Gingee - The Third Maratha Capital

Gingee is a land protected by the three fortresses the Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandrayanadurg.In medieval and post-medieval periods whoever controlled these forts had control over the nearby villages and the trade routes towards the port of Pondicherry. The fort was under different empires from the Vijaynagara empire, Adilshahi to the British. But it played a major role in the history of Indian subcontinent when it was under the control of Marathas. It was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during his south campaign "Dakshin Digvijay".

Apart from his administrative, military and political skills Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was even one of the greatest fort architects this country has ever had. These forts are among one of his true statues to the south(TamilNadu) of India. After acquiring Gingee forts in the southern campaign, Maharaj himself took interest in restructuring the forts to make them impregnable. It can be observed that the forts have double-walled structures, that was one of his signature style of building a fort.

 After Shivaji Maharaj passed away, Aurangzeb decided to get down in the south of India. He entered Deccan with half a million soldiers. Although most of the empires were crushed by such massive invasion there was one that stood rock solid even after its King the great Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was captured and later cruelly killed. The loyal Maratha generals took upon the duty of safeguarding empire under the new teenaged King Rajaram. After the capital Raigad fell down, Marathas made sure to safeguard their new king Rajaram. He was taken away down to south on these forts of Gingee. This made the Mughal army to divide its forces in the Deccan region. This move of the Marathas made a big hole in the treasury of the Mughal empire. For eight long years, Rajaram was kept protected in this fort Gingee. These forts in the south made sure that Aurangzeb would regret his south invasion dreams. It became the third capital city of Swarajya that took on the mighty Mughals head-on for 8 long years.

The Marathas owe a lot to this fort and people of this land as it protected the empire from the fall during rough times. It can be observed even today that Marathi masses gather on these forts to pay their respects to a place that protected the empire and its pride.

This blog is written with the motive of helping history enthusiasts and Chatrapati Shivaji followers to plan their visit to this place.

How you can reach:-

From Bangalore:-

It is on the national highway 77 that goes towards Pondicherry. 

You can catch any local transport bus that goes toward Thiruvannamalai and then from Thiruvanmalia any bus going towards Pondicherry will drop you at Gingee.

The travel time is approximate 6~7hrs one way.

From Pondicherry it is just a one hour drive to this place.

Height and Temperature:-

Rajagiri is 800 ft that is the max height whereas Krishnagiri is half the height of Rajagiri.

Temperature:- Min 25 to max 40 degrees.As nearby to the Bay of Bengal expect humid conditions. 

* Keep ample water in the bag packs. (Shops available outside the ticket counter)

* An umbrella and cap will be of great help.

Accommodation and Food facilities:-

Stay facilities are available in the city. It is recommended that if you want to explore the fort and surroundings properly without exertion 2 days would be required. Otherwise, 1 day is enough to explore both Rajagiri and Krishnagiri.

Food facilities are only available in the Gingee town.

Auto-rickshaw facilities are available in the town and at the base of forts. (They charge around 40~50 Rs from city to fort )

Itinerary:-

Generally, this is the sequence that would be followed when the fort is visited.

 1.Gingee City.

Gingee city

The city of Gingee is about a kilometer away from these forts. There is a hustle & bustle in the city even if you reach the place early morning around 5 am. There are many coffee shops available for refreshments.One point to be noted is that even though many of the shops are open early in the morning you will get breakfast here only after 7:00 am. One of the places to mention where you can get some refreshment is "Vasantha Bhavan", it is directly in front of the city bus stand.

 2.Gingee complex.

Gingee complex is 1 to 1.5 km away from the city you could hire a local rickshaw to get yourself dropped into the Gingee complex. It is recommended to do the tiring and big fort Rajagiri first and then the fort of Krishnagiri. The gates for the Rajagiri fort complex opens at around 9:00 am. For Indians the ticket to explore Rajagiri and Krishnagiri fort is Rs25. You need to keep the tickets safe until you are inside the complex.

Desinguraja funeral place & chandrayana durg

If you arrive early in the complex you can just wander around in the outer perimeter of the Rajagiri complex. Towards the Chandrayanadurg road if you follow there are very old temples and water bodies.

School students visiting the fort complex ( near Shri Anjaneya Temple)

It is observed that many nearby schools arrange study tours to this place. Apart from the local state visitors, pondicherry tourists this place is flocked by Marathi groups. The complex is beautifully scenic and is sure to take you back to the medieval ages.

 3.Rajagiri fort Complex.

The Rajagiri fort complex is a fortified complex. Inside the complex, you can find very old structures that are even intact today. There is a big gathering place with a multi-storeyed building called Kalyan mahala. We can imagine the massive gatherings that would be arranged over here.

Rajagiri complex Gymnasium room

Rajagiri complex Granary

Spiral staircase in Kings court assembly

kalyan mahal and gathering place

 4.Rajagiri Climb.

Its a fairly easy climb for the young crowd. Initially, there are stairs to climb up to a certain height of the fort. Then you need to traverse to the other side of the fort. You will come across a citadel bridge that will take you to the top of the fort. This citadel bridge is the link to the fort, the bridge would protect the citadel from the aggressors. The citadel is properly cut from all the sides to make the climb difficult for the enemy army.

Rajagiri complex & Krishnagiri in background

Rajagiri Gate

 5.Citadel Bridge.

Citadel Bridge - Fort Rajagiri

 6.Rajagiri Tower, Ranganath Temple, Krishnagiri view and fortified walls.

 The Vijayanagar empire structures can be observed from the top of the fort. There is a beautiful temple that can be observed from the top of the fort. Also, the fortifications can be observed. The double-walled fortification can be observed from the top.

Rajagiri - fortified walls and complex view

Temple and watchtower atop - Rajagiri fort

 7.Krishnagiri Climb.

Krishnagiri is a simple climb of 30 minutes. On the way, you have to cross over multiple gate structures. Once you reach the top there is a courtyard, this court has a good flow of air and you can have a good rest in this court. The Rajagiri fort is clearly visible from the doors of this court. Also, note that there are a lot of monkeys here on this fort, they can trouble you a lot of food items are kept open.

Krishnagiri

Chandrayana durg and Rajagiri view

 8.Krishnagiri Views

Old structures on Krishnagiri

Old structures on Krishnagiri

Old structures on Krishnagiri

Gingee city view from Krishnagiri

 9.Meal at Vasanth Bhavan

After a tiring fort exploration eating local food delicacy is a must. Butter dosa and filter coffee at vasantha Bhavan is the best way you can end the one-day exploration tour.

Meal at Vasanth Bhavan

Things to note:

1.Timings : - 9:00 to 17:00

2.Entry not allowed after : 15:00

3.For Indian Citizens entry fee is :25 per head
4.Only one ticket is required for exploring both the forts.
5.Carry ample food in your sack as food is not available in the vicinity of the complex.
6.Drones and Camera tripod not allowed inside the Rajagiri complex.(Mobile/DSLR are allowed).
7.Pondicherry is a place nearby to Gingee , you can plan visit to pondicherry along with gingee.

"Take only memories and leave only footprints"