Context:
The rampart wall from the Qutb Shahi era in Golconda is on the brink of collapse, prompting experts to call for the attention of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
About Golconda Fort:
- One of the biggest fortress in the Deccan plateau – built on a 400 ft. high hill.
- Location: Hyderabad, Telengana
- Originally known as Mankal – originally a mud fort
- It was fortified between 14th and 17th centuries by the Bahmani Sultans and then the ruling Qutub Shahi dynasty.
- Derives its name from a Telugu word ‘Golla Konda’ which means Shepherd’s Hill
- The fort has an ingeniously evolved water supply system. The water raised by Persian wheels was stored in overhead tanks at different levels. Water thus collected was effectively distributed
History:
- The fort originally belonged to the Kakatiyas of Warangal.
- Built by Kakatiya ruler Prataparudra in the 11th century
- It was ceded to the Baihmanis in AD1363.
- After their downfall in AD1518 it became the capital of the Qutb Shahi kings (AD 1518-1687).
- Subsequently Aurangazeb annexed it to the Moghal Empire (AD 1687) during the reign of Abul Hasan Tana Shan, the last ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and appointed Asaf Jah as the Subedar of the Deccan province.
- Asaf Jah declared independence in AD1713 as Nizam-ul-Mulk and the Nizams held sway over Hyderabad until AD 1948.
Naya Qila:
- An extension of the Golkonda Fort
- Constructed in 1656 by Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah
- It served as additional defense for the Mughal armies
Source: The Hindu
Previous year question
Which one of the following was a very important seaport in the Kakatiya kingdom? [UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) Kakinada
(b) Motupalli
(c) Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam)
(d) Nelluru
Answer: (b)
Explanation:Motupalli was a renowned seaport for trade during the time of the Kakatiya dynasty.Marco Polo, the celebrated Venetian traveler, visited the Kakatiya kingdom through
Motupalli and wrote about the region’s prosperity and strength in his travelogue.During the period of the Golconda Kingdom, the main seaport for trade was located in Machilipatnam.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
