Khammam Fort

Telangana, India

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Khammam Fort, located in Telangana, India, is a hill fort with a history spanning over a thousand years, believed to have been originally built by the Kakatiya rulers around 950 CE.

The fort was constructed using large granite stones without mud or limestone, resulting in massive walls averaging 40 to 80 feet high and 15 to 20 feet thick, making it practically impregnable. It features multiple bastions and gates designed for artillery defense, including the main entrance, Khilla Darwaza, which is about 30 feet tall and was armed with cannons.

Besides its imposing military architecture, the fort includes a unique rainwater catchment system and a stone-built gallows platform known locally as Nethi Bhavi. Throughout its history, it was controlled by various dynasties such as the Reddy kings, Velama kings, Qutb Shahi rulers, and eventually the Asaf Jahi dynasty. The fort also has local legends about secret tunnels connecting it to Warangal Fort, used for transferring valuables or escaping during battles.