I had heard about the existence of a fort in Chikkajala on the way to Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport. So we went one afternoon to look for it after visiting Devanahalli Fort. It is actually quite a serene place just off the Chikkajala Flyover, but not really a fort. There is a small portion of a circular wall, a small temple fronted by a pond (kalyani) and a pillared enclosure of sorts lying in a state of abandon. It will not take you more than 15 minutes to go around. Wild vegetation is growing everywhere especially in the pillared area making it a bit scary to walk inside for fear of snakes.
So what is the history behind the place? Information is hard to come by.
Which period of time does the place belong to?
Was there really a fort?
Could it have been a town centre or a market place or a pilgrimage centre?
What purpose did the pillared area serve?
Is it Chikkajala or Chikkajaala?
Was some of it (or most of it) lost to the highway that came up?
Why is it in a state of neglect?
As you can see I have many questions but no answers or ideas. Here are some pictures of the place.
All this art found on the steps of the pond.
Kirana Bhat 