Protected by a Precipice: The Story of the Gandikota Fort

Often known as India’s very own Grand Canyon, the gorge formed by the Pennar River in the Kadappa district of Andhra Pradesh was the perfect setting for Kakatiya Raja, a subordinate of the Chalukya ruler in 1123, and many others who followed him as a seat of power. With its strategic location and panoramic views, the fort built between the Erramalai range of hills has been a witness to the rise and fall of multiple dynasties.

River Pennar and the Gandikota Fort. Source: Flickr| Rajesh KR

Like a scene from a dystopian movie, a fissure formed by the Pennar river cuts through the bare landscape dotted with only a few shrubs. From any angle, the mesmerizing beauty of the red granite boulders and the sheer scale of the Gandikota canyon in the Kadappa district of Andhra Pradesh can immediately astound any viewer. Like a chameleon, with its walls running along the edge of the canyon, lies the Gandikota fort. The name “Gandikota” itself translates to “gorge fort.”

Due to the vast number of dynasties that ruled over the region, the fort itself has a blend of Islamic$^4$ and Dravidian$^5$ architectural styles. Built entirely of granite stone and mortar, it has Kadappa stone for slabs, pedestals, and arched pillars. Other than the smaller structures like a granary for storing food and bastions for defense, inside the walls of the Gandikota fort are two temples dedicated to Lord Madhava and Lord Ranganatha as well as a spacious Juma Masjid. While the intricate carvings on the temples allude to Hindu architectural elements of the fifteenth and sixteenth century Vijayanagara Empire, the masjid is built purely in the Islamic style of architecture. There is also a palace inside the walls with décor made of plaster as well as a separate jail for offenders. A pond called Kathula Koneru or the Pond of Swords inside the fort is believed to have been the place where the kings washed their swords after wars.

This area is believed to have been among one of the first to use the Telugu language. Allegedly, the raja built the fort to safeguard the Hindu-Telugu-speaking class of people. A proficient literary scholar and Telugu poet of the time, Vemana was also honored and accommodated at the fort. In the present day, an annual temple festival attracts people from all over the country.

The Gandikota Fort, owing to its context, has been used as a canvas for painting the history of the region, with many successive rulers adding elements to the existing structure to create the masterpiece that we see today. Whether one is drawn to the unbelievable beauty of nature, the thrill of adventure, or the history and architecture of the Kakatiya, Vijayanagara, or Qutub Shahi dynasties, the fort at the edge of India’s Grand Canyon is compelling to everyone’s eyes.

It doesn’t come as a surprise that a site located at a precipice like Gandikota was chosen to be the seat of power for dynasties that ruled over the region. **Kakatiya Raja of **Bommanapalle village, who was a subordinate under Ahavamalla Someswara I, the Western Chalukyan king of Kalyana, stumbled upon the place in 1123 and built a sand fort here. It was then annexed by the Muslim rulers during the period of the Tughlaq **dynasty. Subsequently, in 1336, the Vijayanagara kings of Hampi overtook the region and the place came under the jurisdiction of the ancient Mikkilineni royal family.

Mikkilineni King Rama Naidu did not have any sons. He married off his daughter to Pemmasani Kumara Thimma Naidu, who became his successor in 1350. Thus, the fort passed hands again and was ruled by the Pemmasani rulers for over 200 years, during which time it was made more impregnable by Thimma Naidu. A century later, it was annexed by Hyder Ali of Mysore, and from there, it finally went into the hands of the British when Mysore was conquered.

Plan of Gandikota Fort with old and new enclosures and Pennar river. Source: Studies on Fortification in India| Jean Deloche

The square-shaped east rampart of the fort. Source: Studies on Fortification in India| Jean Deloche

The Temple, the tower along the wall, and the details of the columns inside. Source: Touritvirtually

Top: Granite stones used for construction. Bottom Left: Pavilion in the Vijayanagara style. Bottom Right: Juma Masjid. Source: Touritvirtually

Entrance of the fort. Source: Flickr| Saurabh Chatterjee

Contrast between Islamic arches and Hindu columns at the same location. Source: Touritvirtually

Overview of the fort showing the mosque, temple tower, and pigeon tower, from left to right. Source: Flickr| Nara Simhan

Ramparts with openings for canons. Source: Studies on Fortification in India| Jean Deloche

Raoni at the south side of the fort. Source: Studies on Fortification in India| Jean Deloche

Northern view from Gandikota. Source: Studies on Fortification in India| Jean Deloche