Mirjan Fort -Kumta

It won’t be that ambiguous as I will give some reasons to elaborate on the love for this beautiful historic fort. It was unexpected surprised visit for me. After one nice trip we returned back to Kumata early so we all together decided to visit this place and we turned our vehicle to this magnificent fort. The Mirjan Fort must have witnessed numerous battles, ghastly episodes of violence and the tears and joys of kings and their subjects. Today, this serene historical site reminds tourists of the glories of the past.

The fort is situated on NH17 in an area of over 10 acres, about 11 km from Kumta. It is beautifully set along the Aganashini River, a tributary of the Sharavathi River. The fort is constructed with Laterite stones, which is available in plenty in the area. The fort has broad steps that lead to the interiors of the fort, where the ruins make visitors ponder over the lost historical significance of the place.

There are watch towers all round the fort. There are two wells constructed inside the fort to preserve water, and escape routes were designed for a quick getaway in case of enemy attack. A temple under a tree the idols are believed to have been unearthed during the excavations but it seems to have crumbled.  The fort can be considered to be as one of the elegant strategic monument. We do think that it is a part of our generation’s responsibility to remain such beautiful heritages safe.

History-

Mirjan Fort was in all probability built originally by Queen Chennabhairadevi, who belonged to the Tuluva-Salva clan under the tutelage of Vijaynagar kings. Rani Chennabhairavdevi was also known as the Pepper Queen or Raina da Pimenta. Her reign was in conformity with the doctrine of succession “Aliyasantana “ or Matriarchal , a tradition followed in coastal belt of konkan and Kerala. Her reign was the longest in the history of female domination in the annals of Indian history, from 1552 – 1606. The strong hold of her territory was centered on North and South Kanara districts and south Goa.

After the battle of Talikota in 1565, the Pepper queen was constantly fighting battle for survival. During this period she shifted her base from Mirjan Fort to somewhat safe haven in Basadi an isle in the middle of river Sharavathi. Being a jain she was responsible for construction of many Basadis in and around Barkur and Moodbidri area.

The original builder seems to have been erased by raiding Bahamani sultans. This Fort was conquered by Sharief-ul-mulk the governor of Goa. He seems to have renovated the Fort to symbolize Moghul architecture.