Defence Architecture in Early North Karnataka c10.1

c10.1

A brief outline of the political history of North Karṇaṭaka with particular reference to the rise of capitals and sub-capitals - the forts in the capitals Beginning in the prehistoric past and moving forward in glory and greatness through several long centuries, Karṇāṭaka in the national life of India has occupied a distinct place of honour. The amazing and inspiring accomplishments achieved by her people in the field of art, architecture, literature, language and religion, that have become proud part of their life, are in no way less important than those in the contemporary neighbouring kingdoms around her in the past. Moreover, of all the provinces of India, Karṇāṭaka, especially North Karṇāṭaka (Fig. 1) was one of the few regions which produced the highest number of rulers and governors, who even penetrated into and settled down in other regions as the governors of provinces or founders of new political dynasties. From 325 A.D. to late 1686 A.D. the galaxy of kings of the dynasties of the Kadambas, the Early Chālukyas, the Rāṣṭrakūṭas, the Later Chālukyas, the Vijayanagara rulers and their contemporaries - the Ādil Shahŝ of Bijāpur, was responsible to create the strong holds i.e. forts with well fortified walls around their capital cities and sub-capital cities (Fig.2) keeping in view of the arms and armours and the then prevalent science of wars.