The Golconda Fort:

     The word Golconda actually is the combination of two words Golla and Konda. The historical evidence is not available regarding Golconda before 1363 A.D. Quli Qutub Shah was in the service of Bahamani Sultans. Though he was only a Governor appointed by them he was all in all. He made Golconda his capital in 1512 A.D. Another dynasty with him as the first became famous. He died while praying within Golconda Fort.

     His son Zamshed Quli succeeded Quli. His son Subhan Quli ascended the throne as a child on the death of Zamshed Quli. Saif Khan of Ahmedhnagar was appointed to act on behalf of the King, as Subhan Quli was a child. Ibrahim Quli, the younger brother of Zamshed Quli was on the throne from 1550-1580 A.D. He died owing to ill health. He undertook extensive repairs to Golconda and constructed a masjid on the top of Golconda Fort. Hussain Sagar and Ibrahim Bagh were constructed in his times. The third son of Ibrahim by name Mohammed Quli succeeded Ibrahim. The city of Hyderabad was founded in 1590 A.D. during the reign of Mohammed Quli. He had great interest in architecture. Charminar and Juma Masjid were constructed during his time. Sultan Mohammed, the nephew of Mohammed Quli ascended the throne on the death of Mohammed Quli. He contracted marriage with Bakshi Begum, daughter of Mohammed Quli in 1607 A.D. He constructed Mecca Masjid.  

     Abdullah Qutub Shah succeeded Sultan Mohammed. When Aurangzeb attacked Golconda fort on the directions of his father Shajehan, Qutub shah took to heels deserting the fort. The kingdom went into the control of the Mughals. Abdullah Qutubshah died in 1672 A.D. being struck by sorrow. His son in law Abdul Hasan, better known as Taneesha subsequently ruled Golconda accepting the emperorship of Aurangazeb. By about 1683 A.D, he could not pay the revenue to Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb consequently attacked Golconda. Taneesha became the prisoner of Aurangzeb in 1687 A.D. after a war for seven months. He was taken to Daulatabad where he died as a prisoner.  

     Although Aurangzeb was an emperor nominally, he did not have enough power to control the kingdom. Asafja that is Nizam Ul-mulk established his power in 1750 A.D. with Hyderabad as his capital. During the regime of Qutub shah and his successor the state of Golconda was divided into 21 circars and 551 paraganas

At one time Kohinoor, the famous diamond, which now adorns British Queen’s crown, was at Golconda fort. This fort was constructed on a hillock of 400 ft. height. This fort with three layers of compound walls had its glory at one time and attracts several tourists from all over the world even now.Golconda fort with three compound walls is within a circumference of seven miles. There are several stone edicts beautifully carved in this fort, which consists of walls running from minarets. Zanana palace is nearby the fort where the concubines of Mohammed Quli Qutubshah (Bhagmati, Taramati, Premamati and Hayat Bakshi Begum) resided.

     Even now there are 87 half moon shaped minarets, which are at a height of 50 ft at Golconda. The gates of the fort were made up Iron and steel with sharp edges projecting so that at the time of foreign invasions, it would not be possible to attack the gates with elephants. Tourists first reach Balahisar, which is the entrance of the Fort.

Within the Fort the offices of the then ministers Akkanna and Madanna, Durbar-E- 

Aam, which is the General Assembly, Durbar-E- Khas, which is special Assembly, Dilone Aam etc., used to be located. Qutub Shahi kings ruled the states from here.

      There used to be rooms for watchman, godowns to preserve ammunition and garrison were located. The specialty of these kings is that one can see masjids as well as temples in the fort. Even in those days, wells, water reservoirs, and pipelines were laid. Julakhana, toilets, godowns, stables and several other constructions in ruins are seen even now. Nagina bagh constructed for the rest of the relatives of the kings as well as the prison where Ramadasu was confined are within the fort. Asiakhana where the dead of bodies are bathed is found near the entrance containing facility for water storing. Compound wall was constructed to protect the fort from attacks from outside. There is a wide balcony above the gate from where boiled oil was poured on the enemy soldiers at the time of attack of the fort. 

      There is a big portico at a short distance from the gate. If one claps standing in the midst of the portico, the clapping is heard in the fort at the top of the hillock. There is garrison in a three storied structure is on the left side of this portico. The Asiakhana where dead bodies are bather is on the right side of the portico. Both cold and hot water used to be supplied through pipes and used to be stored in tubs here. When the kinsmen of the king died, their dead bodies were bathed here and were taken to Qutubshahi Tombs. Naginabagh is situated nearby. Here a great soldier by name Razak had attacked Aurangzeb. To the south of the fort, swings used to hang. The kith and kin of the king used to spend their evenings there. The barracks of the bodyguards and the offices of Akkanna and Madonna are located beyond these swings. 

     One can go to Baradari by climbing 360 stairs after the barracks.  There is a big well to the right of the stairs. Several water reservoirs can be seen on either side of the stairs. The gardens were maintained with these waters.  

     Duirng the times of Tannesha, Kancheral Gopanna constructed a temple for Rama with the revenue he collected on behalf of the king. The prison cell where Taneesha confined Gopanna as a punishment for the misappropriation is within the Golconda fort. The idols of Sita, Rama and Laxmana made in earth by Gopanna alias Ramadasu within the prison are seen here. The godowns where ammunition was stored is just after the cell where Ramadasu was confined. A small masjid can be seen as one continues to climb to the fort, which was constructed by Ibrahim Quli Qutub shah. The city of Hyderabad is seen to the east of the Masjid. Qutubshai tombs are to the south of the maszid. Before the entrance of the palace, Mahankali temple is located in a cave. Festival is performed at the temple in the month of Ashadam. The general assembly is a very dignified construction with 12 arches and 3 storeys. This was known as durbar hall. There is an under-ground way from here to Goshamahal. Makki Darwaja is to the south of the fort. The residencies of Taramati and Premamati are to the south east of the fort.