Mirjan Fort - Revision history

DellCarone401 at 13:34, 11 June 2025

2025-06-11T13:34:38Z

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	The '''Mirjan Fort''' is located on the west coast of the [[Uttara Kannada district]] in the southern [[Indian state]] of [[Karnataka]]. The fort known for its architectural elegance ~~was~~ the location of several battles in the past. It is about {{convert\|0.5\|km\|mi}} from the [[National Highway 66 (India)\|National Highway 66]] and {{convert\|21\|km\|mi}} from [[Gokarna, India\|Gokarna]], the famous [[Hindu]] pilgrimage centre on the west coast of India.<ref name= ASI>{{Cite web\|url=http://asi.nic.in/asi_exca_2005_karnataka.asp\|title= Excavations - 2000-2005 – Karnataka\|work= Fort, Mirjan, dt. Uttar Kannada\|accessdate=2010-05-24\|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India and National Informatics Centre}}</ref><ref name=Deccan>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/51493/miscellany.html\|title=Miscellany\|accessdate=2010-05-24\|publisher=Deccan Herald\|date=2010-05-24}}</ref>		The '''Mirjan Fort''' is located on the west coast of the [[Uttara Kannada district]] in the southern [[Indian state]] of [[Karnataka]]. The fort known for its architectural elegance has been the location of several battles in the past. It is about {{convert\|0.5\|km\|mi}} from the [[National Highway 66 (India)\|National Highway 66]] and {{convert\|21\|km\|mi}} from [[Gokarna, India\|Gokarna]], the famous [[Hindu]] pilgrimage centre on the west coast of India.<ref name= ASI>{{Cite web\|url=http://asi.nic.in/asi_exca_2005_karnataka.asp\|title= Excavations - 2000-2005 – Karnataka\|work= Fort, Mirjan, dt. Uttar Kannada\|accessdate=2010-05-24\|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India and National Informatics Centre}}</ref><ref name=Deccan>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/51493/miscellany.html\|title=Miscellany\|accessdate=2010-05-24\|publisher=Deccan Herald\|date=2010-05-24}}</ref>

	According to the first historical version, [[Rani Chennabhairadevi]] of [[Gersoppa]] (under the [[Vijayanagara Empire]]) was initially credited with building the Mirjan Fort in the 16th century. She ruled for 54 years and also lived in the fort.<ref name=Sarkar>{{Cite book\|last=Sarkar\|first= Jadunath\|title= Shivaji and his times\|pages=172–173\|accessdate=2010-05-25\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WYFrgILWbIgC&dq=Mirjan+fort&pg=PA172\|publisher= Orient Blackswan\|year=1992\|isbn=81-250-1347-4}}</ref><ref name=Tribute>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.oktatabyebye.com/travelogues/805-KarnatakaslashTribute_to_Pepper_Queen_Mirjan_Fort.html\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612235752/http://www.oktatabyebye.com/travelogues/805-KarnatakaslashTribute_to_Pepper_Queen_Mirjan_Fort.html\|url-status=dead\|title= Tribute to Pepper Queen Mirjan Fort\|accessdate=2010-05-25\|publisher=Travelogues : oktatabyebye\|date=2009-06-11\|archive-date=12 June 2009 }}</ref><ref name=Queen>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/itihas/gersoppa_queen.htm\|title= Queen of Gersoppa: Chennabhairadevi, Brave Ruler of Gersoppa (1552-1606 C.E)\|accessdate=2010-05-25\|publisher=Kamatpotporri\|author=Jyotsna Kamat\|date=2010-05-07}}</ref> During her reign, the port at Mirjan, which is {{convert\|32\|km\|mi}} to the ~~south east~~ of [[Karwar]], was used for shipping [[Black pepper\|pepper]], [[Potassium nitrate\|saltpetre]] and [[betel nut]] to [[Surat]]. Gersoppa, a district annexed to [[Bednur]], was famous for the pepper exported from this region. Consequently, the [[Portugal\|Portuguese]] gave the epithet "Rani, the Pepper queen" ("Rainha de Pimenta" in [[Portuguese Language\|Portuguese]]) ~~to the Queen of Gersoppa~~.<ref name=Sarkar/><ref name=Tribute/><ref name=Queen/><ref name=Ramaswamy>{{cite news\|last1=Ramaswamy\|first1=Chitra\|title=Where the pepper queen ruled\|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/399154/where-pepper-queen-ruled.html\|accessdate=19 January 2015\|issue=Bangalore\|publisher=Deccan Herald\|date=15 April 2014}}</ref>		According to the first historical version, [[Rani Chennabhairadevi]] of [[Gersoppa]] (under the [[Vijayanagara Empire]]) was initially credited with building the Mirjan Fort in the 16th century. She ruled for 54 years and also lived in the fort.<ref name=Sarkar>{{Cite book\|last=Sarkar\|first= Jadunath\|title= Shivaji and his times\|pages=172–173\|accessdate=2010-05-25\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WYFrgILWbIgC&dq=Mirjan+fort&pg=PA172\|publisher= Orient Blackswan\|year=1992\|isbn=81-250-1347-4}}</ref><ref name=Tribute>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.oktatabyebye.com/travelogues/805-KarnatakaslashTribute_to_Pepper_Queen_Mirjan_Fort.html\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612235752/http://www.oktatabyebye.com/travelogues/805-KarnatakaslashTribute_to_Pepper_Queen_Mirjan_Fort.html\|url-status=dead\|title= Tribute to Pepper Queen Mirjan Fort\|accessdate=2010-05-25\|publisher=Travelogues : oktatabyebye\|date=2009-06-11\|archive-date=12 June 2009 }}</ref><ref name=Queen>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/itihas/gersoppa_queen.htm\|title= Queen of Gersoppa: Chennabhairadevi, Brave Ruler of Gersoppa (1552-1606 C.E)\|accessdate=2010-05-25\|publisher=Kamatpotporri\|author=Jyotsna Kamat\|date=2010-05-07}}</ref> During her reign, the port at Mirjan, which is {{convert\|32\|km\|mi}} to the southeast of [[Karwar]], was used for shipping [[Black pepper\|pepper]], [[Potassium nitrate\|saltpetre]] and [[betel nut]] to [[Surat]]. Gersoppa, a district annexed to [[Bednur]], was famous for the pepper exported from this region. Consequently, the [[Portugal\|Portuguese]] gave Chennabhairadevi the epithet "Rani, the Pepper queen" ("Rainha de Pimenta" in [[Portuguese Language\|Portuguese]]).<ref name=Sarkar/><ref name=Tribute/><ref name=Queen/><ref name=Ramaswamy>{{cite news\|last1=Ramaswamy\|first1=Chitra\|title=Where the pepper queen ruled\|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/399154/where-pepper-queen-ruled.html\|accessdate=19 January 2015\|issue=Bangalore\|publisher=Deccan Herald\|date=15 April 2014}}</ref>

