Belgaum Fort
Belagavi Fort (ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ ಕೋಟೆ) is in the city of Belgaum, in the Belgaum district, in Karnataka state, India. It was begun by Jaya Raya, also called Bichi Raja, an ally of the Ratta Dynasty, in the year 1204 AD. It has undergone several renovations over the centuries under dynastic rulers of the region. The fort, built with fine ramparts and a large moat, has a rich history with historical and religious monuments dated to the Adil Shahi dynasty. The fort has been captured in battles many times, as the possession of local rulers, until the region was stabilized by the British Raj. It is notable in modern history because Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned by the British in this fort during India's freedom struggle. Geography The fort is in the foothills of the Sahyadri mountain range of (Western Ghats) in the precincts of the Belagavi town (which was also known as Belgaum or 'Venugrama' meaning bamboo village), at an altitude of about , from the Arabian Sea. The Markandeya River flows nearby. There is a Lake in front of the Fort known as Killa Lake. History The fort's history is traced to the Ratta Dynasty with lineage to the Rashtrakuta Dynasty