Forts

Built in the year 1605 AD by the Madurai Nayakar king Muthu Krishnappa Nayakar, the Dindigul Fort, or Dindigul Malai Kotti has a truly intriguing, moving history preserved in the stillness of its imposing precincts. The historical significance of the Dindigul region lies in the fact that in ancient times, it was the border of the three prominent kingdoms of South India, the Pandyas, Cheras and Cholas.

The strategic importance of this fort is evident from the fact that in the ensuing times, it would go on to serve the defence needs of different fiefdoms of the state: in the 18th century, the fort passed on to the Kingdom of Mysore (Mysore Wodeyars). Later still, it was occupied by eminent doyens of history, such as Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Then in 1799, during the Polygar wars, the British East India Company wrested control of this fort.

Once the headquarters of the Aravidu Dynasty of the Vijayanagara Empire, the 16th century Vellore Fort, with its prominent waterfront (moat) is truly a sight to behold. Its grand ramparts, aesthetic design and scenic backdrop further add to its allure.

​Over the centuries, its ownership changed hands several times from Vijayanagara kings, to the Bijapur sultans, then to the Marathas, the Carnatic Nawabs and finally to the British, right up to India's independence. It is here that the British held Tipu Sultan's family and the last king of Sri Lanka, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha as prisoners.

Perched atop the tallest hillock in the region, the Rayakotta Fort holds sway over the eponymous town, in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu. Originally built by King Krishna Deva Raya of the Vijayanagam Empire, it is one of the lesser known fortresses and has, during different times, been possessed by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan

Such is the indomitable aura of the Gingee Fort, also known as Senji, in Villipuram District of Tamil Nadu, that the legendary Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji ranked it as the most impregnable citadel in the whole of India! The British too were in awe of this fortified wonder, and gave it the title Troy of the East. Originally built by Krishna Kon of the Konar dynasty in 1190 AD, it underwent several upgrades-fortified first by Krishna Konar and later modified in the 13th century. Down the ages, the fort would change hands several times, belonging, in different periods, to Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Bijapur Sultans, the Moghuls, Carnatic Nawabs, the French and the British.

It was 1815 and Napoléon Bonaparte had been defeated in the Battle of Waterloo. In Thanjavur, King Serfojee il decided that this deserved commemoration, for after all, he was a faithful ally of the British. He chose to build an eight-storey tower at Pattukottai, overlooking the Bay of Bengal. Hexagonal in plan and tapering as it rises, the tower suffered damage during the Tsunami of 2004. It has since been restored, though visitors are allowed access only up to the second level. In its time, it served as a royal residence and also as a lighthouse. Manora is a corruption of the Persian term Minar or tower,

This 40 acre fort is originally believed to have been a complex ring fort, with seven concentric walls making it virtually impregnable; today, only four of those walls are in place. It was built by Vijaya Raghunatha Sethupathi, the Raja of Ramnad in 1687. Owing to extensive wear & tear, the Archaeological Survey of india was compelled to undertake extensive renovation. of this fort in 2012.

The 17th century sea- facing Alampara Fort was built during the Mughal era, and once had a 100 meter long dockyard running into the sea, from where brisk exports were conducted. It was gifted to the French in 1750 and then, captured, sacked and destroyed by the British in 1760. It was further damaged in the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. The ravages of war and natural calamities may have scarred its walls, but the spirit of survival against all odds, of what stand today as the ruins, still inspire awe. A few boulders from the fort have broken away and tumbled into the sea.

Originally constructed by Vijayanagar Nayak kings, this 15th century fort was also later occupied by the Nawab of Carnatic. It lies about 22 kilometers away from Perambalur. A spectacular property, this imposing fort with its semi-circular bastions is surrounded by a moat, and houses a palace, residential chambers and an underground chamber connecting the top and bottom levels.

Originally constructed by Vijayanagar Nayak kings, this 15th century fort was also later occupied by the Nawab of Carnatic. It lies about 22 kilometers away from Perambalur. A spectacular property, this imposing fort with its semi-circular bastions is surrounded by a moat, and houses a palace, residential chambers and an underground chamber connecting the top and bottom levels.

Namakkal Fort in Tamil Nadu is a hilltop stronghold built on a massive monolithic rock, reflecting both strategic planning and the resilience of traditional South Indian fort architecture. Dating back to the 17th century, it is believed to have been constructed under local rulers and later came under the control of the Mysore kingdom, Hyder Ali, and subsequently the British. The fort’s design includes thick stone walls, gateways, and bastions adapted to the rocky terrain, offering natural defense advantages. Though relatively simple compared to larger coastal forts, Namakkal Fort stands out for its integration with the landscape and its role in regional military and political history.

Thirumayam Fort in Tamil Nadu, built in the 17th century during the rule of the Sethupathi kings of Ramanathapuram, is a notable example of regional military architecture. Constructed primarily of large stone blocks, the fort was strategically positioned to control trade routes and defend the surrounding region. Its design includes thick ramparts, bastions, and a rock-cut gateway, reflecting both functional defense planning and the use of local terrain for fortification. Within the fort’s premises lie shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, underscoring the integration of religious and military spaces in its layout. Today, the fort stands as a reminder of the area’s historical struggles for power while also showcasing the architectural techniques of its period.

Tharangambadi Fort, also known as Fort Dansborg, is a coastal fort in Tamil Nadu built by the Danish in the early 17th century as part of their trading settlement. Constructed using stone and brick, it reflects a blend of European military architecture adapted to the local environment, with thick walls, vaulted halls, and a simple yet functional design suited for defense and administration. Historically, the fort served as the center of Danish power in South India, housing officials, warehouses, and a chapel, before later coming under British control. Today, it stands as a reminder of the region’s colonial past, showcasing the interaction between European and Tamil coastal heritage.

Sadurangapattinam Fort, located along the Coromandel Coast of Tamil Nadu, was originally established as a strategic stronghold by European colonial powers, reflecting the region’s importance in maritime trade and defense. Historically, it changed hands between the Portuguese, Dutch, and later the British, each leaving their influence on its structure and use. Architecturally, the fort followed typical European coastal fortification styles, with strong stone walls, bastions, and watchtowers designed to withstand naval attacks, while also serving as a base for trade and administration. Though much of it now remains in ruins, the fort continues to illustrate the coastal defense strategies and colonial rivalries that shaped Tamil Nadu’s history.

Fort St. George in Chennai, built in 1644 by the British East India Company, is considered the first major English fortress in India and a cornerstone of colonial history in Tamil Nadu. Initially constructed as a trading post, it quickly evolved into a fortified settlement and later the administrative center of the British in the region. Architecturally, the fort reflects European military design of the 17th century, with thick defensive walls, wide moats, and angular bastions for protection. Within its premises lie significant colonial-era buildings such as St. Mary’s Church and the Fort Museum, blending functional military construction with administrative and religious structures, making it both a symbol of power and an enduring heritage landmark.

The Rock Fort in Tamil Nadu is a historic fortification built upon an ancient rock outcrop that is among the oldest geological formations in the region. Historically, it has been occupied and fortified by various rulers, including the Pallavas, Nayaks, and later colonial powers, serving both as a military stronghold and a strategic vantage point. Architecturally, the fort is notable for its blend of defensive structures and religious sites, including intricately carved cave temples and shrines integrated into the rocky terrain. Its steep steps, stone-cut architecture, and commanding views highlight both the engineering ingenuity and the cultural significance that shaped its enduring legacy.