	==History==		==History==
	There are many versions to the dating of this fort.		There are many versions to the dating of this fort.
	The first historical ~~vision~~ the Mirjan Fort was built initially by a [[~~Nawayath Sultanates Near Sharavathi River\|~~Nawayath]] asper Ibn_Battuta book this fort was first built by Nawayath ~~Sultanates~~ early 1200, then it came under the Vijayanagara Empire. Then the fort was refurbished in 1608 ([[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI) refers to its building over a period of 1608–1640) on the south east coastal part of the Tadri Creek.<ref name= ASI/><ref name=Deccan/><ref name = Naravane>{{Cite book\|last= Naravane\|first= M. S\|title= The maritime and coastal forts of India\|work= Mirjan\|page=91\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k59aVCIlFB8C&dq=Suvarnadurg+Fort&pg=PP21\|accessdate=2010-05-24\|publisher= APH Publishing\|year= 1998\|isbn=81-7024-910-4}}</ref>		The first historical version the Mirjan Fort was built initially by a [[Nawayath]] asper Ibn_Battuta book this fort was first built by [[Nawayath Sultanate]]s early 1200, then it came under the Vijayanagara Empire. Then the fort was refurbished in 1608 ([[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI) refers to its building over a period of 1608–1640) on the south east coastal part of the Tadri Creek.<ref name= ASI/><ref name=Deccan/><ref name = Naravane>{{Cite book\|last= Naravane\|first= M. S\|title= The maritime and coastal forts of India\|work= Mirjan\|page=91\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k59aVCIlFB8C&dq=Suvarnadurg+Fort&pg=PP21\|accessdate=2010-05-24\|publisher= APH Publishing\|year= 1998\|isbn=81-7024-910-4}}</ref>

