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Kasaragod district is famed for its magnificent and colossal forts whose ingenuity and construction style continue to evoke awe among historians. One such fort that captivates attention is the Hosdurg Fort or Kanhangad Fort in Kanhangad, Kasaragod.
Hosdurg fort literally means 'new fort'. This fort set up over a low hillock is considered one of the few surviving Nayaka forts in Kerala. The fort is contemporary to the famous Bekal fort. Like any ancient fortification, interesting nuggets of history await travellers here at this old military bastion.
Style of Construction
History has it that the fort was constructed at a time when the northern part of Kerala came under the control of the Bednur Nayakas. Earlier, the region was under the control of the Kolathiri chieftains. Later, Sivappa Nayaka and Somasekhara Nayaka annexed the region. Somasekhara Nayaka of Ikkeri Dynasty is believed to have set up the Hosdurg Fort.
The southern wall of the fort stands adjacent to the NH 17. A watchtower and a modern cemetery can also be seen nearby, towards the north of the south-eastern corner bastion. Round bastions can be seen in the fort. The watchtower offers a panoramic view of the region. Striking similarities in the style of the bastions and watchtower can be seen in other nearby forts such as the Bekal and Kumbala forts. Wall walkways can also be seen here. There are also some caves cut in the lateritic formations, below the south-western corner bastion.
This is one fort that has many a tale to whisper to anyone willing to listen. Your moment to journey through history is here.
