The Hindu : Kerala News : New exit found in Bekal fort

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Sunday, Mar 13, 2005

Kerala

Kerala

New exit found in Bekal fort

By Our Staff Reporter

A new exit found in the Bekal fort. A view from inside the cave.

KASARAGOD, MARCH 12. Officials of the Archaeological Department recently found a hitherto undiscovered exit at the Bekal fort near here.

The exit has been found on the eastern side of the main entrance of the fort. Well-carved steps have been found inside the cavity, which has since been fenced and guarded for preventing visitors inside. The opening is made of thick but smooth laterite stones, the same material used to build the fort.

The huge fort, on the banks of the Arabian Sea and famous for its keyhole shape, is a popular destination of tourists, both domestic and international. It is believed that the fort was constructed by Hariya Venkidappa during the rule of the Ekkeri dynasty between 1625 and 1675. Hyderali of Mysore conquered the fort in 1763. It was one of the hideouts of Hyderali's son, Tipu Sultan.

The officials have been mining on the fort premises since early this year. According to informed sources, the discovery of the exit has increased the inquisitiveness of archaeologists about the undiscovered facets of the fort.

It is believed that such an exit has been unearthed for the first time since the Archaeological Department took over the fort.

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