the capital
was shifted to Hyderabad. The Qutb Shahis expanded the
fort, whose 7 km outer wall enclosed the city. The state became a focal
point for Shia Islam in India, for instance, in the 17th century, Bahraini clerics, Sheikh Ja`far bin Kamal
al-Din and Sheikh Salih Al-Karzakani both emigrated to Golkonda.
The Fort (Golconda)
Golkonda consists of four distinct forts with a 10 km long outer wall
with 87 semicircular bastions (some still mounted with cannons), eight gateways, and four drawbridges, with a number of royal apartments & halls, temples, mosques,
magazines, stables, etc. inside. The lowest of these is the outermost enclosure into which we enter by the
"Fateh Darwaza" (Victory gate, so called after Aurangzeb’s triumphant army marched in through this gate) studded with giant iron spikes (to prevent elephants from battering them down) near the
south-eastern corner. At Fateh Darwaza can be experienced a fantastic acoustic effect, characteristic of the engineering marvels at Golkonda. A hand clap at a
certain point below the dome at the entrance reverberates and can be heard clearly at the 'Bala
Hisar' pavilion, the highest point almost a kilometre away. This
worked as a warning note to the royals in case of an attack.
The whole of the Golkonda Fort
complex and its surrounding spreads across 11 km of total area, and
discovering its every nook is an arduous task. A visit to the fort reveals the
architectural beauty in many of the pavilions, gates, entrances and domes.
Divided into four district forts, the architectural valour still gleams in each
of the apartments, halls, temples, mosques, and even stables. The graceful
gardens of the fort may have lost their fragrance, for which they were known
400 years ago, yet a walk in these former gardens should be in your schedule
when exploring the past glories of Golkonda Fort.
Bala Hissar Gate is the main entrance
to the fort located on the eastern side. It has a pointed arch bordered by rows
of scroll work. The spandrels have yalis and decorated roundels. The area above the door has peacocks with ornate
tails flanking an ornamental arched niche. The granite block lintel below has
sculpted yalis flanking a disc. The design of peacocks and lions is a blend of
Hindu – Muslim architecture.
Toli Masjid, situated at Karwan, about 2 km from the Golkonda fort, was built in
1671 by Mir Musa Khan Mahaldar, royal architect of Abdullah Qutb Shah. The
facade consists of five arches, each with lotus medallions in the spandrels. The
central arch is slightly wider and more ornate. The mosque inside is divided
into two halls, a transverse outer hall and an inner hall entered through
triple arches.
Much thought went into building this
gate. A few feet in front of the gate is a large wall. This prevented elephants
and soldiers (during enemy attacks) from having a proper ramp to run and break
the gate.
The fort of Golkonda is known for its
magical acoustic system. The highest point of the fort is the "Bala
Hissar", which is located a kilometer away. The palaces, factories, water
supply system and the famous "Rahban" cannon, within the fort are
some of the major attractions.
It is believed that there is a secret
underground tunnel that leads from the "Durbar Hall" and ends in one
of the palaces at the foot of the hill. 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. They are encircled by beautiful
gardens and numerous exquisitely carved stones. It is also believed that there
was a secret tunnel to Charminar.
The two individual pavilions on the
outer side of Golkonda are also major attractions of the fort. It is built on a
point which is quite rocky. The "Kala Mandir" is also located in the
fort. It can be seen from the king's durbar (king's court) which was on top of
the Golkonda Fort.
The other buildings found inside the
fort are :
Habshi Kamans (Abyssian arches),
Ashlah Khana, Taramati mosque, Ramadas Bandikhana, Camel stable, private
chambers (kilwat), Mortuary bath, Nagina bagh, Ramasasa's kotha, Durbar hall,
Ambar khana etc.
This majestic structure has beautiful
palaces and an ingenious water supply system. Sadly, the unique architecture of the fort is now losing its charm.
The ventilation of the fort is
absolutely fabulous having exotic designs. They were so intricately designed
that cool breeze could reach the interiors of the fort, providing a respite
from the heat of summer.
The Huge gates of the fort are
decorated with large pointed iron spikes. These spikes prevented Elephants from
damaging the fort. The fort of Golkonda is encircled by an 11-km-long outer
wall. This was built in order to fortify the fort.
