See the Photos: Wikimedia Commons
The capital of the Bahmani kingdom was in Gulbarga and Bidar. where we can see their tombs This means, the regime of the Bahmani Kings in Golconda was from 1363 to 1518 A.D. The fort of Golconda, originally constructed was not a strong one it was kutcha. There were five subedars (Governor) of Bahmani kingdom. As a result of instability of the kingdom these five Governors became independent one after as under.
1. Khasim Bureed in Bidar of Burred Shahi dynasty, 1492 to 1609 A.D.
2. Fatheulla – Imadul Mulk in Berar of Imad Shahi dynasty. 1490 to 1527 A.D.
3. Ahmed Nizamul in Ahmadnagar of Nizam Shahi dynasty, 1490 to 1663 A.D.
4. Yousuf Adil Shah in Bijapur of Adil Shahi dynasty 1490 to 1686.
5. Sultan Quli in Golconda of Qutub Shahi dynasty 1518 to 1687.
Seven Kings of the Qutub Shahi dynasty ruled over Golconda from 1518 A.D to 1687 A.D. of this, the first three kings of Outub Shah dynasty constructed the Golconda fort in a period of 62 years from 1518 to 1580 AD. and constructed the place and other pacca buildings, it is in the year 1587 A.D. that the the forth King Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah laid a city Bhagya Nagar after the name of his beloved concubine Bhagamathi. It is the city which is now called Hyderabad. Hyderabad was the capital of these kings upto 1687 A.D. when the ruler of the kingdom was seven in line. Qutub Shah building where Constructed in their hundreds the first invasion by Aurangzeb on Hyderabad and the Golconda Fort was in 1656 A.D. when Sultan abdullah Qutub Shah was the ruler. Sultan Abdullah was defeated But a treaty was arrived at on the request of Sultan Abdullah. As a execution of the terms of the treaty the daughter of Sultan Abdullah was given in the marriage of Mohammed Sultan the son of Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb invaded Golconda for the second time in 1687 A.D. when Abul Hasan Tana shah was the seventh king. This investion lasted for 8 long months There was one Abdullah Khan panni who was editous dispite of being a commonder of the Qutub Shah forces and was deputed on the eastern gate of the fort he opend the gate during the night giving access to enemy to enter the Fort, Abul Hasan Tana Shah was arrested and placed behind the iron bars in Chini Mahal of Daulatabad Fort, Abul Hasan was there in the Jail for fourteen years and died Thus ended the kingdom of Qutub Shahees and there was an advent of Mogal kingdom The tombs of the kings of the Qutub Shahi dynasty are the things of archeological, interest They are situated in the outskirt of the Golconda to the west and the north of the fort as can be seen with reference to this guide.
After the end Outub Shahi rule several Subedars Governors were appointed in Hyderabad by the Mughal Emperors. The first Governor was Rustum Dil Khan who was a permanent Governor of Hyderabad for 23 years after the death of Aurangzeb the Prince Kam Baksh Imprisoned Rustum Dil Khan and killed him. He was ruling over the Deccan himself. Mean while Bahadur Shah Alam invaded the Deccan and in this battle the prince kam Baksh was killed Dilawar Khan was appointed Governor of Hyderabad, after some days abdul Mansur Khan was appointed in his place, During the regime of the Emperor Furrukh Sair Nizamul Mulk Asif Jah appointed as Governor in 1725 A.D. PERMANENTLY IN 1737 A.D. during the time of Mohammed Shah the administration of Mughals has become worst at this time the Nizamul Mulk Asif lab became an independent king who was succeeded in by seven king. The last king Nawab Meer Osman Ali Khan was the ruler of Hyderabad up-to 1947 A.D. Thus kings like that of Qutub Shah came to an end though Police Action and Andhra Government was formed.
