Chandragiri’s Raja and Rani

The Chandragiri Fort stands on the southern slope of a massive 180-metre granite hill, encompassing 25 acres and divided into two sections: the Lower and Upper Forts. The Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal are two well-preserved buildings that have stood the test of time for over 300 years. The fort serves as a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage, showcasing the glorious past of the nation.

Chandragiri Fort. Gosahin. (n.d.). Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://www.gosahin.com/places-to-visit/chandragiri-fort/

Towering over the town, Chandragiri Fort is a testament to the rich cultural and architectural history of the region. The majestic and regal buildings are located on the southern slope of a massive 180-meter granite hill where older defenses may have existed hundreds of years earlier. These structures are a testament to the long-standing history of the kingdom and its people, spanning centuries and cultures.

The palace is an excellent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture from the Vijayanagara period, flanked by eight destroyed temples of the Shaivite and Vaishnavite pantheons, with the crowned towers exemplifying Hindu architecture. The castle was built entirely using stone, brick, and lime mortar. With the help of the Vijayanagara emperors, major kavyas, or epic poetry, were composed at this fort. The Chandragiri Fort has eight temples, the Raja Mahal, the Rani Mahal, and other dilapidated structures.

The citadel covers 25 acres and is divided into two parts, the Lower and Upper Forts. The Lower Fort is south of a hill and across the lowlands. The Chandragiri Fort's almost crescent-shaped structure earned it the name "moon hill." Two well-kept structures in this region, the Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal have lasted more than 300 years and have been kept in excellent shape.

The Rani Mahal is a two-story building next the Raja Mahal that has living quarters on the first floor and a stable on the ground. According to an inscription on the structure, it was the commander's quarters. It has a level roof and a strong base. Both structures have taken on a pinkish tinge as a result of overzealous repair operations.

Many other structures, including temples, mandapas, ruined watchtowers, bastions, stables, prisons, storehouses, tanks, and a secret tunnel may be found within the fort's remains. The Chandragiri fortress is not just an architectural masterpiece; it also has a rich cultural legacy. It was thought that the great Kavyas, such as the Manucharitra and the Amuktamalyada, were penned here. Sage Vyasatirtha, a spiritual counsellor to King Saluva Narasimha Deva Raya, used to dwell here and was in charge of the Tirumala temple's ceremonies.

This historic building is encased in layers of major events that have affected the region's history. The Chandragiri Fort is famous for its breathtaking beauty and regal heritage. Such structures symbolize our country's rich heritage and culture. As a beacon of our country's past, the Chandragiri Fort stands as a reminder of our nation's long and illustrious history.

The Upper Fort is situated on top of the hill and has cyclopean masonry ramparts, several watchtowers, and bastions with arched parapets. Most people avoid the challenging climb to the summit, but it is worth a visit for the ancient ruins and spectacular views of the neighbourhood.

The Raja Mahal, the larger of the two Mahals, is a three-story stone and mortar construction with stucco embellishments. It is crowned with pyramidal towers resembling temple shikharas, with a large central tower and numerous smaller ones around the periphery. The Raja Mahal housed an Indian Archaeological Survey museum in 1988-89. It contains information about historical locations in Andhra Pradesh, as well as an assortment of armour, sculptures, coins, and documents obtained during excavations in and around the fort. A pond at the foot of the hill, opposite the Raja Mahal, used to be utilized for boating.

Rani Mahal. (n.d.). Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rani_Mahal,_Rohtas_Fort,_Jhelum.jpg

Editors, H. T. (2015, May 4). Chandragiri Fort. Times of India Travel. Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/Tirupati/Chandragiri-Fort/ps47148174.cms

Letsdowebsite. (2020, March 7). Museum. Visit Real India. Retrieved January 27, 2023, from https://visitrealindia.com/india/chandragiri-fort/