I.
Hill-fort of Golconda, near Hyderabad.
Golconda was formerly the capital of an extensive and powerful kingdom of Mahomedan Princes which rose to independence on the decay of the Bahmuni dynasty, under the style of "Kootub Shahy," and conquered the Province of Golconda, with others, from the Hindoo Princes of Wurungou. The Kootub Shahy dynasty ceased on the capture of the City and Fort by the famous Aurungzebe in 1687 after a siege of seven months, when the entire territory became incorporated with the Empire of Delhi.
The city of Golconda was the first capital of the Kootub Shahy kings, but the situation being confined and unhealthy, a new city was founded by Hyder Kootub Shah about six miles south-east from the old one, and called Hyderabad, which is the present capital of H.H. the Nizam.
Golconda has long been famed for its Fortress, deemed impregnable by the natives; its massive and vast mausolea, and for the ruins within the Port, of the palaces of the Kootub Shahy kings. The Fortress stands on a rocky ridge of granite, and is strongly defended both by nature and art.
Many of the wealthy inhabitants of Hyderabad have residences in the city of Golconda, which is partly in ruins. The Fortress, being the depository of the Nizam's treasures, is kept in tolerable preservation.