HISTORY OF KOH-NOOR DIAMOUND GOLCONDA FORT
The Koh-e-Noor Diamond was found during the time of Sultan Abdullah Qutub Shah at a place called Kollor Near river Krishna, Mohammed Sayeed Meer Jumla who joined Mughals as rable in 1656 A.D. presented Shah-e-Jahan Emperor, the diamond and also many other diamonds as a present it was in the treasu ceest of the Mughals, During the time of Mohammed Shah 1739 AD when there was a massacre in Delhi by Nadir Shah, the later took it to Iran (Persia). The Koh-e-Noor Diamond (Mountain light came to be possessed by Shah Shuja Pishawari 609 From there it traveled to Punjab in 1649 AD. to Maharaja Ranjit Sing in 1852 A.D. Dilip Singh the son of Ranjeet Singh gave this Diamond to Queen Victoria and it is still best in the crown of the Kings of England, it is said that this diamond’s weight is 360 carts Golconda was Famous for Diamond’s Market.
THE LAYOUT OF GOLCONDA FORT:
The rampart of Golconda is very strong and high constructed with stones it is about five miles in circumference The fort comprises nine doors 52 windows and 48 Tunnles. There are cannols on each turret. There is a pacca reanch round about this rampart constructed inside and to the south east there is another trench with turrent at some distance wide map-2.
THE GATES OF GOLCONDA FORT
There are nine gates or door ways viz (1) Fathe darwaza (2) Moti Darwaza (3) Darwaza of the new fort (4) Jamali Darwaza (5) Banjari darwaza Double (6) Patancheru Darwaza (7) Makkai Darwaza – Double (8) Bodli Darwaza and (9) Bahmani Darwaza of these gates Nos. 1 2 3 4 5, and 7 are open for traffic while there are lopesc.
FATEH DARWAZA:
This double gate is situated to the East of Fort, During the period 1687 A.D. Abdullah Khan Panni has opened this gate through which the army of Aurangzeb could have an entry.
THE TURRETS OF THE FORT:
In all there are 87 turrets and pails. Through the circumstances of five miles of the rampart there are 48 turrests of which (1) Petla Burj and (2) Mosa Burj and (3) Majnoon Burj are famous
PETLA BURJ:
This is situated at the North-West of the fort in a corner on which these is a cannols Fathe Reebar commemorating the victory of Alamgir its is 16 feet long which used to be loaded with a castiron ball weighing one maund and 261/2, ibs of gun powder. It is very beautiful look at with decorations deserves being taken a photo of
MOSA BURJ:
This is situated at the south of the fort, This was constructed in is 1666 A.D. (1077) Hijri)) under the super vision of Moosa Khan Commander, by Dharamachari Mastery it is on this turret that Meet Meeran the famous General was killed Moosa Khan was appointed General in his place The Alamgir cannols Azdaha appointed paiker on this turret is having a big serpent is its month This cannon also was being looked like the cannon on Petla Burj and deserves being looked at from artistic point of view and taken a photo of there are inspiration of this cannon. Both Persian and Telugu having the Faman of Abdulla Qutub Shah.
MAJNOON BURJ:
This Burj turret is situated with the hillock and there is an Alamgir Majnoon cannon on it.
THE QUILAKUSH TOPE:
It is situated on the Bala hisar on the west.
SHAMSHIR KOTHA:
This is a store house of arms and ammunition of old times.
THE ROYAL TREASURY:
Qutub Shahi Treasury used to kept in this building.
HATHI RATH:
It is Rath or Chariot which used to kept in this building and taken out in procession on the occasion of jatras (religious festivals) drawn by elephants
KATORA HOUZE:
This is cistern in the fort of the month of the Bala Hisar it is 200 yards long, having the same breadth with a depth of 5 vards. This cistern was being filled in from the waters of Drug tank and the kings and others used to enjoy a boating excursion in it, if you make a noice at its western gate, the voice willecnothrice.
THE OIL STORE HOUSE This was a building was being with oil, This was carved in a single stone measuring 30x15x10 it could contain 12,000 gallons of oil and oil was being supplied to this store house.
MASJID MUSTAFA KHAN
It is the Mosque built by Mustafa Khan, the Minister of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah
HATYAN TREE:
This is a very peculiar tree within the new fort to the east of Mulla Khiafi Mosque. The circumference of the truck of this tree is 85 feet. The trunk looks like a stone The inner portion being bellow the furnished portion inside is at least 36 sq feet while the eight inside is nothing less than 15 feet, there is ventilator The tree could be seen always flourishing and fructifying.
