Defence Architecture in Early North Karnataka c11.s3.3

c11.s3.3

The whole region is a plain land covered with black soil overlying lime stone and other sedimentary rocks of the Bhîma series. The river Bhîma runs southerwards and takes a sudden abrupt curve almost at right angle eastwards (Fig.10). It is at this deep curve, are located the fortification walls and the village Sannati between the two walls. The area enclosed by the bend is the highest point in the region. A careful examination of the course of the river (Fig.16) reveals that the course southwards is not strictly straight that takes a bend slightly south south-west wards and then again south-wards and finally it takes east turn in a curved way. The water at the point of the curve is relatively very deep, so deep that crocodiles are often found at that point. Taking into consideration these natural protective facilities, a fort wall in a semi-circular way has been constructed across the area and connecting the two arms, the southern and the eastern bends of the river. The area enclosed is not flooded, as it is at very high level. It is not affected by the ferocious floods, because of the natural south-south-westerly direction of the flow of the water on the northern side and north-easterly direction of the flow on the eastern side. Thus possible destruction by the angry floods of the left bank in the area, where the fort is raised is naturally averted. On the other-hand, the right bank is relatively low lying area, which is overflown by the floods; thus the force of the flood water affects the right bank and almost never the left bank at the curve. Further, the water is very deep infested with crocodiles at the bend and forms a natural moat with deadly creatures; and the elevation of the area provides a commanding view over the whole area (Illn. B3). It is therefore but natural that the builders had selected the strategic area for fortified habitation.