Raichur Fort

Raichur Fort^[1] is a fortress located on a hilltop in the heart of the Raichur in North Karnataka.

Raichur Fort
Raichur, India
Raichur Fort
Site information
Type	Fort
Controlled by	Government of Karnataka
Open to the public	Yes
Condition	Ruins
Location
Raichur Fort
Coordinates	16°2′N 77°37′E
Site history
Built	1294; 731 years ago (1294)
Built by	Kakatiya dynasty

The Raichur region (Raichur Doab) has been ruled by several families; the Kakatiya dynasty, Rashtrakutas, Vijayanagar Empire, Bahmanis and Nizams.

History

Fortifications have existed since the time of the Chalukyas of Badami ; during the rule of Chalukyas of Kalyani the fort was renovated. The present fort was constructed in 1294 CE during Kakatiya rule. An inscription records that it was built by Raja Vithala by order of Raja Gore Gangaya Raddivaru, minister of Queen Rudramma Devi.^[2]

The fort was of strategic importance to the Bahmani Sultanate, who significantly expanded the structure.^[3]

During the rule of Vijayanagara Empire, Krishnadevaraya built the north entrance in celebration of one of his conquests.

• 
  Raichur fort
• 
  Iron Cannon

The fort is known for its many inscriptions, in several languages.^[4]

In March 2011, 95 red granite balls and a cannon dated to the 13th Century were discovered by engineers cleaning the north west wall of the fort.^[5]

See also

• Malliabad Fort
• Jaladurga
• Mudgal Fort
• Vijayanagar Empire
• Chalukyas
• Kakatiyas
• Musunuri Nayaks
• Raichur
• Forts of Karnataka
• North Karnataka