Information on Jamalabad Fort (Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka) - History & Architecture

Jamalabad Fort is located in Killoor Road, Belthangady in the district of Dakshina Kannada, in the state of Karnataka in South India. It is an old hilltop fortification. In the Kudremukh range of hills, this Fort is situated. It is nearly 65 km from Mangalore, about 22km from Dharamstala and just 8 km from Beltangady. On a granite hill, this fort is built in a successful manner at a height of 1700 ft above sea level. It was called formerly as Narasimha Ghada. It is also locally referred as "Gadaikallu" or "Jamalagadda".

Jamalabad Fort Architecture

Jamalabad Fort as built by Tipu Sultan on a ruined mud fort constructed by earlier rulers. This particular Fort was built with large-scale assistance of French Engineers who worked in the Tipu's force. There are lot of shades of Islamic architecture and French Engineering patterns and styles. This Fort is constructed on a plateau that spreads nearly 4 to 5 km on top of this hill. This Fort was a strategic important point for Tipu's army station during the war with British force and local regional kingdoms.

The Fort is cemented with strong walls to defend heavy artillery from any sides. At vintage points, cannons were installed. The few rooms inside the fort were well protected from eternal threats and ventilated. The presently ruined rooms indicated space for lodging prisoners of war and slaves. The doors at the entry point of the fort are strongly built. Tourists can get a good idea of Military architecture from this particular fort that was built in view of safeguarding the kingdom from a strategic location. The steps that lead to towards to the hill top comes with many turns and narrow paths that makes climbing really difficult in all aspects.

Jamalabad Fort History

In 1794, this particular for was successfully built by Tipu Sultan. It is named after his beloved mother, Jamalabee who he loved a lot. Over the older structure's ruins, this fort was constructed. Tipu decided to build a strong fort as he was largely impressed with the granitic rock of massive size. It was really suitable for an effective defense. On the eastern side of the hill with approximately 1876 granite cut steps, this fort is only accessible through a narrow path. A smaller well-armed defense unit can block larger force from directly entering this hill.

According to the historians, it is strongly believed that Christian Catholic priests of Mangalore who disobeyed to immediate conversion to Islam was captured and lodged in Jamalabad Fort before they were shifted to Serirngapatanam Fort. During the 4th Mysore War, this particular fort as captured by the British force that comprised the British East Indian Company, Nizam of Hyderbad and Maratha's after hard struggle in 1799. In this war, Tippu allied with French East Indian Company.

Jamalabad Fort Tourism Importance

Among the trekkers, Jamalabad Fort is one of the most sought after trekking path in Karnataka. Tourists are advised not to visit this particular Fort during the summer and monsoon season. They are also advised to carry sufficient drinking water, food and travel items. This fort should be visited during the day hours in order to feel top the world experience from a historical spot. The tourists can come across the remains of a tank used for storing water, a single cannon and large hints of the fort walls and other small structure with parapets at the top of the hill. It is to be highly noted that on top of this hill, there is an unmanned microwave repeater station.