Bobbili Fort
The founder of the House of Bobbili, Pedda Rayudu, was the 15th descendant of the Rajas of Venkatagiri. He came into the area as part of the contingent of Golconda Fauzdar Sher (Tiger) Mohammad Khan. He founded the town, built a fort, and named it Pedda Puli (Great Tiger) after the name of his patron. With the passage of time, the name was corrupted to Pebbuli, Bebbuli, and finally Bobbili. The town was almost wiped out during the war against Vizianagaram, which ended in the tragic massacre. Though no remnants exist of the original Bobbili fort, there are numerous palaces that serve as residences for the royal family. The Durbar Mahal was built in 1893 as a meeting hall where the Raja held his court and received royal emissaries. Two stone elephants stand guard on either side of the steps leading to the ‘Durbar’. Today, the first floor houses a museum of various artifacts pertaining to the Bobbili of yore, while the lower floor is used as the office. It is 60 KM away from Vizianagaram Town.
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The Two Fort Gates (inner and outer)
The fort is said to have been built in 1403 CE. It covers an area of 76 acres with a perimeter of about 2515 yards. Originally, it had only one entrance and later on, one more gate was added. The first gatewas built using lime mortar. The arch and the sides are built with granite stones in lime mortar and iron. The doors are made of strong wood. There is a small door to its left side, for individuals to enter. Its massive wooden doors aredressed in granite stones with cement mortar. On the top of the gateway is a Persian inscription which exhorts the devout muslim to trust in Ali and Muhammad to ward off the difficult moments of life.
Ballarpur Fort
Ballarpur Fort is the oldest area in Ballarpur. It was built by Gond King Khandkya Ballal Sah in 13th century. On the death of Gond king Surja alias Ser Sah, his son Khandkya Ballal came to the throne. This prince had tumours all over his body. He was looked after by his wise and beautiful wife. When no remedy could heal Khandkya she induced him to leave Sirpur and reside on the northern bank of the Wardha, where he erected a fort named Ballarpur. Khandkya Ballal thus founded Ballarpur. Later he left Ballarpur and erected another fort in Chandrapur.