The fort of Golconda was captured by Aurangzeb in 1687 after a long siege. Who was the ruler of Golconda at that time?

The fort of Golconda, the capital of the Qutb Shahi kingdom, was captured by Aurangzeb in September 1687, during the reign of its last ruler, Abul Hasan Qutb Shah, popularly known as "Tana Shah".

About Abul Hasan Qutb Shah:

• He ruled from 1672 to 1687.
• He was known as "Tana Shah" ("the tender-hearted" or "the good ruler"), because of his kindness and his love of the arts.
• He appointed two Brahmana brothers, Madanna and Akkanna, as his chief ministers; they were capable administrators.
• He was tolerant towards people of all religions.

Why Aurangzeb attacked Golconda:

• Aurangzeb wanted to annex the Deccan Sultanates.
• He was angry that Golconda had helped the Marathas and Bijapur, and that its government was in the hands of Hindu ministers.
• He also accused the ruler of leading an immoral life.

The siege:

• The siege of Golconda lasted about eight months.
• The fort was very strong, and the Mughal army suffered from rain, famine and disease.
• The fort finally fell when a Golconda officer, Abdullah Khan Pani, was bribed and opened one of the gates (according to tradition).
• Abul Hasan was captured and sent as a prisoner to Daulatabad, where he died in 1699 or 1700.
• Golconda was annexed as a Mughal province.

About Golconda:

• It was the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, founded in 1518.
• The Golconda Fort, near Hyderabad, is famous for its acoustics: a hand clap at the entrance can be heard at the top of the hill.
• Golconda was famous for its diamond mines and diamond trade; famous diamonds such as the Koh-i-Noor are believed to have come from its mines.

Later history:

After Aurangzeb's death, Golconda became part of the Hyderabad state of the Nizams.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Sikandar Adil Shah was the last ruler of Bijapur.
• ✗Ibrahim Qutb Shah and Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah ruled Golconda earlier.