"Forts are the Chief Protection of a Kingdom"
- Ramachandra Amatya (18th Century)
There are many classifications of forts one of the most important Based on the type and area where the fort is built. Forts can be classified into 6 groups which are as follows:
Forts are similar to our gated community and are built for to protect of the kingdom. The word 'Durga' (Fort in Kannada) originates from the Sanskrit word 'Durgam' meaning
'difficult to trespass', signifying the importance of a strategic site, a strong wall and a moat to make it an impregnable stronghold. The earliest reference to the fort can be found in Rigveda wherein a fortified city was referred to as a 'Pura'. According to Kautilya's Arthasthra, 'Fort' is the most significant aspect
of any kingdom, the others being it's King, Capital, Allies, Army, Ministry
and the Treasury. Forts have always played a significant role in shaping the history of the world. The history of fort itself dates back to the 6th century BCE with the earliest references of fortified cities being Nineveh and Babylonia. Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Lothal, Sisupalgarh, Hastinapur, Indraprastha, Dwaraka, Kishkinda, Malhar and Rajim are some of the earliest forts built in India, some of whose links can be traced to the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Sisupalgarh is the oldest standing/surviving fort in India which is situated close to the city of Bhubaneswar in Orissa.
Satavahanas built the earliest of forts in Karnataka between the period of 1st
century BCE and 2nd century CE and their remnants have been found at
Sannati, Aihole, Banavasi, Sagar (Gulbarga), Chandravalli (Chitradurga), etc. However, the first confirmed record of fort as per inscriptions is the fort at Badami built around 543 AD by Pulakeshi I. In India, the Deccan (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and United Andhra Pradesh) undoubtedly dominates the other regions over the number of forts built. About 3000 forts were
built in this region of which majority of them still survive to narrate
their story. At present, about 700 forts survive in Karnataka. This post includes the list of forts we have visited till today, some of which have already been described by us in our previous posts (to which link has been given). Information with regards to the remaining forts will follow shortly in our subsequent posts.
 |
| Forts of Karnataka - ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಕೋಟೆಗಳು |
1. Bhudurga or Nagardurga - City Fort or Land Fort - Bengaluru, Srirangapatnam
2. Giridurga or Parvatadurga - Hill Fort - Madhugiri, Chitradurga
3. Jaladurga - Fort surrounded by a Natural Water Body - Jaladurga, Malkhed
4. Dhanavandurga - Desert Fort - None in Karnataka
5. Mahidurga - Mud Fort - Gottam Gutta, Hangal
6. Vanadurga - Forest Fort - Ballalarayanadurga, Kanoor Kote
There are many great Kannada literary works which speak volumes about the construction of forts.
A few to name are as follows:-
A few to name are as follows:-
1. 'Sivatatva Ratnakara' by Sri Basava Bhupala
2. 'Ananthnath Puran' by Sri Jana
3. 'Kumararamacharite' by Sri Nanjunda
4. 'Mohan Tarangini' by Sri Kanakadasaru
5. 'Pampaskhetra Vaaranam' by Sri Chandrakavi
6. 'Amulabasava Charite' by Sri Singi Rajan
7. 'Manasollasa' by Sri Someshwara III
8.' Dhadmanatha Purana' by Sri Bahubali Panditha
9. 'Vijayambudi Charite' by Sri Shrutikreethi
10. 'Chennabasava Purana' by Sri Virupaksha Panditha
11. 'Prabhulingaleele' by Sri Chamarasa and many more.
