Purported Tunnel Uncovered at Golconda Fort Sparks Public Interest and Political Scrutiny
A wave of public curiosity emerged at Hyderabad’s historic Golconda Fort following reports regarding the discovery of a purported tunnel along its outer fortification. The finding, located in the Athaara Seedi area, quickly attracted nearby residents while prompting local political representatives to alert heritage authorities regarding recent excavation activity at the site.
What Happened
Karwan legislator Kausar Mohiuddin announced the development, stating that an opening resembling a tunnel was uncovered during excavation work conducted by Indian Army personnel. According to the legislator, the digging took place at an area identified as a 400-year-old Qutb Shahi graveyard and recreational ground at Athara Seedi, also referred to as 18 Seedi.
Following guidance from All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi, Mohiuddin formally brought the excavation to the attention of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) Superintendent. Meanwhile, residents from surrounding neighbourhoods gathered at the location to observe the exposed structure firsthand.
Key Highlights
- Location: The purported tunnel was uncovered along the outer fortifications in the Athara Seedi (18 Seedi) section of Golconda Fort.
- Official Notification: MLA Kausar Mohiuddin contacted the Archaeological Survey of India after raising concerns over the excavation.
- Land Dispute: The site lies within an area contested between the Indian Army, which asserts ownership, and local residents who use parts of the grounds for burials and sports such as cricket and gilli-danda.
- Official Response: A formal comment from the Indian Army regarding the activity remains awaited.
Why This Matters
The Golconda Fort is an ancient, multi-layered defensive structure tracing its origins through both the Kakatiya and Qutb Shahi eras. Long-standing local legends have described extensive subterranean networks purportedly connecting the fortress to landmarks such as Charminar, Goshamahal, Chowmahalla Palace, and Naubat Pahad. While folklore often associates these spaces with hidden pathways or treasure, prior architectural findings across the complex have historically proven to be short corridors or structural segments of subterranean palace foundations.
Furthermore, the discovery touches on sensitive local land use. The ground extending between Kala Chabutra and Athara Seedi serves as an open space for sports while also seeing ongoing burial activity, creating competing claims between local community usage and military administration.
What to Watch Next
Heritage oversight remains a central focal point as the Archaeological Survey of India reviews the communication submitted by local leadership. Clarification and official remarks from the Indian Army regarding the nature and authorization of the excavation are also awaited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly was the purported tunnel found?
It was uncovered in the Athara Seedi (18 Seedi) area along the outer fortification of Golconda Fort in Hyderabad, situated near the open expanse between Athara Seedi and Kala Chabutra.
Who raised the issue with heritage regulators?
Karwan MLA Kausar Mohiuddin reported the excavation to the Archaeological Survey of India after acting on advice from AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi.
Have similar tunnels been documented at Golconda Fort in the past?
While local legends frequently speak of secret routes leading across Hyderabad, previous historical discoveries within the fort grounds have ultimately been identified as short underground passages or parts of buried palace architecture.
Source: Reported based on disclosures and coverage by The Hindu.