	Another version that is traced to the period 1552–1606 is that the Mirjan Fort was built initially by Queen Chennabhairadevi. She was from the [[Tuluva]]-[[Saluva Dynasty\|Saluva]] clan and ruled for a long period (for 54 years) under the protection of the Vijayanagara Empire (the queen preferred to be subordinate (''mahamandaleshwara'') of Vijayanagar rulers), as the queen of Gersoppa (a small town on the northern banks of the [[Sharavati River]]). She was given the epithet "the Pepper Queen or Raina da Pimenta'. She devoutly practiced [[Jainism]] and during her rule constructed many [[Jain]] [[basadi]]s. She ruled "in conformity with the doctrine of succession ''Aliyasantana'' or [[Matriarchal]], a tradition followed in coastal belt of [[Konkan]] and [[Kerala]]". Her domain covered North and South Kanara districts and south [[Goa]], which had important ports such as [[Malpe]], Bidnoor, Mirjan, [[Honnavar]], [[Ankola]] and [[Karwar]] from where the pepper, the most important produce of the region, was shipped to [[Continental Europe\|Europe]]. However, she suffered reverses after the [[Battle of Talikota\|Talikota war]] in which the Vijayanagar Empire was routed. She then shifted from Mirjan Fort to a safe location in an island in the middle of the [[Sharavathi River]].<ref name="Tribute"/><ref name="Queen"/>		Another version that is traced to the period 1552–1606 is that the Mirjan Fort was built initially by Queen Chennabhairadevi. She was from the [[Tuluva]]-[[Saluva Dynasty\|Saluva]] clan and ruled for a long period (for 54 years) under the protection of the Vijayanagara Empire (the queen preferred to be subordinate (''mahamandaleshwara'') of Vijayanagar rulers), as the queen of Gersoppa (a small town on the northern banks of the [[Sharavati River]]). She was given the epithet "the Pepper Queen or Raina da Pimenta'. She devoutly practiced [[Jainism]] and during her rule constructed many [[Jain]] [[basadi]]s. She ruled "in conformity with the doctrine of succession ''Aliyasantana'' or [[Matriarchal]], a tradition followed in coastal belt of [[Konkan]] and [[Kerala]]". Her domain covered North and South Kanara districts and south [[Goa]], which had important ports such as [[Malpe]], Bidnoor, Mirjan, [[Honnavar]], [[Ankola]] and [[Karwar]] from where the pepper, the most important produce of the region, was shipped to [[Continental Europe\|Europe]]. However, she suffered reverses after the [[Battle of Talikota\|Talikota war]] in which the Vijayanagar Empire was routed. She then shifted from Mirjan Fort to a safe location in an island in the middle of the [[Sharavathi River]].<ref name="Tribute"/><ref name="Queen"/>
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	The fort is located in the precincts of the Mirjan village (area {{convert\|653.92\|ha\|acre}}), which is bounded between ({{coord\|14.4687\|N\|74.4191\|E}}) and ({{coord\|14.5052\|N\|74.4446\|E}}), near Kumta. The reported climatic conditions of the village reflect the conditions in the fort precincts as well. The area experiences a high humid climate all through the year. The recorded mean annual rainfall of {{convert\|3521.7\|mm\|in}} is very high. The maximum temperature reported is {{convert\|32.4\|C\|F}} in May and the minimum temperature recorded is {{convert\|20.9\|C\|F}} during January. Laterite topography dominates the region.<ref name=village>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259493107\|title=A Remote Sensing Approach for Establishing the Soil Physiographic Relationship in the Coastal Agro Eco system of North Karnataka\|accessdate=2018-02-01}}</ref> Further, Mirjan has also been identified by "Forbes, 1783 (or. Mem. IV. 109), and by Renel, 1788 (Map of Hindustan", as Muziris of Ptolemy (150 A.D.) and Periplus (247 A.D.), then an important trading port on the west coast of India.<ref name=Muzuris>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/RATNAGIRI/places_Masure.html\|title=Masure\|accessdate=2010-05-26\|publisher=Maharashtra Government}}</ref>		The fort is located in the precincts of the Mirjan village (area {{convert\|653.92\|ha\|acre}}), which is bounded between ({{coord\|14.4687\|N\|74.4191\|E}}) and ({{coord\|14.5052\|N\|74.4446\|E}}), near Kumta. The reported climatic conditions of the village reflect the conditions in the fort precincts as well. The area experiences a high humid climate all through the year. The recorded mean annual rainfall of {{convert\|3521.7\|mm\|in}} is very high. The maximum temperature reported is {{convert\|32.4\|C\|F}} in May and the minimum temperature recorded is {{convert\|20.9\|C\|F}} during January. Laterite topography dominates the region.<ref name=village>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259493107\|title=A Remote Sensing Approach for Establishing the Soil Physiographic Relationship in the Coastal Agro Eco system of North Karnataka\|accessdate=2018-02-01}}</ref> Further, Mirjan has also been identified by "Forbes, 1783 (or. Mem. IV. 109), and by Renel, 1788 (Map of Hindustan", as Muziris of Ptolemy (150 A.D.) and Periplus (247 A.D.), then an important trading port on the west coast of India.<ref name=Muzuris>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/RATNAGIRI/places_Masure.html\|title=Masure\|accessdate=2010-05-26\|publisher=Maharashtra Government}}</ref>