Forts of Karnataka:
1. Badami Fort - ಬಾದಾಮಿ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Bagalkot
District: Bagalkot
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers: 2
Dynasty ruled: Badami Chalukyas, Pallavas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Tippu Sultan
 |
| Badami Fort |
District: Bagalkot
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:2
Dynasty ruled: Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas
3. Nandidurga Fort- ನಂದಿದುರ್ಗ
 |
| Aihole Fort |
District: Chikkaballapura
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Kempegowda, Hyder Ali, Wodeyars, Marathas, British
4. Shivagange Fort - ಶಿವಗಂಗೆ ಕೋಟೆ
 |
| Nandidurga Fort |
District: Bangalore rural
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Hyder Ali, Wodeyars, Nadaprabhus, Marathas, British
5. Chikkajala Fort - ಚಿಕ್ಕಜಾಲ ಕೋಟೆ
 |
| Shivagange Fort |
District: Bangalore rural
Type: Bhudurga
No of tier: 1
Dynasty ruled: Vijayanagar, Hyder Ali, Wodeyars, Nadaprabhus
6. Devanahalli Fort - ದೇವನನಹಳ್ಳಿ ಕೋಟೆ
 |
| Chikkajala Fort |
District: Bangalore rural
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Hyder Ali, Wodeyars, Nadaprabhus
7. Bhairavadurga Fort - ಭೈರವದುರ್ಗ
 |
| Devanahalli Fort |
District: Bangalore rural
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:5
Dynasty ruled: Vijayanagar, Kempegowda, Hyder Ali, Wodeyars, Marathas
8. Kundana Fort - ಕುಂದನ ಕೋಟೆ
 |
| Bhairavadurga Fort |
District: Bangalore rural
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:4
Dynasty ruled: Vijayanagar, Kempegowda, Hyder Ali, Wodeyars
9. Bengaluru Fort - ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಕೋಟೆ
 |
| Kundana Fort |
District: Bangalore Urban
Type: Giridurga
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Kempegowda, Hyder Ali, Wodeyars, Marathas, British
10. Begur Fort - ಬೇಗೂರು ಕೋಟೆ
 |
| Gajalakshmi, Bengaluru Fort |
District: Bangalore Urban
Type: Bhudurga
Type: Giridurga
Type: Bhudurga
Type: Giridurga
Type: Giridurga
District: Belagavi
Type: Bhudurga
District: Belagavi
Type: Bhudurga
Type: Bhudurga
Type: Giridurga
23. Kurugod Fort - ಕುರುಗೋಡು ಕೋಟೆ
District: Bellary
Type: Giridurga
24. Nadivi Fort - ನಾಡಿವಿ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Bellary
Type: Jaladurga
25. Gudekote Fort - ಗುಡೇಕೋಟೆ
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers: 2
Dynasty ruled: Ganga, Nolambas, Cholas, Hoysalas, Wodeyars, Marathas
11. Bettadasanapura Fort-ಬೆಟ್ಟದಾಸನಪುರ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Bangalore Urban |
| Shree Panchalingeshwara Temple, Begur Fort |
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:2
Dynasty ruled: Ganga, Nolambas, Cholas, Hoysalas, Wodeyars
12. Champakadhama Fort - ಚಂಪಕಧಾಮ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Bangalore Rural
Type: Bhudurga
13. Belagavi Fort - ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Belagavi |
| Bettadasanapura Fort |
District: Bangalore Rural
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Ganga, Nolambas, Cholas, Hoysalas, Wodeyars |
| Champakadhama Fort |
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:2
Dynasty ruled: Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kadambas, Marathas, British
14. Torgal Fort - ಟೋರ್ಗಲ್ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Belagavi |
| Belagavi Fort |
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:4
Dynasty ruled: Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kadambas, Marathas, British
15. Hooli Fort - ಹೂಲಿ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Belagavi |
| Torgal Fort |
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:4
Dynasty ruled: Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kadambas, Marathas, British
16. Ramdurga Fort - ರಾಮದುರ್ಗ  |
| Shree Panchalingeshwara Temple, Hooli Fort |
District: Belagavi
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:2
Dynasty ruled: Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kadambas, Marathas, British
17. Sankeshwara Fort - ಸಂಕೇಶ್ವರ ಕೋಟೆ  |
| Ramdurga Fort |
