Defence Architecture in Early North Karnataka c12.s4.11

c12.s4.11

On either side of the main entrance (Fig.24) the hill is steeply slopy and high; here only through this entrance one can pass into the citadel proper. The guard room is rectangular on plan with three pillars abutting the back wall in the rear. The pillars are heavy squarish, plain with plain pitha and plain brackets. From the passage is a natural path in the valley leading north-westwards and then northwards, and takes right angular turn westwards to another gate. The passage is provided with flight of steps here and there and then wherever absolutely necessary. At the point 'c' (Fig. 23) about 35 m from the point where the passage takes northward turn is a steep deep narrow valley on either side eastwards and westwards. If the westward narrow valley is followed it bifurcates into two passages both leading to the spot where the inscription of Pulikeshi I is located. The passage that branches off like an arm terminates with brick revetment from which point one can get the clear view of the inscription. The passage running westwards is also narrow valley with the steep hills on the both sides that provide the other end a fine view of the temple called Lower Śivālaya.