villupuram

Villupuram has been an important city for the rulers during the ancient times. Many kings have made this place the capital of the kingdom. The village is named after the village deity Gingee Amman who is believed to be one of the seven goddesses who protect the village from evil. Gingee Fort was built by king Krishnadevaraya during his rule. While expanding his empire he chose to build the Gingee fort on three hills Rajagiri, Chandragiri and Krishnagiri which were otherwise inaccessible. A huge canal with around a width of 30 feet was dug around the fort to protect it from invaders. Today, one can see the glorious past of this fort in what remains of the fort after several wars and invasions. The fort was built in such a way that the wall connecting the three hills was made as thick as 20 meters. The tops of the three hills were used to form a citadel. The citadel made of Rajagiri hill is the highest one at a height of 800 feet.
 

One of the most interesting places in the Gingee fort is the Kalyana Mahal that is built with the mixture in Indian and Islamic styles. The Mahal has a court room that is surrounded by rooms where the ladies. The court room also has a tower that is built with stones. The tower stands 27 mts in height with a roof that is shaped like a pyramid. The construction of the tower is similar to that of other construction done by Vijayanagara dynasty.
 

Located to the west of the inner gate of the lower citadel, the temple contains a remarkable sculpture depicting Lord Krishna playing on the flute with is two consorts. Another interesting feature in this temple is a finely polished, broad smooth slab found in front of the temple.
 

The Hanuman Temple is located inside the lower part of the Gingee Fort. The way to the Hanuman Temple, outside the lower fort, abounds in temple ponds and many impressive structures. Chakkarakulam and chettikulam are the two famous ponds in this fort. Chettikulam was built by Raja shetty during the Maratha occupation of the place, towards the end of the 18th century. To the north of this pond is a platform believed to be Raja Desingh funeral pyre, where his young wife committed sati.
 

Built in typical Indo-Islamic style, the Audience hall is a damaged roof supported by a series of graceful little pointed arches. The Magazine building is also a noteworthy structure. Built in typical Vijayanagar style, is the famous Rangantha Temple. To the south of the watch tower is big iron cannon roughly 4 mts long and 2 mts in circumference. In style and form this cannon is very similar to the Malik e Maidan of Bijapur.
 

This mosque was erected by sad-at-Ullah khah to commemorate his victory over De singh and the capture of the fort in 1713 AD it is located at the entrance of the inner fort of Rajagiri. According to a Persian inscription found here, the mosque is said to have been constructed in 1717-1718 AD.