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Monuments/ Fort & Palace/ Historical Palace in Andhra Pradesh |
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 Golconda Fort
Golconda fort, located on the outskirts of the city of Hyderabad, the
capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh. This Fort is one of the most
magnificent fortress complexes in India. The history of Golconda Fort
dates back to the early 13th century, when this south eastern part of the
country was ruled by the Kakatiyas. It is built on a granite hill 120
metres high, and is surrounded by crenellated ramparts constructed of
large masonry blocks weighing several tonnes. 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
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. Charminar
The charminar Hyderabad's best known landmark was built 1591 by Sultan
Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah to appease the force of evil savaging his new
city with epidemic and plague. Standing in the heart of the old walled
city and surround by lively bazaars, the charminar ('four tower') is a 56m
high triumphal arch. The arch is notable for its elegant balconies, stucco
decorations and the small mosque, Hyderabad's oldest, on the 2nd floor. An
image of the grace every packet of charminar cigarettes, one of India's
most popular brand. There are good views over the old city from the top of
the minarets. Charminar, the hub of the city, has four wide roads
radiating in the four cardinal directions. The four minarets command the
landscape for miles. The structure is square, each side measuring 100
feet, with a central pointed high arch at the center. The whole edifice
contains numerous small decorative arches arranged both vertically and
horizontally. The prominently projected cornice on the first floor upholds
a series of six arches and capitals on each faηade, rising to the
double-story gallery of the minarets. The projected canopy, ornamental
brackets and decoration in stucco plaster add graceful elegance to the
structure. On the upper courtyard, a screen of arches topped by a row of
square jall or water screens lends a fragile charm to the sturdy
appearance of charminar. This courtyard was used as a school and for
prayers at the mosque. An underground path is believed to connect armine
with the Golconda fort. The minarets, their domed finials rising from
their lotus-leaves cushion, rise to 180 feet from the ground. An
interesting 17th-century description of the monument comes from Thevenot:
That which is called the four towers, is a square building, of which each
face is ten fathom broad and about seven high. It is opened on the four
sides by four arches
. Often called "The Arc de triomphe of the East",
Charminar was built in 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah and is a beautiful
structure with four intricately carved minarets. Enormous in its size,
this imposing monument exudes a charm that is more than 400 years old!".
Charminar is surrounded by markets and many other structures which adds to
its grace. Shahali Banda, Laad Bazar, Kali Kaman and Patthar Gatti flank
charminar on its four sides. The structure here show mixed Indian and
Mughal architectural styles. Vizianagaram Fort
The imposing fort formed the nucleus around which grew the town of
Vizianagaram. Depicitng the past glory of th erulers, the quadrangular
stone fort is evident of the konwledge and skillfulness of the builders
and architects of those days.
An ancient tiemple of Pydithalli Annavari is situated in this town. Legend
has it that one of the daughters of the Pasupati royal family was the
reincarnation of the presiding deity, Pydithallamma. The locals believe
that with the blessings of the Goddess one can lead a happy & prosperous
life. The idol of the Goddess was discovered on Vijayadashami day way back
in the year 1752. To mark the occasion, an annual Jatra is held on 21st &
22nd October which attracts large crowds.
Warangal Fort
The Warangal Fort,located in Warangal District which is about 157kms
from Hyderabad. This famous Fort was built in 13th century by Kakatiya
King Ganapathi Deva and his daughter Rani Rudrama Devi. It is also famous
for its ezquisite sculpture. Qutub Shahi Tombs
Situated about 2 km from Golconda Fort, the Tombs of the seven
Qutubshahi rulers are amidst the beautifully laid out gardens of Ibrahim
bagh. Every arch, dome and gallery of these tombs is a gem of Qutubshahi
architecture set in picture perfect, serene surroundings. The galleries of
the smaller tombs are of a single storey while the larger ones are usually
two-storied. In the centre of each tomb is a sacro-phagus which overlies
the actual burial vault in a crypt below. The domes were originally
overlaid with blue and green tiles of which now only a few pieces remain.
Every year Department of Tourism conducts "Deccan Festival" for five days
by organising programmes of internationally renowned artists.
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