District: Belagavi
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:2
Dynasty ruled:Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kadambas, Marathas, British
18. Mudkavi Fort - ಮುದ್ಕವಿ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Belagavi |
| Sankeshwara Fort |
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:2
Dynasty ruled: Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kadambas, Marathas, British
19. Halasi Fort- ಹಲಸಿ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Belagavi
Type: Bhudurga
20. Gokak Fort- ಗೋಕಾಕ್ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Belagavi
Type:Bhudurga
21. Halakundhi Fort - ಹಲಕುಂಧಿ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Bellary
Type: Giridurga
22. Kenchanagudda Fort- ಕೆಂಚನಗುಡ್ಡ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Bellary |
| Mudkavi Fort |
District: Belagavi
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Kadambas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Hoysalas |
| Shree Bhuvaraha Swamy Temple, Halasi Fort |
District: Belagavi
Type:Bhudurga
No. of tiers: 1
Dynasty ruled: Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kadambas, Marathas, British |
| Shree Mahalingeshwara Temple, Gokak Fort |
District: Bellary
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Palegars |
| Halakundhi Fort |
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Kalyani Chalukyas, Vijayanagar, Bahamanis, British |
| Kenchanagudda Fort |
District: Bellary
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:5
Dynasty ruled: Satavahanas, Badami Chalukyas, Sindhs of Kurugodu, Vijayanagar, Hyder Ali |
| Kurugodu Fort |
24. Nadivi Fort - ನಾಡಿವಿ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Bellary
Type: Jaladurga
No. of tiers:2
Dynasty ruled: Kalyani Chalukyas, Vijayanagar, Palegars |
| Nadivi Fort |
District: Bellary
Type: Giridurga
26. Ujjini Fort - ಉಜ್ಜಿನಿ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:5
Dynasty ruled: Satavahanas, Kadambas, Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani
Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Palegars of Hosamaledurga, Vijayanagar, Bahamani, Palegars, Hyder Ali, British |
| Gudekote Fort |
District: Bellary
Type: Giridurga
27. Bellary Fort - ಬಳ್ಳಾರಿ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:2
Dynasty ruled: Kalyani Chalukyas, Vijayanagar, Bahamanis, British |
| Ujjini Fort |
District: Bellary
Type: Giridurga
28. Hampi Fort - ಹಂಪಿ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Maurya, Satavahanas, Badami Chalukyas, Sindhs of Kurugodu, Hoysalas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Vijayanagar, Bahamanis, Marathas, British |
| Bellary Fort |
District: Bellary
Type: Bhudurga
29. Tekkalakote Fort - ಟೆಕ್ಕಲ್ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Maurya, Satavahanas, Badami Chalukyas, Sindhs of Kurugodu, Hoysalas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Vijayanagar, Bahamanis, British |
| Hampi Fort |
District: Bellary
Type: Bhudurga
30. Sandur Fort - ಸಂಡೂರ್ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Sindhs of Kurugodu, Hoysalas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Vijayanagar, Bahamanis, British |
| Tekalkotte Fort Entrance |
District: Bellary
Type: Bhudurga
31. Hulikunte Fort - ಹುಲಿಕುಂಟೆ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:2
Dynasty ruled: Vijayanagar, Bahamanis, Marathas, British, Gorpade  |
| Sandur Gorge |
District: Bellary
Type: Giridurga + Vanadurga
32. Hallikhed Fort - ಹಳ್ಳಿಖೇಡ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Giridurga + Vanadurga
No. of tiers:5
Dynasty ruled: Palegars |
| Hulikunte Fort |
District: Bidar
Type: Bhudurga
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Kalyani Chalukyas, Bahamanis, British |
| Hallikhed Fort |
33. Rameshwara Fort-ರಾಮೇಶ್ವರ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Bidar
Type: Bhudurga
34. Bidar Fort - ಬೀದರ್ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Bidar
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Kalyani Chalukyas, Bahamanis, British |
