Manjarabad Fort in Sakleshpur - Islamic Architecture in India

One of the few forts in India to be built in the pattern of military architecture, Manjarabad fort is located in a sleepy Sakleshpur town. The fort was built by the then ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, in 1792. The name ‘Manjarabad’ came from the word ‘manju’, which means ‘mist’ in Kannada. While inspecting the works of the fort, Tipu was fascinated with the mist that always clad the mountains in this region and so named after it. Tipu Sultan wanted to secure Mangalore Port as a naval base during his reign. Since this Sakleshpur is located in the strategic area between Mangalore and his ruling ground town Srirangapatna, this place was chosen and the fort was built on the hill at an elevation of 3200 feet. The external walls of the fort were built with granite stones and lime mortar.

The interiors, which accommodate army barracks, armoury, stores etc were built with fired bricks. Apart from these, two cellars were built next to a deep well which were used to store gunpowder. These rooms remain cool even during summer months. There are many underground tunnels that connect the fort to Mysore and Srirangapatna and these are closed by the Government. A pond in the center of the fort with cross-shaped steps is for rainwater harvest. It is supposed to be the only source of water for the inmates, in such a high altitude. Another unique feature of this fort is that it has the only one level in contrast to the general forts which are based on multiple levels. The octagonal star-shaped fort boasts of the sprawling vistas of the hillscape and even the Arabian on a clear day.