Ancient Names & Early History: In olden days, Elgandal was called Bahudanyapuram (city of plenty) and during Kakatiya times it was known as Veliganadu. An inscription dated 1202 AD found on a stone slab at Chintamani tank records Chaunda Preggada of the Malyala family, a subordinate of Kakatiya king Ganapatideva. The fort as we see it today was expanded by successive rulers, but its core dates to the Kakatiya period.
The fort sits on a hillock presenting a picturesque view of the Manair river and surrounding palm groves. It was originally known as Veligundula (meaning “hill of guns” or “watchtower hill”). After the fall of the Kakatiyas, the Musunuri Nayaks and Recharla Padmanayaks used it as a stronghold. In the 16th century, the Qutb Shahi dynasty occupied the fort and posted Quinamul Mulk (Qawam-ul-Mulk) as commander.
⚔️ Qutb Shahi Conquest – Sultan Quli Qutb Shah vs Qawam-ul-Mulk (c. 1518–1543)
During the reign of Sultan Quli Qutb-ul-Mulk (founder of the Qutb Shahi dynasty), a rebellious officer named Qawam-ul-Mulk Toork of the Bahmani government made himself master of Elgandal, Mulungoor, and other forts. He raised a force of 6,000 cavalry and 10,000 infantry and began plundering Qutb Shahi territories. Sultan Quli Qutb Shah marched against him, defeated him in a pitched battle, and laid siege to Elgandal. Qawam-ul-Mulk fled to Berar and sought help from Alla-ood-Deen Imad Shah, but Sultan Quli defeated the combined forces near Ramgeer fort and reoccupied Elgandal.
📜 Historical Account (from Persian chronicles): “Kowam-ool-Moolk, elated with his success, sent his troops again into Qutb Shahi territories. Sooltan Koolly could no longer restrain his rage, marched towards Elgundel, defeated him, and invested the fort. Elgundel shortly after fell into the King’s hands.”
🐊 Defensive Masterpiece – The Crocodile-Filled Moat
One of the most unique defensive features of Elgandal Fort was its moat, approximately 5 metres (16 ft) wide and 4 metres (13 ft) deep, which was filled with crocodiles. This biological barrier prevented enemy soldiers from swimming across and also discouraged sappers from undermining the walls. The moat was fed by the Manair river through a sluice system. Traces of the moat are still visible today, though the crocodiles are long gone.
🐊 Psychological Warfare: The presence of crocodiles made the moat virtually impassable. Elgandal was considered one of the most secure forts in the Deccan during its peak.
👑 Nizam Era – From Elgandal to Karimnagar (1724–1905)
After the Mughal Empire weakened, the Nizam of Hyderabad, Asaf Jah I (Nizam-ul-Mulk), took control of Elgandal. He appointed Amin Khan as Khiledar (fort commander), followed by Muqarrab Khan. During the reign of Nawab Salabat Jung, Mirza Ibrahim Dhamsa became Khiledar and rebuilt and strengthened the fort in 1754 (during the time of Sikindar Jha, r. 1803–1823). Later, Bahadur Khan and Karimuddin served as Khiledars.
The town of Karimnagar is named after Karimuddin. In 1905, the sixth Nizam Mahbub Ali Khan shifted the district headquarters from Elgandal to Karimnagar, and the town grew in prominence while the fort gradually declined in official importance.
🕌 Brindavan Tank & Oscillating Minarets – An Engineering Wonder (1754 AD)
Outside the eastern gateway of the fort, Zafar-ud-Doula constructed the Brindavan tank in 1754 AD. On its banks stand two minarets that oscillate (shake) when pushed or shaken. This unique feature – a deliberate “soft” design to withstand wind and seismic forces – is a rare example of adaptive engineering. The minarets are associated with the tombs of Muslim saints nearby.
🕋 Tombs of Saints: The fort complex contains the tombs of Syed Shah Munawar Quadri saheb, Doola Shah saheb, Syed Maroof Saheb, Shah Talib Bismilla Saheb, and Vali Hyder saheb. On the 11th and 12th days of Moharram, the annual Urs (death anniversary) of these saints is celebrated by Muslims and Hindus together with great reverence, drawing devotees from far-off places – a powerful symbol of communal harmony.
