We walked about and
conversed, were presented with attar of roses, and went home.
In the morning we struck out for Secunderabad. It was a prosperous
European station, with three regiments, but nothing interesting. We
proceeded on elephants to Golconda, a most interesting place; but as
no European has ever been permitted to enter it, I can only describe
what we were allowed to see without. We viewed the town from outside,
and saw a hill covered with buildings. The throne-hall, with arched
windows, they say is a mere shell. The King's palace and defences
occupy the mound which is in the midst of the town. The town proper is
on the flat ground. It is surrounded by walls, battlements and towers,
and reminded me of old Damascus and Jerusalem. In it dwells many an old
feudal chief. Past these walls no European or Christian has ever been
allowed. The Tombs of the Kings are very ancient, and are situated
outside the town. We were admitted to these, and they reminded me
of the Tower Tombs of Palmyra. They were enormous domes, set on a
square, broad base, the upper section beautifully carved, or covered
with Persian tiles, which bore Arabic and Hindustani inscriptions.
Abdullah's tomb and that of his mother are the best. The prevailing
style in both is a dome standing on an oblong or square, both of grey
granite. The predominant colour is white, and in some cases picked out
with green. There was also a beautiful garden of palm trees and a
labyrinth of arches.
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