Golconda Fort was built on the top of a small granite hill overlooking Hyderabad, the joint capital of India's Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states. All photos: Taniya Dutta / The National
It was built in 1148 by the Kakatiya empire, which ruled the region between 12th and 14th centuries
It was later fortified by the Bahmani sultanate between the 14th and 17th centuries
The citadel was further established as the capital of the Persian Qutub Shahi dynasty
There are eight gateways but only the eastern gate is open to tourists
A tourist looks at the city of Hyderabad from Golconda Fort
The fort, which stretches across three square kilometres, has numerous majestic halls, royal apartments, armouries, audience chambers, a mosque, a temple and stable
The walls of the fort range from five to 10 metres, interspaced by 87 semi-circular bastions, some 18 metres in height
Even though some parts of it have been reduced to ruins, it is one of the most magnificent forts in the country
Golconda was a defence fort for the rulers of the Deccan region
The main hall on the top of the hill
The mosque at Golconda Fort
The fort still has cannons
Tourists read a map of the colossal fort
Golconda was originally built in 1148 as a mud fort
