Golconda Fort

Golconda Fort, encompassing a ruined city within itself, is situated in Andhra Pradesh, to the west of the capital city of Hyderabad. Initially the capital and citadel of the Qutb Shahi Kingdom, the fort counts amongst the most popular historical monuments of India, today. Apart from being home to one of the most powerful Muslim sultanates in the region, Golconda Fort also served as the center of a flourishing diamond trade. If you want to know more about Golconda Fort, make use of the fun and interesting facts provided in the lines below.

 

Interesting And Fun Facts About Golconda Fort 

• Golconda Fort dates back to 1143, when it was built by a ruler of Hindu Kakatiya dynasty, which ruled the area at that time. 
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• As per a legend, the fort was built by the ruler of Kakatiya dynasty after a shepherd boy came across the idol of a God on the site.
• The name 'Golconda' is believed to have been derived from a Telugu word 'Golla Konda', which means 'Shepherd's Hill'.
• The granite hill on which the fort has been built is 120 meters (400 ft) high and stands surrounded by massive crenelated ramparts.
• Initially a mud fort, Golconda Fort rose to prominence only around 1507, as the seat of Qutb Shahi dynasty, after the collapse of Bahmani Sultanat.
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• Under Qutb Shahi dynasty, the mud fort was expanded. The expansion took over a period of 62 years, under the first three Qutb Shahi kings. It was turned into a granite fort, extending around 5 km in circumference.
• Golconda Fort remained the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty until 1590, when the capital was shifted to Hyderabad.
• The fort fell into ruins after a siege, and its resultant fall, to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
• Darya-e Nur, Nur-Ul-Ain Diamond, Kohinoor, Hope Diamond and Regent Diamond are believed to have been excavated in the mines of Golconda.
• Golconda Fort comprises of four distinct forts, with a 10 km long outer wall that has 87 semi circular bastions, eight gateways and four drawbridges.
• Some of the semi circular bastions of the fort are still mounted with cannons,
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• There are a number of royal apartments and halls, temples, mosques, magazines and stables inside Golconda Fort.
• There is a Fateh Darwaza" (Victory gate) inside the fort, studded with giant iron spikes. It was so called after Aurangzeb’s victory.
• Bala Hissar Gate, located on the eastern side, serves as the main entrance to Golconda Fort.
• The fort also has a mosque - Toli Masjid, situated at Karvan, around 2 km away. It was built by Mir Musa Khan Mahaldar, in 1671.
• At a distance of approximately 1 km from Golconda Fort's outer wall are the tombs of the Qutb Shahi sultans.
• The mining town of Golconda, in Arizona and now a ghost town, was named after Golconda Fort, since it had mines like the ones found near the latter.
• The architecture of the fort comes across as confluence of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles.
• It is believed that there is a secret underground tunnel in Golconda Fort, which leads from the 'Durbar Hall' to one of the palaces at the foot of the hill.
• One of the main highlights of the fort is a sound and light show, which depicts its glorious past.

Golconda Fort Facts 1:

 the most popular attraction

One of the most popular attraction in Indian is located Golconda Fort.  This historical monument of India makes people love to visit it due to the diamond trade and historical ruin.

Golconda Fort Facts 2: Hindu Kakatiya dynasty

The ruler of Hindu Kakatiya dynasty was the one who built Golconda Fort in 1143.   At that time, the dynasty is the high power in the area.

Golconda Fort Facts 3:

 Kakatiya dynasty

The story goes on by telling us that the fort was established after a shepherd boy came to the site of the fort as an idol of god. Thus, Kakatiya dynasty decided to build a fort here.

Golconda Fort Facts 4: Telugu word

Are you curious about the meaning of Golconda? This name sounds English but it is actually derived from the Telugu word of Golla Konda. The meaning of this word is Shepherd’s Hill.

Golconda Fort Facts 5:

 locatsion of the Golconda fort

The Golconda fort is created above the granite hill. The height of the granite hill is around 400 feet or 120 meters. Around the hill, you can see big crenelated ramparts.

Golconda Fort Facts 6: the rise of Golconda fort

After the collapse of bahmani sultanat, Golconda fort was overcame by Quth Shahi in 1507. Under the dynasty, the expansion occurred on the mud fort. It can reach the expansion up to 5 kilometer.

Golconda Fort Facts 7: 

Qutb Shahi dynasty

Qutb Shahi dynasty used Golconda Fort as the capital in the area until 1590. Then the capital of the area is moved to Hyderabad.

Golconda Fort Facts 8: mines of Golconda

Today Golconda fort is famous with its diamond trade. The mines of Golconda are believed to be the source of Regent Diamond, Hope Diamond, Diamond, Kohinoor, Darya-e Nur and Nur-Ul-Ain.

Golconda Fort Facts 9:

 inside the Golconda Fort

If you decide to have a vacation in Golconda fort, you can see temples, royal apartments, magazines, mosques, hall and stales.

Golconda Fort Facts 10: 

Victory gate

Inside the fort, you can also see Victory gate or Fateh Darwaza. This rate is named after the victory of Aurangzeb. It is very unique because it is decorated with giant iron spikes.

 

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