HISTORY

 In 1794, Tipu Sultan successfully built this fort, naming it after his beloved mother, Jamalabee. It was constructed over the ruins of an older structure. Inspired by the massive granitic rock, Tipu Sultan chose this location for its natural strength and suitability for defense. The fort, located on the eastern side of the hill, can only be accessed through a narrow path with approximately 1,876 granite-cut steps. Its strategic design allowed a smaller, well-armed unit to defend against much larger forces.

Historians believe that during Tipu Sultan’s reign, Christian Catholic priests from Mangalore who resisted conversion to Islam were captured and initially held at Jamalabad Fort before being moved to Srirangapatna. During the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799, the fort fell to the combined forces of the British East India Company, the Nizam of Hyderabad, and the Marathas after a fierce struggle. During this conflict, Tipu Sultan had allied himself with the French East India Company.

 Artillery Storage Room and the Ruins of Jamalabad Fort


The old cannon at the base of the boulder


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There are innumerable places in Karnataka which are still miles away from the limelight. One such place is Gadaikallu. Gadaikallu, also known as Narasimha Gada or Jamalabad Fort, is a striking 1,800-foot rock hill located near Killoor road, Belthangady in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district. In this context, the word "Gada" means "border," reflecting the area's deep cultural and historical significance. The hill is home to Jamalabad Fort, a structure built by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. Nestled within the scenic Western Ghats (specifically the Kudremukh Range), Gadaikallu attracts both hikers and history enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.
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