SRS Bricks

Golconda Fort is located in the western part of Hyderabad city and is about 9 km from the Hussain Sagar Lake. The outer fort occupies an area of three square kilometers, which is 4.8 kilometers in length.

It was originally known as Mankal, and built on a hilltop in the year 1143. It was originally a mud fort under the reign of Rajah of Warangal. Later it was fortified between 14th and 17th centuries by the Bahmani Sultans and then the ruling Qutub Shahi dynasty. Golconda was the principal capital of the Qutub Shahi kings. The inner fort contains ruins of palaces, mosques and a hill top pavilion, which rises about 130 meters high and gives a bird’s eye view of other buildings.

Golconda fort is undoubtedly one of most magnificent fortress complexes in India. The history of Golconda Fort goes back to early 13th century, when it was ruled by the Kakatiya’s followed by Qutub Shahi kings, who ruled the region in 16th and 17th century. The fortress rests on a granite hill 120 meters high while huge crenellated ramparts surround this structure.

It was initially called Shepherd’s Hill, meaning Golla Konda in Telugu while according to legend, on this rocky hill a shepherd boy had come across an idol and the information was conveyed to the ruling Kakatiya king at that time. The king constructed a mud fort around this holy spot and after 200 years, Bahamani rulers took possession of the place. Later the Qutub Shahi kings converted this into massive granite fort extending 5km in circumference. The fort is considered a mute witness to historic events. The Qutub Shahis reign at Golconda ended in 1687 when it was run over by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who intentionally left it in ruins

Golconda still boasts of mounted cannons, four drawbridges, eight gateways, and majestic halls, magazines, stables etc. The outermost enclosure is called Fateh Darwaza meaning Victory gate, after Aurangzeb’s army marched successfully through this gate. At Fateh Darwaza one can witness fantastic acoustical effects, which is one among the many famous engineering marvels at Golconda. Clapping your hand at a certain point near the dome entrance reverberates which is heard clearly at the hill top pavilion, almost one kilometer away. This served as a warning note to the inhabitants of the fort of any impending danger, Ofcourse it now amuses visitors. The fort gains an impressive place among the architectural marvels and heritage structures of India and is a testimony to Hyderabad’s glorious past.

Warangal is recognized as one of the best heritage cities of India. It is 150 km away from the state capital Hyderabad. It is also the second largest city in the state of Telangana. The city’s name is derived from the Telugu word Orugallu – ‘Oru’ which means one and the word ‘gallu’ meaning stone. The city was the capital of the great Kakatiya rulers who reigned between 12th and 14th centuries.
According to the history of Warangal, the Prola Raja of great Kakatiya dynasty built the beautiful city in 12th century. The Kakatiyas, who ruled the place for more than 200 years, have left the succeeding generations, many grand monuments and architectural wonders like the famous Warangal fort, Swayambhu Temple and many other amazing ancient structures. The Warangal Fort, which is the main attraction of the city is spread over a radius of 19 kilometers between Warangal and Hanamkonda. The fort was constructed in the 13th century in the reign of the Kakateya King Ganapati Deva. The Warangal fort is most famous for its graceful and finitely carved arches and pillars. This fort has four large stone gateways.