Penukonda Fort

The Penukonda Fort is one of the main attractions of Anantapur. Located at a distance of nearly 70 km from Anantapur, the fort derived its name from the word Penukonda, which means big hill. This historic fort was once the second capital of the Vijayanagar Empire.

Situated in Penukonda, the fort was previously known by the name Ghanagiri. After having studied the ancient inscriptions that the Penukonda Fort, archaeologists have concluded that the fort was built by Vira Virupanna Udaiyar, the son of King-Bukka I of Vijayanagar. A huge idol of Lord Hanuman is placed inside the fort.

The 11-foot tall Penukonda Fort houses multiple mosques inside with Sher Khan Mosque being the most important one. The Gagan Mahal, a palace inside the fort, was built back in the 16th century. Another Palace, 'Babayya Darga' was constructed to symbolize harmony between Hindus and Muslims.

History of Penukonda Fort

Penukonda was once served as the 2nd capital of the Vijayanagar Kingdom after the fall of Hampi and was earlier called Ghanagiri or Ghanadri. According to the inscriptions, the Penukonda state was gifted by King Bukka-I to his son Virupanna. This fort was built at the time of Virupanna.

This fort was one of the best defenses of the Vijayanagara kingdom. With the decline of the Vijayanagara kingdom, the Sultan of Golconda captured this fort. Later the Mysore Kingdom captured this fort briefly until the British overtook it after the fall of Tipu Sultan.

Architecture of Penukonda Fort

Built on a gigantic hill, the huge and imposing fort offers a spectacular view of the town below. The basement of the walls, bastions, and gateways in the fort was made of stone, mortar, and lime. The first inner section of the fort residential building designed amenities for royal family members.

The central hall of the fort follows Hindu and Muslim architecture. The Dome of this hall has been designed in the Hindu style of construction, whereas the floor has the signature style construction of Islamic architecture. The fort bounds with the natural fortification of surrounding hills and moats dug up around the outer wall.

There are seven citadels within the fortification. The entrance of the fort is marked by a huge gate called Yerramanchi Gate. Here one can see a tall idol of Lord Hanuman which is about 11 feet high. The two famous attractions here are Gagan Mahal Palace and Babayya Darga. Gagan Mahal was constructed in 1575 AD and it throws light on the lifestyle Vijayanagara Dynasty. Gagan Mahal got a few additions during the Muslim rule of the region.