Fort Midigeshi, Tumkur

     'Midigeshi' is a village located on the Tumkur-Pavagadh state highway. There is a lesser known hill top fort nearby this village. The fort is believed to have been built by a local Chieftain named Nagareddi and the fort itself was named by him after his wife Midigeshi, who was called so because she had  hair (kesha) long enough that reached her heel (midi). This place was ruled by queens of the same family for a long time.

    Chikkappa Gauda (Madhugiri's Chieftain) conquered this place after he was driven out from Madhugiri and Channarayanadurga.  Later, this place was captured by Haider Ali, then by the Marthas, again by Haider Ali 's son Tippu and finally by the British troops under Lord Cornwallis who later abandoned it. According to the legend, a beautiful princess named Chikka Mallamma was kidnapped by the Muslim rulers and kept in the hill fort. When she prayed to god for her release, the rock split  making a path for her descent and later she entered the fire in front of Lord Malleshwara.

First View of the Hill Top Fort

Midigeshi Fort

Reaching this village was relatively easy as it is located on the state highway. After entering the village, we inquired about the route for ascent. We started our climb hoping to make it  to the top before the temperature went up. This fort, like many other forts around the area is seven tiered. The major part of the fortification now is in ruins. The initial climb was very easy until we reached the second gate. Here, we had to overcome   a steep slope which was the most exciting part of our climb. After crossing the third gate, we came across a fleet of rock cut steps and thereafter the climb was easy.

Initial Climb

First Gate

Second Gate

Well Laid Steps

Cactus

Steep Climb

Third Gate

Fleet of Rock Cut Steps

Closer Look of Rock Cut Steps

View Downhill

 After crossing the sixth gate, we reached leveled ground. The first thing that caught our attention was a water pond which was probably their main source of water. There were narrow canals leading to the pond which were carefully designed so as to collect most of the rain water and increase the level of water in the pond. We then proceeded further to the Mosque like structure, probably built during the reign of Hyder Ali. The minarets of the Mosque were quite interesting. There were many structures in this area  including a ruined temple. Finally we reached the seventh gate which probably was an entrance to the erstwhile palace or the place where the king and queen lived. The view from the top was breathtaking.

The Final Climb

Sixth Gate

Water Pond

Rain-Water Transporting  Canal

The Mosque

Stair to the Top of the Mosque

 Water Pond

Ruined Structure

Last Tier of the Fort

Granary Entrance

Light Entering the Granary

Ruined Structures

Ruins Viewed  from the Top of the Mosque

View from the Top

Bird's Eye View of Midigeshi

  Lord Venkataramana Temple

   There are other magnificent temples of that period in the village along side a Jain temple.  There is no witness for the participation of the ASI in maintenance of this place. Altogether, a  nice place to visit.

Directions from Bangalore: Bangalore - NH4 - Dabspet - Right turn - Madhugiri - Bypass - Midigeshi
 
Distance from Bangalore: 120 kms

Places to visit around:  Madhugiri, Madakasira, Channarayanadurga , Pavagada, Ratnagiri, Bhasmangi and many more

Trip Date: 30 Jan' 2011

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