Mirjan: The Fort of Karnataka’s Pepper Queen

Mirjan Fort, situated along the banks of the Aghanashini River in Karnataka, is more than a 16th-century monument. It symbolises a powerful queen’s rule that spanned 54 years and is a testimony to India’s robust spice trade in the bygone centuries.

Queen Chennabhairadevi of the Tuluva-Saluva dynasty, famously named ‘Raina da Pimenta’ (Pepper Queen) by the Portuguese, ruled the Gersoppa region under the Vijayanagara Empire from 1552 to 1606. She oversaw areas including North and South Kannada and parts of South Goa.

A powerful figure in Karnataka’s history, she established Mirjan Fort as a key centre for the pepper trade and a defensive stronghold controlling the Arabian Sea. Under her, the Mirjan Fort was a thriving international port and the Portuguese, Dutch and French had trading posts here to export spices, especially pepper. 

Later, the British had a large warehouse here to store pepper and sandalwood before shipping it out. Mirjan's other exports were arecanut, nutmeg, cassia and saltpetre.

Besides exporting to Europe, Mirjan also traded with ports along the western coast. Merchants sold jaggery, coconuts and oil from Kerala here and bought rice in Mirjan to sell there.

The fort’s strategic location near the Aghanashini River provided access to the Arabian Sea, making it a vital trading and defence hub.

Mirjan Fort was one of several forts and administrative centres under the queen’s control. After the Battle of Talikota in 1565, which led to the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, the Bijapur Sultans began pressing into her territory.

To escape the threat, she shifted her capital from Mirjan to an island in the Sharavathi River basin. Later in life, she adopted Jainism and commissioned several Jain temples in the region.

Also Read: Maharashtra's 5 sea forts that kept enemies in check 

Hidden treasures of Mirjan

In 2001, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted several archaeological excavations that uncovered medieval-era laterite constructions within the site.

Discoveries at the fort include Portuguese gold coins from the time of Viceroy Conde De Sarzedas, cannonballs, Chinese ceramics, and clay tablets inscribed with Islamic script.

It’s believed the fort once housed a hidden treasure that was later appropriated by the British.

Built in the 16th century and covering 4.1 hectares (10 acres), Mirjan Fort is about 22 km from Gokarna. The fort remained active until 1785 and is believed to have seen several battles during the 16th century.

Eventually captured by the British, it was converted into a defensive outpost. It is cloaked in greenery and vegetation during the rains.

Architecture of Mirjan Fort

Mirjan Fort stands out for its classic architecture, including moats, streams, secret tunnels, and other structural elements. It was constructed using locally sourced laterite stone.

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Its design reflects the Indian architectural style and influences from Portuguese and Islamic traditions. One of the most visually appealing heritage spots in Karnataka, Mirjan Fort has withstood fierce attacks and prolonged sieges.

To prepare for such conflicts, several wells were constructed to store water for use during and after warfare.

Thanks to its robust walls, high watchtowers, and strategic bastions, the fort was considered nearly impenetrable.

One of the strongest forts of India, it features one main entrance and three smaller gates, with multiple connected wells and routes that lead to a circular moat designed for defence. The surrounding moat links to a system of canals, and hidden exit gates were used by residents to flee in case of enemy assault. 

Historical Origins and Legacy

Mirjan Fort has exchanged hands multiple times -- from the Bijapur Sultans to the Marathas and eventually the British East India Company.

The Marathas took control of the fort in 1757, followed by the British in 1784. According to one historical version, the fort was first built around 1200 A.D. by the Nawayath Sultanates and was later integrated into the Vijayanagara Empire.

Another account claims that Sherif-ul-Mulk, a noble from the Bijapur court, built the fort to protect nearby Kumta and its adjoining fort.

Some narratives hold that the Vijayanagara Empire originally ruled Mirjan, but after its decline, Mirjan came under the Adil Shahis of Bijapur. Later, it was occupied by the Marathas, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, and finally the British.

In 1676, Queen Chennamma of the Keladi dynasty assumed control of the region.

The Marathas later capitalised on a local rebellion to capture the fort in 1757, and it was finally taken by Major Torriano of the British army in 1784.

ASI has declared it a protected monument. Recent restoration efforts have been undertaken to preserve its structure and heritage. The Indian flag is ceremonially hoisted over the fort on Independence Day.

Also Read: Gooty: The fort with 15 forts and 108 ponds

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