India's oldest fort thirumayam fort
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Thirumayam fort fact and history
Thirumayam Fort is a historic fortress located in the town of Thirumayam in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The fort was built in the 17th century by Sethupathi Vijaya Raghunatha Nayak, a ruler of the Nayak dynasty.
The fort is situated on top of a hill and consists of two parts - the lower fort and the upper fort. The lower fort is a rectangular structure with a moat around it and was primarily used for administrative purposes. The upper fort is the main part of the fort and is a circular structure with a diameter of about 60 meters.
The fort has several interesting features, including a rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, a small palace, and a granary. The fort also has several underground tunnels, which were believed to have been used by the rulers to escape during times of war.
Thirumayam Fort is also famous for its unique blend of architectural styles, which includes elements of both Dravidian and Islamic architecture. The circular design of the upper fort is said to be inspired by the Islamic architectural style, while the rock-cut temple inside the fort is an example of Dravidian architecture.
One of the most interesting aspects of the fort is the rock-cut temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is located inside a cave and has several carvings of deities on its walls. The temple is believed to be one of the oldest structures inside the fort and is said to have been built during the Pallava period.
Apart from the temple, the fort also has a small palace that was used by the Nayak rulers as a residence. The palace has several rooms and courtyards, and some of the rooms have intricate carvings on their walls and ceilings. The fort also has a granary, which was used to store food grains during times of war.
Thirumayam Fort has been declared a protected monument by the Tamil Nadu government and is now maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. The fort is open to visitors and is a popular destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and tourists alike.
The fort played an important role in the history of Tamil Nadu and witnessed several battles and wars. It was captured by the British in 1766, and later became a stronghold of the Maratha army in 1780.
The fort is also believed to have served as a prison during the British era. The prison housed several freedom fighters, including V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, who was imprisoned here for six years.
Thirumayam Fort has been used as a shooting location for several movies, including the Tamil movie "Annamalai" starring Rajinikanth and the Malayalam movie "Kazhcha" starring Mammootty.
The fort is located about 25 kilometers from the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai and is often visited by tourists who visit the temple.
Thirumayam Fort is also known for its beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can climb to the top of the fort and enjoy panoramic views of the hills and valleys below.
Overall, Thirumayam Fort is a fascinating destination for history and architecture enthusiasts, and a must-visit place for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.
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