Golconda Fort

Reflecting the glorious history of Golconda, a ruined city of Andhra Pradesh, Golconda Fort stands as an imposing architectural marvel. Its history dates back to the 12th century when it was initially built as a mud fort by the Kakatiya rulers. Later, in the 16th century, it was transformed into a magnificent granite structure by the Qutub Shahi rulers. Both its historical significance and architectural splendor deserve special mention. Situated atop a 120 m high granite hill, the fort is a must-visit attraction of Andhra Pradesh. The exterior and interior of the fort vividly reflect the grandeur of the Nawabi era.

The fort derives its name from the Telugu word ‘Golla Konda,’ meaning ‘Shepherd’s Hill.’ According to legend, a shepherd boy once discovered an idol on the hill. Upon learning of this, the then Kakatiya ruler decided to build a mud fort on the sacred site where the idol was found. The fort complex comprises four distinct forts, encompassing 87 semi-circular bastions (some still mounted with cannons), eight gateways, four drawbridges, temples, mosques, halls, and royal apartments. The outer wall of the fort stretches for nearly 10 km.

Among all the gateways, the Fateh Darwaza, also known as the Victory Gate, deserves special mention. It is studded with massive iron spikes, which were designed as a defensive measure to prevent elephants from breaching the fort walls. The fort is also renowned for its remarkable acoustic system. A hand clap at a specific point beneath the dome of this gate reverberates and can be clearly heard at the Bala Hisar pavilion, the highest point of the fort, located about 1 km away. This ingenious technique was used as a warning system during enemy attacks.

Another fascinating feature of the fort is the secret underground tunnel, which begins at the Durbar Hall and is believed to lead to the foothills outside the fort. Visitors can also explore the beautifully carved tombs of the Qutub Shahi kings located nearby. To help tourists understand the rich legacy of Golconda, a light and sound show is organized at the fort by Andhra Pradesh Tourism in three languages—Hindi, Telugu, and Urdu.

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