	Mirjan, however, was spelt differently by the Portuguese chroniclers and in the maps of the 16th century, and the river flowing nearby was also then called the Ganghwali River; Barbosa spelt it as ''Mjrgeu'', in Renel's map of c.1517 it is spelt as ''Mergueo'' and in c.1518 and subsequent maps spelt as ''Mergeo.''<ref name= Pires>{{Cite book\|last= Pires\|first= Tomé \|author2=Armando Cortesão \|author3=Francisco Rodrigues\|title= The Suma oriental of Tome Pires: an account of the East, from the Red Sea to ...\|page=60\|accessdate=2010-05-26\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h82D-Y0E3TwC&dq=Mirjan+Fort+layout&pg=PA60\|publisher= Asian Educational Services\|year=1990\|isbn= 81-206-0535-7}}</ref>~~'''~~		Mirjan, however, was spelt differently by the Portuguese chroniclers and in the maps of the 16th century, and the river flowing nearby was also then called the Ganghwali River; Barbosa spelt it as ''Mjrgeu'', in Renel's map of c.1517 it is spelt as ''Mergueo'' and in c.1518 and subsequent maps spelt as ''Mergeo.''<ref name= Pires>{{Cite book\|last= Pires\|first= Tomé \|author2=Armando Cortesão \|author3=Francisco Rodrigues\|title= The Suma oriental of Tome Pires: an account of the East, from the Red Sea to ...\|page=60\|accessdate=2010-05-26\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h82D-Y0E3TwC&dq=Mirjan+Fort+layout&pg=PA60\|publisher= Asian Educational Services\|year=1990\|isbn= 81-206-0535-7}}</ref>

	==Structure==		==Structure==
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	==Archaeological excavations==		==Archaeological excavations==
	During the year 2000–01, [[Archaeological Survey of India\|ASI]] carried out excavations in the precincts of the fort. These excavations have unearthed laterite structures of medieval period in the form of: a U shaped structure with a "cloister all around" with a circular soakage pit adjoining it; and a water tank connected with channels. Antiquarian findings also included a gold coin minted in 1652 with inscriptions that attribute it to the [[Portugal\|Portuguese]] [[Viceroy]] Conde De Sarzedas during the reign of [[Joao IV]], cannonballs, [[Chinese art\|Chinese]] [[Porcelain]], [[clay tablet]]s with [[Islamic]] inscriptions.<ref name= ASI/> Further details provided by an official of the ASI indicate that "seven dumb-bells, 50 iron bullets, coins and designed earth pots belonging to Sarpamallika dynasty" were also found during the excavations at the fort.<ref name=Dhar>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/20000205/ina05064.html\|title= Iron bullets excavated in Karnataka\|accessdate=2010-05-26\|publisher=Express India}}</ref>		During the year 2000–01, [[Archaeological Survey of India\|ASI]] carried out excavations in the precincts of the fort. These excavations have unearthed laterite structures of medieval period in the form of: a U-shaped structure with a "cloister all around" with a circular soakage pit adjoining it; and a water tank connected with channels. Antiquarian findings also included a gold coin minted in 1652 with inscriptions that attribute it to the [[Portugal\|Portuguese]] [[Viceroy]] Conde De Sarzedas during the reign of [[Joao IV]], cannonballs, [[Chinese art\|Chinese]] [[Porcelain]], [[clay tablet]]s with [[Islamic]] inscriptions.<ref name= ASI/> Further details provided by an official of the ASI indicate that "seven dumb-bells, 50 iron bullets, coins and designed earth pots belonging to Sarpamallika dynasty" were also found during the excavations at the fort.<ref name=Dhar>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/20000205/ina05064.html\|title= Iron bullets excavated in Karnataka\|accessdate=2010-05-26\|publisher=Express India}}</ref>

