Golconda Fort is close to the tombs we visited. The Sultans (
Qutb Shahi dynasty) buried in the tombs were the leaders for the main part of Golconda Fort's life. It began as a "mud fort" around 1143 AD and wasn't fully completed until the 1600's. It was built to protect the kingdom from
Mughal invaders and eventually fell to the
Mughals in 1687. It's crazy impressive- built at the top of a huge hill and its walls spread out for miles into the city below.
When we first arrived at the fort I was trying to take pictures and noticed all these people smiling and motioning to me. What do they want? I tried to take their picture thinking they wanted to be in some of my shots but they shook their heads and motioned me over- they wanted griffin to be in their pictures. OH, of course!
OK, now they're all happy they can have some pictures with the white baby. This went on for several minutes as more and more people realized they could get a picture with the baby. Finally Spencer ended the fun and saved us.
Best ice cream (according to Spencer) in Hyderabad.
This sign mentions the "clapping portico". It's down at each of the four entrances and when someone claps not only does it strongly reverberate back to the person clapping, it can also be heard at the highest citadel at the top of the fort. Its construction acted as a warning system for the royals if invaders came.
Top of the fort
Standing under some of the arches
Wandering around with the map Spencer bargained for- he wanted to get a package deal with postcards too. We were able to read about some interesting things like how many diamonds were mined at the fort- some of the world's largest like the Hope Diamond.
More arches. We also heard thousands of bats flying around in some of the darker rooms in the fort.
I think this place and the
Qutb Shahi tombs were my favorite places in Hyderabad. To undertake this huge project and have it stand for so many years with little protection is amazing. I love all the interesting things they built like the mortuary baths and even a large "queen's make-up room". They also built walls and long iron spikes in front of their entry gates to prevent invaders and their elephants from running at the gates and battering them down.
Best ice cream (according to Spencer) in Hyderabad.
This sign mentions the "clapping portico". It's down at each of the four entrances and when someone claps not only does it strongly reverberate back to the person clapping, it can also be heard at the highest citadel at the top of the fort. Its construction acted as a warning system for the royals if invaders came.
Top of the fort
Standing under some of the arches
Wandering around with the map Spencer bargained for- he wanted to get a package deal with postcards too. We were able to read about some interesting things like how many diamonds were mined at the fort- some of the world's largest like the Hope Diamond.
More arches. We also heard thousands of bats flying around in some of the darker rooms in the fort.
I think this place and the Qutb Shahi tombs were my favorite places in Hyderabad. To undertake this huge project and have it stand for so many years with little protection is amazing. I love all the interesting things they built like the mortuary baths and even a large "queen's make-up room". They also built walls and long iron spikes in front of their entry gates to prevent invaders and their elephants from running at the gates and battering them down.
8 comments:
I love that you guys are like celebrities there. You should start charging for pictures. :-)
Wow, that is just beautiful!
you've got to do a big buddah belly shot of griffin before you go. :)
that is so neat to be able to see all these beautiful places....Griffin is a good sport posing for all those pictures, good thing Spencer sas there to save you...it's gets tiring holding a smile:)
What an amazing opportunity to be out there! I've enjoyed visiting India vicariously through your adventures. And Griffin needs to stop looking so cute and white - you'll get more done that way. :)
I love all the history you're learning/sharing!! What's the average temperature/ weather like there? Love the postings.
That is just amazing!! Can you imagine how long ago that was all made?? Unreal.
Looks like little Griffy is going to be quite the celebrity! too cute!
Looks like so much fun! What an amazing experience for you guys. Anyway, you can check out our family at gotjensen.blogspot.com ... cheesy title ... I know.
What cool pictures and amazing architecture! I'm glad you've been able to experience it all!!
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