Date:01/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/01/stories/2008030157420300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

ASI stumbles upon roof garden at Golconda fort

J.S. Ifthekhar

To spend Rs. 10 lakh for strengthening the structure

The flat roof is formed by stone slabs supported by walls and piers
By March-end, the camel stable and roof garden will be opened to visitors

— Photo:Mohd. Yousuf

Hidden wonder: The camel stable with massive arches at the Golconda Fort.

Hyderabad: It offers a panoramic view of the Golconda ruins. The semi-circular bastions, some still mounted with cannons, the impregnable granite walls, royal halls, mosques, verdant landscape and Bala Hisar, the highest point of the fortress complex, can all be seen from here.

Yes, this never before view can be had from the roof garden recently discovered by the Archaeological Survey of India at this 16th century Qutb Shahi citadel.

The ASI stumbled upon this structure while clearing fallen debris at the camel stable. The whole thing was buried under a huge mound of stones and rubble that collapsed over the years.

“As we removed the debris, we discovered two flight of steps leading to the roof. It took two months to unearth the steps,” said Jitender Das, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI.

Structural features

The flat roof is formed by large stone slabs supported by walls and piers. This structure was used as a stable for keeping the camels of the Qutb Shahi kings. The 50-foot high stable is a rectangular structure with seven arched openings on the north and east. The interior is divided into bays for tethering the camels. There was waist-high grass and rubble atop the roof. All this has been cleared now and the damaged portion is being strengthened with lime concrete to prevent percolation of rainwater. A fountain and a couple of cisterns on the roof were also found suggesting how the place was used by the Qutb Shahi kings for recreation.

The ASI is spending Rs. 10 lakh for strengthening the structure, including revival of the ancient fountain. “By March-end, we will throw open the camel stable and the roof to visitors,” hopes G. Srinivas, Conservation Assistant, Golconda Fort. The roof and the unearthed steps are in good condition. Only the side walls of the stairs were damaged. It is proposed to raise a parapet wall on the roof and fix a cast iron grill for safety. The restored roof garden and the camel stable promises to be an additional attraction to visitors.