Defence Architecture in Early North Karnataka c11.s2.4

c11.s2.4

Coming to the present location, it is loftiest area normally not affected by floods, unless there is abnormal rain fall. There is yet another advantage in having the fort here, and that is evident from the point by which the water is taken from the river to the surrounding moat. The channel that connects the river and the moat is at the point where the river water comes with maximum force and has to take suddenly an easterly direction. If, therefore, the channel is cut in the same direction as that of the course of the water, the water easily and at the maximum can get into the moat. In fact, the orientation of the channel is in line with the course of the river flowing with maximum force. This in turn, has got another remarkable advantage, that can be known again from the careful study of the course of the river at this point. At this point where the river is flowing north-westwards with maximum force, before taking north-easterly direction and then easterly direction, directly has to strike the section of the river bank underlying the fort. Every year, it would be cutting this section thereby causing serious damage to the fort on the top. This serious threat in a simple way has been averted by providing an outlet for the gushing waters into the moat (Illn. 13). One has to simply admit the geniusness of the architect by following the principle of adjusting men's life with the nature.