Potagada

Ganjam, India

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Potagada, located in the Ganjam district near the mouth of the Rushikulya River in Odisha, India, is a historic star-shaped fort built around 1768 under the supervision of Edward Costford, the first British resident officer of Ganjam.

The fort stands as an archaeological marvel and was once the administrative headquarters for ruling powers including Muslim rulers, the French, and the British East India Company. It is spread over a large area with thick compound walls, a deep moat, and multiple residential buildings representing different architectural styles from the Muhammedan, French, and British periods.

The fort had strategic military and administrative importance and features passages leading to the river, possibly used for secret escape or private access. Over time, the fort has deteriorated and is partly buried, but it still holds historical significance and is a reminder of the region’s colonial and pre-colonial past. Efforts for its preservation and promotion as a tourist spot have been initiated, though challenges like neglect and safety concerns remain. Its unique architecture and layered history make it an important cultural site in Ganjam.