Krishnagiri Fort

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Krishnagiri Fort

Part of History of Tamil Nadu
Krishnagiri District

Krishnagiri Fort in 1792

Krishnagiri Fort

Coordinates| 12°32′21.64″N 78°12′44.33″E﻿ / ﻿12.5393444°N 78.2123139°E﻿ / 12.5393444; 78.2123139
Type| Military Fort
Site information
Owner| Government of India
Controlled by| Archaeological Survey of India
Open to
the public| Yes
Condition| Ruins
Site history
Built| 16th century
Built by| Vijayanagara Empire
In use| circa early 1800s
Materials| Granite
Garrison information
Past
commanders| Jagadevarayar, Shivaji I, Captain Alexander Reed
Occupants| Vijayanagar Empire, Maratha Empire, Mysore Kingdom, British Raj

Krishnagiri Fort, situated in the Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu, India, is a formidable historical stronghold that has witnessed the ebb and flow of various dynasties and colonial powers. This fortification, now preserved as a national monument under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India, holds a rich history dating back centuries.

## History

[edit]

The fort and its surroundings were commonly referred to as "Baramahal," a term that linguistically translates to "twelve forts." This nomenclature reflects the presence of twelve hilltop forts in the region, including Krishnagiri Fort. This majestic fort was built under the aegis of the Vijayanagara Empire.[1][2]

Jagadevarayar-I, a prominent chief of the Vijayanagara Empire, undertook a strategic migration from Hyderabad to Penukonda. Renowned for his exemplary valor, he played a crucial role in confronting and defeating the forces of the Bijapur army. The extraordinary bravery displayed by Jagadevarayar-I caught the attention of Ranga Raya-II, a representative of the Vijayanagara Empire stationed at Chandragiri.[2][3]

In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Ranga Raya-II granted him the governance of the Baramahal territory. Under his leadership, this formidable fortress, alongside other Baramahal forts, played a pivotal role in securing the region from invading armies, earning it the title 'Gateway of Tamil Nadu' and leaving an enduring imprint on the historical legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire.[2][3]

In the 1670s, the charismatic Maratha leader Shivaji I captured the Krishnagiri Fort during his Deccan expedition.[4] Notably, the nearby MaharajaKadai Fort served as a trade post for the Marathas during this period.

During the 18th century, the fort faced yet another change in rulership when Hyder Ali, on the orders of Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar, the King of Mysore, captured the fort and the wider Baramahal region. Later, Hyder Ali usurped control of these territories from the Mysorean monarchy and established his own capital in Srirangapatna. In 1768 AD, Krishnagiri Fort eventually surrendered to the British forces following a protracted blockade during the First Anglo-Mysore War. Subsequently, Hyder Ali reclaimed control of the fort, culminating in the Treaty of Madras.[citation needed]

In 1792 AD, following Tipu Sultan's defeat in the Third Anglo-Mysore War at the hands of the Presidency armies and the subsequent signing of the Treaty of Srirangapatna, the East India Company assumed control of Krishnagiri Fort.[5] Captain Alexander Reed was appointed as the first District Collector of the region under the Company's administration.[1]

The British strategically maintained Krishnagiri Fort as an arsenal, employing it as a pivotal defense structure to safeguard the region. However, following the events of the Sepoy Mutiny in 1857 AD and the subsequent transfer of control of India from the East India Company to the British Empire, the fort gradually lost its military significance. By 1900s, with the British rule firmly established in the region and no imminent threats, the fort fell into disuse. Finally, in the aftermath of India's independence in 1947 AD, Krishnagiri Fort came under the jurisdiction of the Indian government.[citation needed]

## Gallery

[edit]

* "Kistnagherry" fort painting by Sir Alexander allan

* "Kistnaghurry" fort painting by James Hunter

* "East View Of Kistnaghurry" fort painting by James Hunter

* Fort of Krishnaghirry

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b "History | Krishnagiri District, Government of Tamil Nadu | India". Retrieved 1 November 2023.
2. ^ a b c Rice, Benjamin Lewis (1909). Mysore and Coorg from the Inscriptions. A. Constable & Company, Limited. ISBN 978-0-598-51081-5.
3. ^ a b "Jagadevi Fort - Jagadevipalayam - Fort | Department Of Archaeology". www.tnarch.gov.in. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
4. ^ "The Campaign of the South". Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial.
5. ^ Dirom, Alexander (1793). A Narrative of the Campaign in India, which Terminated the War with Tippoo Sultan, in 1792. Bulmer.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Krishnagiri Fort.

* Government's Krishnagiri District website

* v
* t
* e

Forts in Tamil Nadu

* Alamparai Fort
* Anchettidurgam
* Ankusagiridurgam
* Aranthangi Fort
* Attur Fort
* Dindigul Fort
* Droog Fort, Coonoor
* Erode Fort
* Fort Geldria
* Fort Dansborg
* Fort St. David
* Fort St. George
* Gingee Fort
* Hudedurgam
* Jagadevidurgam
* Kenilworth Fort (Hosur)
* Krishnagiri Fort
* Mallikarjunadurgam
* Manora Fort
* Namakkal Fort
* Nilagiridurgam
* Rajagiri Fort
* Ranjankudi Fort
* Rayakottai Fort
* Ratnagiri (Krishnagiri)
* Rockfort
* Sadras
* Sankagiri Fort
* Tangrakottai
* Tattakkaldurgam
* Thirumayam Fort
* Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort
* Udayagiri Fort
* Vattakottai Fort
* Vellore Fort
* Virabhadradurgam

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