- One usually associates forts with the states of
Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Here is a quick overview of forts in Karnataka with
pictures.
One usually associates forts with the states of
Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Till I travelled, did not know that Karnataka has
many forts too. They may not be as grand as Kumbalgarh or Raigarh but are
interesting nevertheless. Presenting details of some forts.
1. Bidar Fort
The fort is 690 Km north of Bangalore and 150 Km north-west of Hyderabad – was built in 15th Century CE by the Bahmani kings.
There are 30+ monuments inside Bidar fort–teeming with the stamp of medieval Persian art and architecture. The University built in 1460s by Mahmud Gawan of Persia is nearby. Chaubara is situated down the same road.
The name Bidar comes from ‘Bidiru’ meaning Bamboo–which must have occupied the place at one point in time.
To see more pictures click Here
2. Madikeri Fort
Madikeri Fort, also called Mercara Fort,
located in Madikeri town, Coorg, Karnataka was founded by Mudduraja in the
second half of the 17th century CE.
The palace built inside the fort ny
Mudduraja was rebuilt and renovated during the times of Tipu sultan, Dodda Vira
Rajendra, Linga Rajendra II and the British.
Madikeri Deputy Commissioner’s Office is located inside the Fort. The other prominent buildings are Mahatma Gandhi Public Library, Kote Maha Ganapathi
temple, District prison and the Church (currently a museum under State
Archaeological Department).
Outer walls are intact. An interesting
fort!
To see more pictures click Here
3. Chitradurga Fort
Chitradurga fort built in stages between
11th and 15th century CE, is located 200 km
north-west of Bengaluru.
A moderate climb to different parts of
the fort would take us through a number of gates, multiple ramparts, temples,
granary, gym, treasury, halls, conference area, couple of (water) reservoirs
and the famous Obbava kindi. The
adventurous could try climbing up to the security watch point on top of the
rocky hill.
A number of inscriptions from the
periods of Chalukyas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagara kings have been found in and
around the fort. These inscriptions trace the history of the fort back to 3rd century
BCE.
Definitely a place where the history
lives! Must visit.
To see more pictures click Here
4. Devanhalli Fort
Devanahalli Fort is located 38 kms north
of Bengaluru.
The fort was built in 1501 CE by Malla
Byre Gowda, a chieftain under Vijayanagara Empire, and reinforced by later
rulers of the area. Ultimately it came under British in 1791 CE.
The fort is spread over an area of 20
acres. Venugopalaswamy temple built in Vijayanagara style is prominent amongst
the few temples that are inside the fort.
To see more pictures click Here
5. Gudibande Fort
Gudibande Fort is 95 km north of
Bangalore. It was built by chieftain Byre Gowda in 17th century CE.
Situated on top of a rocky hill, the
fort has seven levels with interconnecting routes and a Shiva temple at the
top.
The key aspect of the fort is its rain water harvesting system with 19
ponds at different levels!
The climb is moderate and filled with
attractions all along. The views from the top are spectacular.
Other attractions in Gudibante are
Byrasagara reservoir, and 1000+ year-old Lakshmi Venkataramana swamy temple
built by Cholas.
To see more pictures click Here
6.
Manjarabad Fort
Manjarabad fort located 5 km south-west
of Sakhleshpur is a star shaped fort built by Tipu Sultan in 1792 CE with the
help of French Architects to counter British forces.
The fort located on a hillock at an
elevation of 3,240 feet above MSL gives a clear and commanding view of the
surrounding areas.
The name Manjara comes from ‘manju’ meaning fog or mist that used to surround the fort often. This military fort had army barracks, armoury, ammunition, gunpowder stores and related infrastructure.
Interestingly the fort is at just one
level in contrast to many forts that usually had multiple level structures.
To see more pictures click Here
7. Mirjan Fort
Mirjan Fort, located 11 km north of
Kumta and 22 km south east of Gokarna (Karnataka), was built in 16th century CE
by Queen Chennabhaira Devi of Gersoppa, under the Vijayanagara
Empire.
Rani Chennabhaira Devi, also known as
the Pepper Queen, ruled for 54 years (1552 CE to 1606 CE) and used to live in the fort.
The fort is on the banks of Aghanashini
River.
The fort had double-walled protection,
high bastions and a moat once encircled the fort. The fort is in good shape,
thanks to ASI.
To see more pictures click Here
8. Nagara Fort
Nagara Fort, situated 82 Km west of
Shivamogga, was built in 1561 by Veerabhadra Nayaka of Keladi dynasty. Later
king Shivappa Nayaka (1645-1665) fortified and added many structures to the
fort.
Also called Bidanur fort and Shivappa
Nayaka fort, this was the last capital city of Keladi rulers.
The fort is built on a small hill
overlooking couple of lakes on either sides, vast tracts of greenery, and
Western Ghats at a distance.
Fort has ruins of Darbar hall, Palace,
barracks, watch tower, associated buildings, gateways, and two water tanks
called Akka Thangi Kola.
To see more pictures click Here
9. Savandurga Fort
Savandurga hill is located 48 km west of Bengaluru. It’s one of the largest monolith rocks in Asia.
On top of the monolith rock, there’s a temple and remnants of a fort. Earliest reference to the name Savandurga is available from 1340 CE.
The Arkavathi River passes nearby,
through to the Manchanabele dam.
Savandi Veerabhadreshwara Swamy temple
and Narasimha Swamy temple are located at the foothills.
To see more pictures click Here
10. Sadashivgad Fort
Sadashivgad fort and Durga temple are
located on a hillock on the north bank of river Kali, just across the Kali
river bridge in Karwar.
The fort was in existence for long time,
though it was named Sadashivgad fort in the year 1715 CE. The fort provided
protection to the trade through the sea route during 16th to 18th century
CE.
The fort came under the control of Chhatrapati
Shivaji on 21 February 1665 CE. The fort is in ruins today.
Shanthadurga Temple, built in 1665 CE, is
located in the fort precinct and offers beautiful views all around.
To see more pictures click Here
11. Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills is located 60 km north of
Bengaluru.
The ancient hill fortress built by Ganga
Dynasty was enlarged and strengthened by later rulers of the region.
During Chola period, Nandi Hills was
called Anandagiri (the hill of
bliss). Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple at the top of the hill was built during Chola
period (11th century CE).
There are a couple of trekking routes to
the top of the hill. The Pushkarini
(amrita sarovar) on the way to the top of the hill is restored.
Nandi hills is the origin of a few
rivers such as north Palar, South Pennar, Chitravathi and Arkavathi.
To see more pictures click Here
12. Badami Fort
It is next to Badami Caves. Badami was ruled by the
Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Vijayanagar rulers, Tipu and eventually the British.
The fort has Upper Shivalaya and Lower Shivalaya
temples. It is has fort walls though did not click. Waterbody is called
Augustya Triya Sarovar. It was built around the 8th century.
To see more pictures click Here
The forts that I saw are at a height but not as high
as say Chittorgarh or Gwalior Forts. Karnataka terrain has huge boulders not
one big hill like in Rajasthan.
All pictures by author. Matter from author’s blog .