Monuments In India

Belgaum Fort

Belgaum fort was constructed during 1204 by Raja Jaya Raya.  This fort also faced various invasions and rulers in a long period.  Originally the fort was built by the efforts of Raja Jaya Raya and later its fortification and other modifications were completed by Yakub Ali Khan.  As far as modern history of the fort is concerned, this monument was used as prison during British period and Mahatma Gandhi also imprisoned in this fort during his struggle for independence.  Location of this fort is in the base of Sahyadri mountain ranges.  This area was earlier known as Venugram, which carries the meaning of Bamboo village.  Elevation of this fort is at 762 meters and far from the Arabian Sea at about 100 kilometers.  Alongside the district, Markandeya River flows and creates an attractive gorge as natural defense to the fort.

History

During Saudanti’s ruling the capital if their empire was shifted to Belgaum and then the construction of the fort was felt to defend the empire from Bahmani Sultans and Marathas.  Starting from Ratta dynasty, Rashtrakuta dynasty, Saudanti, Vijayanagar emperors, Bahmani Sultans and lastly British ruled over the area through this fort.  In ancient time before Rattas, the area was ruled from the Goa and then this fort was not established.  Ratta dynasty ruled the city between 1203 to 1250 and they were defeated by Yadava dynasty.  Yadavas took the control of this fort for a shorter period.  In the starting of 14th century, Khilji dynasty made a strong invasion to this area and took over the fort.  They established a well maintained administration in the area for a long time.  During 1474, Bahmani sultan invaded this fort till the Adilshahi of Bijapur not captured it from Bahmani Sultan.  Time passed and in 1686, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb captured the fort by defeating Bijapur Sultan.  But the Mughal control could not be long lasting as after the death of Aurangzeb, the Mughal dynasty declined and no more powerful ruler came from this dynasty that could be able to control the large empire established by forefathers of Mughals. This fort was won by Haider Ali of Mysore in 1776 but the win was very short as Peshwas captured this monument soon after and last, East India Company took over the control on this period till they left India before independence.

Attractions

Ganesh and Goddess Durga temple are located near the fort.  On the exterior of the temples, various sculptures have been developed by paintings.

Kamal Basadi Jain Temple:  This temple is also located in the close vicinity of the fort.  Jain across the world came here to offer prayers.

Safa Masjid and Jamia masjid: Inside the fort, there are two mosques are also constructed. These mosques were constructed by Asad Khan Lari in 1519.

How to Reach

To reach this place, all the modern means of transportation can be used.

By Air

At the place Sambra, nearest airport is available which is located at 10 kilometers distance from this fort.  Road transports are easily available to reach this location.

By Rail

This place falls in Hubli railway division which is well linked by the major broad gauge trains all over the country.

By Road

National Highway No 4 is passed through Belgaum and is good option to choose to reach this city.  This fort is located at 302 kilometers from Bangalore and falls on Bangalore Pune highway.  NH-4A also connects the main highway attached to Belgaum city. Taxies, state owned busses and tourist cabs are always available to reach this fort at affordable charges.

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