SOS: Hold the fort

By Mitali Srivastava

Many cities across the world take great pride in protecting its historical forts, but alas that is not the case in Bengaluru. The city’s lone fort wall is in a shambles and there is hardly any concern over its state. Shockingly, thick vegetation is growing across the walls, threatening its safety and durability. But we are yet to see any efforts to preserve Bengaluru’s rich history.

Just one look at the fort reveals its unfortunate state. The effects of time and weather are evident, with the foliage on the walls protruding due to heavy rains. Additionally, the garden within the fort is poorly maintained, with the grass varying in height, creating an unappealing sight for visitors. Adding to the distressing scene, heaps of trash are strewn outside the fort’s entrance, further tarnishing its once-grand image.

Shockingly, the Bangalore Fort, as it stands today, represents only a fraction of its original structure.

Merely around 5% of the fort has been preserved and is available for public viewing.

Well-known historian Suresh Moona said, “Bangalore Fort, a testament to the city’s rich legacy, now feels like “a forgotten patient in a hospital ward, inching closer to oblivion. There is disparity in the attention given to the Bangalore Fort compared to the illustrious Bangalore Palace. There is limited knowledge among the general public about the fort due to the absence of information boards in multiple languages depriving visitors of a deeper understanding of its archival significance.”

He said that the fort boasted of advanced craftsmanship such as the two cellars that once housed British soldiers, along with another cellar belonging to Captain David Baird. The Fort housed rifles and cannon holes strategically positioned for defending Bangalore, that could target each corner of the city. Moona lamented that despite these remarkable features, little importance has been placed on preserving the fort’s historical legacy.



During the Anglo-Mysore War, meticulous visual documentation was made, capturing the fort’s various gates and the citadel’s stronghold. This documentation further reinforces the fort’s importance and raises questions as to why it has been overlooked in the city’s main itinerary. Additionally, the fort’s armoury has fallen victim to theft, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security and protection of its artifacts.

Architect Mansoor Ali, a prominent voice in the preservation of heritage structures, expressed displeasure at the current situation.


Ali revealed that the authorities responsible for the fort’s maintenance are struggling to generate sufficient revenue from the fort to ensure its proper upkeep. “I had contacted the Archaeological Survey of India several times. However, each time, I received the same reaction with officials blaming a “lack of funds” and a “downfall of tourist attention” as the major reasons for the fort’s neglect.”

Dr. Meera Iyer, the Convenor of the Bengaluru Chapter of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) added, “It is tragic as the fort carries the stories of
warriors who made immense sacrifices and serves as a crucial link to the city’s history.”