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Gingee Fort is the most spectacular and
strategic of all forts in Tamil Nadu. Founded
by the Cholas, it rose to prominence in
the 16th century under the Nayakas when
most of the fortifications, temples and
granaries were built. Thereafter it was
successively occupied by the Adil Shahis,
Marathas, Mughals, French and British until
it was abandoned in the beginning of the
19th century.
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| The site is composed of three
hills, each separately fortified. Curtain
walls connecting the hills form the vast
outer fort. An enclosed area around the
highest fort Rajagiri forms the inner fort
and palace zone. |
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Venkataramana Temple inside
the fort is a large well-planned temple
complex, now abandoned and dilapidated,
is at the south-east side of the outer fort.
Most of the temple, except perhaps a small
Chola core, was built by Muthiah Nayaka
in the mid-16th century. Tall swing pavilions
stand outside the compund walls, each with
multiple brick towers.
This seven-storeyed gopuram is the main
east entrance to the complex. It is flanked
on either side by pavilions with moulded
bases. Each of its seven storeys has rows
of alternating shala and kuta shrines. Ramayana
scenes and Vishnu divinities, including
a Dashavatara panel are carved on the side
walls of the passageway.
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Chandrayan Hill one of the hills
inside the fort has as pavilion it has excellent views of the
site, especially the Venkataramana Temple complex.
Inner Fort Area and Palace Zone are dominated by the Kalyana
Mahal, a six-storeyed structure overlooking a tank surrounded
by an arcade. The Mahal has rows of arched openings on each
side and a staircase block in the middle. The Parage Ground
in front of the Mahal is flanked by stables and colonnades.
The square structure next to it was probably a royal residence.
Several large Granaries with curving brick vaults stand nearby,
some with ornate plaster decoration. The Elephant Tank to the
south of the Kalyana Mahal and palace zone is partly cut into
the rock. It is surrounded by bathing steps and a colonnade.
This Audience Hall at the highest point of Krishnagiri hill,
another hill inside the fort, was built in the 18th century
by Raja Desingh, a Rajput feudatory of the Nawab of Arcot.
The mandapa has window-like projections on each wall flanked
by pointed arches. The interior is divided into arcades with
vaulted ceilings. The ensemble is capped by an unusual fluted
dome. |
