As Golconda is strategically located in the peninsular part of India, it acquired prominence on the political map of India when the Kakatiya rulers built Mangalawaram or Mankal, a mud fort in Golconda in 1143. The glory of the Golconda fort grew under the rulers of the Bahamani kingdom when they took over this fort in 1364. In 1507, Quli Qutab Shah founded the kingdom of Golconda and turned the mud fort into a strong fortress.
Golconda Fort has a strange savage grandeur to which the mammoth boulders on the surrounding hills contribute a rugged and eerie charm. From the top of the acropolis, the walls of Golconda appear meandering nearly four miles in circumference with 87 semi-circular bastions, eight gateways and four drawbridges, further secured by a deep moat running below the awesome ramparts. Later on, an irregular rhombus with a rough pentagon (known as the Naya Quila) was added to its northeastern side. Aurangzeb completely destroyed the fort in 1687 and left it in a heap of pathetic ruins. Huge cannons can still be seen mounted at a few vantage points.
The defense architecture at Golconda was so strong that it could face any known artillery attack of the 17th century. Golconda actually consists of four distinct forts joined together. The lowest of these is the outermost enclosure that can be entered through the Fateh Darwaza (victory gate, so called after Aurangzeb’s triumphant army marched in through this gate and destroyed the entire fort in 1687) near the southeastern corner. It is a vast tract covered with mansions of nobles, bazaars, temples, mosques, soldiers’ barracks, powder magazines, stables, etc.
Golconda fort has a number of imposing gateways. The Fateh Darwaza (victory gate) is a marvel of architecture and is known for its acoustics. A clap of hands at the portico is heard at the Balahisar Baradari (a wind-swept pavilion) on top of the acropolis. This acted as the warning note to residents in case of danger, though it is now a mere amusing diversion to visitors. Most of the massive bastions still uphold cannons left behind by the Qutab Shahis and Mughal forces. The Fateh Rahbir canon (guide to victory) was mounted by Aurangzeb on the Pethla Burj where it stands as reminder of the Mughal emperor’s determination to conquer Golconda. The Balahisar Darwaza is the most impressive gateway of this fort and is guarded by statues of mythical beasts and lions. From the Balahisar Darwaza starts the uphill ascent of some 380 uneven stone steps.
RSS Feeds 