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Devanahalli Fort, Bangalore Overview

Known for its historical significance and archaeological brilliance, Devanahalli Fort is located 35 kms north of the city of Bangalore. The fort is a living example of the extensive battles fought and won and of the royal families. Lately in ruins, the fort once was the birthplace and residence of the great warrior Tipu Sultan. Sprawling over a vast area of 20 acres, the building is essentially made of stone and mortar. Originally built in 1501, by the Mallebyre Gowda during the reign of Saluva Dynasty, until the Dalwai of Mysore Nanjarajaiah occupied it in 1749. Later it was taken over by Hyder Ali before finally being passed on to Tipu Sultan.

The fort boasts of twelve semi-circular bastions, each with a gun-point view and a spacious battlement. The entrances, though relatively small are decorated with cut- plasterwork, and the main attraction is the chief residence of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The memorial is a six foot tall enclosure with pillars. The fort is currently a residence for many as several families inhabit the place. Among the umpteen temples located inside the premises of the fort, Venugopalswamy is the oldest with impeccable architecture and houses several attractive idols of local deities. Other than that, there is Siddheswar Swamy temple, Raghabendraswamy Math, Chandramouleswar Temple etc. Though in a dilapidated and crumbling state with most of the walls covered in graffiti, the fort manages to retain some of the yesteryears’ grandeur and glory. We recommend you to visit the fort if you like old monuments and archaeological places.

History of Devanahalli Fort

The history of the fort dates back to the 15th century when a group of refugees who had fled from Conjeevaran (now called Kanchi) camped here. The chief of the tribe named Rana Baire Gowda dreamed of an amiable settlement for the people somewhere near the foothills of Ramaswamy betta aka the place they were camping. His son, Malla Baire Gowda came to found this place- Devanahalli during the Vijayanagar rule. Devanahalli was initially a part of Gangawadi and later came under the reign of several dynasties including Rashatrakutas, Nolamba, Pallavas, Cholas, Hoysalas and the Vijayanagara rulers.

So, Malle Baire in 1501 AD sought the consent of the kind of Devanadoddi (original name of Devanahalli) and constructed a fort for his family, which was basically just a mud structure. Over time, the fort was renovated and finally, it fell into the hands of Wodeyars of Mysore. After several conquests by the Marathas, it came to Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.

Architecture of Devanahalli Fort

The fort is a wonderful example of the 15th century architectural marvel. The fortification boasts of twelve semi-circular bastions, each with a gun-point view leading to a spacious battlement inside the walls. The entrances, though relatively small are decorated with cut- plasterwork in the east and west. The main attraction is the chief residence of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan which is a six-foot tall enclosed structure standing with the help of pillars. It has a stone tabloid with the name 'Tipu's Birth Place' on it. The area surrounding the memorial is called Khas Bagh with several plantations of tamarind, mango, banana and a dried up pond as well.

Temples at Devanahalli Fort

Among the numerous temples that boast of impeccable architecture within the Devanahalli Fort, the oldest and the most popular one is the Venugopalaswamy Temple. Facing the main road on one side, the temple houses a spectacular Garuda Stamba in the spacious courtyard. With beautifully bedecked pillars all around, and the walls are adorned with intricate paintings from the scenes of Ramayana, the temple is a magnificent treat for the history buffs and archaeology enthusiasts. The sculptures efficiently furnishing the interiors are compared to those in Halebid and Belur.

The two main pillars on the entrance are guarded by two horsemen with swords. The exterior features a Garbgriha with the standing image of Venugopal in the Vijayanagar style. In addition to this, there is a Dravidian style Shikara (mountain top design) on the top of the temple.

The other temples present inside the premises of the fort are Siddhalingeshwara temple, Chandramouleshwara temple, Raghavendraswamy Matha and the Sarovaranjaneya temple equally resplendent and boast of the same grandeur.

How To Reach Devanahalli Fort

The fort is located 35 kms north to the city of Bangalore in Devanahalli. It can be reached by hiring a taxi cab or by driving down in a private vehicle. Take the Bangalore- Hyderabad National Highway 7, do not take the deviation to the airport and go straight until you see a signboard overhead for ‘Devanahalli Township’. Take the right turn and drive half a km further to reach your destination. You can take your vehicles inside the premises of the fort.