Kondapalli Fort: A Journey Through Time

The Kondapalli Fort, a massive granite fortress, holds within it tales of the past. Some believe that this imperial fort has its roots in alternative histories. Built in the 14th century, it served as a centre for entertainment, business, and trade. During the British era, it functioned as a military bastion. Despite its dilapidated state, it stands as a reminder of its glorious past and serves as a great example of how old monuments can retain their charm.

Kondapalli Fort. TheTopTours. (2020, September 20). Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://www.thetoptours.com/asia/india/andhra-pradesh/vijayawada/kondapalli-fort

The Fort of Kondapalli, a massive granite fortress, holds captivating stories from the past. This imperial fort is believed to have parallel histories by many. Initially constructed in the 14th century as a hub of entertainment, business, and trade, it later transformed into a formidable military fortress during the British era. Built with red sandstone, the fort boasts numerous chambers, galleries, and balconies, rendering it a truly remarkable sight. Its grandeur is further enhanced by intricate carvings.

Originally built alongside the Kondavid Fort in the Guntur region, the fort covered an area of 18 square kilometres. The king used it as a recreational area and business hub. It was ruled by several dynasties and saw many administrations come and go. The Bahamanis seized the fort in 1471 and passed it on to the Qutub Shahis. They turned it into a key bastion in the Krishna Delta and expanded it with additional construction. Later, the Nizams ruled the fort until it became a British military camp in 1767.

The architecture of the fort is an odd mix of styles, including Persian, Bahamian, and Mughal influences, as it was passed through numerous royal dynasties, each impacting it in their own way. There are various destroyed structures inside the fort complex, including a deep reservoir fed by a natural spring, a "Gajasala" where elephants were housed, the Ranimahal (the queen's palace), Virupaksha Temple, a "Bhojanasala" (the dining hall), and prisons.

The lower fort is accessible by three gates located at the foot of the hill. A dense forest of jungle and cacti surrounds the trail, making it difficult for intruders to find their way. The fort is also surrounded by rocky terrain and steep hills, increasing its security. The barracks within the wall have been destroyed.

The upper fort is accessible via three massive gateways known as the Dargah Gate. They feature stone walls that are 5 metres high. The main gate, which is 3.7 m wide and 4.6 m tall, is built from a single block of granite. It gets its name from Gulab Shah's mausoleum, or dargha, which was destroyed while defending the fort. The Tanisha Mahal, a Qutub Shahi edifice perched on a crest between two hills, is located above here. In the opposite direction, at the bottom of the hill, is the other major gate, Golconda Darwaza, which leads to the village of Jaggaiahpet. Just outside the fort's walls lies the sacred Dargah of Gareeb Sahib, a Persian saint who was venerated by the locals. It is said that the saint blessed the fort with his blessings, and locals still come to offer their prayers at the Dargah.

Although the Kondapalli Fort is in a deteriorated state, it is not difficult to imagine how luxurious it once was. The run-down walls still have magnificent stonework. The water pools are the most peaceful section of the castle. The walls, once adorned with intricate details, have lost their allure, yet still hint at the grandeur of the past. These features of Kondapalli Fort not only show its rich history but also hint at its grandeur in the past.

Kondapalli Fort. Tripadvisor. (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g3746703-d3727486-Reviews-Kondapalli_Fort-Kondapalle_East_Godavari_District_Andhra_Pradesh.html

Fort. https://www.vijayawadaonline.in/. (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://www.vijayawadaonline.in/city-guide/kondapalli-fort

User, S. (n.d.). Kondapalli Fort Vijayawada. Vijayawada Tourism. Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://vijayawadatourism.com/kondapalli-fort-vijayawada

R. (2019b, September 25).  Kondapalli Fort – Rashminotes. Rashminotes. http://rashminotes.com/2019/09/25/vijayawada-diaries-kondapalli-fort-a-treasure-house-of-medieval-history/