| Rameshwara Fort |
District: Bidar
Type: Bhudurga
35. Basavakalyan Fort - ಬಸವಕಲ್ಯಾಣ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled: Maurya, Satavahanas, Badami Chalukyas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Vijayanagar, Bahamanis, Bijapur Sultanate,Nizams, British |
| Bidar Fort |
District: Bidar
Type: Giridurga
36. Bhatambra Fort - ಭಾತಂಬ್ರ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Bahamanis, Kakatiyas, Bijapura Sultanate, Vijayanagar, Marathas, Nizams, British |
| Basavakalyan Fort |
District: Bidar
Type: Bhudurga
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:2
Dynasty ruled: Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Bahamanis, Kakatiyas, Bijapura Sultanate, Vijayanagar, Marathas, Nizams, British |
| Bhatambra Fort |
37. Bhalki Fort - ಭಳ್ಕಿ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Bidar
Type: Bhudurga
38. Bijapura Fort - ವಿಜಯಪುರ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Bidar
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:2
Dynasty ruled: Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Bahamanis, Kakatiyas, Bijapura Sultanate, Vijayanagar, Marathas, Nizams, British |
| Bhalki Fort |
District: Vijayapura
Type: Bhudurga
39. Bandallidurga Fort- ಬಂಡಳ್ಳಿದುರ್ಗ
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Bahamanis, Kakatiyas, Bijapura Sultanate, Vijayanagar, Marathas, Nizams, British |
| Malik-I-Maidan, Bijapura Fort |
District: Chamrajanagar
Type: Giridurga +Vanadurga
40. Gopalaswamy Betta Fort - ಗೋಪಾಲಸ್ವಾಮಿ ಬೆಟ್ಟ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Giridurga +Vanadurga
No. of tiers: 3
Dynasty ruled: Vijayanagar, Palegars, Tippu Sultan, Wodeyars, British |
| Bandallidurga Fort |
District: Chamrajanagar
Type: Giridurga +Vanadurga
41. Skandagiri Fort - ಸ್ಕಂದಗಿರಿ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Giridurga +Vanadurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Hoysalas, Vijayanagar |
| Gopalaswamy Betta Fort |
District: Chikkaballapura
Type: Giridurga
42. Gummanayakanapalya Fort - ಗುಮ್ಮನಾಯಕನಕೋಟೆ
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Palegars, Tippu Sultan, Marathas, British |
| Skandagiri Fort |
District: Chikkaballapura
Type: Giridurga
43. Varlakonda Fort - ವರ್ಲಕೊಂಡ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Vijayanagar, Tippu Sultan, Palegars |
| Gummanayakanapalya Fort |
District: Chikkaballapura
Type: Giridurga
44. Gudibande Fort - ಗುಡಿಬಂಡೆ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled: Palegars |
| Varlakonda Fort |
District: Chikkaballapura
Type: Giridurga
45. Makalidurga Fort- ಮಾಕಳಿದುರ್ಗ
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Palegars, Aurangzeb, Tippu Sultan |
| Gudibande Fort |
District: Chikkaballapura
Type: Giridurga
46. Channagiri Fort - ಚನ್ನಗಿರಿ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Nadaprabhus, Tippu Sultan, Wodeyars |
| Makalidurga Fort |
District: Chikkaballapura
Type: Giridurga
47. Ambajidurga Fort - ಅಂಬಾಜಿದುರ್ಗ
49. Hariharapura Fort - ಹರಿಹರಪುರ ಕೋಟೆ
District:Chikkaballapura
Type: Giridurga
50. Ballalarayana Durga Fort - ಬಲ್ಲಾಳರಾಯನ ದುರ್ಗ
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled:Nadaprabhus, Tippu Sultan, Wodeyars |
| Channagiri Fort |
District: Chikkaballapura
Type: Giridurga
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:5
Dynasty ruled: Vijayanagar, Palegars, Tippu Sultan |
| Ambajidurga Fort |
48. Rehmangarh Fort-ರೆಹ್ಮಾನ್ಘಡ್ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Chikkaballapura
Type: Giridurga
District: Chikkaballapura
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled: Palegars, Tippu Sultan, British |
| Rehmangarh Fort |
District:Chikkaballapura
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers: 3
Dynasty ruled:Vijayanagar, Palegars |
| Hariharapura Fort |
District: Chikmagalur
Type: Vanadurga + Giridurga
51. Mullayanagiri Fort - ಮುಳ್ಳಯ್ಯನಗಿರಿ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Vanadurga + Giridurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled: Hoysalas |
