Chandragiri

Chandragiri is a historical place in Andhra Pradesh, a state of India. It was the third capital of Vijayanagara Empire. Since their second capital Penuconda was under constant threat from Qutb Shahi and Adil Shahi rulers, the Vijayanagal rulers shifted their capital to Chandragiri (Chittoor) by 1585. It remained their capital till 1646.

Situated at about 11 kms north east of Tirumala Hills, Chandragiri has natural defences with a ring of hills surrounding it. It has an upper fort, reputed to date from 1000 AD situated on a 183m (600 ft) rocky hill. At the base of the hill there are defensive walls and gateways, two well preserved palaces, a tank and other civic structures.

However, the palace is an early seventeenth century specimen of south Indian architecture combining Hindu and Muslim styles. It is 45.7m (150 feet) long with a three storeyed façade of pointed arches and pyramidal towers. It consists of a centrally located Durbar Hall. The hall is surrounded by a two storeyed colonnade, which acts as a clerestorey, allowing light to penetrate the space. The Main palace and the ancillary structures have stucco facades and variations of Vijayanagara style.

Nearby pages
Chandragiri Fort, Chandragiri Vidhan Sabha Constituency, Chandragupta Maurya, Chandrahanta, Chandrahas the king