I clapped at the entrance gate of the fort, the sound went up in the air, it reverberated with an effect which made me realize that the fort which has been silent witness to many historical events will not be silent if anyone is out there to test its features with slightest of inkling. The fort is undoubtedly one of the the most magnificent fortress complexes in India.

History
To be frank, I was quite impressed after knowing the history of hyderabad. My guide, Ashish, told me that the city was founded originally by the Kakatiyas in the 13th century, the fort has an interesting story behind it. It was popularly known as "Shepherd's Hill" or "Golla Konda" in earlier time. A shephard boy while herding the cattle on the rocky hill of Mangalavaram, came across an idol. Kakatiya king, who was ruling at that time came to know of the happening and got a mud fort constructed around the holy spot. Over a period of time, when the reigns of power fell into the hands of Qutb Shahi kings, they got this lowly construction expanded into a massive fort of granite. Before the city of Hyderabad was founded the Deccan was ruled from Golconda fort Every nook and corner of this splendid monument echoes the unparalleled history of a bygone era.

By the 17th century, Golconda was famous as a Diamond Market. It gave the world some of the best known diamonds, including Kohinoor.

Architecture
Golconda fort is a majestic monument lying on the western outskirts of Hyderabad city. The fortress is built on a granite hill 120 metres high, surrounded by massive crenelated ramparts, which are nearly 7 Kms in circumference.

The magnificent architecture of the fort is manifest in its acoustic system, the structural grandeur of the palaces and ingenious water supply system. I was bewildered to see the meticulous details of the architecture and the fading gardens, which were once upon a time replete with sprawling lawns and playing fountains. The ventilation designs aid the inflow of fresh cool breeze, which is a respite from the heat of summer. The massive gates are studded with large pointed iron spikes to prevent elephants from battering them down. The outer wall surrounding the entire township of Golconda, is about 11 kilometres long, and is strongly fortified. In its heyday, the 10-km long road from Golconda to outer Hyderabad was a fabulous market selling jewellery, diamonds, pearls and other gems, which were famous all over the world. In its heyday, the 10 kilometre long road from Golconda to outer Hyderabad, was a fabulous market selling jewellery, diamonds, pearls and other gems, which were famous all over the world.