The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Restoration time at Golconda fort

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Tuesday, Apr 08, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Restoration time at Golconda fort

J.S. Ifthekhar

ASI stumbles upon interesting details about erstwhile rulers

— Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

Throwing light: ASI clears debris near the Ranimahal complex in Golconda Fort in Hyderabad. Archeological Survey of India has led to discovery of traces of living quarters and water channels belonging to erstwhile dynasties. The ASI plans to repair and preserve the exposed structures and throw them open for visitors in summer.

Hyderabad: Traces of living quarters, guest houses and water channels have been found near the Ranimahal complex at Golconda fort during excavation by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It has also come across lime plaster walls which might give an idea about the different phases of structural activities of other dynasties.

The Archaeological Survey of India stumbled upon them during debris clearance undertaken by it in the last couple of months towards the west of the Ranimahal complex. There was two meter high debris here.

All this has been removed carefully. Another 10 per cent work is left after which ASI plans to repair the damaged portion and throw it open for visitors.

Earlier, the authorities unearthed a palace courtyard and an octagonal stone cistern.

“We propose to reconstruct and preserve the exposed structures,” said G. Srinivas, conservation assistant, Golconda Fort.

Over the years a lot of debris has accumulated in the fort due to crumbling of the structures at different places. The ASI is carrying out a scientific clearance and in the process stumbling upon interesting details about the erstwhile rulers.

Ranimahal complex

The ASI has also undertaken repair of a part of the Ranimahal complex adjacent to the camel stable.

The debris accumulated in the ‘zanana’ apartments has been removed.

Visitors can now see the queen’s dressing room, the well laid out attached bathrooms and the inlets for hot and cold water.

The decorative arch type shelves on the walls have been restored. Skilled labour is engaged to carry out this delicate job.

To give the original red tint the stucco work is done using lime mortar mixed with jaggery in right proportion.

The complex is being strengthened by grouting and plaster matching with the colour of the structure.

Every care is being taken to maintain the distinct features of the Qutb Shahi style, Mr. Srinivas said.

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