Bhuvanagiri also known as Bhongir, Bhongiri is the largest municipality in Nalgonda district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Located in the Bhongir Hill, the town lies on the National Highway 202 about 48 km from the state capital, Hyderabad. The Hill has a fort built in the period of the King Vikramaditya VI. The Hill is more than 500 feet high spread about 40 acres.
History of Bhongir Fort
The town of Bhongir has been popular is famous for its fort. It was established during the rule of the Kakatiya Dynasty. The Fort was built by Tri-bhuvana-malla Vikramaditya VI, a western Chalukya ruler, on an isolated monolithic rock. The fort was then named as Tribhuvanagiri. Gradually it came to be known as Bhuvanagiri and subsequently Bhongir.
The Bhongir Fort was built during the 12th century. The fort has been built artistically and intricately designed. The architecture of the fort has been magnificently planned. It is typically an egg-shaped edifice with two points for entrance. The fort has been confined by a huge rock that had made it almost unassailable by invaders and enemies. Bhongir Fort elevates 609.6 meters above the sea level. The Bhongir Fort is enclosed by a vast underground chamber, trap doors, an armoury, stables, ponds, wells and others. The Bala Hisar or citadel on the top of the hill gives a panoramic view of the neighbouring area.
Bhongir fort has been associated with the rule of the gallant queen Rudra Amma Devi and her grandson Pratapa Rudra. Various legends have been associated with the fort like once there was an underground corridor connecting Bhongir Fort to Golconda Fort.
A mosque was also built within the fort on the hill. However, only a few signs are still remaining like that of the structures of the fort. The main door of the fort about 500 meters from the base of the fort has many stories related to it. Tourists can also get a glimpse of the Hanuman Temple that is located on the hill.
Demography of Bhuvanagiri
As of 2001 India census, Bhongir had a population of 47,451. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Bhongir has an average literacy rate of 70%. With time the education system has also developed. Many colleges have been established here like Government Jr College, SLNS Degree College, Girls Jr College and Aurora`s Engineering College (located near by raigiri)
