Siddavatam Fort

Siddavatam, Andhra Pradesh, India

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Siddavatam Fort, located on the banks of the Pennar River in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, was built in 1303 AD by Matti Raja, a feudatory chief of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Originally a mud fort, it was later transformed into a rock fort and expanded under the rule of King Varadha Raju, who was related to the famous Vijayanagara ruler Sri Krishna Deva Raya. The fort spans about 30 acres and features a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, including gateways, bastions, and temples such as the Ranganatha Swamy Temple.

Throughout its history, Siddavatam Fort changed hands multiple times, being ruled by the Vijayanagara Empire, various Nawabs, the Mysore kingdom under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, the Nizams of Hyderabad, and finally the British East India Company. It served as a district headquarters from 1807 to 1812 but was eventually abandoned due to flooding from the Pennar River that isolated it.

Today, it stands as a historical monument reflecting the rich cultural and military heritage of the region.