Structure / architecture / archway / monuments / mosque / lawns / gardens / sand stones / carvings / design / map / plan / temples / arches / terrace / natural air conditioning of Golkonda Fort , Hyderabad , Andhra Pradesh
The main structure of the fort is laid out in a series of enclosures that hold the public and administrative structures to the royal residence and halls. The mortuary baths stretch out to the right of the portico. The baths were intended for the departed royalty and harem ladies who were given the ritualistic bath previous to burial outside the Banjara Gate. Nagina Bagh, at the moment in complete ruins, lies inside an enclosure.
Another significant structure is the mosque built by Taramati. As one climbs up and down the boulders through narrow patches and bumpy steps we can see strange clay pipes fitted into the wall planks – proof of an efficient water supply arrangement to the mounting residential area.
Prominent corner minarets differentiate the small mosque (1518) built by Ibrahim Quli Qutub Shah. The courtyards extend up to the ramparts providing impressive views of the landscape underneath, for miles. Near to the mosque lies the tiny Rama Mandir under the boulders. Ram Das, a revenue official jailed by Abul Hasan Tana Shah for misuse of state funds, carved images of Rama, Lakshman and Hanuman on the rock surface in the cell.
The climb of 380 steps in conclusion culminates at the Balahisar Baradari, a wind-swept pavilion, twelve-arched, triple storied structure used as a durbar hall. It is alienated by extensive piers into vaulted bays; a raised chamber with triple arches open off the back wall. On the topmost terrace stands a stone throne. A pavilion, outlying in the hills, is believed to have housed Taramati, Abul Hasan’s paramour. The Baradari shows yet another engineering marvel the natural air conditioning endowed with by a gap in the double walls which sucks the air and liberates it with accumulated pressure in the chambers.
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