	==Gallery==		==Gallery==

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{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2019}}
{{Infobox military installation
|name = Mirjan Fort
|partof = [[Uttara Kannada]]
|location = [[Karnataka]], [[India]]
|image = [[File:Mirjan Fort, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka.JPG|frameless|Mirjan Fort, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka]]
|caption = View of the western ghats from the Fort
|map_type = Karnataka
|map_size = 250
|map_caption = Mirjan Fort
|type = Fusion of [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]] and [[Mughal Architecture]]
|coordinates = {{coord|14.4888|74.4175|type:landmark|display=inline}}
|code =
|built = Originally built 16th century and refurbished in 17th century
|builder =
|materials = [[Laterite]] [[rock (geology)|Stones]] and mud
|height =
|used =
|demolished =
|condition = [[Ruins]]
|open_to_public = Yes
|controlledby = [[Government of Karnataka]]
|garrison =
|current_commander =
|commanders =
|occupants =
|battles =
|events =
|image2 =
|caption2 =
}}
The '''Mirjan Fort''' is located on the west coast of the [[Uttara Kannada district]] in the southern [[Indian state]] of [[Karnataka]]. The fort known for its architectural elegance was the location of several battles in the past. It is about {{convert|0.5|km|mi}} from the [[National Highway 66 (India)|National Highway 66]] and {{convert|21|km|mi}} from [[Gokarna, India|Gokarna]], the famous [[Hindu]] pilgrimage centre on the west coast of India.<ref name= ASI>{{Cite web|url=http://asi.nic.in/asi_exca_2005_karnataka.asp|title= Excavations - 2000-2005 – Karnataka|work= Fort, Mirjan, dt. Uttar Kannada|accessdate=2010-05-24|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India and National Informatics Centre}}</ref><ref name=Deccan>{{Cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/51493/miscellany.html|title=Miscellany|accessdate=2010-05-24|publisher=Deccan Herald|date=2010-05-24}}</ref>

According to the first historical version, Queen [[Chennabhairadevi]] of [[Gersoppa]] (under the [[Vijayanagara Empire]]) was initially credited with building the Mirjan Fort in the 16th century. She ruled for 54 years and also lived in the fort.<ref name=Sarkar>{{Cite book|last=Sarkar|first= Jadunath|title= Shivaji and his times|pages=172–173|accessdate=2010-05-25|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WYFrgILWbIgC&pg=PA172&dq=Mirjan+fort&hl=en&ei=1jL7S7h0zbKsB5CntLgC&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CD8Q6AEwBjgU#v=onepage&q=Mirjan%20fort&f=false|publisher= Orient Blackswan|year=1992|isbn=81-250-1347-4}}</ref><ref name=Tribute>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oktatabyebye.com/travelogues/805-KarnatakaslashTribute_to_Pepper_Queen_Mirjan_Fort.html|title= Tribute to Pepper Queen Mirjan Fort|accessdate=2010-05-25|publisher=Travalogues : oktatabyebye|date=2009-06-11}}</ref><ref name=Queen>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/itihas/gersoppa_queen.htm|title= Queen of Gersoppa: Chennabhairadevi, Brave Ruler of Gersoppa (1552-1606 C.E)|accessdate=2010-05-25|publisher=Kamatpotporri|author=Jyotsna Kamat|date=2010-05-07}}</ref> During her reign, the port at Mirjan, which is {{convert|32|km|mi}} to the south east of [[Karwar]], was used for shipping [[Black pepper|pepper]], [[Potassium nitrate|saltpetre]] and [[betel nut]] to [[Surat]]. Gersoppa, a district annexed to [[Bednur]], was famous for the pepper exported from this region. Consequently, the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] gave the epithet "Rani, the Pepper queen" ("Rainha de Pimenta" in [[Portuguese Language|Portuguese]]) to the Queen of Gersoppa.<ref name=Sarkar/><ref name=Tribute/><ref name=Queen/><ref name=Ramaswamy>{{cite news|last1=Ramaswamy|first1=Chitra|title=Where the pepper queen ruled|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/399154/where-pepper-queen-ruled.html|accessdate=19 January 2015|issue=Bangalore|publisher=Deccan Herald|date=15 April 2014}}</ref>

==History==
There are many versions to the dating of this fort.
The first historical vision the Mirjan Fort was built initially by a [[Nawayath Sultanates Near Sharavathi River|Nawayath]] asper Ibn_Battuta book this fort was first built by Nawayath Sultanates early 1200, then it came under the Vijayanagara Empire. Then the fort was refurbished in 1608 ([[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI) refers to its building over a period of 1608–1640) on the south east coastal part of the Tadri Creek.<ref name= ASI/><ref name=Deccan/><ref name = Naravane>{{Cite book|last= Naravane|first= M. S|title= The maritime and coastal forts of India|work= Mirjan|page=91|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k59aVCIlFB8C&pg=PP21&dq=Suvarnadurg+Fort&cd=3#v=onepage&q=Suvarnadurg%20Fort&f=false|accessdate=2010-05-24|publisher= APH Publishing|year= 1998|isbn=81-7024-910-4}}</ref>

