Context:
A UNESCO team is set to visit Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu, which has been nominated for the World Heritage Site designation.
Gingee Fort – Facts:
- State – Tamil Nadu One of the most impregnable fortresses in peninsular India.
- Location: Atop three hillocks – Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandragiri.
- Nickname: Known as the “Troy of the East”.
- Defences: Includes a 60-foot-wide rampart and an 80-foot-wide moat.
- Carnatic Wars: Vital during the wars between the French and British.
History of the fort:
- Built by – Ananta Kon of the Konar Dynasty (1200 CE); named as Krishnagiri.
- It was under the possession of several empires, such as the Vijayanagar Nayaks, Marathas, Mughals, Nawabs, the French and British.
- Vijayanagar Empire: Undertook significant renovations.
Control of the fort and Subsequent Rulers:
- 1677: Captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji.
- 1677-1698: Under Maratha control.
- 1698: Fell to the Mughals.
- Rajaram I (son of Shivaji): Last stronghold during resistance against Mughal forces.
- Raja Desingh (Tej Singh): Brief rule.
- 1714: Taken over by the Nawabs of Arcot.
- 1714-1749: Under Nawabs’ dominion.
- 1750-1770: Held by the French.
- Post-1770: Passed to the British.
Architectural Features:
- Temples and Shrines: Several within the fort complex.
- Water Supply Systems: Two systems ensuring continuous water supply, even at the highest points.
- Rajagiri Hill features Citadel and Ranganatha temple.
- Krishnagiri Citadel – Notable for Indo-Islamic architecture
- Venkataramana Swamy Temple – Intricate carvings from Hindu epics
- Kalyana Mahal – Architectural jewel with 8 storeys used as Royal ladies’ quarters
Related Articles: Assam’s Moidams | Maratha Military Landscapes
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
Consider the following properties included in the World Heritage List released by UNESCO:
1. Shantiniketan
2. Rani ki Vav
3. Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
4. Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya
How many of the above properties were included in 2023?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2024 Prelims]
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
In 2023, both Shantiniketan and Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Rani ki Vav and the Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya were included in previous years.
