Golconda Fort - in pictures

  • 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
    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 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
    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
    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
    There are eight gateways but only the eastern gate is open to tourists
  • A tourist looks at the city of Hyderabad from Golconda Fort
    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 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
    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
    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
    Golconda was a defence fort for the rulers of the Deccan region
  • The main hall on the top of the hill
    The main hall on the top of the hill
  • The mosque at Golconda Fort
    The mosque at Golconda Fort
  • The fort still has cannons
    The fort still has cannons
  • Tourists read a map of the colossal fort
    Tourists read a map of the colossal fort
  • Golconda was originally built in 1148 as a mud fort
    Golconda was originally built in 1148 as a mud fort