Information on Bellary Fort (Bellary, Karnataka) - History & Architecture

Bellary Fort was constructed by Hanumappa Nayaka, during the Vijayanagar Empire. The fort is to be found at the hilltop of the Ballari Gudda. The Fort was built encompassing the hill for the period of Vijayanagara by Hanumappa Nayaka. Shortly, Hyder Ali, took ownership of the Fort from the Nayaka family in 1769, and renovated and modified the fort with the assist of a French Engineer. It is somehow believed that the ill-fated French Engineer was hanged to death, for overlooking the reality that the adjoining Kumbara Gudda is taller than that of the Ballari Gudda, therefore compromising the confidentiality and authority of the fortification. The grave is assumed to be placed near the East Gate of the fort, despite the fact that some natives consider it as the grave of a Muslim consecrated man. The fort has been divided into Upper Fort and Lower Fort.

Bellary Fort Architecture

The Upper fortification houses the bastion from which can enter in the course of a zigzag rocky trail surrounded by shattered large rocks. On reaching one can determine on the apex, slight to the fortress, a small holy place, some completely clear and transparent ponds and carcass of some investment cells. After approaching the sanctuary, there are numerous well-constructed buildings and reservoir quarry in the rocks to endow for water storage.

The fort arrangement is bordered by fortifications with plentiful bastions bounded by a profound channel. The lower part of the fort is constructed with two access gates; one of the entrances is from western and the other one is on the eastern part. Immediately, after reaching slight to the eastern gate of the lower fortification is a temple enthusiastic and devoted to Hanuman, the Kota Anjaneya Temple. The fort is particularly superlative while the evenings when it is highlighted with the light, giving the texture of green and lime.

Bellary Fort Structure

The fort has been parted into two parts; the upper part is at the height of 1,976 feet. It has quadrangular in arrangement along with a circumferential length of 1.5 miles which has been raised about 460 feet, higher than the sea level and can be proceeded to enter only through a meandering rock-strewn corridor in the midst of scattered boulders, which was well thought-out as unassailable. Outside the fortress there is a small holy place, the remnants of some cells and numerous deep and transparent pools of water. Inside the fortress there are quite a few muscularly constructed buildings, and abundant water contributes from reservoir constructed in the crevice of the rocks. It contains several reservoirs that have been burrowed in the rocks to endow with water storage. Outside the turreted fortifications are a waterways and an enclosed passageway. The main turret on the east presents as a texture of a huge wall, work of art of the Indian Flag posing towards east.

Bellary Fort Tourism Importance

Tourism importance of the fort is well guarded by looking at its historical and architectural beauty that encompasses the glorious history of the era. Its colossal architecture and bits and pieces of the cells and more of the incident with the engineer who designed the fort, makes it quite popular among visitors.