Magical Mirjan Fort

It was just by chance that we went to see Mirjan Fort near Kumta, last week. The monsoons were just over, and the walls of the fort were covered with moss.There were swathes of wildflowers inside the fort. The place was sheer magic.

 Built in the 15th century, Mirjan Fort served as the headquarters of the shrewed and brave queen, Channabhairadevi. She exported pepper, cardamom,ginger and sandalwood to Europe from the seaport at Mirjan. She made a canny deal with the Portuguese, who gave her the title Raina da Pimenta,or 'Pepper Queen'

 The fort is strong and built with red laterite stones. There is a durbar hall and a market place inside the fort.

 There are three deep wells inside the fort, which are now covered. These wells were connected to the moat surrounding the fort.

 After the Pepper Queen's death, the fort passed into the hands of different chieftains.

Sharief-ul-Mulk, the governor of Goa renovated the fort in 1670.

 There is an amazing secret passage to help people escape if things became too difficult!
Mirjan Fort is near the famous temple town of  Gokarna on the west coast of India.

I'll be linking this post to ABCWednesday started by Mrs.Nesbitt, and meticulously managed by Roger and his team.