The
visit to this Jail / Prison of 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.
Legends
record that 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. After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, the Qutb Shahis of
Hyderabad under Mir Jumla captured the fort. 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. A tower named
Charminar and a structure known as “Jail” are also noteworthy.
The
Jail is a rectangular stone structure with a main entrance and two small side
entrances. The whole stone structure was built with stone. The centre entrance
with steps leads to the big hall. Apart from a hall, there are 5 cells, both in
upper and lower levels. There is no side air and light ventilation to these
cells. It is said that this structure was used as a Jail or prison to lodge
the criminals inside the fort. Now this structure has become a refuge for the
bats with foul smell.
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 MONUMENT: CLICK HERE
---
OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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