Belgaum Fort

BELGAUM FORT: A Timeline Ancient name: Venugram. Built in the 13th Century by the Ratt Dynasty. Ruled and Expanded by: King of Vijaynagar, Adilshah, Marathas, and the British. Key Builder: Bijapur's Adilshah Yakub Ali Khan fortified the walls and trench. Notable History: * Used as a British military base. * Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned here pre-independence. * In 1844, the British launched an attack on Samangad Fort from here to end a rebellion. * Current Use: Post-independence camp for The Maratha Light Infantry (Indian Army).

**Belgaum Fort Highlights** * **Main Entrance:** Inside, find ancient temples dedicated to Goddess Amba and Lord Ganesh (on the right). * **Historical Architecture:** See porches built for guards and monuments from the Adilshah regime. * **Current Use:** Features offices of the Public Construction Works department (left) and a camp for The Maratha Light Infantry and the Indian Army training unit (past the arch entrance). * **Kamal Basti (Jain Temple):** Next to the training center, this temple is a stunning example of Chalukya architecture, built in black granite rock. It houses an idol of Lord Neminath and a unique rock chandelier. Renovated by the Archeological Society of India. * **Other Religious Sites:** Many Hindu temples (Chalukyan style, idols missing) and two mosques from the Adilshahi era: Safa and Jamiya.**Nearby Attractions (Near Belgaum)** * **Sambre Village:** Home to an Indian Air Force aviation training center. * **Balekundri Village:** A major worship spot for Lord Dattatreya devotees, featuring a shrine to Balekundri Maharaj. * **Gokak Town:** Famous for its waterfall on the Ghataprabha river. * **Angol Town:** Visit the shrine of Kalavati Aai. Shri Balkrishna Malusare (11th descendent of Subehdar Tanaji Malusare) resides in Raghunath Peth here. * **Kakti Village:** Hometown of Kittur's Queen Chenamma. Features a small hill fort. (5 kms from Belgaum towards Kolhapur).