THE DHAAN KOTHA OR THE GODOWN OF GRAINS
It was a place where grains used to be stored the Godown was being filled during war times so that there was no need of importing supplies of food.
JAMA-E-MASJID AND THE HAMAM(BATH)
This Mosque is situated within the fort opposite of the gate of Bala Hisar to the eastern side, founder of this Mosque was the Sultan Quli Qutub Shah I who started its construction in 1518 A.D. (924) Hijri) There is a historical inscription on the gate of this Mosque in Arabic Language.
MASJID-E-MULLA KHIALI:
This Mosque is situated within the new Fort it was constructed by Mulla Khiali who was a port laurate.
BAD-E-SHAHI AASHUR KHANA:
The building is situated opposite to the Bala Hisar, towards east, Its founder being Qutub Shah.
PART IL-BALA HISAR CONSTRUCTION OF BALA HISAR;
Bala Hisar is on the hills its circumference being abut 1 1/2 miles There are several buildings here, Such as Qutub Shahi Palace Durbar-e-Aam General Assembly Durbar-e-Khas (Special Assembly) Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas. Where special meeting, being held wells ammunition storage armoury Mosque, Temple the prison where Ramdas was jailed water Reservoir. Julu Khan Bath and a park and the cistern over the roof and the stock room of arm ammunication armory. There are two passage leading to the Bala Hisar one of Darbar-e-Aam, passage leading to the Bala Hisar one of Darbar-e-Aam, right hand side, and the other of Royal place to the left.
CURTAIN WALL:
Opposite to the gate of the Bala Hisar, there is a curtain wall in times of war the movements of the enemy were observed and checked from behind this wall.
THE GATE BALA HISAR:
There used to be a garrison of force even on the roof of the gate of Bala Hisar behind the turret During war the army getting into the premises of curtain wall of the Bala Hisar could be seen and checked.
THE POURING OR HOT OIL OR LEAD:
There is a hole in the middle of the other porsion of the arch of the gate of Bala hisar in the event of he enemy waiting his elephants to dash against the gate hot oil or melted lead used to be poured on them.
VIBRATION:
If you clap your hand within the gate of Bala Hisar standing opposite to the steps, under the middle arch will her a vibration of sound which start from the highest portion of the Bala Hisar. In his enquiry the author of this Booklet could find for certain that a sounds comes, for any place, round about that hill, but yet the sound comes vibration through this arch.
Visitors waiting to find out this truth, may stand, or some time on the highest pail of the Bala Hisar and they will find that sound comes even from a greater distances.
THE BATH OF QUTUB SHAHI:
The way leading to the right side on entering the gate way of Bala hisar. you will find a bathing pool, within the gate just to the right hand side of the Nagina Bagh (Nagina Garden) where there are pucca cistern or hot water and cold water and where are earthen water pipes The cisterns were being filed with the waters of drug tank, Water was deeing heated by special means, under the isterns and thus hot water was being supplied for the bath of the royal family after they were given bath were taken to the tobms of Qutub Shah for burial from the nothern gate.
NAGINA GARDEN:
It is in this garden that in the war waged by Aurangzeb in 1687 A.D. Abdul Razaak and his horse were badly and fatally wounded and fait down unconcious. When Abdullah Khan Panni by treachery had opened the gate of the fort to the south of this garden there used to be big swings under arches stroungly builts in which the princes and princess used to enjoy swimming even now there are stones having hole swings in every arch.
BODY GUARD LINE:
From the gate out this garden goes a narrow passage and to the left of it there is a building of massonery constructions which were the barracks of the bodyguard.
THE OFFICE OF THE MINISTERS AKKANNA AND MADANNA
In continuation of the barraks of the bodyguard, there is a pucca building of two stories which was the office of the ministery akkanna and Madanna They were the minister of the last Abul Hasan Tana Shah who was the seventh and the last king in Qutub Shani dynasty in Deccan.
