Belgaum Fort

Belgaum Fort

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The Belgaum fort is the primary tourist attraction in Belgaum. A number of dynasties ruled and governed Belgaum and as such the Belgaum fort has undergone many additions and renovations throughout its existence, with each dynasty making changes according to their own sensibilities and style. The Ratta Dynasty built the original mud and stone structure of the fort in the 13th century, under the guidance of a Ratta officer named Bichiraja but it was Yakub Ali Khan of the Bijapur Sultanate who took the initiative in transforming the fort into an invincible fortress surrounded by a deep moat, huge walls, bastions, battlements and parapets. One of the oldest forts in Karnataka, the Belgaum fort served as a fortification against the attacks of invading armies. It steadfastly held fort as Belgaum played host to a multitude of dynasties, from the Rattas, the Vijayanagar emperors, the Bijapur Sultans, the Marathas and finally the British. Eventually, during the freedom movement of India, it was here that Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned. Within the walls of the Belgaum fort is the Kamala Basti with the Neminatha idol in black stone which is characteristic of the late Chalukya style. The masterpiece here at the fort is the "Mukhamantapa" with a well executed lotus on its ceiling. The Belgaum fort is also an embodiment of the legacy of religious tolerance in Belgaum. Nestled within the ramparts of the fort are a number of sacred shrines pertaining to different religions. The succession of rulers that held sway at the fort took an indulgent view of the myriad of holy sites. At the entrance, two shrines devoted to Ganapathi and Durga exist in harmony with the two ancient mosques, the Safa Masjid and the Jamia Masjid. For all enthusiasts, there are several ways to get to Belgaum, which is on the main Indian Railways grid and is well-connected by rail to major destinations such as Bangalore, Mumbai and Goa. It is also connected by road via the National Highway 4 and 4A. Belgaum is also connected by air with Bangalore, Goa, Mumbai, Miraj and Kolahpur and the airport currently serving the city is the Belgaum Airport but the flight schedules are infamous for being highly erratic.