A fort of valour and defiance

Situated in Bahaddur Bande village, four km away from Koppal town, Bahaddur Bande Fort holds a significant place in the pages of history. One of the prominent structures of the region, the Fort is one of the oldest (12th century) and resplendent structures in Karnataka. This sprawling hill fort houses several structures of note that include temples, a rangamantapa and water tanks.

Though the palace doesn’t exist now, one can see its structural remains. The water tank, which brims with water all through the year, was once the main source of water for the residents of the fort. Pockets in rocks have also been wisely used to store water. Some structures here bear testimony to the santitation mechanisms that existed in the old days. Indigenous engineering wisdom employed in the construction of the Fort has helped this majestic stone structure  to retain its allure till date.

Many takers

The Fort’s rule changed several hands that include Marathas, Tipu Sultan and British. Local people have many tales to tell of the turbulent history and legends associated with the Fort.

Historians say that Baji Rao, a subedar of Belagavi, who was on a visit to the place, saw the strategically positioned hill and decided to construct a fort. Subsequently, the construction began and was finished in the 12th century.

After the completion of the Fort, Baji Rao presented 400 acres to the leaders of the local Banjara community, acknowledging their selfless service. It is also said that saint Hathiram Bavaji, known as one of the greatest devotees of Lord Venkateshwara, lived here for some time before moving to Tirupati. Later on, Bahaddur Bande turned to be a sacred place for the Banjara community. The community has been celebrating the colourful festival of Holi at the foothills of the fort for the past two centuries in a
distinct manner.

Oral history says that Tipu Sultan captured the Fort in the 18th century. Later, he renovated the Fort with the help of French engineers. But the glory was short-lived. In a joint operation, the Hyderabad Nizam and the British waged a war against Tipu Sultan and defeated him, taking the possession of the Fort. But Tipu Sultan, determined to reclaim his authority over the Fort, befriended the French, and regained the lost territorry. It is said that it was this tenacity that gave him the title Bhale Bahadur Banda. Eventually, the name got associated with the village and the Fort, which was earlier known as Guntapura.

Thus, the sturdy Fort, built on a hill at a height of 400 feet, stands as a symbol of valour and defiance.

Historical significance

Koppal Fort, Indrakeela Hills and Gavimath are other important places located near the Fort. The region’s importance in the ancient times can be seen from the numerous old inscriptions found there. Two Ashoka edicts can be spotted at Gavimatha and Palkigundu. Historians say these edicts were carved in the third century BC.

It is on one of these edicts that Ashoka was referred to as Devanampriya. The Palkigundu and Gavimath edicts are in Prakrit language, written in Brahmi script. You can also find the Kannada translations of the inscriptions here.

As many as 20 Jain inscriptions found in Koppal indicate that this was a divine place for the Jains too. Hulagi Huligemma Temple, Kummata Durga and Tungabhadra Dam are some other places of interest in Koppal.

The historical Fort, which once was most sought after, is now left to be a little–known place.