The spires of the Elgandal Fort or Elagandula Khilla stand tall into the sky, piercing their way out to narrate the stories of its glorious past from the skyline of Karimnagar. They stand proudly narrating the glories of its past to posterity. Even after facing ravages of man and nature, the Elgandal fort still stands high showing its lust for power that has been pivotal in grazing and raising dynasties. The crumbling walls of this magnificent fort still carry the stamp of every dynasty that had once embraced its illustrious portals. Despite its debauched state, the Fort still remains one of the most splendid relics of Telangana's history and a commonly visited spot in Karimnagar tourism.
Located on a very scenic hillock, the fort gives a beauful view of the Elgandal town. The fort is accessed with its only entrance gateway. The sumptuousness of the entrance gate continues to appeal tourists even today. The Elgandal town is situated on the banks of the Manair River. This place has become an important part of history as it has seen the reign of five major dynasties - the Kakatiyas, the Bahmanis, the Qutub Shahis, the Mughals and the Nizams.Elgandal Fort is situated amidst palm groves on the banks of the Manair River (a tributary of the Godavari River), approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from Karimnagar on the Sircilla Road in the Indian state of Telangana. It was once under the control of the Qutub Shahi dynasty, the Mughal Empire, and the Nizams of Hyderabad. During the Nizam era it was the headquarters of Karimnagar. It is believed that a secret tunnel connects Elgandal Fort and Manakondur some 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) from Karimnagar on the Karimnagar-Vemulawada highway.[1]
Contents
1 History
2 Notable sites
3 See also
4 References
5 External links
History
Teen Minar, Elgandal Fort
Originally known as Veligundula, Elgandal is a hillfort built of during the Kakatiya dynasty (1083-1323) and served as a stronghold for the warrior Musunuri Nayaks. The Qutb Shahi dynasty occupied the fort in the 16th century and posted Quinamul Mulk as commander. Subsequently, it fell under the administrative control of the Mughal Empire. Amin Khan was appointed as Khiledar of Elagandal during the reign of Nizam of Hyderabad Asaf Jah I (r. 1724-1748) followed by Muqarrab Khan. Mirza Ibrahim dhamsa became Khiledar during the reign of Nawab Salabat Jung. Dhamsa rebuilt and strengthened the fort in 1754 during the reign of Sikandar Jah (r.1803-1823). Bahadur Khan and Karimuddin served as Khiledars.
While reorganizing the districts, the Sixth Nizam, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, shifted the District Headquarters from Elagandal to Karimnagar in 1905.
Elgandal's rulers surrounded the fort with a crocodile filled moat of around 5 metres (16 ft) wide and 4 metres (13 ft) deep to prevent enemy incursions.[1]
The site also houses a mosque and an eidgah, the designated place for special Eid prayers.