Tourism Promotion Innovative Approaches 2021-2022

CHAPTER 1

MANJARABAD FORT
1.1 INTRODUCTION

The Manjarabad Fort, a magnificent testament to history and architectural prowess, stands
proudly amidst the picturesque landscape of Karnataka, India. This star-shaped fort, built
by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century, is not merely a structure of stone and mortar; it is a
living embodiment of the region's rich heritage and storied past.

Fig 1.1: Aerial View of Manjarabad Fort

To truly appreciate the significance of the Manjarabad Fort, one must delve into the
historical backdrop against which it was constructed. The 18th century was a period of great
upheaval in South India, marked by political intrigue, territorial conquests, and shifting
alliances. Tipu Sultan, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, emerged as a central figure in
this tumultuous era, known for his military prowess and vision of a unified South India.

It was against this backdrop that Tipu Sultan conceived the idea of constructing the
Manjarabad Fort. Situated atop a hill overlooking the town of Sakleshpur, the fort was
strategically positioned to serve as a defensive bastion against potential invasions from rival
powers. Its unique star-shaped design, inspired by European military architecture of the
time, afforded maximum protection by providing multiple vantage points for the defense
of the fort.

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The construction of the Manjarabad Fort commenced in the year 1785 and was completed
in a remarkably short span of time, a testament to Tipu Sultan's organizational skills and
the dedication of his workforce. The fort was built using locally sourced materials,
primarily granite stones, which were meticulously carved and assembled to create the
imposing structure that stands to this day.

One of the most distinctive features of the Manjarabad Fort is its intricate architectural
design, characterized by its star-shaped layout with eight pointed angles. This design was
not only aesthetically pleasing but also served a functional purpose, allowing for better
defense and surveillance of the surrounding terrain. The fort's walls, which rise to a height
of around 30 feet, are punctuated by bastions at regular intervals, each housing cannons and
providing strategic vantage points for the defenders.

Fig 1.2: Entrance of The Manjarabad Fort

As one enters the gates of the Manjarabad Fort, they are transported back in time to an era
of military grandeur and regal splendor. The fort's interior is laid out in a symmetrical
pattern, with spacious courtyards, barracks, and storage facilities arranged around a central
axis. The architectural elements, including intricately carved arches, domes, and minarets,
bear testimony to the skilled craftsmanship of the artisans who labored to bring Tipu
Sultan's vision to life.

In addition to its military significance, the Manjarabad Fort also served as a symbol of Tipu
Sultan's authority and power. From its elevated perch atop the hill, the fort commanded
panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, serving as a constant reminder of
Mysore's dominance in the region. The fort also served as a logistical hub for the Kingdom
of Mysore, facilitating trade and communication between different parts of the realm.

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Despite its formidable defenses, the Manjarabad Fort never saw any major military action
during Tipu Sultan's reign. However, its strategic location ensured that it played a crucial
role in shaping the political landscape of South India during the tumultuous years of the
late 18th century. Following Tipu Sultan's death in 1799, the fort fell into the hands of the
British East India Company, marking the end of an era in the history of the region.

1.2 GEOGRAPHY

The Manjarabad Fort, situated amidst the lush landscapes of Karnataka, India, occupies a
strategic position atop a hillock near the town of Sakleshpur. Its geographical location plays
a pivotal role in both its historical significance and its present-day allure.

Nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for
its biodiversity and scenic beauty, the Manjarabad Fort enjoys a commanding view of the
surrounding countryside. The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Mountains,
stretch along the western coast of India, spanning six states and covering an area of
approximately 160,000 square kilometres. This mountain range is not only a natural barrier
separating the Deccan Plateau from the coastal plains but also a hotspot of biological
diversity, with numerous endemic species of flora and fauna.

The fort is strategically located at an elevation of around 3,240 feet above sea level,
affording it a vantage point that overlooks the converging valleys and rolling hills of the
Western Ghats. This elevated position provided the fort with a strategic advantage during
its heyday, allowing its defenders to surveil and defend against potential threats from rival
powers. Additionally, the hill on which the fort is built is surrounded by dense vegetation,
providing natural camouflage and further enhancing its defensive capabilities.

The region surrounding the Manjarabad Fort is characterized by a tropical monsoon

climate, typical of the Western Ghats region. The fort experiences moderate to heavy
rainfall during the monsoon season, which usually lasts from June to September, nourishing
the verdant forests and cascading waterfalls that dot the landscape.

The town of Sakleshpur, located at the foothills of the Western Ghats, serves as the gateway
to the Manjarabad Fort and is a popular starting point for travelers embarking on
expeditions to explore the region's natural wonders. Sakleshpur is well-connected by road
and rail, making it easily accessible from major cities like Bangalore and Mangalore. The
journey to the fort is as enchanting as the destination itself, with winding roads flanked by
dense forests and tea plantations, offering glimpses of the region's breathtaking beauty at
every turn.

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CHAPTER 2

MANJARABAD FORT HISTORY

2.1 HISTORY

The history of the Manjarabad Fort is steeped in the rich tapestry of Karnataka's past, with
its origins dating back to the 18th century. Constructed by Tipu Sultan, the legendary ruler
of the Kingdom of Mysore, the fort was built between 1785 and 1792 as part of his military
strategy to defend against potential invasions from rival powers.

The fort's unique star-shaped design, inspired by European military architecture of the time,
served both functional and symbolic purposes. Its strategic location atop a hill near the town
of Sakleshpur provided a vantage point for surveillance and defense, while its imposing
presence served as a symbol of Tipu Sultan's authority and power in the region.

Despite its formidable defences, the Manjarabad Fort never saw any major military action
during Tipu Sultan's reign. However, its strategic importance was undeniable, as it played
a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of South India during the tumultuous years
of the late 18th century.

