Famous for its moat, aquaducts, Amazing acoustics and echo based communication, strong build, the history of the dynasties that have ruled, the Kakatiyas, the Bahmani Sultanate and the famous Qutub Shahi dynasty, the colossal structure of Golconda Fort still stands in magnificence.
Golconda, an engineering marvel, used to be a complete city/township kingdom even at the time of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. Only when it's population overgrew, the city of Hyderabad was founded by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah.
Golconda gets its name from the fact that shepherds used to take their herd to graze on its hill and thus was locally known as the "Shepherd's Hill" which loosely translates to Golconda.
The most prized diamond, 'Koh-i-Noor' and also 'Daria-i-Noor' was found in its mines.
A story that I recall from childhood is of the thief that lived and hid in the tree (a Baobab Tree), 'Hathiyan ka Darakth'. He was finally caught when one day someone noticed smoke rising from the tree and decided to investigate. The thief had been cooking in his hideout which was a giveaway.
If you visit Hyderabad and not visit this magnifique, your visit will be incomplete. Submerge yourself in the local lores and many wonderful tales of yore and ofcourse the light & sound narratives that are organised in the evenings.
Like I would say, if you do not know the history, the city is a mystery... Unravel the colours of the past with a visit to Golconda Fort.
This panoramic silhouette is of the view of the fort in the fading lights on a clear winter day.
