Gingee Fort

Jinji Fort is located in the Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu. Jinji Fort is one of the oldest forts in Tamil Nadu and is known for its architectural excellence. In the past, the British called Jinji Fort as the Troy of the East. The fort is located on three hills, Krishnagiri, Rajagiri and Chakilia Durg. Krishnagiri to the north, Rajagiri to the west and Chakilia Durg to the south east. Together these three hills form a fort complex. These forts are surrounded by huge walls 800 feet high. The total length of the wall is 13 km. The fort is maintained by the Archaeological Department of India. The construction of the fort was started by the Kon dynasty in the 13th century and the rest of the construction was done by the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century. The fort was later ruled alternately by the Mughals, the British and the French. The fort was finally abandoned by the ruling Marathas in the 19th century. The Kalyan Mahal and other structures at the entrance of the fort are built in the Islamic style.