JOIN USTreasure hunters prey on Mulbagal Fort
Constructed in the 16th century, the fort is still hardy and the massive stones utilised in its construction are still intact. This itself is a testimony to the craftsmanship and dedication the builders of this fort have displayed. The fort is believed to have been used by the paleyagars who ruled Harapanayakanahalli and Bairakuru hobli.
The structure has stood a mute spectator to the several eras. It was the site of many a bloody battle, notably that between the troops of Haidar Ali and the Company troops. In October 1768, Haidar captured the fort. Col.
Joseph Smith sent Col John Wood with a force of 5,000 European and Indian sepoys. Surrounded and heavily outnumbered, Wood lost over 200 men repulsing the attacks from Haidar’s troops, before Smith arrived with the main force and recaptured the fort, as Mark Wilks recounts in his ‘The History of Mysore’.
After Independence, the fort lost its prominence.
Variety of stones
The fort, with hundreds of variety stones used in its construction is indeed, a visual treat and a great subject of study for the architecture students.
With Mulbagal being the eastern gateway for the Vijayanagara empire, the fort was used to monitor the movements of the enemy troops.
Today, however, the fort is unable to protect itself from the greedy invasions of the treasure-hunters.
Black magic
Several deep crates have been dug around the fort, that are evidence of the depredations of treasure hunters who have been conducting illegal digs inside the fort for the last several years.
Many of the treasure hunters even conduct black magic rituals to get the wealth they believe has been hidden inside the fort by the various kings and minor rulers who lorded over it.