Nadivi fort

I stumbled on Nadivi fort while searching Wikimapia for Ashokan edicts of Nittur and Udegolam. This small fort is situated on river Tungabhadra right bank in Shirguppa taluq, Bellary district.

March 8, 2013

The day started with visits to Tekkalakote, Varavina Malleshwara Devastana and Ashokan edict of Udegolam. The next places on our itinerary were Nadivi fort and Ashokan edict of Nittur. The road connecting Udegolam and Nadivi was pathetic but scenic. As we approached the fort, I decided to take the dirt road going left around the fort. We hit a dead end near the bastion and Ravi had to reverse his cab. Malatesh and I went by foot. I guess the fort was built some time between XV and XVII centuries.

This is the plan of Nadivi fort. Eastern and Southern walls do not exist anymore. About half the area within the fort is occupied by Ramlingeshwara temple.

I guess Nadivi fort was a sentry post for monitoring river traffic. Perhaps a sales tax check-post. Close to the base of this bastion is a shrine.

Southeastern bastion

The structure looks solid and well built. Stones seemed to be sourced from riverbed and nearby hills.

Northeastern bastion

Mortar has been used to bind the stones, that way the walls remain strong for long time. In my opinion, larger blocks make stronger walls - they withstand canon firing better than walls made of smaller stones. However downside of such forts is transporting and handling larger blocks.

That's Ramlingeshwara temple shikhara. We did not go in since the gate was closed and there was no sign of people inside. Its a east-face temple, probably a small structure earlier. To our right flows Tungabhadra.

Blue sky reflects in the slow-flowing waters of Tungabhadra. At this point the river flows in northeast direction. Such spots are considered holy in Hindu traditions and temples are built there.

Tungabhadra flowing towards the fort, as seen from Northwestern bastion.

There's a sudden change in the river bed- a very rough patch of stones creates a hurdle. When the water level is 3' higher they remain hidden. Boat navigators sailing here must have that knowledge else the boats will get wrecked. However, when the water level is much higher, most boats can pass over easily.

Tungabhadra flowing away, as seen from Northwestern bastion.

I wonder why the wall is bent here..

Wall with right angle bend

We went on the rocks, they are really rough and some very sharp too.

Here's a short video of this river fort by Malatesh.

On the way out, an elderly person called after us. He's a priest and performs rituals at Ramlingeshwara temple. He offered us flavored water and milk. The temple fair was due soon and invited us. Very friendly person. It seems that Nadivi Ramlingeshwara temple is popular for childless couples, special poojas are performed here which help overcome problems. We thank our elderly friend and say bye.

We head towards Nittur in search of Emperor Ashoka's edict.

Nadivi fort Coordinates: 15°30'25"N   76°48'17"E
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