Hans News Service
Hyderabad
A tunnel has been discovered following alleged illegal excavation at a historic 400-year-old Qutb Shahi graveyard at 18 Seedi on Golconda premises, triggering serious concerns over possible damage to the protected heritage site. It revived the long-standing belief of a secret tunnel connecting Golconda Fort with the Charminar.
It was alleged that the excavation was carried out by Army officials in the area, following which the discovery of a tunnel came to light. The matter has now been brought to the attention of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for an immediate inspection and investigation. According to preliminary information, excavation was allegedly being carried out at the site, during which an underground passage or tunnel-like structure was noticed. The discovery has generated considerable interest because of a long-standing local belief that there is a secret underground passage between Golconda Fort and Charminar. However, there is no conclusive evidence so far establishing the existence of such a passage.
AIMIM Karwan MLA Kausar Mohiuddin visited the site and contacted officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and brought the alleged excavation and discovery to their attention. The development has also been brought to the notice of the Hyderabad Collector, Hyderabad City Police Commissioner and DCP, South-West Zone.
Authorities have also deployed police personnel at the site to prevent any further unauthorised activity until the inspection and assessment are completed.
On receiving the information, the ASI officials inspected the site on Friday and ascertained the nature and extent of the excavation and examined the tunnel discovered at the location.
Upon preliminary inspection, ASI said it was observed that the said structure is not a tunnel but a rectangular-shaped chamber measuring approximately 1.2 m × 1.8 m in length and width and 2.2 m in depth. It is constructed of granite stone, with rough stone masonry forming an internal wall-like structure. The team also noticed a few red-coloured potsherds, which appear to belong to the medieval period. The preliminary investigation has clarified that the structure is not a tunnel but a small chamber. Its exact purpose or usage, however, could not be identified without detailed investigation. The ASI Hyderabad Circle will report the matter to the Director General, ASI, and, upon approval, a detailed investigation will be undertaken to ascertain the purpose and usage of the chamber and to determine whether similar chambers exist in the surrounding area.
It may also be stated that the Bala Hissar portion of Golconda Fort is situated on a hillock, and the fortification wall encloses several other minor structures that were constructed for the utility of the public when Golconda Fort functioned as a residential settlement.
The ASI Hyderabad Circle has informed the Artillery Centre, Golconda, not to proceed further with the levelling of the land until a clear picture regarding this discovery emerges through further investigation.