When Vasco da Gama
discovered the sea route
to India, trade with the
Portuguese grew making
the Bekal fort important
as a defender against
privateers, pirates and
the British.
Built from Laterite blocks direct onto
bedrock this formidable fortress has
12 metre high walls.
The bastions and parapets are pierced
with arrow slits and gun-holes taking
command of the surrounding area and
beach below.
Individually crafted, the holes line up
with potential enemy hiding places,
making any attempt of amphibious
attack futile.
The Archaeological survey
of India had four seasons of
excavation here recently and
yielded a temple complex,
durbar hall and mint house.
Small finds included copper
moulds and copper coins
from the times of Tippu
Sultan. People believe that
the Sultans rich stuff is still
buried here somewhere.
Love from X RJB X