Maddagiridurga
This article has been extracted from THE IMPERIAL GAZETTEER OF INDIA , 1908. OXFORD, AT THE CLARENDON PRESS. |
Note: National, provincial and district boundaries have changed considerably since 1908. Typically, old states, ‘divisions’ and districts have been broken into smaller units, and many tahsils upgraded to districts. Some units have since been renamed. Therefore, this article is being posted mainly for its historical value.
Maddagiridurga
Bold fortified hill, 3,935 feet high, in the north- east of Tumkur District, Mysore, situated in 13° 39' N. and 77"^ 13' E. The only access is on the northern face, which slopes upwards at a steep angle, presenting large sheets of bare rock that scarcely allow of foothold unless perfectly dry. In time of war the garrison, it is said, used to pour oil down these rocky inclines to prevent the assailing force from mounting the hill. The original fort was built by a local chief, from whose descendants it was taken by Mysore about 1678. The fortifications were greatly extended by Haidar Ah; and here, in 1763, was imprisoned the queen of Bedniir, with her paramour, and also the pretender to her throne, until released by the Marathas in 1767 on their capture of the place. It was recovered by Tipu Sultan in 1774. There are many springs and ponds on the hill, with large granaries and storehouses, formed out of caverns or excavated in the rock.
