(GIST OF YOJANA) Golconda Fort: The Impenetrable Fortress

(JUNE-2024)

Golconda Fort: The Impenetrable Fortress

Introduction:

The Telugu word Golla Konda which means a shepherd’s hill, is where Golconda gets its name. The fort was first ruled by the Kakatiyas, but in 1363 AD, it was taken over by the Bahamanis. Sultan Quli, who founded the Qutb ShahKingdom in 1518 AD, made it the capital following their overthrow.

History of Koh-e-Noor Diamond

The Koh-e-Noor diamond was discovered in Kollor, close to the Krishna River, during the reign of Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah. The weight of diamond is 360 carts. Golconda gained notoriety for its diamond market.

The Layout of Golconda Fort

The Golconda rampart is made of stones and is incredibly sturdy. Its circumference measures roughly five miles. There are 48 tunnels, 52 windows, and nine doors in the fort. Every turret is equipped with cannons. Around this inside-built rampart is a Pacca ranch, and a bit further to the southeast is another trench with a torrent.

The Gates of Golconda Fort

There are nine gates or doorways :

(1) Fateh Darwaza,

(2) Moti Darwaza,

(3) Darwaza of the new fort,

(4) Jamali Darwaza,

(5) Banjari Darwaza,

(6) Patancheru Darwaza,

(7) Makkai Darwaza,

(8) Bodli Darwaza, and

(9) Bahmani Darwaza.

Fateh Darwaza

To the east of the fort is this double gate, which was opened by Abdullah Khan Panni in 1687 AD to allow the Aurangzeb army to enter.

The Turrets of the Fort

There are 87 turrets and pails. Through the five miles of the rampart, there are 48 turrets, of which Petla Burj, Mosa Burj, and Majnoon Burj are famous.

Katora House

This is the fort’s cistern, which is 200 yards long, the same width, and 5 yards deep. The kings and others used to enjoy boating excursions in this cistern, which was being filled in from the waters of Durg Tank. If you make a noise at the western gate, the voice will echo three times.

The Dhaan Kotha, or the godown of grains

It was a place where grains used to be stored. The godown was being filled during wartime so that there was no need to import food supplies.

Jama-e-Masjid

This mosque was founded by Sultan Quli Qutb Shah I, who began construction on it in 1518 AD, and is located inside the fort across from the Bala Hisar gate on the eastern side. This mosque’s gate is inscribed with historical information in Arabic.

Masjid-e-Mulla Khlali

This mosque is situated within the new fort. It was constructed by Mulla Khiali, who was a poet laureate.

Construction of Bala Hisar

Bala Hisar is situated atop hills, with a circumference of roughly 1.5 miles. Qutb Shahi Palace, Durbar-e-Aam (General Assembly), Durbar-e-Khas (Special Assembly), Diwan-e-Aam, and Diwan-e-Khas are among the structures located here, where special gatherings are taking place.The stock room of the arm ammunition armoury, the mosque, the temple, the water reservoir, the park, the cistern over the roof, and the prison where Ramdas was imprisoned are all located nearby. There are two passageways that lead to the Bala Hisar Darbar-e-Aam: one on the right side and one on the left that leads to the Royal Place.

Curtain Wall

There is a curtain wall opposite the Bala Hisar gate. During times of war, the enemy’s movements were tracked and observed from behind this wall.

The Gate of Bala Hisif

Even the roof of the Bala Hisar gate, behind the turret, once had a garrison of soldiers. The army’s entry intothe Bala Hisar curtain wall premises could be observed and monitored during the conflict.

The Pouring of Hot Oil or Lead

There is a hole in the middle of the other portion of the arch of the gate of Bala Hisar. In the event of his enemy waiting for his elephants to dash against the gate, hot oil or melted lead used to be poured on them.

Royal Palaces

The surrounding buildings are a portion of the main palaces that the Qutb Shahi kings built at various times according to their needs. These consist of audience halls, zanana mosques, royal palaces, fountains, tanks, etc. These exquisite examples of Qutb Shahi architecture feature unique elements such as stucco decorations resembling flowers and shell pieces, as well as veneers of glazed basalt stone.

Taramati Mosque

One of the most exquisite buildings in Golconda Fort is the Taramati Mosque, which is housed within the palace complex and has three arches. It features a small platform six feet wide, supported by nine lovely arches, and steps that lead to the roof through the two side minarets.