| Ballalarayana Durga Fort |
District: Chikmagalur
Type: Vanadurga + Giridurga
52. Brahmagiri Fort - ಬ್ರಹ್ಮಗಿರಿ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Vanadurga + Giridurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Hoysalas |
| Mullayanagiri Fort |
District: Chitradurga
Type: Giridurga
53. Ramdurga Fort - ರಾಮದುರ್ಗ
Type: Giridurga
No of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Maurya, Satavahanas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Nayakas of Chitradurga |
| Brahmagiri Fort |
District: Chitradurga
Type: Giridurga
54. Chitradurga Fort - ಚಿತ್ರದುರ್ಗ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:2
Dynasty ruled: Nayakas of Chitradurga |
| Ramadurga Fort |
District: Chitradurga
Type: Giridurga
55. Imangala Fort- ಐಮಂಗಳ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Satavahanas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Nayakas of Chitradurga, Hyder Ali, British |
| Chitradurga Fort |
District: Chitradurga
Type: Bhudurga
56. Jatinga Rameshwara Fort- ಜಟಿಂಗ ರಾಮೇಶ್ವರ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:2
Dynasty ruled: Nayaks of Chitradurga, Tippu Sultan, British |
| Imangala Fort |
District: Chitradurga
Type: Giridurga
57. Narasimhaghada Fort- ನರಸಿಂಹಘಢ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Dakshina Kannada
Type: Giridurga
58. Kanakuppa Fort - ಕಣಕುಪ್ಪ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Davangere
Type: Giridurga
59. Huchangidurga Fort - ಹುಚoಗಿದುರ್ಗ
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled: Maurya, Satavahanas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Nayakas of Chitradurga |
| Jating Rameshwara Fort |
District: Dakshina Kannada
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled: Alupa, Tippu Sultan, British |
| Narasimhaghada Fort |
District: Davangere
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled: Nayakas of Chitradurga |
| Kanakuppa Fort |
District: Davangere
Type: Giridurga
60. Garbhagudi Fort - ಗರ್ಭಗುಡಿ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Davanagere
Type: Giridurga
61. Dharwad Fort - ಧಾರವಾಡ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers: 7
Dynasty ruled: Kalyani Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Nayakas of Chitradurga, Palegars, Tippu Sultan, British |
| Uchangidurga Fort |
District: Davanagere
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers: 1
Dynasty ruled: Kalyani Chalukyas, Palegars |
| Garbhagudi Fort |
District: Dharwad
Type: Bhudurga
62. Dambal Fort - ಡಂಬಲ್ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers: 3
Dynasty ruled: Kalyani Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Bijapur Sultanate, Marathas, British |
| Shree Narayana Swamy Temple, Dharwad Fort |
District: Gadag
Type: Bhudurga
63. Malkhed Fort - ಮಲಖೇಡ್ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Kalyani Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Bijapur Sultanate, Marathas, British |
| Dambal Fort |
District: Gulbarga
Type: Jaladurga
64. Gulbarga Fort - ಕಲ್ಬುರ್ಗಿ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Jaladurga
No. of tiers:2
Dynasty ruled: Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Bahamanis, Bijapur Sultanate, Nizams, British |
| Malkhed/ Manyakheta Fort |
District: Gulbarga
Type: Bhudurga
65. Sedam Fort - ಸೇಡಂ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled:Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Bahamanis, Bijapur Sultanate, Nizams, British |
| Gulbarga Fort |
District: Gulbarga
Type: Bhudurga
66. Gottamgotta Fort - ಗೊಟ್ಟಂಗೊಟ್ಟ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Bahamanis, Bijapur Sultanate, Nizams |
| Bananti Khamba, Sedam Fort |
District: Gulbarga
Type: Mahidurga
67. Handarki Fort - ಹಂಡರ್ಕಿ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Mahidurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Satavahanas, Badami Chalukyas, Kalyani Chalukyas |
| Shree Eshwara Temple, Gottam Gotta Fort |
District: Gulbarga
Type: Bhudurga
68. Maharajanadurga Fort - ಮಹಾರಾಜನದುರ್ಗ
