# Kittur Fort

- **Country:** India
- **Coordinates:** 15.601250, 74.791442

Kittur Fort is a historic fortress located in the Belagavi district of Karnataka, India. Originally constructed in the 17th century, specifically between 1650 and 1681, the structure was built by Allappa Gowda Sardesai of the Desai dynasty. Serving as the former capital of a minor principality, the fort reached its zenith under the rule of Mallasarja Desai. The site represents a significant blend of military architecture and religious heritage, housing several temples within its premises dedicated to deities such as Maruti, Kalmeshwara, Dyamavva, and Basavanna. The temple of Basavanna is noted as a later Chalukyan monument that has undergone complete renovation.

The fort holds immense historical significance due to its association with Rani Chennamma, a celebrated woman warrior who led a fierce revolt against the British Empire in 1824. Her legacy is preserved at the location, which currently exists partly in ruins while other sections remain active or restored. A Nathapanthi matha situated within the police line area is currently off-limits to visitors, but the surrounding archaeological zones are accessible. The site stands as a major archaeological landmark, reflecting the region's turbulent past and cultural resilience through centuries of changing dynasties and colonial conflicts.

Today, the grounds host the Kittur Rani Chennamma Memorial Government Museum, which was inaugurated on January 10, 1967, by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Managed by the Karnataka state department of archaeology, the museum displays a rich collection of antiquities recovered from the fort and surrounding areas. Exhibits include ancient weapons, swords, mail coats, shields, engraved wooden palace doors, inscriptions, and herostones dating back to various centuries. Visitors can also view sculptures of Hindu deities like Surya, Vishnu, and Durga, alongside modern paintings, making the site both an educational resource and a tribute to local heritage.

![Photo of Kittur Fort](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3d/Kittur_fort.jpeg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kittur_Fort (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)