HISTORY OF GINGEE FORT NOW

Gingee Fort, formerly known as Troy of the British government, is located in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu. It is located 160 km from the state capital Chennai and close to the union territory of Puducherry.

Notable names given to the fort by the local people include Senji, Chenji, Gingee Fort, or Senchi Fort. Let us tell you that there are three different hill bastions in the majestic fort. A huge range of thick walls and rocks is visible in that fort.

History of Gingee Fort

If you look at the history of Gingee Fort, many pages are filled with its history. The source for the construction of the Gingee Fort appears in the Mackenzie Manuscripts. According to the historian, the history behind its construction is related to Konar, a shepherd community of Anand Kon, who accidentally found a treasure in the cavities of the western hill. when he was grazing sheep. Then he discovered himself as the head of a small group of warriors.

He built the fort at Kamalagiri by defeating the smaller rulers of the nearby villages. He named it Anandagiri after himself. Konar ruled Gingee from 1190 to 1330 AD. The head of the place around Kobilingan and Kurumbur was succeeded by Konar. After that, he was defeated by the mighty Cholas. Starting from the Cholas to the British, then Kurumbur, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Marathas, the Sultans, and the Carnatic Nawabs have ruled the majestic fort.

The fort was built by the Cholas during the 9th century, re-conquered by the Kurumburas in the 13th century, and by the Vijayanagara clan. Other information states that the fort was built between the 15th and 16th centuries by the Gingee Nayaks. It was strengthened by the Maratha king Shivaji in 667 AD. After the Marathas, the Mughals and the Carnatic Nawabs were defeated by the French in 1750 and the British in 1761. King Deshingu ruled and abandoned Chenji during the 18th century.

Architecture of The Gingee Fort

Gingee Fort has a huge and amazing architecture. This fort complex is situated on three hills. It includes Krishnagiri in the north, Rajagiri in the west and Chandrayadurga in the south-east. Those three hills have different strongholds. Together they make a fort. Connecting them from north to south is a huge triangle made of bastions and entrances. Those roads provide access to the most protected parts of the fort. Its gaps are sealed with a main wall of 66 feet thickness.

The walls of the fort are connected by walls of an area of ​​13 km high and 11 km square surrounded by three hills. There is a seven-storey Kalyan Mahal or marriage hall, jail cell, granary and a temple dedicated to it. Within the intricacies of the fort, its presiding deity is called Chenjiamman. There is a holy pond, Anayakulam in it. The walls are naturally a mixture of hilly expanses. It includes the Krishnagiri, Chaklidrug and Rajgiri hills.

The massive structure of the fort makes the fort very strong. The Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, named it the most impregnable fort in India. This is revealed by looking at the fort. That’s why that fort is known by influential names.As the tourists reach the fort to see the fort. So let’s see that this fort is located at the most strategic place. And it was not difficult nor possible for the enemies to enter into him. Because of that, the fort is actually considered to be the result of very talented minds.

Chakkiliya Durg

The three forts include a Chakkaliya fort or Chamar Tikri. It was the least important fort and was occupied by Chamars. Chamar warriors lived here. Their banks are today covered with stone fragments and thorny bushes. Along with that the water resources are less in South Indian forts. But here he was well managed in the citadel.

There are two water sources on the summit. Below that are three reservoirs for the rainwater harvesting process. There is water through the connection of pottery to the Bhandar situated at a distance of 500 meters from the Kalyan Mahal.

Krishnagiri

In the second hill of Gingee Fort is the citadel of Krishnagiri. He is known as the English mountain. The fort has been occupied by British residents. It is slightly smaller than the Rajgiri fort and has granite steps. She takes the tourists towards the fort. The strategic and military value of Krishnagiri Fort has been relatively low. But some impressive buildings from the later period still exist.

Rajagiri

The earliest important fort of Ginji fort was Rajgiri, initially known as Kamalagiri and later as Anandagiri. It is 800 meters high and one has to cross a wooden bridge to reach the fort. Along with the Kamalakani Amman temple, the building consists of stables, meeting hall, granary, mosque, temple and pavilion.

It has Kalyan Mahal, Ranganathar Temple, Watchtower and Ghantaghar. At the entrance of the fort is the site museum established by the Archaeological Survey of India. It has sculptures about different dynasties. Who has ruled Gingee.

Best Time To Visit Gingee Fort

Best time to visit Gingee Fort – Villupuram The morning and evening are the best times to visit Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu. Entry to the top of the hill is not allowed after 3:00 pm. So complete this trek in the morning. Gingee Fort is best for a day trip and best suited for those who love places of archaeological importance.

Gingee Fort Timings

The Gingee Fort in Villupuram Tamil Nadu is open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm on all days. Tourists can roam here very easily during that time.

Tips For Visiting Gingee Fort

• You can travel on weekdays to avoid overcrowding.
• Carry sunscreen and wear a hat while visiting the fort.
• Pack a light snack and carry it with you as there is no restaurant here.
• If you’re a thrill-seeker, the slow, hard climb to the top of the hills is invigorating.
• If you go with children, it is necessary to take care of them.

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