Palakkad Fort, Palakkad City, Kerala - A strategically Important Fort For Tipu And Later the British

 The historical Palakkad Fort, located in the heart of Palakkad town in Kerala, is one of the finest and best-preserved forts in the state. B  Hyder Ali seized the fort from king Ittikombi Achan the local ruler. He was jailed and later shifted to  Srirangapatna fort, With the king's authority, Ali  began collecting taxes in the Plalakkad area. After 1766  Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore, made considerable improvement on the fort as it served as a strategic military outpost during the Mysore campaigns in Malabar.

Palakkad Fort, kerala sreestours.com

Its location at the gateway to Kerala allowed Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan to strengthen their control over the region and improve communication with Coimbatore and Dindigul. Constructed with the assistance of French engineers, the fort features a rhombus-shaped structure, massive laterite walls, and a wide, deep moat designed to make it impenetrable. The moat, unique in its ability to retain water year-round, added a formidable layer of defense, preventing enemies from approaching easily. The fort's thick walls would repel any cannon bombardment.

Entrance, Palakkad fort. Kerala Kaazhchakal - WordPress.com

Palakkad fort. Kerala

 The fort’s history is steeped in military significance, witnessing intense conflicts between the Mysore rulers and the British East India Company. Tipu Sultan, after inheriting the fort from his father, fiercely defended it during the Second Anglo-Mysore War. Despite an 11-day siege by British forces led by Colonel Fullerton in 1784, Tipu Sultan recaptured it soon after. The British later took control and used the fort as a garrison and administrative hub. During the colonial era, Palakkad became part of the Madras Presidency, and the fort served as a detention center for freedom fighters during India's struggle for independence.

Ruler Tipu Sultan of Mysore pxfuel.com

Ruler Hyder Ali of Mysore alchetron.com

An intriguing aspect of the fort is its architectural ingenuity, blending Islamic and traditional South Indian styles. The entry gate faces west, a characteristic feature of Islamic forts, and the design bears similarities to the forts at Srirangapatna and Agra. Inside the fort, there is a well-preserved stepwell and a Hindu temple dedicated to Hanuman, which remained untouched under Mysore rule, reflecting the rulers' respect for local religious sentiments. During Hyder Ali's reign, the fort also served as a mint, producing coins such as the "Hydari Sultan Panam."  Here in 1788 Tipu Sultan approached  the Kochi king Rama Varma Sakthan Thampuran and to help him  raid  the Travancore  kingdom (now a part of Kerala)  ruled by Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma (Dharma Raja).being careful as he was, Sri Rama Varma did not commit himself in the proposal to raid Travancore kingdom.

Beyond its military importance, the fort is associated with fascinating anecdotes, such as Tipu Sultan consulting a famed astrologer within its walls. Today, the fort is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and stands as a symbol of Kerala’s rich heritage, Mysore's military legacy, and the architectural brilliance of the 18th century. It remains a popular historical landmark and an enduring testament to resilience and strategic foresight. Based on the old published post: 

https://www.navrangindia.in/2020/10/palakkad-fort-palakkad-kerala-18.html

 https://www.onmanorama.com/travel/getting-about-kerala/palakkad/2018/10/03/palakkad-fort-a-reminder-of-mysores-campaigns-in-malabar.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyder_Ali