Devanahalli Fort wall collapses

By Y. Maheshwara Reddy

Bengaluru: Residents of Devanahalli have blamed the archaeological department for neglecting the historical Devanahalli Fort. A portion of the fort wall collapsed due to heavy rains a few days ago.

The fort is situated 35 km north of Bengaluru. It is said that chieftain Malla Byre Gowda of Avathi, a Vijayanagara empire vassal built the fort in 1501.

According to the residents, the archaeological department has not done anything to preserve the fort. “The archaeological department has just put up its board on the fort premises. I have never come across any activities to strengthen the fort,” said Krishne Gowda, a resident of Devanahalli.

Coming down heavily on archaeological department officials for neglecting Devanahalli Fort, local MLA L.N. Narayanaswamy has opined that the fort should be handed over to private companies or organisations for better maintenance.

“What is the use of the archaeological department being the custodian of this fort when the officials function from Mysuru?,” Narayanaswamy said. He said that he would raise the issue in the forthcoming Assembly session to draw the attention of the authorities concerned. “I rushed to the spot as soon as I received the information. I have already appealed to the tahsildar and Deputy Commissioner to save the fort. I expect the authorities to strengthen the existing fort wall and construct the wall that collapsed a few days ago,’’ said the MLA.