Following Tipu Sultan's death in 1799, the fort fell into the hands of the British East India
Company, marking the end of an era in the history of the region.

2.2 ARCHITECTURE

The fort, built with massive granite blocks and mud and encircled by a wide moat, features
a brick-and-mortar wall with cannon mounts and musket holes at regular intervals. Within,
one can see a cross-shaped tank that collects rainfall to supply the guards' drinking water
needs. A tunnel inside the fort is claimed to lead to Srirangapatna, and some say Tipu used
to ride his horse back and forth. The fort walls are strong enough to last for many years if
the ASI properly maintains the ancient monument. Fig 1 & 2 the fort walls have fungal
growth as a result of a lack of attention. Tourists who believe that signs will bring insight
into the 16th century should be discouraged. An ancient fort with a design reminiscent of
the stars, a mysterious mist cover that refuses to vanish, and massive walls from which
enormous cannons blazed away at the enemy in bygone conflicts as monarchs horned for
their position in history. Manjarabad possesses all of these and more, yet it is one of several
heritage monuments in Karnataka that have never received the respect they deserve.

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Fig 2.1: Manjarabad binder sampled locations (MW 1-2, MB 3-4)

Fig 2.2: Star shaped plan of Manjarabad Fort, Karnataka

2.3 EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

The extraction of binder samples from the locations reported on Fig 1. basis of
the damage observed on the respective points to understand the current state of the
materials. The collected samples were separated based on its typologies MW 1-2 as wall

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plasters and MB 3-4 as bedding mortars. Fig 3.the samples were collected at necessary
height above 1.2 m to avoid the capillary rise along with the dampness caused due to
environmental conditions. The elemental bulk compositions of the finely ground 75-m
sieved powder of the palace mortar are evaluated using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). 2- 5
mg of finely ground material put on circular container to initiate through X-MET 8000
Handheld XRF Gun with Rh anode 3KWhigh-frequency invertor at 30 rpm rotating
speed with continuous scan 12-15 elements at 0.1-240 °C/min. The hydraulic character
of the binder was estimated from the overall chemical composition using the Hydraulic
index (HI) and cementation index (CI). Using aligned sample holders in polymethyl
methacrylate or silicon of diameters 25 and 20 mm depending on the amount of material,
the mineralogical phases were identified by X-ray diffraction using a Rigaku smart lab
II diffractometer operating at 9 kW and 9 mA. (2–5 mg). The XRD patterns were
produced by scanning from 5° to 90° 2 positions at a rate of 1°/minute with increments
of 0.05°. (2 h). With the aid of PDF 2/ICSD databases and pan analytical high score 2.0
software, the mineral phases in each X-ray powder spectrum were identified.

Figure
Fig 2.3: 3. Wallplaster
Wall plaster(a&b)
(a&b) and
andbedding
beddingmortar
mortar(c&d) samples
(c&d) fromfrom
samples Manjarabad Fort
Manjarabad
Fort

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2.4 OTHER STRUCTURE

The fort, when viewed above, looks like an eight-pointed star. The external walls of the fort
have been built with granite stones and lime mortar while the interior buildings, which
accommodate army barracks, armoury, stores and others, have been built with fired bricks.
Apart from these, two cellars were built next to a deep well which were underground
structures used to store gunpowder, and these rooms remained cool even during summer
months

Fig 2.4: It is said that this tunnel leads to Srirangapatna

There is a tunnel inside the fort and it is said that it led to Srirangapatna, and some believe
Tipu used to travel back and forth on his horse.

A pond in the centre of the fort with cross-shaped steps leading into it was built to harvest
rain water, which is supposed to be the only source of water for the inmates, in such a high-
altitude area. Another unique feature of this fort is that has the only level in contrast to the
general forts which are based on multiple levels.

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Fig 2.5: This looked like a water hole

It is one of the few sightseeing places in Sakleshpur that offers an unforgettable view of the
Western Ghats. One can also be overwhelmed at the sight of Arabian Sea from this fort
which is located at an elevation of about 3200 feet above sea level.

The climb to the hill for a view of the breath-taking monument starts at a curve near Donigal
about 6.4 km from Sakleshpur. Climbers have to take a muddy road for a few metres before
a concrete path greets them with supporting railings on either side, constructed by the
department of tourism.

Fig 2.6: Carpet of green grass was every where

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As per historians, the region was ruled by Palegars, who had their capital at Maninagapura
(present Aigoor) and from these Palegars (vassals), Sivappa Nayaka of Ikkeri, annexed the
region in 1659. Later, it fell into the hands of Tipu who constructed the fort.

Though Manjarabad has a lauded history and mystical features to attract a large number of
tourists, the heritage site has not been in the limelight, as it deserves, says tourists who visit
the place.

2.5 HOW TO REACH

To reach Manjarabad Fort, travellers can first arrive at Sakleshpur, Karnataka, accessible
via road and rail. From Sakleshpur, the fort is approximately 6 kilometres away. Visitors
can hire taxis or use local transportation options to reach the base of the fort hill. The
journey to the fort involves a moderate trek of about 15-20 minutes uphill. Alternatively,
travellers can drive directly to the fort entrance, which is accessible by a well-maintained
road. Upon arrival, visitors can explore the fort's historical significance, architectural
marvels, and panoramic views of the surrounding Western Ghats.

Address: Sakleshpura, Karnataka 573134

Architect: Tipu Sultan

Hours: Closed - Opens 8 am Fri

Opened: 1792
Height: 19.26
In use: 18th century
Coordinates: 12°54′36″N 75°45′18″E / 12.91°N 75.755°E

Fig 2.7: Route Map of Manjarabad Fort

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