Hyderabad: Famous Golconda tree out of bounds to public

Golconda: The Hatia'an ka Jhad (Elephant Tree) in Golconda's Naya Qila, is one of the largest Baobab Tree in city and was claimed to be largest outside the Africa. Despite being witness to different rulers who ruled over the Golconda during the last four centuries, this marvel within the precincts of the fort remains inaccessible to the visitors.

It has been more than a decade, since this tree has been kept aloof and out of bounds for the visitors and still no one can visit the area without permission as the entire Naya Qila area has been under the control of Hyderabad Golf Course (HGC). It is said that the tree is more than 430-years-old. According to legend, Arab traders gifted it to Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah. This tree has a width of 27.40 meters (89 feet). The cavity formed inside its truck, according to folklore, could have accommodated 40 men (notoriously thieves) to hide themselves during the Qutub Shahi era. One can observe that the tree is spread out and appears like huge foot of elephant. The branches of the tree do not resemble the trees you see every day. Presently, the tree is now slowly drying out and shedding all its leaves. According to the reports, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), will be conducting a medical checkup for the tree in the coming days to find out the reason behind its worsening health.

According to the locals, after the construction of HGC in Naya Qila, the tree has been neglected by ASI. No one is allowed and hardly any authorities visit the area or the tree to check its health. "At least for the last 15 years, the area has been kept under tight security and since the HGC has been established, the entire area is under Golf management. A few months back the tree's cavity was opened, and management allowed visitors to enter it, but now it is closed by placing a net over it," said Mohammed Rafi, a resident of Golconda.

There are two mosques located In Naya Qila area, the Mustafa Khan Masjid (which was built in 1561 and predates Hyderabad) and the Mulla Khiyali Masjid, which is believed to be named after the Deccan poet Mulla Khyali. Both mosques are examples of the early architecture of Golkonda and both mosques remain deserted and no prayers are offered for the past several years. The Mulla Khiyali Masjid is very close to the Baobab tree.