BADI BAOLI OR THE BIG WELL:
To the right of the steps at there starting there is a pail and a well called “Badi Baoli” with a permanent inflow of water, In a corner of this well, there is a ornamental store for water fall which was being watered during summer. There wasa building near by having two varanda where kings used to sit and enjoy of the season and the scenery.
THE CANAL OF THE DRUG TANK:
At some distance from this well, there is a cannal passing from under the steps. This canal has been excavated from the Drug tank which is a distance of 5 miles from the fort. The whole gardening in the fort was being irrigated through this canal while there was special arrangement for Cultivatice and gardening in the places as can be seen from ABCD, and Eie item No 18
STORE OF RAIN WATER:
On the way leading to the steps at some distence storage one to the left side and the other or the right were being watered by the reservoir They were halp during war time.
STEPS OF THE BALA HISAR:
Form the first gate of the Bala Hisar upto Baradari (General Assembly) Hall) there are 360 steps. This is a common way going to the Bara Dari.
THE JAIL OF RAMDAS:
Kancherla Gopanna is known as Bhagat Ramdas. He was the Tahsildar of Bhadrachalam during the rule of Abul Hasan Tana Shah (1674) A.D. He was the nephew of the Minister Madanna. He was the founder of Ram Mandir at Bhadrachalam. In this Jail one find idols made by Ramdas with his own hand of Hanuman, Navagrah and Ram Lakshman on the upper Pial it was the place of his worship his in ceration Even now on the occassion of Sri Ram Navami. A great fare takes place at Bhadrachalam were pilgrims coming to Bhadrachalam come to Golconda to see the Jail.
STORAGE OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION:
On either said of steps, there are store house of combustible articles, one of which is called Amber-Khana Opposite to this there is an Inseription in Person on a black stone which is of the time to Sultan Abdullah Qutub Shah and Khairat Khan, Governor 1052 H/1642 AD
THE MOSQUE OF IBRAHIM QULI QUTUB SHAH:
This Mosque is one of the time of Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah Behind this Mosque, to the Western side there is a special bodyguard line Afew steps beyond this mosque, to the east there is an arch from where one can see the Golconda fort and the stately buildings of Hyderabad.
ELLAMMA DEVI TEMPLE:
This is a temple constructed during the time of the ministers Akkanna and Madanna and king the Abul Hasan Tana Shah, This is the temple of Durga Devi of Mahakali and a fare is held in every Ashsd month where pilgrms come here thousands from twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
BARADARI OR (GENERAL ASSEMBLY)
It is a building of three storeys where the kings of Qutub Shah issued to hold their General Assembly, There is an under ground passage in this building ending at the Gosha Mahal Bara Dari Hyderabad. On the upper most roof of this Bara Dari there is a Royal seat priesting a panaramic secinery round about 30 miles, This is 400 ft, hight & 2000 f about the see level From here to the east, the ruins of Outub Shahi buildings. Langer Houz Tank, the city of Hyderabad. and all the massive buildings viz Charminar, Macca Masjid High Court, Osmania Hospital can be seen, To the south east can be seen Meer Alam Tank and Falaknuma Palace to the south you can see Makkai Darwaza and Himayat Sagar to the south west there are Taramati and Premamati palaces Osman Sagar Tank (Gandipet tank) is situated to the west. Hussain Sagar tank, Secunderabad and Osmania University etc. are the Nort east to the west there are tombs of Qutub Shahi Kings and Petla Buruj, To the North is the Town of Golconda Fort, Hakimpet Begumpet Air Force.
WATER ARRANGEMENT TOWARDS THE STEPS LEADING TO THE PALACES
At the foot of the Bala Hisar, to the east, There is a way leading to the palaces of Qutub Shahi where there are five cisterns, supplying water to a height of 300 feet The highest cistern in filled with water through persaing Wheel and from there water used to be supplied to all the palaces see the map of Bala Hisar marked ABCD & E The cistern A used to be filled first from the Drug Tank and this by means of its is wheel that water used to go from Cisterns A to B, C to D and D to E
Durbar-e-Khas and the Khilvat Palace
Divan-e-Khas
Divan-e-Aam
Palace of Taramati
Palace of Premavati
DHOBI GHAT:
It is big cistern where Royal garments used to be washed.
