Ancient structure discovered at Golconda Fort, ASI takes up investigation
Hyderabad: Authorities have discovered a structure, believed to be of medieval period, at Hyderabad’s Golconda Fort, a nationally protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The ASI Hyderabad Circle said on Friday that the ASI began an inspection following reports on social media that a tunnel was found during the work being undertaken by the Artillery Centre at Golconda behind the fort.
The area falls within the prohibited area of Golconda Fort, which extends beyond 100 metres from the fortification wall.
ASI Hyderabad Circle sent a team comprising an archaeologist, engineer, surveyor and the site in-charge of Golconda Fort to the location to verify the facts.
“Upon preliminary inspection, it was said that the said structure is not a tunnel but a rectangular-shaped chamber measuring approximately 1.2 m × 1.8 m in length and width and 2.2 m in depth. It is constructed of granite stone, with rough stone masonry forming an internal wall-like structure. The team also noticed a few red-coloured potsherds, which appear to belong to the medieval period,” the ASI said in a statement.
The preliminary investigation has clarified that the structure is not a tunnel but a small chamber. Its exact purpose or usage, however, could not be identified without detailed investigation.
“The ASI Hyderabad Circle will report the matter to the ASI Director General Yadubir Singh Rawat and, upon approval, a detailed investigation will be undertaken to ascertain the purpose and usage of the chamber and to determine whether similar chambers exist in the surrounding area,” it said.
It may also be added that the Bala Hissar portion of Golconda Fort is situated on a hillock, and the fortification wall encloses several other minor structures that were constructed for the utility of the public when Golconda Fort functioned as a residential settlement.
The ASI Hyderabad Circle has informed the Artillery Centre at Golconda not to proceed further with the levelling of the land until a clear picture regarding this discovery emerges through further investigation.
The Golconda Fort, a nationally protected monument under the ASI Hyderabad Circle is one of the largest and most prominent forts in the Deccan Plateau.
Built on a hill rising to around 120 metres, the fort encompasses a medieval Islamic settlement within its massive stone fortifications.
The complex comprises defensive structures, gateways, bastions, mosques, gardens, residential quarters and royal structures.
With three lines of fortification walls and 87 bastions, Golconda represents a remarkable example of medieval military architecture and urban settlement.