The Fort of Seven Circles
Uncover the tale of Chitradurga, a marvel of military design and a fortress of valor, where timeless legends are etched into its seven granite walls.
A Nayaka Stronghold
From vassals under Vijayanagara to sovereign rulers, the Nayakas of Chitradurga developed and strengthened this fortress over generations. Tap the timeline to explore their legacy.
Anatomy of an Impregnable Fort
Chitradurga's famed might rests in its seven concentric walls, a labyrinth crafted to deter invaders. Tap the hotspots to uncover its clever defenses.
Simplified Defense Layers Diagram
The Legend of Onake Obavva
In 1779, as Hyder Ali's forces laid siege, the fort was heroically defended not by soldiers, but by the guard's brave wife, whose story lives on in Kannada legend.
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The Secret Entrance
Hyder Ali's troops uncovered a hidden crack in the rocks, just big enough for one person to slip through at once.
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A Vigilant Woman
Onake Obavva, the guard's wife, noticed the soldiers while drawing water. Rather than sounding an alarm, she seized her wooden pestle ('onake').
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A Courageous Defense
As each soldier emerged from the hole, Obavva struck them down with the pestle, killing dozens single-handedly and saving the fort that day.
The hidden passage is now widely called Onake Obavvana Kindi (Obavva's Crevice).
A Fortress of Epic Proportions
The vast expanse of Chitradurga's design reflects the military vision of its Nayaka architects.