G – for Golconda Fort

I am re posting this post for A- Z April Challenge- as it is appropriate and fitting for my theme on travel.

One summer we took our daughter Dorothy to the Golconda Fort.  Golconda in telugu language means shepherds hill.  There is a story of the shepherd boy who found an idol of God at this hill; when he reported to the king, the king built a small fort around this idol, which later on was expanded by the Qutubshahi king into a massive fort of granite. This place is also noted and famous for its Diamond trade and Kohinoor diamond is said to have come from here.

My daughter was very much interested in visiting this place. We preferred to go in the evening hours, so that we could be present for the light and sound show which is usually scheduled in the evening hours.

We reached Golconda fort late and we found that there is no entry in the fort after 5.30p.m. Nevertheless we moved around after purchasing a ticket for the light and sound show which started after an hour.  This visit to the fort brought in so many lovable memories of my childhood. 

I had an aunt my mother’s cousin who lived closer to the Golconda fort. I spent most of my summer holidays in her house.  My aunt was a very loving and interesting person. She was fond of fishes, so there was small fish pond in her house. She loved the birds, so there were parrots and love birds. She had a pet dog, hens and ducks. 

There was also a huge gooseberry tree, where I used to pick up goose berries and eat it with salt. My aunt was a good cook, and was known for making pickles with gooseberry, she also baked biscuits, sweets, and snacks.  My uncle was a carpenter, and loved to design beautiful wood works.

Samuel, my nephew and my Godson

  

The house was full of decorative items made of wood.  Since the Golconda fort was just a 15 minute walk from my aunt’s house, I used to take a walk with my cousin sister bambina, walking, talking, and joking about the kings and the queens, at times even sing songs there. 

I had a very happy feeling to be in this place, and was interrupted by my daughter, who wanted to know the story of Golconda, by then it was time for the light and sound show, and we heard Amitabh Bachan( a popular film star) narrating the story in English.

It was an enjoyable and memorable evening for me and my daughter, as David does not really enjoy visiting historic sites and gets easily bored – he agreed to accompany to please my daughter Dorothy.  

Maria Dorothy- my daughter

David, Dorothy |& me

I assured my daughter I will take to this fort another time, since it is in our city.  Some interesting things about this fort is, when we stand at the entrance of this fort and clap our hands, the sound is heard right on the top of the fort, i.e., highest point in the fort.

The place on the top is very cool and pleasant, there was no A/C those days and yet the construction is such that it keeps this area cool. The design of the ventilation shows how brilliant were the architects, they designed to let in a flow of fresh cool breeze, which is a respite from the heat of summer.

Samuel, David & Myself

It is said that the king used to sit and watch the queens dancing, much far away from this fort outside pavilions built on a rocky eminence, where the legendary sisters Taramathi and Premamathi gave performance, which was visible from the king’s court on the top of the Golconda Fort.

It is also said that there is an underground passage to Charminar and New Delhi. This passage was used only by the king during war time to escape.. Now these passages are closed. The tourist buses bring in people here as part of the city tour. Do you enjoy visiting historic sites ? what has been your experience .?

Be Blessed & Be Happy