Kondaveedu Fort: A Historical Marvel of Andhra Pradesh
Kondaveedu Fort, an ancient hill fortress nestled in the village of Kondaveedu within the Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh, India, stands as a testament to history and heritage. Located just 16 miles west of Guntur city, this fortress is not merely a relic of the past; it's a place where the echoes of history still resonate. Let's explore the rich history, structure, and restoration efforts of this remarkable site.
Historical Significance
Kondaveedu Fort, believed to have been constructed by Prolaya Vema Reddy, served as the capital of the Reddy dynasty between 1328 and 1482. It replaced their former capital at Addanki, marking an era of power and grandeur. However, it wasn't without its share of conquests. In 1516, the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya captured the fort. Subsequently, the Golconda Sultans waged battles for control in 1531, 1536, and 1579, with Sultan Quli Qutb Shah eventually taking hold of it in 1579, renaming it Murtazanagar.
Under the dominion of the French colonists in 1752, the fort underwent extensive fortification. Later, it came under the rule of the British East India Company in 1788 but was eventually abandoned in the early 19th century in favor of Guntur. Today, the once-mighty fortifications and battlements lie in ruins, a silent witness to the passage of time.
Geography
The fortresses served as the capital of the Kondavidu Reddi Kingdom, which extended from the south of the Krishna River to the Gundlakamma River. These fortresses are perched on a high ridge in the Eastern Ghats, with an average elevation of 1,500 feet (460 meters), while the highest point on the ridge reaches 1,700 feet (520 meters). Access to the forts involves trekking through two hill sections, with one in the north providing a steep but shorter route and the preferred, less strenuous route spanning 2 miles (3.2 km).
History
The village of Kondavidu is said to have been established in 1115 CE as a fortified township by Gopanna, a commander of Buddhavarma of the Telugu Choda dynasty. Over the centuries, it passed through various rulers, including the Kakatiyas, Prolaya Vema Reddy, Vijayanagara Kings, Gajapatis, Golkonda Sultans, French, and British.
The Reddys of Kondaveedu were initially feudatories of the kings of Warangal and later shifted their capital from Addanki to Kondaveedu. Prolaya Vema Reddy, the founder of the dynasty, ruled the region for nearly a century (1328–1428), fortifying his kingdom with numerous forts, including Kondaveedu Fort.
In 2019, the discovery of a Buddhist stupa beneath a dilapidated Hindu temple at Kondaveedu Fort provided new insights into its history, pushing its origins back to the Satavahana period (1st to 2nd century CE).
Structure
The fort consists of three hill forts, with the main fort constructed by the Reddy dynasty at an impressive height of nearly 320 meters (1,050 feet). It was once considered one of the strongest forts in the region, boasting 21 structures, including massive ramparts, magazines, warehouses, granaries, and wells. Two entry gates, 'Kolepalli Darwaza' and 'Nadella Darwaza,' welcome visitors. The three-storied entrance gate, built with granite stone blocks, stands as an imposing testament to its historical significance. A defense bunker and inscriptions measuring 110 meters (360 feet) in length add to the site's historical allure.
The fort's ruins, forming an equilateral triangle, feature tower bastions at its turning angles. A single wall, stretching an impressive 30 kilometers (19 miles), straddles the hills. The Gopinathaswami temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, stands at the foot of the hill, displaying both Hindu and Muslim architectural influences. Additionally, a mosque is situated within the fort's complex.
Restoration Efforts
To revive the past glory of Kondaveedu Fort, the Department of Archaeology and Museums (Andhra Pradesh) has undertaken extensive development and restoration initiatives. These efforts include constructing a 3.5-kilometer hill road from the eastern side of the hill, resetting and adding railings along rocky pathways, enhancing viewpoints, bastions, garrison barracks, stables, and internal roads, and installing informative tourist signages.
ISKCON South India is also contributing to the fort's revitalization through the Spiritual Heritage Revival Project. The Andhra Pradesh government has allocated a 65-acre plot at the foot of the hill for building a temple dedicated to the ancient Venna Gopal deity, with plans for further development atop the hill. A road to the hilltop is also in progress, ensuring easier access for visitors.
Access
Kondaveedu Fort is situated in Kondaveedu village, west of Guntur City. It is approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) from Guntur city and about 13 kilometers from Chilakaluripet. Guntur is easily accessible by road and rail from all parts of India, with the nearest airport being Gannavaram Airport, located 58 kilometers (36 miles) from Guntur city. Visitors can reach the fort by boarding a Guntur-Chilakaluripet ordinary bus and alighting at Bhoyapalem-Pirangipuram Road, followed by hiring an auto-rickshaw to the fort. Traveling by private vehicle offers the simplest means of reaching the fort, with a 25-kilometer drive from Guntur or a 13-kilometer journey from Chilakaluripet, followed by a turn onto Bhoyapalem-Pirangipuram Road, concluding with a 10-kilometer drive to the destination.