7 Key Suspects Behind Golconda Fort’s Destruction

Golconda Fort is one of the most ancient and prominent fort present in Telangana, India just next to Hyderabad city. Golconda fort, the rusted infested building of history has its story from rags to riches and again back into rags. This article will walk through the history of Golconda Fort, and what led to its downfall.

How to Reach Golconda Fort

• By Road: Golconda Fort is easily accessible by road. You can hire cabs, auto-rickshaws, or take local buses from different parts of Hyderabad.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station, which is 10 km away from the fort.
• By Air: The closest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, located about 30 km away.

The Emergence of The Golconda Fort

The Golconda Fort was first built by the Kakatiya dynasty in 13th century. At first just a tiny fortress, it was expanded and fortified as time progressed. The fort was enlarged over the centuries, with subsequently added new structures in times by Bahmani Sultanate of Deccan (1347—1528 AD).

By the 16th century, Golconda Fort was made capital by a Qutub Shahi Sultan and much of southern India came under its reign.

They were the big wall and large towers type of fort. One such (until recently) was a clapping and acoustics system of an acoustic nature; where if one stood at the perfect spot outside the fort, then even something as silent as their clap will be heard on top-most tower.

This brilliant design of the fort assisted defenders to stay vigilant enough to respond promptly in case an incoming danger should be detected.

The Mughal Empire – Its Defence and Ambition

One of the most powerful empires in India during all this was that of the Mughal Empire who under their Emperor Aurangzeb, ruled over vast parts of land as late as the end if 17th century. Aurangzeb wanted to enlarge the empire and conquer more territory by incorporating new land within mughal control.

The Golconda Sultanate happened to be one of his prime objectives. It is important as it was the key to controlling Indian regions (especially South India) such that they could not erect a new empire of Deccan between Europe and Mughals.

The Serious of Golconda Fort

So, in 1687 Aurangzeb decided to act decisively. He then forced his army to lay siege on the Golconda Fort. A siege surrounds a fort or city to inhibit supplies and starve the inhabitants into surrender. The Mughal army was huge, sophisticated with advanced power of artillery.

Abul Hasan Qutb Shah the Sultan of Golconda led the defenders at Golconda Fort. Though the brig had defenses, things looked bleak for the defenders. He sent his forces to besiege the fort and closed all supply routes so that those inside would find it hard to get their food etc.

The Long and Tough Siege

A several month long siege of Golconda Fort ensued. During that time the defenders were suffering from lacking food and water. Mughal forces devised many ways to break the defenses of fort-like they started digging tunnels in an attempt to lay under walls. On the walls, defenders toiled desperately against their ravages but circumstances were only growing more dire.

No doubt one of the most important tactics within the sieges came from those monsters created in Mughal hudeds — massive siege engines. The giant machines were engineered to smash through walls and defences. Theirs was a grinding operation that would, combined with constant raids, gradually wear down the fortress’ walls. But the defenders could only hold on for so long.

The Defeat of Golconda Fort

Although the Mughal army did persist in attacking, it was not until September 1687 that they managed to breach the defenses of Golconda Fort after many months.

Mughal force entered the fort fighting one of most fierce battle in history. The exhausted and empty-handed defenders were not able to prevent the Mughal forces from entering in.

CaptionHanumanteshwar sultans ruling over Sultanate of Golfonda came to end recursively after fall out with fort capture. Sultan Abul Hasan Qutb Shah captured and brought to Delhi in captivity wherehe was imprisoned until his death. And with the fort under their control, it meant that a strategic stronghold in southern India had come back to Mughal Empire.

What Occurred After the Siege?

After Golconda Fort came under the control of Mughal Empire, they did some alterations to fort and fortified it as an military base. But with time Mughal rulers shifted their interests to other regions and demand on Golconda Fort diminished.

Due to the influence of natural factors, such as rainfall and wind, in addition to from a lack of maintenance that it had received overtime. These days the great fortress has turned to decay.

Preserving the Legacy of the Fort

Hundreds of visitors from different parts of the world visit Golconda Fort even today, and it is nothing but a historical tourist destination. People want to see its ruins and know the history of this rich city. Some parts of the fort have been preserved and restored so that one can still experience its grandeur.

Origin of the story The narrative behind Golconda Fort has several important lessons to tell us about how empires are born and ultimately die as well, due to their military strategy throughout history. Last but not the least it emphasis over saving historical subjective so that generations to come can learn and admire them.

Conclusion

However, Golconda Fort was obliterated following the Mughal siege in 1687 due to sequence of events rather than by a single man. Khwaja Mir, who was in charge of the Mughal Empire during this period, invaded Bijapur and captured Shahgarh. Fooled by this offer, the lady caught hold of his leg and fell to her death as well.

Even though it is in ruins now, Golconda Fort still holds a place within India’s history books for its rich past. Its history is an example of why it’s so important to protect our culturally significant structures for the sake of humanity.