Culture

Telangana Day puts spotlight on historic Golconda Fort, known for world- famous diamonds

The Telangana Formation Day celebration commenced in a grand manner at the famous Golconda Fort with flag hoisting ceremony by G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism.

The two-day celebrations is being held under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’s “Qila Aur Kahaniya” campaign at the Golconda Fort. “Qila Aur Kahaniya”, is a special campaign to highlight India’s forts; their illustrious history and unique characteristics.

Located in Hyderabad’s western outskirts, Golconda Fort was built by Prataparuda in 11th Century out of mud. It became part of the Bahmani Sultanate when it was ceded to Sultan Muhammad Shah who reigned from 1358 AD to 1375 AD. In 1687, following an eight-month-long siege by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, it finally fell into ruin.

Koh-i-Noor

Golconda Fort once had a vault where the famous Koh-i-Noor and Hope diamonds were stored. The region is renowned for diamonds mined from Kollur in Guntur district. During those times, India had the only known diamond mines in the world and Golconda was reputed for diamond trade.

Hope Diamond

Apart from Koh-i-Noor other diamonds which are said to have been found from Golconda mines include Daria-i-Noor; Noor-ul-Ain; Princie Diamond; Regent Diamond; and Wittelsbach-Graff Diamond.

Wittelsbach-Graff diamond

Telangana celebrations

The fort will witness several activities today including a march past, photo and painting exhibitions, classical dance performances by Anandaji and her group, performances by Manjula Ramaswamy and her group, and more.

Keeping in mind the popular choice of the people, there will be performances by renowned Telugu singers Mangli and Madhupriya. The day will conclude with a spectacular performance by well-known singer Shankar Mahadevan who will render patriotic songs.

Tomorrow, there will be captivating folk-dance performances including Dimsa, Dappu, Bonalu, and Gussadi. Additionally, a theatrical production on Raja Ram Mohan Roy will be staged, and the day will culminate with a multilingual mushaira.

S.Ravi

S. Ravi writes on science, evolution and wildlife besides trends in culture, history, art, and stories of human interest.

Recent Posts

“Situation in Bishkek calm”: Kyrgyzstan Foreign Ministry after India issues advisory

Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that the situation in Bishkek is calm and…

4 hours ago

“Pakistan is roaming with begging bowl, enemies tremble due to our ‘dhaakad’ govt”: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that enemies of the nation have to think…

6 hours ago

Tibetans rally for release of 11th Panchen Lama amid China’s controversial appointment

In a display of solidarity, exiled Tibetans gathered in Dharamshala on Friday, demanding the release…

6 hours ago

Pakistan: Load-shedding makes lives of people a living hell in Sindh

With the rise in mercury levels, load-sheddings in different cities of Sindh province of Pakistan…

6 hours ago

“After PM Modi is re-elected for third term, within six months PoK will become part of India”: CM Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that the Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir…

7 hours ago

UAE lining up with Israel, US on demanding Palestinian reform

The United Arab Emirates is emerging as a hardline critic of the Palestinian Authority at…

10 hours ago