Chandragiri Fort – The Fort Complex

Chandragiri Fort – The Fort Complex

The fort is strategically located over the top of a small 183-meter-high hill. The fort encircles eight ruined temples of Saivite and Vaishnavite pantheons, Raja Mahal, Rani Mahal and other ruined structures. The modern town of Chandragiri lies to the east of the hill on which the fort stands. The southern side of the hill is enclosed by strong walls, surrounded by a ditch so as to prevent any intruder from entering into the fort. The remains of the lower fort contain the two Mahals, the lower portion of which is built in stone and the upper in brick.

The Raja Mahal Palace is now an archaeological museum. The palace is an example of Indo-Saracen architecture of Vijaya Nagara period. The crowning towers represents the Hindu architectural elements. The palace was constructed using stone, brick, lime mortar and devoid of timber.  The fort and palace are in the care of the Archaeological Survey of India. The palace is open to the public, but the fort is closed.

King's Palace or Raja Mahal:

One of the finest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture of Vijayanagara period, this imposing three storied palace adorned by the crowning towers representing certain Hindu architectural elements, was constructed with stone, brick, lime mortar and is devoid of timber. The central tower that covers durbar hall rises through two storeys. It is said to be the same venue where Sri Rangaraya granted the site of Fort St. George to the British in 1640.

The floors are supported by massive pillars while the walls bear fine plaster and stucco decorations. The main building known as the 'Raj (Chandragiri) Mahal' is majestic in appearance and with the modern colorful lighting system introduced, the Mahal is a delight to the eyes and gives a nice view to the eyes during night. The Raja Mahal is architecturally akin to the Lotus Mahal at Hampi.

The Raja Mahal palace is now an Archaeological museum, which houses a great collection of metal and stone sculptures dating back to 2^nd Century BC. The museum can be categorized into Bronze Gallery, Stone Gallery, Model Gallery, and Yaganti Gallery.

Bronze Gallery:

Bronze Gallery hosts artefacts that were made out of Pancha Loha, a mixture of Copper, brass, white lead, silver and golden metals. The gallery hosts a collection of utensils, coins, temple ware, dating back to 10^th century A.D. The highlights of the bronze collection are the bells, Harathi plates, idols of Lord Vishnu, Navaneetha Krishna, Sita and Ram, Lord Vishnu with Sridevi and Bhudevi, Veerabhadra incarnation of Lord Shiva with four hands. There is also a lion leg which is made out of Bronze. There is also a collection of armory used in those days like Draggers, knifes, swords, head shields used in battle fields and iron chains.

Stone Gallery:

The stone gallery has to its collection the Kalayana Sundara- Shiva’s marriage to Parvathi, Kala Bhairava, Sati, Alwar, Seated Vishnu and many more. There is also the ‘Shila Sasanam’ of those days.

Model Gallery:

The Model Gallery house Paleolithic Tool and Microlith Tools, Stucco heads and copper coins used in the times of Vijayanagara kingdom. There is also a peacock carved in wood dating back to 17th Century A.D.

Queen's Palace or Rani Mahal:

Similar to the Kings palace in style and method of execution, this edifice with ground floor looking like a stable and first floor containing quarters adorned with ornamental Sikhara has a flat roof. Contrary to the popular belief that this place was meant for the queen or harem, the epigraphical record available from the basement speaks this building being a commander’s quarters.