Taluk Monuments’ Protection Front has written to the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) requesting it to take over and develop the historical Kasturi Rangappa Nayaka Fort in Sira town.
The history of the fort dates back to 1897, when a mention was made in the B L Rice gazetteer about the fort. The fort, which is spread across 197 acrs and 20 gunta, also finds its place in the 1904 map . Even the 1934 Mysore Archeological report mentions about it.
The fort, which was ruled by the Kasturi Rangappa Nayaka family was later held by the Sultans of Bijapur, Moghuls, Marathas, Wadiyars of Mysore, Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan and British. It is surprising to note that no documental evidence is available in any of the government office since 1934. It is neither available at the ASI nor at the Sira municipality. The fort consists of several monuments and they need to be protected, the letter said.
The letter written by the Taluk Monuments’ Protection Front also draws its attention towards the 20 specialities of the fort.
President of the Front Kanajanahalli Sridhar, Secretary Dr S R Ramesh, litterateur Kote Chandrashekhar and others have requested the ASI to take over the fort and make it a tourist spot.