Another version that is traced to the period 1552–1606 is that the Mirjan Fort was built initially by Queen Chennabhairadevi. She was from the [[Tuluva]]-[[Saluva Dynasty|Saluva]] clan and ruled for a long period (for 54 years) under the protection of the Vijayanagara Empire (the queen preferred to be subordinate (''mahamandaleshwara'') of Vijayanagar rulers), as the queen of Gersoppa (a small town on the northern banks of the [[Sharavati River]]). She was given the epithet "the Pepper Queen or Raina da Pimenta'. She devoutly practiced [[Jainism]] and during her rule constructed many [[Jain]] [[basadi]]s. She ruled "in conformity with the doctrine of succession ''Aliyasantana'' or [[Matriarchal]], a tradition followed in coastal belt of [[Konkan]] and [[Kerala]]". Her domain covered North and South Kanara districts and south [[Goa]], which had important ports such as [[Malpe]], Bidnoor, Mirjan, [[Honnavar]], [[Ankola]] and [[Karwar]] from where the pepper, the most important produce of the region, was shipped to [[Continental Europe|Europe]]. However, she suffered reverses after the [[Battle of Talikota|Talikota war]] in which the Vijayanagar Empire was routed. She then shifted from Mirjan Fort to a safe location in an island in the middle of the [[Sharavathi River]].<ref name="Tribute"/><ref name="Queen"/>

According to another version, a [[Adil Shahi dynasty|Bijapur]] noble Sherif-ul Mulk built this fort as a first line of defence to protect [[Kumta]] town and the Kumta fort located to its south. The fort was built or refurbished in 1608 ([[Archaeological Survey of India]] (ASI) refers to its building over a period of 1608–1640) on the south east coastal part of the Tadri Creek.<ref name= ASI/><ref name=Deccan/><ref name="Naravane"/>

One more version is that the fort was under the rulers of the [[Vijayanagara Empire]]. After the fall of this empire, [[Bijapur Sultanate|Bijapur sultans]] are stated to have captured the fort and Sharief-ul-mulk, the then governor of [[Goa]], is credited to have either built or refurbished the fort.<ref name=Deccan/> Mirjan was the location of their palace. In the 17th century, the [[Keladi]] dynasty, an independent principality then ruled the territory of [[Kanara]], south of Mirjan with their capital at Bednur. In 1676, Keladi queen Chennamma had captured this territory up to Mirjan.<ref name=Sarkar/>

In 1757, the [[Maratha Empire|Marathas]] had seized the Mirjan Fort. The event that led to the capture of the fort was due to the death of Basappa Naik, the last ruler of Bednur, in 1755. His wife had taken control, representing her 17-year-old adopted son, Chanbasaviah. Since her adopted son opposed her taking a "paramour", she got him murdered. This had resulted in a revolt by the agitated local people, and taking advantage of the situation the Marathas had captured the fort.<ref name=Duff>{{Cite book|last=Buff|first= James Grant|title=History of the Mahrattas|work=Conquest of Bednur|page=xii|accessdate=2010-05-25|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9AyPSHqAGa4C&pg=RA1-PR12&dq=Mirjan+fort&hl=en&ei=vDb7S83uMIO2rAfyxoHQAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CEMQ6AEwBzge#v=onepage&q=Mirjan%20fort&f=false|publisher= Genesis Publishing Pvt Ltd|year=1971|isbn=81-7020-958-7}}</ref>

In the period between May 1783 and March 1784, the [[United Kingdom|British]], under the command of Major Torriano had captured the fort before proceeding to [[Honnavar]].<ref name=Karnatak>{{Cite book|title=Gazetteer of the Bombay Presidency: Ka'nara (2 pts.)|page=313|accessdate=2010-05-25|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ug8IAQAAIAAJ&q=Mirjan+Fort&dq=Mirjan+Fort&hl=en&ei=dHv6S8L4GJGtrAfz3umwCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCgQ6AEwAA|publisher= Govt. Central Press|year=1883}}</ref>

Chroniclers of History like De Barros, [[Duarte Barbosa|Barbosa]], Hamilton and Buchanan have recorded the history of the fort under the rule of [[Vijayanagara]] kings, under the name of Mergan. In 1720, Hamilton refers to its importance as a minor port that was used for export of pepper, [[Cinnamomum aromaticum|cassia]], saltpetre, and wild [[nutmeg]]. In 1801, Buchanan called the place a "Midijoy".<ref name=Deccan/>

