Durgam Fort, Tiruvannamalai

Durgam Fort is a historical site located in the Tiruvannamalai District of Tamil Nadu. It is considered a sub-fort of the more renowned Gingee Fort (Senji Kottai). The fort is strategically built on the rocky summit of Durgam hill, characterized by its tall, strong stone fortification walls and majestic bastions.

Historical accounts suggest that the fort was constructed in the 16th Century during the Nayak Period. Throughout its history, Durgam Fort has been a witness to numerous power shifts. It was notably captured by the Marathas under the leadership of Shivaji in 1677 AD.

Subsequently, it fell under the control of various rulers, including the Bijapur sultans, the Mughals, the Carnatic Nawabs, the French, and finally the British in 1761. The fort is also associated with Raja Tej Singh, who led an unsuccessful revolt against the Nawab of Arcot.

The broader region of Tiruvannamalai itself boasts a rich cultural and historical tapestry, having been governed by dynasties such as the Cholas, Pandiyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara, and later by the Marathas, Mughals, French, and British.