Return to Hyderabad Index Page

Descriptions have been transcribed from informational signs on site

Golkonda Fort
Golkonda derives its name from the Telugu word "Golia Konda" which means a shepherd's hill. Initially the fort was under the control of Kakativas but passed into the hands of Bahamanis in A.D. 1363. After their downfall it was made capital in A.D. 1518 by Sultan Quli, the founder of the Qutub Shahi Kingdom. He was succeeded by Jamshid (1543-1550), Ibrahim Qutub Shah (1550-1580), Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah (1580-1612), Sultan Muhammad Qutub Shah (1612-1626), Abdullah Qutub Shah (1626-1672), Abul Hasan Tana Shah (1672-1687). Murammad Quli Qutub Shah was a great patron of Telugu literature and a pioneer of Deccani literature. He built Charminar and founded the city of Hyderbad. Abul Hasan Tana Shah, the last sultan patronized a form of dance-drama, which subsequently became popular as Kuchipudi. In 1687 Aurangazeb annexed the kingdom to his Mughal empire and appointed Asif Jah who proclaimed independence as Nizam-Ul-Mulk in A.D. 1713. His successors are known as Nizams and ruled Hyderabad till 1948.
The massive fort with three-tired fortification protected by a moat and eight entrance gates played a remarkable role in the medieval deccan. The Golkonda Fort, with its impregnable citadel is characterised by armouries, magazines, granaries, reservoirs, mosques and well-planned township and above all an immaculate water supply system. Some of the important structures of Golkonda include Balahissar, clapping portico, mortuary bath, Silai Khana, Nagina Bagh, Taramati Mosque, guard lines, Akkanna-Madanna offices, Ramadas Jail, Durbar Hall, Ambar Khana, Ibrahim Mosque, and Baradari on the summit. #926

Aurangzeb's Mosque
Aurangzed, the Mughal Emperor is believed to have offered prayers at this small mosque during his siege of Golconda in 1687 A.D. This place might have been selected by him due to his reverence for the Great Lady Hayat Bakshi Begum, who led a peace mission during Aurangzeb's first siege of Golconda in 1655 A.D., when he was only a prince. #931

Abdullah Qutub Shah
The Hussaini Alam, Bibi-Ka Alam and the Langur regall the memory of the Royal lady. The village Hayatnagar was also founded by her.

Tomb of Hayat Bakshi Begum
This tomb is built in same style as that of her husband Sultan Mohd Qutub Shah's. The platform is square while the height of the pinnacles of the central dome is 30-48m. The wide verandahs, with seven arches on each side and enclosing the mortuary chamber have certain verses inscribed form the Koran. #933

The Mortuary Bath
This bath was built by Sultan Quli I, while erecting his own tomb, for the performance of ritual bath of the royal dead. It is one of the best specimens of the contemporary Persian and Turkish baths. It contains a number of cisterns for both hot and cold water, connects with pipes for regular supply of water. The 12 faceted shrouding platform is decorated with black basalt. #953

Return to Hyderabad Index Page

÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷ ÷