==Geography==
The fort is located on the banks of the Aganashini River. The mouth of the river is {{convert|12|km|mi}} from the Mirjan village. It is in a creek on a bend of the river, known as the Tadri Creek. The fort is approached through a series of wide steps that lead to the interior of the fort.<ref name=Deccan/><ref name = Naravane/> Its location in Kumta taluk is {{convert|8|km|mi}} to the north of the [[Kumta|Kumta town]].<ref name=Sarkar/><ref name=Bhat>{{Cite book|last=Bhat|first=L.S.|author2=Chandrashekhar Dhundiraj Deshpande|title= Strategy for integrated area development: case study of North Kanara…|work=Note 8|page=28|accessdate=2010-05-25|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WBsOcB0wtkIC&pg=PA28&dq=Topography+of+Mirjan&hl=en&ei=OOL7S5ahCtO7rAeMtpnRAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9&ved=0CEoQ6AEwCDgK#v=onepage&q&f=false| publisher= Concept Publishing Company|year=1988|isbn= 81-7022-198-6}}</ref>

The fort is located in the precincts of the Mirjan village (area {{convert|653.92|ha|acre}}), which is bounded between ({{coord|14.4687|N|74.4191|E}}) and ({{coord|14.5052|N|74.4446|E}}), near Kumta. The reported climatic conditions of the village reflect the conditions in the fort precincts as well. The area experiences a high humid climate all through the year. The recorded mean annual rainfall of {{convert|3521.7|mm|in}} is very high. The maximum temperature reported is {{convert|32.4|C|F}} in May and the minimum temperature recorded is {{convert|20.9|C|F}} during January. Laterite topography dominates the region.<ref name=village>{{Cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259493107_A_Remote_Sensing_Approach_for_Establishing_the_Soil_Physiographic_Relationship_in_the_Coastal_Agro_Eco_system_of_North_Karnataka_Mini_V_Patil_PL_and_Dasog_GS_2007|title=A Remote Sensing Approach for Establishing the Soil Physiographic Relationship in the Coastal Agro Eco system of North Karnataka|accessdate=2018-02-01}}</ref> Further, Mirjan has also been identified by "Forbes, 1783 (or. Mem. IV. 109), and by Renel, 1788 (Map of Hindustan", as Muziris of Ptolemy (150 A.D.) and Periplus (247 A.D.), then an important trading port on the west coast of India.<ref name=Muzuris>{{Cite web|url=http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/RATNAGIRI/places_Masure.html|title=Masure|accessdate=2010-05-26|publisher=Maharashtra Government}}</ref>

Mirjan, however, was spelt differently by the Portuguese chroniclers and in the maps of the 16th century, and the river flowing nearby was also then called the Ganghwali River; Barbosa spelt it as ''Mjrgeu'', in Renel's map of c.1517 it is spelt as ''Mergueo'' and in c.1518 and subsequent maps spelt as ''Mergeo.''<ref name= Pires>{{Cite book|last= Pires|first= Tomé |author2=Armando Cortesão |author3=Francisco Rodrigues|title= The Suma oriental of Tome Pires: an account of the East, from the Red Sea to ...|page=60|accessdate=2010-05-26|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h82D-Y0E3TwC&pg=PA60&dq=Mirjan+Fort+layout&hl=en&ei=yM38S7PYLIjGrAeG9pTuAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CDUQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false|publisher= Asian Educational Services|year=1990|isbn= 81-206-0535-7}}</ref>'''

==Structure==
{{multiple image|right
| image1 = Main entrance to the Mirjan fort.jpg
| width1 = 110
| alt1 =
| caption1 = Main entrance to the Mirjan Fort with wide steps
| image2 = Southern ramparts of the Mirjan fort.jpg
| width2 = 195
| alt2 =
| caption2 = View of southern ramparts from inside the Mirjan Fort
| image3 = Idol of Mahishasuramardhini in Mirjan fort.jpg
| width3 = 195
| alt3 =
| caption3 = Images of Hindu Goddess [[Mahishasuramardini]] and other deities under a tree
}}
The fort is built over an area of about {{convert|4.1|ha|acre}}. It is built with [[laterite]] stones.<ref name=Deccan/> It was built with high walls and bastions.<ref name= ASI/> The fort has four entrances (one main and three subsidiary entrances) and many wells, which are interlinked and with access channels leading to the circular moat (used as a defence measure to protect the fort) that once fully surrounded the fort, and leading to the canal works outside the fort's limits. At each entrance, there are wide steps to enter the fort. The fort is double-walled and has high turrets on the bastions. It is now seen mostly in ruins but is being restored by ASI to some extent. The ruins have been inferred as remnants of a secret passage, entry doors, a [[Durbar (court)|darbar]] hall and a market place. Stone images of Hindu gods and goddesses are also seen under a large tree.<ref name=Deccan/><ref name= Gazetteer>{{Cite book|title= Karnataka State gazetteer, Volume 16|page=947|accessdate=2010-05-25|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sIwBAAAAMAAJ&q=Mirjan+fort&dq=Mirjan+fort&hl=en&ei=7C77S8j4NIy1rAe005XEAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CDgQ6AEwBDgK|publisher= The Director of Print, Stationery and Publications at the Govt. Press|year= 1965}}</ref>

