Golconda Fort: Exploring the Secrets of Historic Fortress

About Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort is a fortification on the outskirts of Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It is about 12 km from Hyderabad city center. Golconda Fort ramparts will greet you as soon as you enter the fort zone. Then the fort is only about a km away.

Historical Background of Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort was originally called Mankal. Prataparudra, the ruler of Kakatiya of Warangal, built this fort out of mud walls around the 11th century. According to legend, a shepherd unearthed an idol in the area, and the Kakatiya ruler built a fort around it. As a result, the castle received the name ‘Golla Konda,’ which translates to “Shepherd Hill” in Telugu. Later, Sultan Quli of the Qutb Shahi empire converted the Golconda Fort into a fortified citadel in 1518. It was the capital of the Golconda Sultans. This is one of the historical forts that thrived as a Golconda diamond trade center. Following the rule of the Kakatiyas, this fort was occupied by Golconda, Bahamani Sultans, and the Mughals.

Exploring the Golconda Fort

The entrance point of the Golconda Fort is the Bala Hissar gate. Within the fort are the Nagina Bagh, Darbar Hall, Taramati mosque, Ramdas prison, Jagadamba temple, Private chambers or Kilawat, Mortuary bath, Rani Mahal, Habshi Kamans, Ambar Khana, and many other structures. Golconda Fort will take roughly four hours to explore.

Golconda Fort Layout

As you approach the Golconda Fort entry gate, you’ll notice another massive entrance citadel that isn’t visible from the entry gate. There appears to be only one big gateway on the eastern side of the entry gate, however, upon closer inspection, you will notice the fort’s actual entry gate. It is created in this manner to mislead intruders.

Because Golconda Fort is a roundabout, after visiting all of the major sites, you can return to the starting point by taking either the left or right path. If you turn left, you will follow the path of Nagina Bagh, Akkanna Madanna offices, Ramdas Prison, Ibrahim Mosque, Jagadamba Mahakali temple, Darbar Hall, Taramati Mosque, Silah Khana, and the Palace complex.

Clapping Portico

Following the entrance gate is an acoustic clapping portico beneath the dome. During the Qutb Shahi time, the clapping effect could be heard resonating within the entry door at an angle in the porch center to the people in Darbar Hall. It was once used as a signaling device to communicate with people on Baradari in order to warn royal dignitaries. But, the effect at the other end is no longer audible. The sound effect, however, is only audible within the concentric radius in front of the door. Another unique feature is that the sound is inaudible from outside the circle, even if you are standing close by.

This sound effect originates from a technology used to construct the fort. The main building blocks for the fort’s construction were clay pots and pans. The diamond-shaped crests on the roof and the arches leading to the outer court gradually narrow, causing the sound to compress before being amplified and traveling up to one km to the fortress hill. The sound rebounds from one end to the other, never losing strength.

Nagina Bagh

Nagina bagh translates as “the Jewel among the Gardens.” It is designed in the Mughal garden style, with a square layout divided into quadrants by paved pathways. A Murdha gate, an amla garden, and a small well are nearby. This garden was once a marketplace for trading precious diamond jewelry. Hence it got the name Nagina Bagh.

Ramdas Prison

Ramdas prison is a small structure with only one entrance on the north side. Originally intended as a storehouse, it was converted into a prison during the reign of Abdul Hasan Qutub.

Jagadamba Mahakali Temple

The Jagadamba Mahakali temple is located near the top of the prison. This temple is active, with daily pooja.

Darbar Hall

Darbar Hall is at the pinnacle of the Golconda Fort. It is a two-story structure with open terraces and an audience hall. The audience halls, known as Diwani-I-Khas and Diwnai-Am, are on the lower two stories. The terrace of this hall offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding city and a small lake. The audience hall has a small refreshment shop at the bottom of Darbar Hall. Water bottles, cold drinks, snacks, and other items are available at this store. There are benches around the audience hall where you can sit and relax after climbing through the fort and admire the scenery.

Kilawat

Kilawat, a royal private chamber, is the citadel’s most ornate architectural unit. It is a two-story structure with a north opening.

Rani Mahal

Rani Mahal is the largest structure in the complex, which contains numerous dwellings, chambers, and structures. This is because they were constructed at different times during Qutub Shahi’s reign. The highlight of the Rani Mahal is its acoustic specialty. We can hear each other if we whisper at one end of the hall, which was once a secret communication method.

Mortuary Bath

The mortuary bath has its chamber. This was used to bathe the dead bodies of the royals ceremonially. It is an abundant structure in the Persian and Turkish bath styles. It had separate cisterns for hot and cold water that flowed through concealed terracotta conducts to ensure a steady supply of water.

If you like reading about ruined historical forts, you might enjoy reading our post on the Kittur Fort in Karnataka.

How To Reach Golconda Fort

Travel Tips To Visit Golconda Fort

• The Golconda Fort is open daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm.
• At the ticket counter, the entry fee per person is 25 rupees. You can also book the tickets via online platforms for 20 rupees.
• Certified guides are available at the entrance. Even if you do not intend to hire them, they are very friendly and will guide you until the opening gate, show you the Golconda Fort maps, and demonstrate the clapping sound effect near the entrance. If you prefer, you can hire them later or go exploring on your own.
• Take a photo of the Golconda Fort map at the entrance, which will guide you as you tour the entire fort.
• Because the area remains hot all year, it is best to visit between October and January, when temperatures are moderate. Further, it is best to visit the fort in the morning to avoid the sun, or in the evening to see the laser show. Bring sunglasses, hats, and water bottles.
• Wear cotton clothing and comfortable shoes or slippers because you will walk and climb the steps the entire time. Put on sunscreen and lip balm.
• There are drinking water facilities at the base of the complex. Well-maintained restrooms are also located at the fort’s base.
• There are refreshment shops at both the bottom and top of the fort.
• There is a bus stop beside the fort from which you can take buses to the main bus stop, the city center, and old Hyderabad (around Charminar). You will also get autos near the fort area.

Conclusion

Overall, Golconda Fort is more than just a historical landmark; it’s a portal to the past, where whispers in one corner may be heard in another. It’s like stepping back in time as you explore its maze tunnels, old temples, and echoing halls. So, whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture buff, or simply seeking a breathtaking panorama, Golconda Fort awaits with its tales and secrets, ready to etch your memories in stone.