While exploring Hyderabad’s historic monuments one should not miss the historic ruined southern city of Golkonda or Gollakonda which literary means shepherd’s hill. Once a vibrant city but now losing its charm Golkonda is situated just 11 kilometres west of Hyderabad. You must have heard this name before as this place was world famous because of its precious diamond mines. World’s most precious diamonds till today were produced here. These include Hope Diamond, Idol’s Eye,The Kohinoor Diamond, Darya-I-Noor Diamond, etc. if you go into the history of this magnificent grand monument you come to know that that its inception date is somewhere around twelfth century. Isn’t it amazing to explore a structure that is standing for such a long period?The original Golkonda fort was built by Kakatiya Hindu Dynasty of Warangal in the early twelfth century in the year 1143. Then came the Islamic Bahmani Sultanate and after that the Qutub Shahi Dynasty who were known as builders as they changed the complete look of the fort and gave it a new impressive appearance with splendid architecture. The fourth Qutub King Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah was the most important contributor in the building of this grand structure. The entire dynasty of Qutub Shahi produced great builders at that time. After Qutub Shahi the structure fell to ruins with the fall of Shahi dynasty and went under Mughals in the year 1687.The various owners of Golkonda were as under:Kakatiya Dynasty (Hindu) (12th- 13th century) -> Islamic Bahmani Sultanate ->Qutub Shahi (1507-1590)->Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb (1687)->British ->Indian GovernmentThe fort was built on a 120 meters high granite hill surrounded by crenulated ramparts. The main features of the fort was exceptionally brilliant Acoustical system with which a sound made at the main entrance gate of fort can be heard at the top of citadel at a height of 300 feet or 91 metres on granite hill. The excellent defence system, water supply system, grand palaces, factories, tunnels, intricately carved Drbar hall, brilliant ventilation system, etc. Qutub Shahi Dynasty expanded the fort complex. They also built a seven kilometre outer wall for defence reasons. It is said that the Golkonda Fort has a vault that once stored the world famous diamonds Kohinoor and Hope along with other precious gems. The complex of Golkonda Fort is spread over an area of about eleven kilometres. It has many architectural structures like Pavillions, gates, entrances, domes, apartments, halls, temples, mosques, stables, graceful gardens, Rahban Cannon, etc. making it worth exploring to get a dip into the glorified history of Golkonda.Some of the structures in 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.
Just one kilometre in the north of the Golkonda’s outer wall situated the tombs of Emperors of Qutub Shahi Dynasty. These tombs are built in carved stones and surrounded by beautiful gardens.There is a light and sound show conducted here. It helps the visitors to know the glorifying history of Golkonda better.The timings of light and sound shows are as under:From November to February – 6.30 pm onwardsFrom March to October – 7.00 pm onwardsOn different days the shows are presented in different languages. On Wednesdays and Sundays shows are in English. On Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays shows are in Hindi while on Thursdays it is in Telugu. There can be changes in show languages thus it is advised to check before visiting if you want to attend the show in a specific language.Entry chargesVIP Ticket – Rs.100 for adults and Rs.75 for kidsNon VIP tickets – Rs. 50 for adults and Rs. 30 for kidsFort visiting timingsFrom 9.00 am to 5.00 pm everydayOpening daysThe fort is open for visit every day except on Mondays.Entrance chargesRs. 10 for Indian citizensRs. 100 for Foreign NationalsVideo camera chargesRs. 25Contact number+91-040-23512401RUCHI MAHAJAN