Uchangidurga Fortress

Uchangidurga during the Kadamba time was known as Uchchasringi. A great battle between a Pallava King named Nanakkdas and kadamba king Krishnavarma was fought in this very place according to 4th century inscription found at Anaji. The latter suffered a huge defeat at the hands of the Pallavas. He had to retreat to Banavasi as a consequence. Later Chalukyas reigned surpreme and bought this area under their control. They defeated Pallavas who had occupied the territory and chased them further south. In the middle of 12th century when Chlaukyas became weak and fading Pandyas took charge of this region. Tribhuvana Malla Pandya, Vijay Pandya Deva, Vira Pandya Deva, ruled over the region. Uchangidurga was the capital of the Pandyas, who claimed to be from Yadav race and their capital was Kanchipuram.

Hoysalas took charge of this territory by defeating the Pandyas in the 12th century. King Vishnuvardhana routed them in the battle and he took charge of the strategic Uchangidurga fort. After the fall of Hoysalas the Vijaynagar rulers took over and dominated the region and it was given to Nayaks to govern. Hanumappa Nayak was the first to govern, later followed by Timmana Nayak. Timmana Nayak was considered to be courageous and daring soldier. He once sneaked into the enemy camp and rode off with horse of the general. This earned him instant recognition by the Vijaynagar emperor. He was asked to lead the army against Gulbarga sultanate. He was successful in defeating the Bahmani sultans. Thereafter in recognition of his feat he was given to take charge of Uchangidurga. But he abducted a courtesan from the Vijaynagar empire and incurred the wrath of the emperor. He escaped to Miyakonda and than to the jungles of Guntanur. He was ultimately forced to surrender at Rangapatna. He was imprisoned at Chitradurga Fort for his treason.


His son Obana Nayak was installed to the throne at Chitradurga. After the fall of Vijaynagar Empire in 1565 he assumed the title of the famous Madakeri Nayak. He declared his independence and than constructed the famous fort at Chitradurga, Kallina kote. Thus Uchangidurga formed a pivot during the reign of the Nayaks. Many a battles were fought constantly.

This territory was sandwiched between the Marathas and Hyder Ali. Some of the Nayaks took protection under Marthas and soon this region was captured by Hyder Ali. Thereafter Tipu Sultan took over the territory till 1799 AD when he was defeated by the British in the anglo mysore war.




CURRENT SCENARIO :

Uchangidurga is now a crumbling edifice. Heavy rainfall and human encroachment have taken its toll on the the majestic fort, which is spread more than 5 kms from one end to the other. There is a concrete road leading almost upto midway to the Fort, from there the trek is nice and cosy. The entry portion of the fort walls seems to have literally vanished. Enroute one can find the soldiers quarters, where horse and elephants too were stationed. All these edifices have crumbled and peasants have taken over literally.

The trek to the fort is hardly 30 minutes. Some of the interesting points are Kings Palace, Queens Palace, Uchangi Devi Temple, Wells and Ponds, Staying place for tourists who seek adventure and some resting places.

One can have a wonderful view point from the temple premise. The entire landscape surrounding can be viewed. The ancient temple has been however painted atrociously without considering its heritage value. Pooja takes with the help of priests. There is a jatra during January.

We were guided by 3 exhuberant boys, they took us all the way explaining the relevance, one can find drawings or elephant and cow on the fort walls. The queens palace is opened only on Mondays, even Kings palace gates are open on Mondays. It is strange routine, there is a mufti clothed security with wireless set stationed at the fort.

There was very little information on the net with regard to such a magnificent Fortress. I got some clue from HOTFIX from Team BHP but that did not satisfy my curiousity, I started digging deep and found an official gazetteer published and from thereon I gathered a comprehensive information on the history of the Fortress.

Renovation to the fort is proposed by the state govt. to save the heritage. A mutt is scheduled to come up inorder to protect the interest of the Piligrims. May a rest house is in the offing. Otherwise accommodation is available in plenty in Davangere.

LOCATION :

30 Kms from Davangere on the Annaji route and take a left turn the fort is visible from the junction. There is a route from Alur deviation too, which is not recommended since the road condition is bad. The road proceeds toward Jaglur.