District: Hassan
Type: Giridurga
69. Garudanagiri Fort - ಗರುಡನಗಿರಿ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Kakatiyas |
| Handarki Fort |
District: Hassan
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Palegars, Tippu Sultan, British |
| Maharajanadurga Fort |
District: Hassan
Type: Giridurga
70. Banavara Fort - ಬಾಣವಾರ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Hoysalas, Palegars, Tippu Sultan |
| Garudanagiri Fort |
District: Hassan
Type: Bhudurga
71. Haranahalli Fort - ಹಾರನಹಳ್ಳಿ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:2
Dynasty ruled: Hoysalas, Palegars |
| Banavara Fort |
District: Hassan
Type: Bhudurga
72. Shravanabelagola Fort - ಶ್ರವಣಬೆಳಗೊಳ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Hoysalas |
| Haranahalli Fort Mahadwara |
District: Hassan
Type: Giridurga
73. Manjarabad Fort- ಮಂಜರಾಬಾದ್ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Maurya, Gangas, Hoysalas |
| Shravanabelagola Fort, Chandragiri |
District: Hassan
Type: Giridurga
74. Nuggehalli Fort - ನುಗ್ಗೇಹಳ್ಳಿ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Hassan
Type: Bhudurga
75. Hangal Fort - ಹಾನಗಲ್ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Hoysalas, Tippu Sultan |
| Manjirabad Fort (PC: Abhiram Shanubhog) |
74. Nuggehalli Fort - ನುಗ್ಗೇಹಳ್ಳಿ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Hassan
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Hoysalas |
| Nuggehalli Fort Gateway |
District: Haveri
Type: Mahidurga
76. Bankapura Fort - ಬಂಕಾಪುರ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Mahidurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Kadambas, Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Hangal Kadambas |
| Shree Veerabhadra Temple, Hangal Fort |
District: Haveri
Type: Bhudurga
77. Tekal Fort - ಟೇಕಲ್ ಕೋಟೆ
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled: Kadambas, Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Hangal Kadambas |
| Shree Nagareshwara Temple, Bankapura Fort |
District: Kolar
Type: Giridurga
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Vijayanagar, Palegars |
| Terrain of Tekal Fort |
District: Kolar
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled: Ganga, Cholas, Hoysalas, Palegars |
| Paparajanahalli Fort |
District: Kolar
Type: Giridurga
80. Mulbagal Fort - ಮುಳಬಾಗಿಲು ಕೋಟೆ
District: KolarType: Giridurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled: Ganga, Cholas, Hoysalas, Palegars |
| Avani Fort Entrance |
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Ganga, Cholas, Hoysalas, Palegars, Vijayanagar, Tippu Sultan |
| Mulbagal Fort |
District: Kolar
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers: 1
Dynasty ruled: Vijayanagar |
| Virupakshi Fort |
District: Kolar
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled: Ganga, Cholas, Hoysalas, Palegars, Vijayanagar |
| Kurudumale Fort |
District: Koppal
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Vijayanagar, Palegars |
| Kanakagiri Fort |
District: Koppal
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled:Vijayanagar, Bahamanis, British |
| Anegundi Fort |
District: Koppal
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Badami Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Bahamanis, Marathas, Tippu Sultan, British |
| Koppal Fort |
District: Madkeri/ Kodagu
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Raja of Madkeri, Tippu Sultan, British |
| Royal Tombs of Raja of Madkeri |
District: Mandya
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:5
Dynasty ruled: Hoysalas, Palegars |
| Narayanadurga Fort |
District: Mandya
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers: 3
Dynasty ruled: Gangas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Wodeyars, Marathas, Tippu Sultan |
| Melukote Fort |
District: Mandya
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled: Gangas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Wodeyars, Marathas, Tippu Sultan, British |
| Shree Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatnam |
District: Mysore
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:2
Dynasty ruled: Gangas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Wodeyars, Marathas, Tippu Sultan, British |
| Mysore Palace, Mysore Fort |
District: Mysore
Type: Giridurga+ Vanadurga
No. of tiers:5
Dynasty ruled: Gangas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Wodeyars, British |
| Bettadapura Fort |
District: Raichur
Type: Giridurga+ Bhudurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Kalyani Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Kakatiyas, Bahamanis, Vijayanagar, Bijapur Sultanate, Mughals, Nizam |
| Raichur Fort |
District: Ramanagar
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled: Nadaprabhus, Hyder Ali |
| Jalamangala |
District: Ramanagar
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Palegars, Nadaprabhus, Hyder Ali, British |
| Kabbaladurga Fort |
District: Ramanagar
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:5
Dynasty ruled:Gangas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Nadaprabhus, Hyder Ali, Marathas, British |
| Ramanagar Fort |
District: Ramanagar
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:8
Dynasty ruled: Nadaprabhus, Palegars |
| Huthridurga Fort |
District: Ramanagar
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Nadaprabhus, Palegars |
| Gopuram of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Magadi Fort |
District: Ramanagar
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Gangas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Nadaprabhus, Hyder Ali, Marathas, British |
| Savanadurga Fort |
District: Ramanagar
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:5
Dynasty ruled: Nadaprabhus, Palegars, Wodeyars |
| Hosadurga Fort |
District: Shivamogga
Type: Vanadurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled: Keladi |
| Nagara Fort |
District: Shivamogga
Type: Vanadurga + Giridurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled: Keladi |
| Kavaledurga Fort |
District: Shivamogga
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Keladi |
| Ikkeri Fort |
District: Shivamogga
Type: Vanadurga + Giridurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Keladi |
| Shree Sankaracharya Temple, Kodachadri Fort |
District: Tumkooru
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Nolambas, Gangas, Hoysalas, Palegars, Hyder Ali, British |
| Pavagada Fort |
District: Tumkooru
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Nolambas, Gangas, Hoysalas, Palegars, Hyder Ali, British |
| Nidgal Fort |
District: Tumkooru
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled: Vijayanagar, Nayakas, Hyder Ali, Marathas, British |
| Bhasmangi Fort |
District: Tumkooru
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Vijayanagar, Nayakas, Hyder Ali, Marathas, British |
| Madhugiri Fort |
District: Tumkooru
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:2
Dynasty ruled: Nayakas, Bijapur Sultanate, Mughal, Marathas, Hyder Ali, British |
| Sira Fort |
District: Tumkooru
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers: 5
Dynasty ruled: Ganga, Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Palegar |
| Hulukudi Fort |
District: Tumkooru
Type: Giridurga
No of tiers:5
Dynasty ruled: Palegars, Marathas, Tippu, Wodeyars, British |
| Midigeshi Fort |
District: Tumkooru
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Palegars, Marathas, Tippu, Wodeyars, British |
| Channarayanadurga Fort |
District: Tumkooru
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Gangas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Nadaprabhus, Marathas, Tippu Sultan, British |
| Nijagal Fort |
District: Tumkooru
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Vijayanagar, Nadaprabhus, Palegars, Tippu Sultan, British |
| Devarayanadurga Fort |
District: Tumkooru
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:3
Dynasty ruled: Vijayanagar, Nadaprabhus, Palegars |
| Rock Cut Steps, Hikkalappana Betta |
District: Tumkooru