;Restoration works
The fort was maintained by the [[United Kingdom|British]] with grant funds till India got independence in August 1947. Thereafter, ASI has taken over its maintenance. Refurbishing of the ruins of the northern bastion fortification of the fort has been done with stones found in the area. The wild forest growth inside the fort and on the fort walls has been cleared. In the restoration works carried out during 2000–2001, initially, the debris that had accumulated due to collapse of the bastions was removed. The damaged portions of the fort walls were redone with dressed laterite stones. A waterproof coating was provided to the excavated structures, along with pointing of the joints with "combination mortor".<ref name=Mirjan>{{Cite web|url=http://www.google.co.in/search?hl=en&q=Mir%20Jan%20Fort&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbo=u&tbs=bks:1&source=og&sa=N&tab=wp|title= Indian archaeology: a review|accessdate=2010-05-25|publisher= Archaeological Survey of India|year=1998}}</ref><ref name=restore>{{Cite web|url=http://asi.nic.in/nmma_reviews/Indian%20Archaeology%202000-2001%20A%20Review.pdf|format=pdf|title=Indian Archaeology: A review|page=260|work=194. Fort Mirjan, Uttarakannada|accessdate=2010-05-25|publisher=Archaeological Survey of India|year=2001}}</ref>

==Archaeological excavations==
During the year 2000–01, [[Archaeological Survey of India|ASI]] carried out excavations in the precincts of the fort. These excavations have unearthed laterite structures of medieval period in the form of: a U shaped structure with a "cloister all around" with a circular soakage pit adjoining it; and a water tank connected with channels. Antiquarian findings also included a gold coin minted in 1652 with inscriptions that attribute it to the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] [[Viceroy]] Conde De Sarzedas during the reign of [[Joao IV]], cannonballs, [[Chinese art|Chinese]] [[Porcelain]], [[clay tablet]]s with [[Islamic]] inscriptions.<ref name= ASI/> Further details provided by an official of the ASI indicate that "seven dumb-bells, 50 iron bullets, coins and designed earth pots belonging to Sarpamallika dynasty" were also found during the excavations at the fort.<ref name=Dhar>{{Cite web|url=http://www.expressindia.com/news/ie/daily/20000205/ina05064.html|title= Iron bullets excavated in Karnataka|accessdate=2010-05-26|publisher=Express India}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery widths="160" heights="140" mode="packed">
File:Watch tower cum flag hoisting tower of Mirjan fort.jpg|Watch tower cum flag hoisting tower of Mirjan Fort
File:West View of Mijan fort.jpg|West view of Mirjan Fort from inside the fort
File:The Mirjan fort bastion and watch tower1.jpg|The Mirjan fort bastion and watch tower
File:Steps to a well in the Mirjan Fort.jpg|Steps to a well in the Mirjan Fort
File:Another deep well in Mirjan fort.jpg|A deep well in Mirjan fort
File:A well and some ruins inside the Mirjan fort.jpg|A well and some ruins inside the Mirjan fort
File:Prayer hall and the Mihrab at the Mirjan fort.jpg|Prayer hall and the Mihrab at the Mirjan fort
File:Mirjan fort 3.jpg|Mirjan Fort in rainy season
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*[http://wikimapia.org/483974/Mirjan-Fort Coordinates of Mirjan Fort]
* [http://maps.google.co.in/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Mirjan,+Karnataka&aq=0&sll=14.489227,74.417723&sspn=0.002358,0.003439&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Mirjan,+Uttara+Kannada,+Karnataka&ll=14.488936,74.417707&spn=0.002358,0.003439&t=h&z=18 Mirjan Fort on Google Maps]

{{Forts in Karnataka}}
{{Forts in India}}

[[Category:Forts in Karnataka]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Uttara Kannada district]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Uttara Kannada district]]