24 The Hunting Grounds 



above the castellated walls of the hill-fort of Gol- 

 conda, formed a contrast with the deep verdure of 

 the mango groves and the lighter foliage of the 

 graceful tamarind, on which the eye rested with 

 delight. 



On the one hand lay Golconda, with its lofty 

 rock-built citadel, bastioned walls, and loop-holed 

 battlements; and on the other rose those magni- 

 ficent structures of ancient days, the tombs of the 

 kings, with their massive domes, gigantic cupolas, 

 towering minarets, and stately piazzas. 



Many changes have taken place since the last 

 of the Kootub Shawee dynasty was placed in 

 his regal sepulchre. His kingdom has passed 

 away into the hands of strangers, and his very 

 name is now forgotten in the land where he was 

 once pre-eminent'; still, these time-worn but 

 stately monuments will attest to many succeeding 

 generations the splendour and magnificence of the 

 ancient rulers of Hindostan. 



No such works are carried on in the present 

 day; and what makes these buildings more re- 

 markable is, that the immense blocks of granite 

 with which they are constructed have had to be 

 transported from long distances, none being pro- 

 curable in the immediate vicinity. The stupendous 

 domes of these royal mausoleums were formerly 

 ornamented with inlaid enamel of different colours, 



