Golconda Fort tunnel discovery: MLA urges ASI probe, Army yet to respond
A tunnel reportedly discovered during excavation work at the outer fortification of the historic Golconda Fort in Hyderabad has drawn public curiosity and prompted a demand for an official probe by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The development unfolded on Thursday evening when Karwan MLA Kausar Mohiuddin shared details of the find on social media, claiming it was made during excavation by the Indian Army.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Mohiuddin said that the alleged excavation took place at the historic Qutb Shahi graveyard and playground at 18 Seedi, Golconda, where a tunnel has now been found. He added that on the instructions of AIMIM president Barrister Asaduddin Owaisi, he had contacted the ASI Superintendent and brought the matter to their attention.
The 18 Seedi (also spelled Athara Seedi) area has been a subject of dispute, with the Indian Army claiming the land as its own while local residents have used parts of the vast open ground for burials, turning it into a graveyard. The same ground, located between Kala Chabutra and Athara Seedi, is also used by residents for recreational activities such as cricket and gilli-danda.
The Golconda Fort itself is a multi-layered fortification dating back to the Kakatiya and Qutb Shahi dynasties. Over the centuries, legends have persisted about secret tunnels and passages linking the fort to landmarks such as Charminar, Goshamahal, Chowmahalla Palace, and Naubat Pahad. Some stories speak of hidden treasure stored in these tunnels, while others describe them as escape routes. However, most such claims have historically turned out to be short passages or remnants of buried structures.
The latest discovery has nevertheless sparked excitement among local residents, many of whom gathered near the site on Friday morning to catch a glimpse of the purported tunnel. The ASI has not yet issued an official statement, but the matter is expected to be examined as part of the agency's mandate to protect heritage structures.
The Indian Army has been contacted for a response. This report will be updated when a comment is received.
