Forts or castles were at one time, centres of power. While they appear to denote the power, pride and arrogance of the erstwhile kings, in reality these forts showcase their fears and insecurity. Those days impregnable forts were built to thwart enemies, to hide, and in case of emergencies, to escape through one of the many secret tunnels.

Today, there are no kings; only forts remain. We recognise these forts as a part of our culture; consider them to be symbols of past glory and call them valuable links to our ancient tradition. Indeed, we feel these forts are the footprints of the travails of the region in time. Many of these forts now remain unknown, crumbling into heaps of stone and ‘transformed’ into public toilets.

Subjected to such treatment for years is a fort near Mirjana in Uttara Kannada district. The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken up its restoration and a fair amount of work has gone towards the attempt. A detailed study of the fort may shed new light on the history of Karnataka, feels the ASI.

Until now, not much was known about the origin of this fort. The locals call it the Sarpa Mallika fort. It is believed that one Mallika worked as a servant to the Hebbars of nearby Kabgal. Later on, he became a king with the blessings of Nagadeva, the Serpent God, they say. According to the ASI, the fort was built between 13th and 14th centuries. The Mirjana Fort belonged to the Vijayanagara Empire till the Bahamani Sultans gained control over Goa. From then on, the fort came under the rule of different kings and chieftains.

The rulers of Gerusoppa also controlled the fort, with Rani Chennabyradevi of Sangeerapura, who ruled Gerusoppa between 1540 and 1570 AD, extending her rule over the fort as well. The Nayakas of Keladi have also administered this fort. Portuguese travellers mention the Mirjana Fort in their travelogues.

The fort is important for the students of architecture as well. Built with red laterite stone blocks, the fort has secret tunnels to come in or go out of the fort. Arab traders used to enter Mirjana Fort via a tunnel from the Aghanashini river, says research done by the ASI. The fort witnessed exports and imports, particularly of horses, in its heyday.

If it is possible to peep into our past through the tunnels of the Mirjana Fort, then enough material, shedding new light on history, may well come into our hands.

Translated by B S Srivani