Goldkonda
Golconda is the oldest fortress that belongs to India. The old complex is quite well preserved and is located within the city of Hyderabad, which belongs to the state of Andhra Pradesh. Sometime from 1512 to 1687, Golconda was the capital of the sultanate of the same name.
The name of the Indian fortress comes from Golla Konda, which means "Shepherd's Hill". Among all the Europeans who were not only the first to visit the walls of Golconda, but also to describe this landmark, is the Russian merchant Afanasy Nikitin.
The ensemble of ancient buildings is located on a granite mountain, which is about 120 meters high. Golconda is formed by four different fortresses, which together make up 87 bastions. Even nowadays, some of them are equipped with guns. There are also eight gates in the fortress. Golcondu is equipped with lifting bridges. On the territory of the fortress there are prayer buildings (mosques), stables where Sultan's horses used to be kept, as well as various storages. There are even separate temple buildings here. There are many halls and luxurious chambers in the premises of the Golconda Fortress.
The architecture of this fortress is presented in such a way that the acoustic effects are very pronounced. For example, if you clap your hands loudly or stamp your foot at one gate, then this sound will be clearly heard a kilometer away, at the highest point of the structure. Such good audibility in Golconda served as an excellent warning of various dangers.
Nearby the walls of the fortress there are granite monuments with the highest domes, of which there are 18 pieces. The bodies of the Qutb Shahi dynasty rulers are buried here. The area surrounding the mausoleums is represented by a wonderful landscape, where gardens are located.
The area near the Golconda fortress was previously known for the extraction of diamonds, which were not only found here, but also processed. This area is considered the birthplace of the most famous diamonds. A market was set up in Golconda, where these precious stones were both sold and bought.
