The secret bunker created in the subterranean series of seven caves, used as a hideout during emergencies and wartime by the rulers of Chitradurga at Chandravalli valley, Chitradurga, is shrouded in mystery.
Study and documentation of perhaps the only secret bunker in Karnataka and one of the few in India to unearth its history, will be taken up by the Archeological Survey of India, Bangalore Circle, shortly.
Earlier known as Paradesappa’s cave, it is now popularly called Ankale Matt. Located at the base of the Chinmuladri Hill where the Chitradurga Fort stands, it is believed to have been created during the late medieval period.
The caves are maintained by the ASI and draws mostly local tourists. Currently there are no information boards at the site, as information regarding its history is sparse.
The underground caves among the rocks have secret rooms where strategies were discussed, a bath area, a masonry throne, a tomb of a saint (according to locals), stone troughs to store water and even stone beds, says Conservation Architect Pankaj Modi, a consultant to ASI.
The cave is almost like a labyrinth, with many archways designed to confuse those who are not familiar. In pitch darkness there are places where one has to even crawl to get through, he says. Very little historical research is available - while cave temples have been found, details of a cave bunker is unique, says Mr Pankaj.

DESIGNS INSIDE

Cave I:  Flight of steps supported by two rude granite elephants lead to a large hall converted into a shrine for a natural Linga
Cave II to IV:  Masonry structures of raised daisies
Cave V:  Masonry structures of bulls, parrots, floral and foliage designs and one of Shiva
Cave VI:  Relief figures of pottery jugs
Cave VII:  Stone pavilion with a granite dome, with a hanging flower pendant.