Medak
Fort
More
of an outpost of Telangana, Medak, earlier called Siddapur, has
a citadel dating back to the Kakatiyas. It was built during the
reign of Kakatiya emperor Prataparudra. Strategically built on
a hillock, it was called the Methukudurgam, from the telugu word
Methuku - meaning cooked rich grain. The
main entrance proudly displays the double-headed bird "Gandabherundam"
of the Kakatiyas. The Medak fort stands as an epitome of architectural
excellence of the Kakatiya Empire. The water to the fort was served
through a ppeline from a well inside the fort. It
has three main entrances, the "Prathama Dwaram", the
"Simha Dwaram" or Lions Entrance that has two snarling
lions at the top of the entrance and the "Gaja Dwaram",
or Elephant's Entrance that has a sculpture of two elephants interlocked
on both sides of the entrance.
At the fort one can see a 17th century cannon that is 3.2 meters
long. The cannon has a trident etched on it. This fortress uses
the natural topography to the maximum advantage with the rocky
face offering it natural defences.
