Bairava-Durga Fort

 fortification, historic town square

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Marked by Aruni S. K.

This is a small fort near to Bangalore. According to sources, the fort was built by the Kempegowda Chiefs in early 17th cent. A.D. The Marathas also added defence walls to this fort in 1750s. Later due to lack of water, Tipu sultan shifted the fortified town to near by town- Kudur a km. north of the fort, in the end of 18th cent. The fort is intact has two lines of fortification walls, built with semi-circular bastions at regular intervals. The citadel is on top of the hill where a long Firangi [Canon] was placed, now it is not available. The hill top also has three granaries and a well for water storage. A temple dedicated to Bairava, snall but is significant for the Bairava cult in the Bangalore region, is found mid-way of the hill. The temple faces east. It is cave-cum structural temple. There are ruined houses and gateways on the left side of the fort. the details of the fort is given in my Book- Architecture & Sculptural art of Yelahanka Nada Prabhs published by the Bagnalore University [2007]. - Dr. S. K. ARUNI Bangalore