Attur Fort

Attur Fort is a historic fort present in Attur in Salem district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The fort was built by a local Palayakarar, called Lakshmana Nayakan during the 17th Century. It was occupied by Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan and British during various times. The fort was used by the British as a garrison till 1854, after which the fort was not operational. In modern times, the fort is under the control of the Archeological Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Some portions of the fort is dilapidated, while most other portions are enchorached by slum dwellers.

History
Attur town is situated on the southern bank of the Vasista river. The town was called Attur Ananthagiri during the Mysore rule in 1689 and was called Attur by end of 18th Century. It was originally believed that the fort was built by the founder of the Catti Mudali dynasty, who built the Shiva and Vishnu temples in the fort. It was constructed by a local Palayakarar, called Lakshmana Nayakan during the 17th Century. Attur was under the rule of Hyder Ali till 1768, which was later surrendered to Wood of East India Company. Hyder regained the town from that company, but the company won a decessive victory in the 3rd Mysore war was against Tipu Sultan, the son of Hyder Ali. The fort was used by the British as a garrison from 1792 by and the 23rd Madras battalion under the command of captain compbell occupied it. During subsequent years, the fort was used as an ordinance station from 1799 as the Company troops moved to Sankagiri. After 1854, the fort ceased to act as an operational fortress.In modern times, the fort is under the control of the Archeological Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Some portions of the fort is dilapidated, while most other portions are enchorached by slum dwellers. In modern times, the fort is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Architecture
The fort occupies an area of 62 acre The walls of the fort are about 30 ft tall and 15 ft wide. It is decortated by wedge shaped cut-stones fitted without mortar. The construction material for the walls are believed to be quarried from the Kalladithankundru. The fort was guarded by the river in the east and by moats on other sides. Gatt dynasty used the large chamber inside the fort as audience hall during their regime. The pool house, used for the pleasure of the royal family, was fed from the river through a water gate.