Basavakalyan fort, earlier known as Kalyana fort, is located in Bidar district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Basavakalyan Fort is considered to be one of the oldest forts in South India. It was built in 973 AD by King Nalaraja in the 10th century. Basavakalyan Fort was regarded as headquarter of the royal capital of Chalukya family, i.e. Kalyana. Throughout 10th and 12th centuries, Chalukya family controlled about half portion of India. Basavakalyan, earlier known as Kalyani, was the royal capital of the Western Chalukyan Dynasty from 1050 to 1189. Located about 80km from Bidar. They established their capital at Kalyana, now renamed after Indian independence in 1947.
At the entrance to the fort, there is solid arch with balconies on the flanks accessed by series of steps on either side. The main door of the citadel is known as Akhand Darwaza. This was built using four red stone slabs. The fort was built mainly as a security and defence purpose. The fort walls encircling the central courtyard have guard rooms, which are mounted by cannons, some of which are decorated. The walls are decorated with pictures of Yalis. There is also a deep channel in Basavakalyan Fort which acted as a defence system.
Chalukya rulers has decorated several Jain pictures on the walls of Basavakalyan Fort. There is a museum inside the fort which houses various Jain statues of 10th and 11th century. From the entrance, there is a way towards a fortress named Rajmahal palace. However, most of its parts have damaged in present days. Adjacent to the palace, there is a temple. There is a square shaped pool in front of the temple. Behind the temple, there is another fortress named Rani Mahal.
In 1310, the fort was attacked by Mallil Kafur during his southern invasion. In the 16th century, Vijayanagar Emperor Rama Raya (1484–1565) traced his ancestry with the past Chalukyan Kingdom (974–1190) and also with this dynasty’s capital, Kalyana. He was also called the ‘Lord of Kalyana’, apart from being known as the “Chalukyan Emperor”. In 1543, he defeated the Sultan of Bidar and gave control of the fort to Sultan of Bijapur.
Believed to be the spot where Saint Basaveshwara used to sit and give aid to needy people and recite ‘Vachanas’ (poems with social messages). An earlier fort, now in ruins has been converted into a horticultural farm.
Basavakalyan Fort Architecture
Basavakalyan Fort was tactically created by considering defence mechanism in an imperceptible environment. The openings or the secret hole present at the top of the entrance were used for pouring hot oil or water on the enemies. The fort was not noticeable unless the enemies are at nearby distance.
Best Time to Visit
This fort is in Deccan region of India, so the weather here is typically the same throughout the year. The temperature here is more on the warmer side. Therefore, this place can be visited at any time of the year.
How to Reach
This place is well connected by road, rail and air. The easiest mode is to National Highway 9 (NH9) which connects Mumbai to Hyderabad, the fort is nearly half way from both the sides. Close to international airport Bangalore airport.
Basaveshwara Temple: Every Monday special puja will be performed.
Timings
Basavakalyan Fort Timings:- 09:00am to 05:00pm
