The Adoni Fort, located in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, is a historic site surrounded by hills, with a plain to its south. About 4 km away from Adoni Railway Station the fort covers a vast expanse of land, stretching over 50 km, making it one of the largest forts in India.
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| Adoni Fort, Andhra state. trawell.in |
This fort, a testament to the region's rich and diverse history, was first constructed by Chandra Sen in 1200 BCE, making it one of the oldest known forts in the area. Over the centuries, it became a significant stronghold for various dynasties and rulers.
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| Adoni Fort, Andhra state. specialplacesofindia.com |
During the 15th and 16th centuries, the fort was an important part of the Vijayanagar Empire under the rule of Aliya Rama Raya, who strengthened its defenses. After the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire, the Bijapur Sultanate gained control of the fort. Ali Adil Shah I ruled the region between 1558 and 1579 and further fortified the structure, enhancing its strategic significance.
From 1678 to 1688, Siddi Masud, an Abyssinian commander serving the Bijapur Sultanate, managed the fort. His administration saw substantial improvements in the fort's defensive capabilities, including the addition of strong fortifications, the Jamia Masjid small townships and outposts. However, in 1688, the Mughal general Firuz Jang defeated Siddi Masud and took control of the fort, marking the beginning of Mughal dominance in the region.
As Mogul power declined in the mid-18th century, the Nizam of Hyderabad appointed governors to oversee Adoni. One such governor, Salabat Jung, the Nizam’s brother, ruled with the support of the French army. Despite the military backing, his administration was inefficient and failed to establish effective control. This period of instability made Adoni vulnerable to external invasions.
In 1786, Tipu Sultan of Mysore, during his expansionist campaigns, besieged the fort for a month and annexed it into the Mysore kingdom. The fort became an integral part of Tipu Sultan’s territories until his death in 1799 during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War at Srirangapatna. After his demise, the British East India Company took control of the region and made modifications to the fort to suit their administrative and military needs. By 1810, the Adoni and Nagaldinna taluqs were merged under British governance. During the Third Anglo-Maratha War in 1817, the British raised new regiments at Adoni, utilizing its strategic location for military operations. Despite its historical and military significance, the fort faced abandonment by the British military in 1842 due to the rugged terrain, unfavorable climate, and logistical challenges. It subsequently became part of the Madras Presidency.
Today, the Adoni Fort stands as a monument to the region's layered history, reflecting the architectural and cultural influences of the Vijayanagar Empire, the Bijapur Sultanate, the Moguls and the British. Though largely in ruins, it continues to draw visitors interested in exploring its historical legacy and the stories of the rulers who shaped its destiny.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adoni
https://specialplacesofindia.com/heritage-sites-in-andhra-pradesh/
