ARTICLES
Bekal, the Keyhole Fort, Kasargod, Kerala
- Padma Mohan Kumar, freelance writer
email: padma413@gmail.com
April 6, 2019
Bekal fort which is situated in the coastal area of
Kasargod in Kerala is one of the best maintained forts in
the state. Spread over forty acres, and built of local
laterite, its massive walls extend to a height of 12
metres. Uniquely shaped like a giant keyhole, this 17th
century fort has strong walls and ramparts on the seaside.
These structures are interspersed with bastions for guns.
One can get a breathtaking spectacle of the Arabian Sea
from the observation tower which served as a storehouse
for huge cannons during the yesteryears. The tower also
provided the defenders an ample view of all the strategic
areas nearby so that they could ascertain the safety of
the fort. There were gaps in the walls for placing the
guns. The head of the fort is circular and made of red
brown stone. This fort, which is said to have been built
by Shivappa Nayaka of Bednore in 1650 for purely defence
purposes, has witnessed the rise and fall of several
dynasties. Its features clearly demonstrate that it was
built to fight off enemies. The holes at the top were used
for aiming cannons at foes at a distance, those in the
middle were used to fight off enemy armies who were nearer
while the lowermost holes were used for firing cannons at
the enemies who were located close by. The defence of the
fort was further strengthened by the surrounding trenches
and the zigzag entrance. The fort has an arsenal for
storing ammunition with broad steps that lead towards the
observation tower. Built by Tipu Sultan in the 18th
century, the observation tower affords an impressive view
of the towns close by such as Kanhangad, Pallikkara,
Bekal, Kottikkulam and Uduma. It is also from here that
the visitor gets a spectacular view of the rocky coastline
of the Arabian Sea. The most attractive features of this
fort are the beautiful walkway and the illuminated beach.
It was not a centre of administration hence there are no
remains of any palace here. However a temple and a Durbar
dating back to the times of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were
discovered at this site. Some coins of this period were
also there among the discoveries.
The fort has quite a few unusual features, the most
important of which is the water tank with its flight of
steps. Then there is the opening of the tunnel
towards the south, and a broad incline leading to the
observation tower. The main gate which is on the eastern
side is protected by bastions. The fort area consists of
walls, walkways and bastions with trenches surrounding the
entire complex. The trenches and the zigzag entrance were
a part of the defences of the fort. Other heritage sites
near the fort are the ancient mosque, the Mukhyaprana
temple of Hanuman and an old 9th-century lake nearby.
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