Defence Architecture in Early North Karnataka c19.s3.4

c19.s3.4

Gradually local techniques of preparation of gunpowder and manufacture of rifles and guns also were developed. In view of these far more distructive weapons (Fig.97) both in range and proportion, the fort architecture had to undergo striking development. These developments are clearly evident in the Muslim fort at Bījāpur, a seat of one of the most powerful Deccan Sultanates. The fact that the Bījāpur fort in plain field makes all the more necessary arrangements to make it impregnable in the face of the use of such powerful weapons. The walls are very high and thick, with wall-walk (Illn. H2) all along, and are of ashlar masonry. The lime mortar used is of very tenacious nature, and the bastions (Illn. H3) in the fort are mounted with mighty guns of wide range. Besides, all the entrances are provided with imposing strong bastions (Illn. H1) barbicans and guard-rooms, magazines for preparing gun-powder and devices that would mislead entering enemies to fatal end, although equipped with rifles etc. Further, in the kanguras of the parapet wall two rows of three of each loop-holes are provided with. The three loop-holes cover a range of 120 together wide. But on the interior there is only one row of the three loop-holes. Each loop-hole is constructed in such a way that it should open to the two loop-holes from the middle of the core on the exterior. A rifle can be placed through each loop-hole at two angles: one making 30 and another 60 at the ground level i.e. for long and short range shooting; and between the kanguras a soldier hiding himself behind the kanguras can aim his rifle at the enemies, who are very close to the fort wall! Now, these loop-holes in kanguras are meant for placing the rifles in position to shoot enemies at ground level outside. The upper row of loop-holes is meant for long range shooting while the lower for short range shooting. When enemies start charging towards fort, they move fast and if some manage to escape and move further fast towards the fort, they may be hit by the rifle of short range at the foot of the fort wall. Thus, enemies at long or short distances and within any range can be attacked with rifles by the soldiers at parapet. We have thus discussed in detail the intricate devices of Bijāpur fort.