| Bellary Fort | |
|---|---|
| Part of Bellary | |
| Bellary, karnataka, India | |
 Ramparts of the Fort | |
 Rock-scattered passage to Upper Fort | |
  Bellary Fort | |
| Coordinates | 15°09′00″N 76°55′59″E / 15.15°N 76.933°E |
| Type | Fort |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Government of Karnataka |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Condition | Ruins |
| Site history | |
| Built | 16th century |
| Built by | Hanumappa Nayakar, feudatory of Vijaynagar Empire, |
| Materials | Granite Stones and mud |
| Battles/wars | Several |
The Bellary Fort ("Bellary Kote") was built on top of a hill called the "Ballari Gudda" or the Fort Hill. It is situated in the historic city of Bellary, in the Bellary district, in Karnataka state, India. It was built in two parts namely, the Upper Fort and the Lower Fort. The Upper Fort was built by Hanumappa Nayaka, a feudatory of Vijayanagara Empire, but the Lower Fort was built by Hyder Ali in later part of the 18th century.[1] [2]
A French engineer was the architect and builder of the Lower Fort. He refurbished the Upper Fort also. After the forts were completed, Haider Ali found that the forts built were at a lower elevation vis-a-vis an opposite hill called the 'Kumbara Gudda', thus putting the new forts militarily at a strategic disadvantage. As a result, Haider Ali was annoyed with this lapse and it is said that he ordered hanging of the French engineer at the east gate of the fort. The French engineer's grave, dated 1769 (inscribed as unknown French Engineer), is located at the east gate of the fort and has been preserved due to efforts of local Muslims who also claim that it was the tomb that belonged to a Muslim saint.[1][2][3]
The forts have fine ramparts with a rich history with several historical and religious monuments. A citadel was in the upper fort with several ancient tanks while the lower fort on the east housed the arsenal.[4]
- ^ a b Cotton, James Sutherland (1908–1931) [vol. 1, 1909]. The Imperial Gazetteer of India. Vol. 7. Oxford: Clarendon Press. pp. 158–176.
- ^ a b "Sloth Bear Foundation". Slothbearfoundation.org/. Archived from the original on 11 October 2008. Retrieved 8 September 2009.
- ^ Lewis, Barry. "Bellary District Graves". Tomb at the East Fort Gate, Bellary. Archived from the original on 12 December 2012. Retrieved 9 September 2009.
- ^ "View of the N. and E. faces of the citadel at Bellary; Hindus worshipping at a shrine in the foreground". On Line Gallery of British Library. Retrieved 8 September 2009.