History of RAYADURGAM

RAYADURGAM - History and Travel Guide

Kings of Vijayanagar Empire constructed the fort in Rayadurgam and is said to be one of the oldest forts in Andhra Pradesh. This fort has played a significant role in the defense and expansion of Vijayanagar Empire during the period over decades. This fort has been constructed over an height of 2727ft from mean sea level. This fort was inaccessible for intruders. Natural surroundings of this fort were very supportive. This fort was having solid Bedars who considered the tough contenders and teasers during the reign of Vajayanagar Empire. It was the time when Vijayanagar Empire was moving towards declining. Many of its rulers were facing either attacks or natural calamities in their state. Kakatiyans were in the wait of such weaker period of Viajyanagar rulers. They started attacking on the V.N empires and made them weaker. Kakatiyans finally attacked on this fort with a huge power and resulted in the battle of Rakshsa Tangdi in the win of Kakatiyans over Vijayanagar kings. This was the time when Nayak dynasty was emerging as new ruler of the area. Venkatpathi Nayak, which was the son of Koneti Nayak started renovation of this fort as the same was badly got deteriorated during long period. This fort was constructed on a hillock and at the feet of that hill, the staircase were designed but the chief architect, Desaraja Nayak rejected the same as the aerodynamic view of the fort was not arising if the step are constructed. The structure of the fort was beautifully designed. Main architectural attraction is that the passage of wind. Though this fort was constructed over a hillock and the surrounding of the fort was not too dense. To provide the fresh air even in the hottest period, the aerodynamic design was provided to this fort. It was revealed through an inscription that this fort was designed by Osman Deka, an architect from Assam. The interiors of this fort were designed in Islamic style of construction whereas all the exteriors are given the shape and finishing touch with Hindu architecture.

Rayadurgam is also famous for Handloom Silk Sarees which hand made.. The silk sarees are made with pure silk and gold jari which far cheaper when you compare to showrooms.

This place now grooming with cloth industry all over the town. You can almost all types casual wear in the best price.

Location

This fort is located at the distance of 63 kilometers from Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh state of India. This place is well connected with Air, Rail and Road ways. This fort is located in the ideal location of Kurnool-Bangalore highways where another fort is located but it was a tradition in older period to build forts even at the distance of 20 kilometers because small states were existing at that time. The elevation of this fort is 2727 ft above mean sea level.

Significance of the Fort

This fort was one of the best strategically designed fort of that period. Fortifications around this building were having special attractions. Fortresses constructed here have the devices with which the soldiers could keep vigil on intruders and save the kingdom. Inside the fort, there are some little forts also exist. Around this fort, dense and green forestry was found at that time. It is signified from various inscriptions found inside the fort that the surroundings of this fort was covered with a lavish and dense forestry. This fort has a tough approach way and was inaccessible by the outsiders. It is believed that after the battle of Rakshasa Tangadi, the fortifications of this fort were renovated and the local defenses were made again in typical positions. Later, Tipu Sultan of Mysore Kingdom captured this fort and administered his empire from here for a long time. The remains of the fort are self explanatory that how prosperous this fort was. This was also the story that this fort was constructed by the Junga Nayak, who was the fastest and brave king of Nayaka dynasty. On the side walls of this fort there are sharp and beautiful carvings are still found. Lord Hanuman, Elamma, Lord Narsimhaswamy , Lord Venugopala were the main deities in the various temples located inside the fort. It is revealed that a solid population was residing inside this fort complex. Another signified presence of Dashbhuja Ganapathi in this fort premises. A tall statue of Lord Ganesh is also existing in this fort (which is still in viewable condition) was made on a single cut stone shell. This idol is the example of Shilpkari of that period.

How to Reach

This fort can be accessed by all the means of transportation available.

By Air

Nearest airport to this place is Puttaparthi. Regular and frequent flights of major airlines are available to this place.

By Rail

A direct train from Bangalore to Rayadurg which travels in night, it departs in Bangalore at night 10:00 p m and you reach Rayadurgam the next day morning 8:00 AM. The next alterative is Anantapur railway station is the nearest rail head for this fort. Major trains are well connected and easily available. Road transport is affordable from railway station to this fort.

By Road

Road connectivity is good to reach this area. State highways and national highways are well linked with various link roads of this district. May tour operators from Anantapur and Puttaparthi, Hyderabad are operating their services to this place on affordable and reasonable charges.

You have multiple buses from almost all of the major cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ananthapur and etc.