Archaeologist visits Adka fort

Gundurao, who came to know about the Adka Fort through the stories published in ‘Deccan Herald’, studied the structures of the fort and opined that the fort must have been built using manganese stones during the period of Vijayanagara dynasty. Speaking to Deccan Herald, he opined that the bastions of the fort were built in Portuguese style.

“The historic fort must have been built about 500-600 years ago. The government should take all necessary steps to preserve the fort for the next generation,” he suggested.  “The open ground in front of the fort must be the battle field of yesteryears. All forts between Kozhikode and Goa were military bases in ancient times. The land between Payaswini - Chandragiri river and Seethanadi was the Tulunadu and Barkur was the capital of Tulunadu,” Gundurao explained.

While there are three types of ‘Durgas’ (forts) including Vana, Jala and Giri, the Adka Fort belong to the Vanadurga series, he added.  The heritage of Tulunadu history, culture and tradition cannot be erased from the pages of history. Rulers of Tulunadu were worshippers of Shiva, he said.

The dilapidated Veerabhadra Temple near Adka Fort signifies the presence of Keladi Arasas, Gundurao said.  Forts are being encroached due to the negligence of people, he said adding that people should strive to preserve and develop the fort.  Gundurao, who had conducted studies on various forts in India, assured that he will be visiting the Adka Fort again.