Konda Reddy Fort Or Kondareddy Buruju
Konda Reddy Fort is an imposing structure situated in the heart of Kurnool City. The construction of the fort dates back to the 12th century when the city of Kurnool was used as a base for halting before crossing the Tungabhadra River.
Kurnool was occupied by Vijayanagar rulers Devaraya II and Achyutaraya who succeeded Krishnadevaraya building the initial fort between 1530 to 1542. The fort is named after Konda Reddy, the last ruler of Alampur who was imprisoned in the fort by the Kurnool Nawab in the 17th century. Konda Reddy eventually escaped from the fort but had to lose his territory to Golconda Nawabs.
History of Konda Reddy Fort
Legend has it that in the 16th century, the Nawab of Kurnool defeated Konda Reddy, the last king of Alampur, and imprisoned him here. The latter escaped by digging a subterranean passage, which is believed to go from under the Tungabhadra River all the way to the Jogulamba Temple in Alampur, 28km away.
There were rumors that the vault contained riches, which attracted many treasure seekers, Prompting the government to board up the tunnel. The citadel has been restored in recent years and is quitepopularr with couples and the younger residents of the city.
Architecture of Konda Reddy Fort
The fort has different gateways and bastions. The gateways of the fort were constructed by Gopal Raja, the grandson of Rama Raja of Talikota Vijayanagara kings in the 17th century. The fort has three levels and it was used as a watch tower in the 17th and 18th centuries.
The ground level is closed to visitors, while visitors can climb to the first and second floors and get a glimpse of the history. The first level has a few enclosures with a large portico. The second level houses a large tower used for observation.
