Mirjan Fort Historical Facts and Pictures

Mirjan Fort is situated on the banks of the river Aganashani, in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. The fort is spread over an area of 4.1 hectares and is situated about 24 Kms south of the National Highway 17.

There are several historical versions crediting various people with the construction of the fort. According to one version Queen Chennabhairadevi (16th century) of the Tuluva-Saluva clan initially built the fort. Another version states that the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire had control of the fort and after their downfall, Sherif-ul Mulk captured the fort and either remodeled it or reconstructed it. In 1757 the fort was seized by the Marathas before the British led by Major Torriano captured it in around 1783.

The fort has been built using mainly laterite stones and mud. There is an influence of both Mughal and Deccan architecture in its construction. It is characterized by double high walls along with turrets and weapon platforms on its bastions. Heavy canons used to be positioned on these bastions for use against the enemy in range. It has four gateways and also three subsidiary gateways all of which have stairways leading to the building. The entire fort is surrounded by a circular moat internally connected with several wells so it could be filled with water to hinder approaching enemy. There is also evidence of a drawbridge across the moat which could be pulled up in times of war. Legend has it that this fort has witnessed some spectacular battles.

Mirjan Fort

Mirjan Fort Images

Mirjan Fort Pictures

Mirjan Fort

Mirjan Fort Entrance

Entrance of Mirjan Fort

Mirjan Fort Entrance

Mirjan Fort Inside

Inside of Mirjan Fort

Mirjan Fort Inside Deep Well

Mirjan Fort Inside View

Mirjan Fort Inside Watch Tower

Steps to a Well Inside the Mirjan Fort

Well and Some Ruins Inside the Mirjan Fort

Currently the ruins of the fort are being maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. Gold coins dating back to 1652, iron bullets, earth pots and coins from the Sarpamallika dynasty were among the findings of the excavation carried out by the ASI. They have done some repair work to the structure of the fort apart from clearing the wild sporadic forest growth inside. There are multiple plans for further restoration as well.