ASI 'Tunnel discovered at Golconda Fort is a Chamber'

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Friday said a structure recently found at the historic Golconda Fort is a small rectangular-shaped chamber constructed of granite stone and not a tunnel.

Following reports that a tunnel was found during the work undertaken by the Army’s Artillery Centre, Golconda, behind the fort, an ASI team was deputed to the location to verify the claims, an ASI release said.

The team comprised an archaeologist, engineer, surveyor and the site in-charge of Golconda Fort. The area falls within the prohibited area, which extends beyond 100 metres from the fortification wall, it



said.

“Upon preliminary inspection, 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 said.

The chamber 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, it said.

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, it said.