Manjarabad Fort

Karnataka, India

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Manjarabad Fort in Karnataka, India, is a star-shaped fort built in 1792 by Tipu Sultan with the help of French engineers, inspired by European star forts designed to deflect cannon fire.

Situated on a hill about 988 meters above sea level near Sakleshpur, the fort offers commanding views of the Western Ghats and even the Arabian Sea on clear days. The structure is made of granite and lime mortar with interiors using fired bricks, featuring eight points that allowed soldiers to cover all approaches without blind spots.

The fort was strategically important for protecting the highway between Mangalore and Coorg and served as a frontline defense during Tipu Sultan's conflicts. It includes underground passages, watchtowers, deep wells, and storage facilities, reflecting advanced military engineering of its time.