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Young World
Historical fort
N. SADASIVAN PILLAI
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Gooty is known for one of the oldest hill forts in Andhra Pradesh.
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Lakes and cliffs hem in Gooty, a semi-urban town, located 52 km from Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh. The town is known for one of the oldest hill forts in the State. The history of the fort begins at the time of emperor Asoka and continues to that of the British colonialists.
Great view
The citadel of the fort is built on burly hillocks ranging about 300 metres in height. The fort is crafted in the shape of a shell and is carved with 15 granite main doors. A significant find here is the copious water sources at such height.
The steep climb to the fort is cobbled with smooth granite blocks and climbing and descending is a tough task especially for the aged. The hilltop commands a grand view of the growing township.
The fort is in ruins, though in the care of the Archaelogical Survery of India. There is a lot of potential to develop it as a tourist resort.
The fort
The fort is built in the shape of a shell and has fifteen forts with fifteen main doors (Mukhadwaralu). The fortifications include a series of walls connected by fourteen gateways flanked by bastions.
There are two edifices, apparently a gymnasium and a powder magazine, and a small pavilion of polished lime stone called Morari Rao’s seat, on the edge of the cliff. This commands an excellent view of the town and is said to have been a favourite spot of his.
There are also number of wells in the clefts of the rock. One of them is believed to have been connected to a stream.
The township is a couple of kilometres from the Gooty railway junction, which is well connected to the metros and other cities.
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