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:5
Dynasty ruled: Nadaprabhus, Palegars |
| Huliyurdurga Fort |
District: Tumkooru
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:5
Dynasty ruled: Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Marathas |
| Tumkooru Fort |
District: Tumkooru
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled:Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas |
| Kunigal Fort Entrance |
District: Udupi
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Alupa, Vijayanagar, Tippu, British |
| Barkur Fort |
District: Udupi
Type: Jaladurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Alupa, Vijayanagar, Tippu, British
120. Banavasi Fort - ಬನವಾಸಿ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Uttara Kannada |
| Kaup Fort |
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers:1
Dynasty ruled: Satavahanas, Kadambas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar, Sonda Kings |
| Shree Madhukeshwara Temple Complex, Banavasi Fort |
District: Uttara Kannada
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers: 3
Dynasty ruled: Vijayanagar, Keladi, Bijapur Sultanate, Portuguese |
| Mirjan Fort |
122. Yadgir Fort - ಯಾದಗಿರಿ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Yadgir
Type: Giridurga
No. of tiers:7
Dynasty ruled: Kalyani Chalukyas,Yadavas, Bahamanis, Adil Shahi, Nizam |
| Yadgir Fort |
District: Yadgir
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers: 1
Dynasty ruled: Kalyani Chalukyas |
| Stepped Well, Gurmitkal Fort |
District: Yadgir
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers: 5
Dynasty ruled: Kalyani Chalukyas, Adil Shahis, British |
| Shahapura Fort |
125. Shorapura Fort - ಶೋರಾಪುರ ಕೋಟೆ
District: Yadgir
Type: Bhudurga
No. of tiers: 2
Dynasty ruled: Vijayanagar, Bahamanis, British |
| Shree Venugopalaswamy Kalyani, Shorapura Fort |
District: Ramanagar
Type: Giridurga
No of tiers: 3
Dynasty ruled: Nadaprabhus, British
 |
| Achaludurga Fort |
District: Bengaluru Rural
No of tiers: 1
Dynasty Ruled: Hoysalas, Avathi Nadaprabhus, Yelhanka Nadaprabhus, Wodeyars
 |
| Avathi Fort |
District: Haveri
No of tiers: 1
Dynasty ruled: Kalyani Chalukyas, Bahamanis, Savanur Nawabs
 |
| Savanur fort |
District: Tumkooru
No of tiers: 3
Dynasty ruled: Holvanahalli Palegars, Wodeyars, Marathas, Tippu Sultan
 |
| Koratagere Fort |
District: Ramanagara
No of Tiers: 7
Dynasty Ruled: Nadaprabhus
 |
| Talavadi Fort |
District: Ramanagara
No of Tiers:3
Dynasty Ruled: Nadaprabhus
 |
| Koonagal Fort |
There are many other forts in Karnataka which are yet to be explored by us and the above list will be updated regularly. We are glad to share that this post also marks our 9th anniversary of blogging!!!
References
1. Karnataka Gazetteer's
2. Journeys across Karnataka
3. ಬಳ್ಳಾರಿ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ಕೋಟೆಗಳು - Dr.M.Kotresh
Related Posts:
1.101 interesting places to visit near Bangalore within 125 km
2.Top 100 Must Visit Lesser Known Temples of Karnataka - Part II
3.Top 50 Must Visit Lesser Known Temples of Karnataka
Congratulations on 9th Anniversary of your blog. Very informative post on Forts of Karnataka.Keep Blogging.
ReplyDeleteThankyou Rupam.
DeleteThumbs up 👍 Very good collection of information on travel. I have been an active follower of your blogs 🙂👌
ReplyDeleteThankyou Shashank.
DeleteExcellent job, Dhiraj! This is such a comprehensive list.
ReplyDeleteThankyou Niranjan! Glad it's of help!
DeleteThe number of forts, and the different styles, is fascinating. You've done valuable work cataloging the forts you've visited.
ReplyDeleteThankyou for the appreciation Senior!:-)
DeletePl post korlahalli fort and Singanallur fort.. Photos... There is also a white mud fort in belagaum surroundings. Pl post photos....
ReplyDeleteThank you Sir, Sure we will update this post with photos, once we visit the above mentioned forts.
Deleteಚಂದ್ರಗುತ್ತಿ ಕೋಟೆ ಮಿಸ್ ಆಗಿದೆ
ReplyDeleteHoudu, yet to visit Chandragutti Fort, long time pending.
ReplyDelete