Raichur Fort[1] is a fortress located on a hilltop in the heart of the Raichur in North Karnataka.
Raichur Fort | |
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Raichur, India | |
Coordinates | 16°2′N 77°37′E / 16.033°N 77.617°E |
Type | Fort |
Site information | |
Controlled by | Government of Karnataka |
Open to the public | Yes |
Condition | Ruins |
Site history | |
Built | 1294 |
Built by | Kakatiya dynasty |
The Raichur region (Raichur Doab) has been ruled by several families; the Kakatiya dynasty, Rashtrakutas, Vijayanagar Empire, Bahmanis and Nizams.
History
editFortifications have existed since the time of the Chalukyas of Badami ; during the rule of Chalukyas of Kalyani the fort was renovated. The present fort was constructed in 1294 CE during Kakatiya rule. An inscription records that it was built by Raja Vithala by order of Raja Gore Gangaya Raddivaru, minister of Queen Rudramma Devi.[2]
The fort was of strategic importance to the Bahmani Sultanate, who significantly expanded the structure.[3]
During the rule of Vijayanagara Empire, Krishnadevaraya built the north entrance in celebration of one of his conquests.
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Raichur fort
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Iron Cannon
The fort is known for its many inscriptions, in several languages.[4]
In March 2011, 95 red granite balls and a cannon dated to the 13th Century were discovered by engineers cleaning the north west wall of the fort.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Beautiful Raichur Fort Full Travel Guide 2020". Fort Trek. 8 September 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2020.
- ^ "Raichur Fort". Government of Karnataka - Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage. Archived from the original on 26 April 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- ^ Michell, George (1999). Architecture and art of the Deccan sultanates. Mark Zebrowski. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. p. 36. ISBN 978-0-511-46884-1. OCLC 268771115.
- ^ "Manuscripts". Archived from the original on 10 April 2009. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
- ^ Rao, D. K Kishan (5 March 2011). "95 stone balls found in Raichur fort". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 April 2018.