Why in news
The Gingee Fort in Villupuram has been nominated by the Central government, alongside 11 other forts that make up the Maratha Military Landscapes, for UNESCO’s World Heritage Site tag
Gingee Fort
Location : Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district
Known as the "Troy of the East," it is built on three hillocks—Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandragiri.
It was constructed in 1200 CE by Ananta Kon of the Konar Dynasty
His successor fortified the northern hill in 1240 CE, naming it Krishnagiri.
Served various empires, including the Vijayanagara Empire, Marathas, Mughals, and the British.
The fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1677 and remained under Maratha rule until it fell to the Mughals in 1698.
It was briefly ruled by Raja Desingh (Tej Singh) before the Arcot Nawabs took control in 1714, maintaining it until 1749.
The French held it from 1750 to 1770 before it passed to the British.
The fort spans 11 acres and includes structures like the Kalyana Mahal, durbar hall, elephant tank, and advanced water supply systems.
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