Gingee Fort: The 800-year-old Great Wall of South India
Gingee Fort was called the ‘Troy of the East’ due to its reputation for being nearly impenetrable, similar to the ancient Greek city of Troy. Gingee's hidden tunnels and pathways and an elaborate water harvesting system add to its mystique even today
Gingee Fort: The 800-year-old Great Wall of South India
Located in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, Gingee Fort is called the ‘Great Wall of South India’ due to its extensive and robust fortifications that have survived for over eight centuries. King Ananta Kon of the Konar dynasty utilized the natural rocky terrain of the area for defensive purposes and built the basic fortifications of Gingee around 1190 AD.
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The Kampili rulers are said to have made early improvements to the fort structure during the 13th century. Rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire carried out substantial enhancements to the fortification in the 15th century. They transformed the fort into a stronghold, adding significant defensive features.
Also known as the Senji Fort, it reached its peak during the 17th century under the Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who made significant improvements to its defences.
Chhatrapati Shivaji termed it the ‘most impregnable fortress in India’ while the British called it the ‘Troy of the East’.
The fort, about 160 km from Chennai, is strategically built on three hills—Krishnagiri to the north, Rajagiri to the west, and Chandrayandurg to the southeast, providing a natural defence advantage. This triangle spans a mile from north to south, with bastions and gateways providing access to the fortified zones at the heart of the complex.
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Each hill houses its distinct and self-contained citadel, yet interconnected to create a vast triangular fortification.
The fort is constructed primarily from granite blocks and features intricate fortifications, including ramparts, gates, and moats, reflecting a blend of South Indian and Mughal architectural styles.
A view of the Rajagiri Citadel (atop the hill), Kalyana Mandapam (white tower) and the Mohabatkhan mosque (right). Pic: Wikipedia
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Gingee is surrounded by walls stretching 13 km, enclosing an area of 11 sq km, making it one of the largest forts in South India. The walls are accompanied by cleverly designed bastions, and gateways that create multiple layers of defence.
It also has hidden tunnels and pathways that added to its mystique and practicality in wartime. Situated at a height of 800 ft, the fort is protected by an 80 ft-wide moat.
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Gingee Fort played a crucial role in various regional conflicts and wars due to its formidable defences and strategic location. It witnessed battles involving the Vijayanagar Empire, the Bijapur Sultanate, the Marathas, and later the British East India Company.
Rainwater harvesting
Gingee used storage ponds and catchment tanks for rainwater harvesting. The fort used two systems for water supply - the first supplied perennial water to the inner fort from a pond which was fed by surface drainage.
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It used the principles of gravity flow and the siphon to carry water through earthen pipes to the palaces, tanks and fountains.
The outer fort linked the water bodies to urban settlements around the fort.
Elephant Pond at Gingee Fort. Pic: Flickr
Legends and Tales
The fort is steeped in legends, including stories of its impregnability and tales of heroic battles fought within its walls. One famous legend involves a daring escape by Raja Tej Singh, who reportedly leapt from the fort walls on horseback to evade capture.
Another famous ruler was Raja De Singh, the only Rajput king to govern Tamil Nadu. Tales of his courage, unwavering devotion to duty, and loyalty to his friends are celebrated in the folk songs sung in the villages around Gingee.
Equally renowned is his loyal horse buried near its master at the fort. The story of Raja De Singh and his horse evokes comparisons to the legendary Maharana Pratap of Chittorgarh and his valiant companion, Chetak.
Today, Gingee Fort is a popular tourist destination known for its historical and architectural significance. Visitors can explore its extensive ruins, climb its ramparts for panoramic views, and admire the surviving structures like granaries, temples, and water tanks. The fort's majestic presence and historical tales make it a fascinating site for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.