The Pavilions Outside Bala Hissar Gate
Just outside Bala Hissar Gate ( About 50 metres away), are located two imposing pavilions, on either side of the road leading to the Gate
The Northern Pvillion, just outside the Bala Hissar Gate,
the Main Eastern Entrance to Golconda Fort
The Southern Pavilion, outside Bala Hissar Gate
The Bala Hissar Gate in the Background, with Huge Wall in front,
to prevent the enemy from rushing the Gate
Another view of the Bala Hissar Gate and the Protective Defence Wall i Front
A view of Bala Hissar Gate from across the Protective Defence Wall
Signalling Device
Generally known as clapping Portico, This
structure which is the rear portion of Bala Hissar Gate, is marked by high raised ceiling and arched openings, it works as a
signalling device to communicate (Alert) with the persons located at the
Baradari (Darbar Hall), about a kilometre away and not in the line of sight.
Signalling Device located on the roof of Clapping Portico
Another view of the signalling device
A panoramic view of the Central Fort Wall and structures, from the lawn
just behind Bala Hissar Gate. The Fort has three tiers of Defence walls,
Outer, Central and the Inner Fort Walls. Bala Hissar Gate is the entrance
through the Outer Fort Wall
Another view of the Central Fort Wall and structures
AsLah Khana
One of
the Imposing Structures of Bala Hissar, this three storied structure consists,
a row of Arches in each floor, marked by a large hall and perhaps, it was used
as a Magazine to store weapons and Ammunition. It was constructed in 16 th Century AD
A view of Aslah Khana - The Armoury of the Fort
Another view of Aslah Khana
Nakkar Khana
The remains of this place, comprise a mini
complex of palatial buildings with courtyards and different chambers. Recent
excavations at this place have brought to light, the remains of a main junction
connected by different drain water channels.
A view of Nakkar Khana and the Structures
Another view of Nakkar Khana from a different angle
Taramati
Mosque
This beautiful Mosque known as Taramati’s Mosque, is a good example of Qutub
Shahi Architecture. It is marked by three arches, with the central being larger
than the rest. The Parapet wall with a Chhajja of the Hindu Architectural pattern is embellished by square
openings
A view of Taramati Mosque
The rear view of Aslah Khana from the lawns (previously Beautiful Gardens)
located in front of the Rani Mahal Complex
Rani Mahal Complex
This Multi Storied complex in the
Balahissar is the largest one comprising many buildings, chambers and
structures of different nature, built during different phases of Qutub Shahi
Rule.
One of the buildings in the Front row of Rani Mahal Complex,
located to the East of the Central Entrance
The Central entrance to Rani Mahal Complex and the building to the West of it
A close view of the Entrance to Rani Mahal Complex,
located in the centre of the Front Row
A view of the Corridor leading to the Inner Courtyard of Rani Mahal Complex
A Rear View of the Rani Mahal Complex Entrance and the
buildings on either side from the Inner Courtyard
A view of the buildings beyond the inner courtyard
(Southern side of Courtyard) of Rani Mahal Complex
A Panoramic view of the Central & Inner Fort Walls and the Baradari
(Darbar Hall), perched on Top from the Rani Mahal Complex Courtyard
A closer view of Central & Inner Fort Walls and Darbar Hall from
Rani Mahal Complex
A Panoramic view of the Outer Fort Wall & the City beyond,
Aslah Khana to the Left, Rani Mahal Complex to the Right
and the Lawns in the Centre from the Path leading to Central Fort Wall
A closer rear view of Aslah Khana and the Lawns, from
the path leading to Central Fort Wall
A view of the Western Flank of Rani Mahal complex from
the Path leading to Central Fort Wall
A panoramic View of Rani Mahal Complex & other structures and
the City Beyond, from near the Central Fort Wall
Another view of Rani Mahal Complex & other structures from near the central Fort Wall
The entrance through the Central Fort Wall
The Northern Shoulder of the Central Fort Wall Entrance, where Natural
Rocks were made use of to further strengthen the Fortifications
Note:- The information about the places visited has been Extracted from Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia.
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