Main Info
Mirjan Fort, Kumta Overview
The Mirjan Fort is located on the banks of River Aghanashini and reflects our country’s history. It is located at about 11 km from Kumta I Karnataka and is spread across an area of 4.1 hectares. The fort has witnessed many battles of the 16th and 17th century and was under use till 1785. It was then captured by the British and then used as an armoury. It houses intricate architecture and has canals, secret passages, moats etc. The fort is known to give the feeling of a castle with the grass enhancing its beauty.
It is known to have been built between 1608-1640 by Queen Chennabharadevi using laterite stone. She was known as the pepper queen of India. The fort is known to be an important hub for the trade of spices with the Dutch, Portuguese and the British. The Archaeological Survey of India declares it as a protected monument and has since then undergone renovations. A number of archaeologists were successful in unearthing laterite structures of the medieval period. The findings also included gold coins, cannonballs, Chinese porcelain and tablets with Islamic writings. The fort is said to have housed a treasure which was stolen by the British. This fort stands high, yet seems lost among the gems of our country. The Indian flag is hoisted every year on Independence day at the fort.
