Manjarabad: India’s only star-shaped fort designed by French engineers

The only star-shaped fort in India, the Manjarabad Fort, is located near Sakleshpur in the Hassan district of Karnataka. Steeped in legends and inspired by French military design, the fort was built by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, in 1792.

Located at around 3,240 feet (987 metres) above sea level, the fort offers commanding views of the Western Ghats and is often shrouded in mist. 

It is said that when Tipu Sultan visited the site during construction, he was so impressed by the mist-covered view that he exclaimed ‘Manju!’ giving it the name Manjarabad. The Kannada word ‘Manju’ means fog or mist.

Tipu Sultan ordered its construction during a period of intense military activity as tensions with the British East India Company and the Marathas escalated. 

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The fort served as a frontline defence outpost to guard the crucial highway that connected Mangalore (then a vital port city) to Tipu Sultan's capital Srirangapatnam.

It provided surveillance over the Arabian Sea coastline and the treacherous Western Ghats passes, making it difficult for enemies to advance unnoticed. Even today, the Arabian Sea is visible from the fort on a clear day.

Unique architecture

This fort is unique because of its star-shaped design. Tipu Sultan employed French military engineers, who were influenced by the European fort design of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, a French military architect.

Each of the fort’s eight angled walls is equipped with bastions designed to provide overlapping fields of fire. This design minimized blind spots and maximized defence.

The fort’s low ramparts and wide parapets are ideal for mounting cannons. It also has French-style arrow slits and embrasures for use by riflemen or cannon units.

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The use of granite and laterite made the structure resilient against both natural wear and artillery strikes.

The fort’s location offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding hills and valleys, ideal for spotting advancing enemies. The high altitude and frequent mist rendered the fort semi-invisible from a distance, adding a layer of natural defence.

The fort’s layout includes barracks, magazine storage rooms, and open courtyards, indicating a medium-sized garrison. It is a popular trekking destination.

Legends and folklore

The fort has its share of local legends. There’s a tale of a hidden treasure chest buried beneath the fort. Though unsupported by evidence, the story adds to the fort’s aura of mystery.

As with most forts, Manjarabad also has hidden entrances and escape routes built into the thick fort walls to ensure the safety of residents. The locals believe there are underground tunnels possibly connecting the fort to the foothills. However, this has not been explored.

According to another folklore, the tunnels are connected to the fort of Srirangapatna, Tipu Sultan's capital. 

These tunnels are said to have been used by Tipu Sultan for secret travel and to facilitate communication and supplies during times of conflict.

Rainwater harvesting

Like many other forts of India, Manjarabad Fort had a rainwater harvesting and storage system to support its residents. Underground tanks were carved into the rock to store rainwater. Sloping stone floors channelled rainwater into these tanks.

The cross in the middle of Manjarabad Fort is a pond or tank used for rainwater harvesting. The pond has steps leading down into it, and its unique design is one of the fort's distinctive features. 

Even today, one can see stone gutters and drainage lines, showing the planning that went into water conservation. The open wells and covered reservoirs also helped meet the daily water needs of soldiers and animals.

Today, it is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Its mysterious design, scenic views, and misty ambience make it a favourite among history buffs and trekkers.

Although Manjarabad never witnessed a defining battle, it played a vital role in Tipu Sultan's war strategy and remains a symbol of resistance, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration. 

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