KRISHNAGIRI (Cave at)
12.533300,78.233300
Description
Besides a »fine subterranean spring, which rises in a cavern« (HAMILTON 1828, 2: 90) »near the south-west angle« there are »two tanks« (water reservoirs in the open air of underground cisterns) »within the fort« of Krishnagiri town and fortress (note 1). SITUATION: »Kistangherry (Krishna giri)« (HAMILTON 1828) or Krishnagiri N12°32': E78°14' (nima.mil/geonames accessed 16.11.2003), lies 90 km along the National Highway NH7 south-east of Bangalore (N12°59': E77°35'). According to HAMILTON (1828, 2: 90 after »F. Buchanan« (note 2), »Fullarton« (note 3), »Dirom« (note 4) 1793, etc.), »the upper surface of the mountain presents a confused assemblage of irregular masses of rock. There are two tanks within the fort, besides a fine subterranean spring, which rises in a cavern near the south-west angle.«
NOTE 1: »Krishnagiri town … is commanded by a precipitous hill fort rising 800 feet [244 m] above it. Such were its capabilities for defence that it was never carried by assault. In 1767, and again in 1791, British troops attempted it unsuccessfully; and on several occasions during the operations against Mysore it was necessary to blockade or mask it. In 1768 it surrendered to a blockading force, and was held by a British garrison for some years until restored by treaty. Grapes of excellent quality are produced in the neighbourhood« (IMPERIAL GAZETTEER 1907-1909, 16: 9). HAMILTON, W (1828, 2: 90) draws attention to »high rocky insulated mountains … of a singular and grand appearance. That on which the fort stands is 700 feet [213 m] in perpendicular height, and so remarkably bare and steep that it was never taken except by surprise. In 1791 the British troops were repulsed with considerable loss; but it was subsequently obtained by cession, when the fortifications were destroyed, the altered condition of the Mysore sovereignity rendering them unncessary.« NOTE 2: »F. Buchanan« (HAMILTON 1828, 2: 90) is probably Buchanan [Hamilton], Francis (1807) but i saw no reference to a cave at Krishnagiri. NOTE 3: »Fullarton« (HAMILTON 1828, 2: 90) is probably either FULLARTON, John (a.i.) or Colonel FULLARTON (1787) but i have seen neither. NOTE 4: »Dirom« (HAMILTON 1828, 2: 90) seems to be DIROM (1793) but i have not seen it.
Documents
Bibliography 02/04/2016Caves nearby
| Distance (km) | Name | Length (m) | Depth (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20.0 | RAYAKOTTAI (Cave temple at) | ||
| 32.6 | PAIYAMPALLI ROCK SHELTERS AND CAVERNS | ||
| 63.5 | NAIKANERI, Naikanairy, Naikenairy, Nakennairy, Nayakanerri, Nayakkaneri (Cave at) | ||
| 98.0 | MAHENDRAVADI ROCK-CUT TEMPLE | ||
| 98.0 | Vilapakkam, Vellor (Caves at) | ||
| 98.0 | SARAKKUMPARAU CAVES | ||
| 98.0 | PERUMAGAI CAVES | ||
| 98.0 | NARASAMANGALAM CAVE | ||
| 98.0 | SIYAMANGALAM CAVE |