The Seat of Veera Madakari Nayaka’s Valour: An Extraordinary Journey through Chitradurga

— Purushotham Agni

Rising like a mighty stone sentinel in the very heart of Karnataka, Chitradurga Fort is not merely a geographical landmark. It is a living epic of Kannada identity, courage, sacrifice, and indomitable spirit. The chain of hills here carries a history that stretches back over 3,000 years. This land has witnessed the rule of the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas, and Hoysalas—but it reached its true zenith during the era of the Chitradurga Nayakas, also known as the Palegaras.

Known in the pages of history as Chitrakaladurga, this fortress remains formidable even today because of its seven concentric layers of defense, which once rendered it impregnable to enemies. The grand entrance, the Aane Bagilu (Elephant Gate), stands as a powerful symbol of Chitradurga’s majesty. The moment one passes through this massive gateway, it feels as though the echoes of the Nayakas’ heroism still resonate through the stones.

The history of Chitradurga is immortalized by the bravery of Madakari Nayaka and Bicchugatti Bharamanna Nayaka. Madakari Nayaka’s fearless resistance against formidable adversaries such as Hyder Ali continues to reverberate in every rock and rampart of this fort.

To uncover the fort’s secrets, one first encounters the mysterious Chandravalli Cave—a hidden world that cradles the remnants of ancient civilizations within its depths. In the darkness of these caves, one can almost sense the hushed royal deliberations of bygone eras and the meditative vibrations of sages, which still leave visitors spellbound.

As one moves further inside the fort, the spine-tingling Onake Obavva Kindi comes into view. This narrow crevice stands as silent testimony to the extraordinary courage of Onake Obavva, who single-handedly struck down hundreds of Hyder Ali’s soldiers using nothing but a wooden pestle. Nearby, Onake Obavva’s Pond and the horse hoof marks etched into the rocks vividly recall the ferocity of the battles once fought here. Truly, every corner of this fort pulses with the heroic vibrations of Madakari Nayaka’s valour.

A short distance from the fort lies another marvel—Chandravalli Cave, plunging nearly 80 feet into darkness. Within it are ancient monasteries, prayer chambers, and secret council halls. Coins and inscriptions from the Mauryan period discovered here make it a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. Adding to Chitradurga’s spiritual and cultural richness are the beautiful Uchchangidurga Temple and the revered Murugha Mathas, which together complete the region’s travel experience.

Chitradurga Fort is famously known as the “Fort of Seven Circles.” Every turn within its walls narrates a thrilling story from the past. With the aim of introducing this authentic history to today’s generation, our Ask Mysuru YouTube Channel has uploaded a special interview with the present-day royal descendant of King Madakari Nayaka and Bicchugatti Bharamanna Nayaka. In this exclusive conversation, he unveils many forgotten pages of history unknown to countless Kannadigas.

Chitradurga is not just a tourist destination—it is a sacred land that every Kannadiga must visit at least once, to connect with the stories of heroism embedded in every grain of its soil. To explore this glorious history further, do watch our Ask Mysuru YouTube Channel.

~ Purushotham Agni

Journalist & Academician,

Ask Mysuru