Dindigul Rockfort - a 17th century wonder - Tamil Nadu, India

When you utter the phrase "Rockfort" within the southern most India (that is Tamil Nadu), many often speak about the rockfort in Tiruchirapalli district. however there is yet another conventional symbol which constitute the architecture of 17th century. yes, it is none other than Dindigul Rockfort. The antiquity of Dindigul is primarily based on the Rockfort and additionally its subculture revolves round it. it is a have to see ancient place. This Dindigul Rockfort was constructed during Madurai Nayak dynasty by Muthu Krishnappa Nayak. Dindigul once taken into consideration as the border among three primary kingdoms (Chera, Chola, Pandya). In 18th century, Mysore Kingdom took over the fort and later mughals utilized that as their bastion where Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan functioned over here. Dindigul gets its name from a composite of two Tamil words: Thindu, which means ledge or backrest clinging to the ground, and kal, which means rock. During the later decades of the 18th century, the fort played a key role in the Polygar wars, which pitted the Palayakarars and Tipu Sultan against the British with the help of the French. Gopal Nayak, the polygar of Virupachi, led the Dindugal division of Polygars and supported the Sivaganga queen Queen Velu Nachiyar and her commanders Maruthu Pandiyar Brothers in retaining the fort following permission from Hyder Ali during the battles.

 The rock fort stands 900 feet (270 metres) tall and is 2.75 kilometres in circumference (1.71 mi). During the 17th century, the fort was equipped with cannon and firing weaponry. To withstand heavy artillery, the fort was built with twin walls. The British East India Company took control of the fort in 1799, identical to what happened to some other forts in Southern India. During the Polygar Wars, this happened. The Abirami Amman Kalaheswarar Temple, which is set within the fort's premises, is well-known. The Archaeological Survey of India continues to maintain the whole fort area, except for a few cannons that have been packed with balls inside, and this abandoned temple is located on the top. Cannons were placed at strategic positions around the fort, and a weapons and ammo godown was constructed with safety features. The fort is open to all visitors from 9:00 am to 5:30 PM IST with an entry fee of Rs 5 for Indians and Rs 100 for foreigners.