Information on Jaladurga Fort (Raichur, Karnataka) - History & Architecture

Jaladurga Fort is situated in Raichur district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular forts in Karnataka. Jaladurga Fort is positioned on a mountain which stands at the verge of an island in Krishna River at a distance of about 13 kilometre from Lingsugur city. Due to its unique position, Jaladurga Fort is also known as Kannada Fort which signify 'Fort on Water'. The nearby waterfall of the fort is also popular and known as Jaladurga Falls.

Jaladurga Fort Architecture

Jaladurga Fort has magnificent view due to its special place at the top of a hill. There is a bridge which links the Island of Krishna River with the central of Jaladurga Fort. It was tactically created in order to exploit the locational benefits. The river along with the mountain makes it challenging for any person to approach to the fort without being detected. By itself, Jaladurga Fort is positioned at an ideal location. Nevertheless, at present, Jaladurga Fort is in ruined shape. Only ramshackle walls, ruined supports and dilapidated structures can be observed in the fort. Even the entrances of the fort are in bad condition and had lost its splendid past.

Jaladurga Fort possessed seven entrances, which is quite common in any typical forts. It also had an attractive palace and a basement among many other constructions inside the premises. There were robust tall walls and battlements which surrounded the fort. Nowadays, few tombs of the rulers of the fort can be observed. However, no specific identification labels exist in order to determine their identities. On the other hand, no specific record of the fort exist which can prove that it was once a throttlehold of Bijapur.

On the way to the entrance of Jaladurga Fort, there is a structure named 'Sangameshwara Matha' and a temple of Yellamma. The temple is a simple memorial with a statue of god in scorching red colour. It is said that there was an underground channel in Jaladurga Fort which was used for the purpose of emergency escape. However, at present the channel has been covered with stones and wild habitation.

Jaladurga Fort History

Jaladurga Fort was created by the rulers of Adil Shah Family in Bijapur. According to historical records, the fort acted as a vital monument throughout the command of Adil Shah Dynasty. It is alleged that there is a specific location in the fort from where intruders and criminals were thrown off to the Krishna River or to the rocks which are lying at the base of the mountain. To be noted, the imagination regarding such profound drop from the hill is frightening for any person. The historical fort was under the authority of various rulers from time to time. Meadows Taylor has given fine description to Jaladurga Fort, i.e. the 'Noble Queen'. At present, the fort is maintained by the government of India.

Jaladurga Fort Tourism Importance

Irrespective of ruined state, Jaladurga Fort has one key attraction which have not changed, i.e. the amazing site and view of the adjacent areas. Such feature makes it an important place for tourism. There is a barrage in western side of the fort, below is the Krishna river and in the eastern side there is lush green gradients which makes Jaladurga Fort a proper place for enjoying scenic views. The location is the key pride of the fort and makes attractive for tourists, which allows visitors to enjoy wonderful time with joy and pleasure.