The
visit to this Gandilkota Fort, Andhra Pradesh, was a part of “Andhra Pradesh
and Karnataka Heritage walk”, from 25th to 28th December
2025, organised by “எண்திசை வரலாற்று மரபுநடைக்குழு”.
This
Gandikota Fort, on the banks of Penna
River, is enclosed with ancient buildings, stone structures, Hindu Temples,
Masjid, Islamic structures, etc., in YSR District (Yeduguri
Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy and formerly known
as Kadapa District), of Andhra Pradesh.
This
place, Gandikota, derives its name from the Telugu word “Gandi,” which means a
“gorge,” and “kota,” a fort. This strong fort is built on top of a gorge of the
River Pennar in a scenic spot; the place and the fort are known as
Gandikota.
As
per the legends, the fort was first built by a Kapa Maharaja in the 12th
century CE. Recorded history begins with the Kakatiyas during the 13th Century CE.
The fort came under the possession of the Vijayanagara rulers and Bukka I, who
strengthened it, and the Vishnu temples within the fort were built by them.
After
the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, the Qutb Shahis of Hyderabad under Mir Jumla
captured the fort. The mosques and other secular structures were built by him. The
imposing Jami Masjid is a pleasing building. Early in the 18th century, it
passed into the hands of the Cuddapah Nawabs. After a brief holding by Hyder and
Tippu, it was ceded to the British by a treaty with the Nizam in 1800 C.E.
The
fortifications are extensive, about 8 km in circumference, with impressive
bastions and one main entry. An Anjaneyar temple is immediately after the
entrance, which may have been built during the Vijayanagara period. Within, there are a few
secular and religious buildings. Shree Madavaraya Swamy and Shree Ranganatha
Swamy temples were built in the typical Vijayanagara style.
Among
the secular structures, the massive granary and the palaces were
built by Mir Jumla. The Jamia Masjid incorporates the decorative elements of
the Qutb Shahi style, notably the plasterwork. A tower named Mini Charminar
and a structure known as Jail near the Charminar are also noteworthy.
There
are series of reservoirs, tanks, and other hydraulic features providing plenty
of water supply.
VISITING
HOURS
The Gandikota Fort will be open from 06:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs. The entry
will be closed at 17.30 hrs.
HOW
TO REACH
Gantikota
in YSR District in Andhra Pradesh is 15 km from Jammalamadugu, 62 km from Belum
Caves, 88 km from Tadipatri, and 92 km from Kadapa, the capital City of YSR
District.
The
nearest Railway Station is Jammalamadugu.
LOCATION
OF THE FORT: CLICK HERE
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OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
