BHONGIR FORT
Built In : 11th Century AD
Built By : Tribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya VI
Shape : Egg Shaped Fort
An Egg Shape Fort
Bhongir fort is located in Bhongir Taluk of
Nalgonda district and is 51-kms
away from Hyderabad
. It was constructed in the shape of an egg on a humongous single rock
formation on the hill of Bhongir, 609.6m above sea level, spreading over
40 acres of area.
The
Legend
It is believed that the western Chalukya ruler Tribhuvanamalla
Vikramaditya VI got the fort at this place constructed in the 11th century
AD, which was named after him as Tribhuvanagiri. The name subsequently
became Bhuvanagiri and Bhongir. The fort is also associated with the rule
of the heroic queen 'Rudramadevi' and her grandson 'Prataparudra'. The
Chalukyan style of sculpture is distinctive, and was further refined by
their successors, the Kakatiyas, Bahamanis and Nizams.
A Unique Fort Structure
The fort was well secured against enemy attack with a huge underground
chamber and trap doors and many exits. Layered as it were with many rows
of stonewalls, the fortress has a unique formation and was impenetrable.
The unique egg shaped fort has two routes of entry - from the north and
west. But both entries are protected by a high wall on either side with
very huge boulders.
The wall has its origin somewhere deep down the hill. Along the
circumference of this fortress are the steps. To reach this main entrance
one has to climb 300 rock cut steps. A huge cellar had been built under
the main fort palace to protect themselves from the enemy.
The majestic fort stands testimony to the artistic skill and sculptural
prowess of those times of glory despite its current dilapidated state. The
ruins are a unique combination of the Hindu and Islamic / Sarcenic culture
with as many sculpted figures as there are arches. The sculptures have
circularly designed steps.
The massive stairways of stone are still standing, as are the well-made
walls, bastions and turrets. The enclosing stonewall is still there.
Providing protection to the royal palace within the fort are four cannons
placed on all four sides. A deep gash in the rock was dammed up at several
places, creating a series of reservoirs collecting rainwater. Its high
elevation was a great advantage to its rulers to prepare against any
threat.
HOW TO GET THERE
Rail: Bhongir has a railway
station, but all the trains do not stop here. Nearest railway stations are
at Hyderabad and Nalgonda.
Road: Regular Buses and taxis are available from
Hyderabad and
Nalgonda.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotels are available in Hyderabad and
Secunderabad.
