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Introduction
Forts have always been India's forte. As large were the number of princely states, so were the possibilities of combat and so the number of forts and palaces that populate the list tourist attractions on itineraries to India. The Bhongir Fort in Bhongir Andhra Pradesh, is one of the minor forts that stands guard to a past that has long ceased to be, yet loiters around the lanes of history, popping up here and there in the form of relics that are more than just relics- sentinels to the gate of oblivion.
Bhongir Fort- A Few Words
The Bhongir Fort was built in the 12th century by western Chalukya ruler Tribhuvanamalla Vikramaditya. This fort considered impregnable in is heyday has a unique egg-shaped construction with two entry points protected by huge rocks. As in all other forts, a moat or canal surrounds the fort on all sides. The fort is equipped with all the fascinating stuff you have till now witnessed in movies or fantasized about- vast underground chamber, trap doors, an armoury, stables, ponds, wells etc., make for fascinating viewing. To top up with it is the mind blowing view of the countryside that comes for free on a visit to the fort.
Crumbling stucco ruins of a later age still stand along with old Kannada and Telugu inscriptions that vividly bring to light the daily life of the people of those days. The distinctive Chalukya style of sculpture is still discernible and was further refined by their successors, the Kakatiyas. At Bhongir they have left some stray relief sculptures and inscriptions.
The advent of cannons in the 15th century considerably lessened the importance of massive rock forts like Bhongir and it was ceded to the Bahmani sultans. Gradually it became the seat of a local governor, then a prison for pretenders to the Qutb Shahi sultan's throne. By the 18th century it was merely an interesting curiosity-- the British did not pay much attention to it before a bitter communist rebellion in the late 1940's, which destroyed the Nizam's archaic state. After that Bhongir went back to its oblivious slumber.
How to Reach
By Rail: Hyderabad is 51 km from Bhongir and has an important rail junction.
By Road: the nearest major city is Hyderabad and regular buses and taxis are available from there to reach Bhongir.
By Air: Hyderabad Begumpet Airport.
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