Information on Vizianagaram Fort (Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh) - History & Architecture

Vizianagaram Fort is a majestic structure in very good condition standing aloft in the Vizianagaram city. This fort is a 302 years old, built by the Gajapathi clans. This fort has witnessed the colonial Era and the internal conflicts between the Mughals, Kakathiya's, Nizams and the Drvidian rulers. The famous Bobbili war was fought here. This fort was the foundation for the present Vizianagaram City located here. It is situated in the Vizianagaram Town, Vizianagaram District of North Eastern parts of Andhra Pradesh in India.

Vizianagaram Fort Architecture

Vizianagaram Fort is totally built in the Gothic architectural model. This may be with the influence of the French's who came there as traders and had a friendly relations with its local rulers. This location is above 240 meters above the sea level. It is placed in between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal Sea. The entire fortress areas are built on a citadel mount with many complexes inside this fort. The uniqueness of this fort is its ramparts. These are built very thick an in heights that it didn't get effected with any of the war happened here. The gateway towards the fort has a Gantha Stambha, i.e. a clock tower, which is still functioning. Its gateway doors are huge structure along with the great walls. Its entry part has doomed balconies with beautiful pillars. From the entrance one can see the main complex area. These are of two storied edifice. It has got very vast pillared verandahs which are found throughout this structure. It was the main palace area and court room once. There are also many other complexes built for storage and living purposes. There is a special place for keeping armories here. These are with good ambience filled with fine marbles on its floors. It has got very nice glass windows in wooden frames. There is no trench found here, instead the high raised ramparts are stuffed with rock dusts in a sloping manner to prevent direct access from the ground. The building material used here are the granite stones with a very strong plastering with the lime stone mixture paste. Its watch towers are built beautifully in a doomed pillar structure. All of its four side have cannon placement blocks along with the main walls. This fort is filled with full of greeneries in and outside of this area. These lovely gardens are still maintained today.

Vizianagaram Fort History

Vizianagaram Fort belongs to the Gajapathi Kingdom. It was built around 1712 AD to mark the victory of five major wars happened here. It was built by Vijaya Rama Raju, who is the initial beginner of this city. He laid its foundation on a specious day called the Vijaya Dhasami in Hindu calendar year. This day is celebrated as the victory of mankind over the evils. The meaning of Vizinagaram is the City of Victory place. The historical battle of Bobbili was fought here on 1757 AD which claimed many loss if lives and physical destructions here. No other war has caused this much damages in the Andhra history. This place was first ruled by the Kalingas in the ancient times. The colonial battle with the French and the British was fought here in the year 1758 AD. There after the French lost its territory and taken by the British, till the independence of India. This fortress was responsible for the development of the Vizianagara.

Vizianagaram Fort Tourism Importance

Vizianagaram Fort is the only good condition forts seen in the Andhra region. The fort complex is well preserved with its vast history and culture. The entire Maharaja antiques are kept in as it were condition. It has got the unique collection of olden armories. It is the best place for history buffs and fort lovers. This is a heritage site in Andhra Pradesh, well maintained by the Archeological and tourism department. So while here, in Andhra Pradesh, it would be a wonderful experience to visit the fort and witness the grandeur and history that lived once and witness the past and showcase the same even today. So be the part of this historical fort and witness the grandeur that stands tall even today with the same importance enlightening the people of the past.