🛕 Nelakantha Swamy & Narasimha Swamy Temples
Elgandal Fort is not only an Islamic military structure but also houses Hindu temples: Nelakantha Swamy temple (dedicated to Shiva) and Narasimha Swamy temple (an avatar of Vishnu). This coexistence reflects the syncretic culture of the Deccan under the Nizams and earlier rulers.
🕳️ Secret Tunnel – Elgandal to Manakondur
Local legend and historical records mention a secret underground tunnel connecting Elgandal Fort to Manakondur, about 9 km away on the Karimnagar–Vemulawada highway. The tunnel was used by rulers and their families to escape during sieges. While the tunnel is now blocked and inaccessible, its existence is widely believed by locals.
🏛️ Other Notable Structures
🕌 Mosque & Eidgah
The fort contains a large mosque and an open-air eidgah (designated place for special Eid prayers). These were built during the Qutb Shahi or Mughal period and are still used by the local Muslim community on Fridays and Eid days.
💧 Water Tanks
Several rock-cut and masonry water tanks inside the fort ensured a year-round water supply. The most famous is the Chintamani tank (where the 1202 AD inscription was found).
🏰 Archways & Minarets
The big archways, doors, and minarets of Elgandal depict the opulent life inside the fort. The architecture blends Kakatiya stonework with Islamic arches and calligraphy.
🔫 Cannons
Several cannons are still scattered on the fort’s ramparts, silent witnesses to the many battles fought here.
📐 Elgandal Fort – Architectural & Heritage Data
🏛️ Fort Overview
- Location: Manair River bank, 10 km from Karimnagar, Telangana
- Original builder: Kakatiya dynasty (1083–1323)
- Moat dimensions: 5 m wide, 4 m deep (crocodile-filled)
- Key rulers: Kakatiyas → Musunuri Nayaks → Bahmanis → Qutb Shahis → Mughals → Nizams
- Secret tunnel: Connects to Manakondur (9 km)
🕌 Unique Features
- Brindavan tank: Built by Zafar-ud-Doula (1754 AD) with oscillating minarets
- Tombs: 5 Muslim saints, Urs celebrated by Hindus & Muslims
- Hindu temples: Nelakantha Swamy & Narasimha Swamy
- Mosque & Eidgah: Still used for prayers
- Khiledars: Amin Khan, Muqarrab Khan, Mirza Ibrahim Dhamsa, Bahadur Khan, Karimuddin (after whom Karimnagar is named)
🏅 Preservation & Access
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Entry Fee: Free (donations welcome for maintenance)
- Best time to visit: October – March (cool weather, greenery around Manair)
- Status: Protected monument under Telangana Archaeology Department; recent facelift announced (The Hindu, 2015)
📅 Chronology of Elgandal Fort
🧭 Visitor Information – How to Reach Elgandal Fort
🚗 By Road
From Karimnagar: 10 km on Kamareddy Road (buses, autos, taxis available).
From Hyderabad: Approx. 165 km via NH44 and Karimnagar road.
From Warangal: Approx. 100 km.
🚆 Rail
Nearest railway station: Karimnagar Railway Station (newly connected under MMTS extension). Alternatively, Peddapalli Junction (50 km).
✈️ Air
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (approx. 175 km).
⏰ Timings & Entry
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily. No entry fee. Photography allowed.
🏛️ Nearby Attractions
- Manair River Dam – Scenic reservoir and park.
- Ujwala Park – Musical fountain and garden in Karimnagar.
- Konda Lingala Temple – Pilgrimage site 20 km away.
- Vemulawada – Famous Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple (35 km).
- Manakondur – Site of the secret tunnel (9 km).
📌 Travel Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the hillock. Visit during the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat. The Urs festival (Moharram 11th–12th day) offers a unique cultural experience. Ask locals to show the oscillating minarets – they still shake when pushed gently.
📚 Primary References
- The Hindu (2015). “Elgandal Fort set to get a facelift”. Link
- Wikipedia – Elgandal Fort
- Travel blog – “An impromptu trekking trip to Beautiful Elgandal Fort”. Link
- Responsible Tourism & Human Accountability for Sustainable Business (ed. Dr Ramesh Kumar Miryala, Dr Jayaprakash Narayana Gade).
- Telangana Tourism Department – Heritage sites of Karimnagar district.
- District Gazetteer, Karimnagar (Government of Telangana).