Golconda tunnel discovery revives legends of secret passage to Charminar

A tunnel discovered during unauthorized excavation near the 400-year-old Qutb Shahi cemetery in Golconda has renewed local speculation regarding a secret underground passage. The structure was noticed during excavation activities involving army officials near a playground adjoining the historic cemetery.

This discovery has reignited long-standing beliefs that an underground route once connected Golconda Fort with the Charminar, which would have allowed the Qutb Shahi royal family to travel between the fort and the city. While such legends have persisted for generations, the existence and exact route of such a passage have never been conclusively proven.

Authorities have notified the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Hyderabad Collector, and local police to conduct a detailed inspection. Officials aim to determine the age, nature, and extent of the structure to establish whether it is a significant historical architectural feature or a more recent excavation. A police presence is expected at the site to prevent further unauthorized digging.