ARMOURY:
This is a pucoa three stroyed building to left hand side on the entrance into gate of Bala Hisar, where armoury such as small cannons and gunes cannon balls etc used to be kept. They can be seen even to day To the south of this armoury there is a well built it is historical well it is in this well into which is 1687 AD when alamgir had captured Golconda and taken Abul Hasan Tanashah had thrown themselves from outer gate of Alamgir,
LANGER KHANA OR THE KITCHEN It was a Royal Kitchen of the Qutub Shahi Kings is still in a good conditions.
DAD MAHAL:
The balcony of this Mahal can be seen to the east from the road. There is as big open space in front of the balcony Here from noble’s down to common royte used to assemble The king used to come out and hear their grievances from the balcony.
SHUTUR KHANA OR THE CAMEL STABLE:
It is a unique and ungaralled building where the royal came to be stabled an the roof of the building there was the green of Tana Shah whose remanant such as cistern etc. can be seen even today Water was beings supplied to this garden from Drug Tank and there is still a reservoir.
THE PREIOD OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE FORT AND THE HYDERABAD MONUNMENTAL BUILDINGS
The seven kings of Qutub Shahi dynasty ruled for 170 years from 1518 AD to 1687 A.D. The first three kings build up Golconda Fort and the Palace and rampart etc. in 63 years from 1518 AD The fourth king Mohammed Quli founder the City of Hyderabad. He called in Bhagyanagar after the name of his Hinduwife Bhagmati it is in the time of this kings that massive building like Charminar and Charkkman and the Gulzar Houz and Badshahi Ashurkhana Darushifa (Hospital) Jama-e-Masjid and several places and the Bath were constrcted.
GOLCONDA TOMBS SULTAN QULI QUTUB SHAH:
1518 to 1543 AD Sultan Quli was the founder of Qutub Shahi Kingdom and the first king of the dynesty He was born in Iran (Persia) in 1452 A.D. (864 Hijri) He come to Bidar with his uncle Allah Quli during the rule of Mohammed Shah Bahmani for business of horses He was appointed the Governor of Telangana in 1485 AD Juring the regime of Mohammed Shah Bahmani He got the title of Qutub-ul-Mulk from the death of Mohammed Shah Bahamani in 1518 AD (924) Hijri) he founded an Indepandent Qutub Shah kingdom, He occupied Rajkonda, Deverkonda, Pongal Ghanpur, Koval konda and Nalgonda, and reeived trubutes from Rajahmundry, Khammamet, Elore, Kondevira Kohir, Kondapalli, and Machilipatnam to be briel he brought 70 Forts under his possession and enjoyment and made Golconda his capital, He then laid the foundation of pucca rempart and constructed Drug Tank Drain. Jame-e-Masjid and Badshahi Ashhur Khana. He is the first king who spread This cult of Islam in Deccan. His third son Jamsheed was extreemly for ruling and with this end in view He got his 90 years old father murdered through Mahmood Hamdani when the construction of Jame-e-Masjid was inprogress Golconda Fort in 1543 AD. (950) Hijri) and buried in Golconda Tombs.
These are Qutub Shahi tombs which is now under taken by our State Government Archeological Deparment Daily thousands of visitors come to see these Tombs which are very lovely you have to buy a ticket of Rs. 10.00 to see these Tombs.
Golconda fort Timings : 9 a.m. to 6-00p.m
Golconda fort Light and sound show Timings :
1st Show English 7-00p.m. to 8-00 P.m.
Ilnd Show Hindi and Telugu 8-00p.m. to 9-00p.m.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Chairminar : 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Mecca Majid : all day time open
Qutub Shahi : 9.00 am to 6.00 pm Friday closed
Birla Temple : 7.00 am to 1. pm to 2.00pm to 9.0
NTR Garden: 2.00 pm to 10.00 pm
Ramoji Film city: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Nehru Zoological : 8.00 am to 6.00 Monday Closed
Salarjung Museum: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm Friday closed, camera not allowed.
