Kittur Fort and Palace, Belgaum, Karnataka India

The Kittur Fort as we see now lies in total ruins. All that remain to this great legacy are some dilapidated walls and a lot of history.The Kittur Fort is located around 30kms from the city of Belgaum,Karnataka state. One has to take the national highway and after an half our journey, turn left towards the town of Kittur.

Kittur Fort and Palace is located in Honnidibba. The fort and palace provides the perfect excuse for history enthusiasts as well as the archaeologists to explore the place. Rani Chennamma, a woman warrior who revolted against the British, was one of the illustrious owners of Kittur Fort and Palace. Now almost in ruins, the site is under the care of the Karnataka state department of archaeology.

On entering the town, one is greeted by the majestic statue of Rani Chennamma the legendery Dowager Queen of Kittur who challenged the might of the colonial British empire way back in the nineteenth century. She was the second wife of the king Mallasaraja of Kittur, who impressed with her beauty and daunting spirit had fallen in love with her and made her his second Queen. The Kittur dynasty was established by two brothers, Hiremallashetty and Chickamallashetty of Sagar,Shimoga district, who were in the service of Sultan Adilshah. In 1586 AD, the sultan conferred the regions of Kittur and its adjoining areas, as a jagir to the brothers. Initially their capital was Sampagaon, but during the rule of Mudimallapa Desai their sixth ruler, the capital was changed to Kittur.He constructed this grand fort of Kittur including a large palace that acted as his residence. But it was under the eleventh ruler Mallasaraja that Kittur came to be called as the welfare state. The news of the prosperity of Kittur state had reached the ears of the Maratha PeshwaBajiraoII , and he wanted to annex this small kingdom to his dominion. He therefore invited Mallasaraja to meet him and then treacherously imprisoned Mallasaraja, who later died in Maratha captivity. ShivalingaRudrasaraja, the son of Mallasaraja became the subsequent king under the regency of his stepmother Rani Chenamma. By then the Maratha empire had collapsed and the British were in power.

Kittur Chennamma Fort is one of the famous historical monuments in Karnataka state of India. The monument lies in the small town of Kittur and is 32 kms away from Dharwad and 50 kms away from Belgaum. Kittur Chennamma Fort acts as a main evidence of the great Freedom struggle that was led by Rani Chennamma. Rani Chennamma led the revolt against the British after the introduction of the Doctrine of Lapse. An important archaeological site, the Kittur Chennamma Fort stands as a symbol of bravery and women's pride. Kittur is a great place with a lot of historic significance. There is also a beautiful Porch which is 100 feet by 30 feet which was supported by teak pillars. Kittur Chennamma Fort serves to be one of the major tourist destinations in India. Apart from the Chennamma Fort, there are various other monuments forts and temples in the town called Kittur. Kittur Chennamma Fort Travel and tourism offers the great way of travelling to the place.

Constructed out of black basalt rock, the Fort was intact till the year 1982. Kittur Chennamma Fort is presently available as nothing more than a ruin. However, the site is still a piece of precious historical and cultural heritage for the tourists.