Gooty Fort

Gooty Fort, also known as Ravadurg or Gutti Kota, is a ruined hill fortress situated in the town of Gooty within the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Perched on a group of hills rising approximately 680 meters above sea level, the structure features a citadel located on the westernmost peak, connected to surrounding spurs. The site is recognized as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. Architecturally, the fort is defined by its strategic elevation and a single entrance known as Mar Gooty. The summit contains remnants of two significant structures, identified as a granary and a gunpowder magazine, while small gateways display stucco ornamentation commissioned during later renovations.

The historical significance of Gooty Fort spans several centuries and major Indian dynasties. Although early inscriptions suggest origins during the Western Chalukya reign of Vikramaditya VI in the late 11th century, the fort played a pivotal role under the Vijayanagara Empire before falling to the Qutb Shahi and Mughal forces. In 1746, the Maratha general Murari Rao captured the stronghold, making it his permanent residence and initiating repairs. The fort later witnessed a dramatic siege in 1775 by Hyder Ali of Mysore, leading to Murari Rao's surrender due to water scarcity. Following this conflict, control passed to the East India Company, whose administrator Sir Thomas Munro was eventually buried in a cemetery at the foothills.

Today, the fort stands as a historical ruin that offers insight into the region's turbulent military past. While the structures are no longer inhabited or used for defense, the site remains an important archaeological landmark. Visitors can explore the damaged rock inscriptions near the Narasimha temple and observe the layout of the ancient citadel. Its designation as a protected monument ensures the preservation of its remaining architectural elements, including the unique gateways and hilltop foundations, serving as a testament to the various rulers who once commanded this strategic high ground.