Chakkiliya Durg: The Third Hill of the Gingee Fort Complex

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Chakkiliya Durg: The Third Hill of the Gingee Fort Complex

The third fort of the legendary Gingee complex bears the intriguing name of Chakkiliya Durg or Chamar Tikri – literally meaning “the fort of the Chamars” or “the fort of the cobblers.” This nomenclature has puzzled historians and archaeologists for generations, as the exact reason behind this designation remains shrouded in mystery. The name suggests a connection to a specific community or occupation, but historical records provide limited insight into why this particular hill acquired such a designation.

Theories Behind the Name

Several theories attempt to explain the unusual naming of Chakkiliya Durg:

Military Occupational Theory: The most plausible explanation suggests that royal Chamar warriors and specialized military craftsmen were stationed here during Gingee’s peak as a military stronghold. As Gingee was fundamentally a military encampment of immense strategic importance, it would have required a substantial support infrastructure. Royal saddlers, military shoemakers, leather workers, and equipment maintainers would have been essential for maintaining the cavalry, infantry, and general military apparatus.

Craft Specialization Hub: Given the fort’s military nature, Chakkiliya Durg may have served as a specialized quarter where skilled leather workers, cobblers, and harness makers established their workshops. These craftsmen would have been crucial for maintaining military equipment, cavalry gear, and footwear for the large garrison stationed across the three hills.

Community Settlement: Another possibility is that a significant settlement of the Chamar community, known for their expertise in leather work and military support roles, established itself on this hill during one of the fort’s many phases of occupation.

Strategic Significance Within the Complex

Chakkiliya Durg forms part of Gingee’s unique three-hill defense system, alongside Rajagiri (the primary hill) and Krishnagiri. This tri-hill configuration made Gingee one of the most impregnable fortresses in peninsular India, earning it the title “Troy of the East” from the British. The fort’s might and impenetrable nature have earned it the appellation of the “Troy of the East” from the English, and Shivaji ranked it as the “most impregnable fortress in India”.

Unlike most Indian forts, which were typically built on a single hill, Gingee Fort is spread across three hills Rajagiri, Krishnagiri, and Chandrayandurg each with independent fortifications. This made it nearly impossible for enemy forces to capture all sections at once.Even if one or two hills fell to attackers, the remaining citadels could continue resistance, making prolonged sieges extremely difficult for invading armies. The walls were constructed of strong blocks of granite, testimony to the advanced engineering capabilities of the medieval builders.

Chakkiliya Durg

Current Archaeological Status

Today, both Chandrayan Durg and Chakkiliya Durg present a melancholic picture of historical decay and natural reclamation. As recorded in archaeological surveys, there is nothing much left of these two hills compared to the relatively better-preserved Rajagiri. The fortress remains are scattered across the hillsides, with ancient stone walls, bastions, and defensive structures barely visible through centuries of neglect and environmental weathering.

The flanks of both hills are now completely overwhelmed by thorny shrubs, wild vegetation, and scattered stone fragments from collapsed structures. This dense undergrowth has made archaeological exploration extremely challenging, concealing what might be significant historical remains beneath layers of natural overgrowth. The thorny bushes, predominantly consisting of native scrubland species, have created an almost impenetrable barrier that protects the ruins from casual damage but also hides them from systematic study.

Scattered stone pieces, remnants of once-mighty walls and structures, lie strewn across the hillsides. These granite fragments, some still bearing traces of the original construction techniques, serve as silent witnesses to the fort’s former grandeur. The stones, weathered by monsoons and scorched by the Tamil Nadu sun, have taken on a patina that speaks of centuries of abandonment.

The Fourth Hill and Lesser Fortifications

Beyond the three primary hills, there exists a smaller and strategically less significant fourth elevation, whose summit also bears evidence of ancient fortification. While not as extensively developed as the main three hills, this fourth hill demonstrates the comprehensive nature of Gingee’s defensive planning. Every available elevation in the area was considered for fortification, creating multiple layers of defense that would have challenged any invading force.

Archaeological Challenges and Opportunities

Despite their ruined state, both Chandrayan Durg and Chakkiliya Durg present significant opportunities for archaeological research and historical understanding. The thorny shrubs and stone debris that now cover these sites may have inadvertently preserved important artifacts, inscriptions, and structural elements that could shed light on the fort’s complex history.

The current condition of these hills also offers unique trekking opportunities for adventure enthusiasts, though the terrain is challenging and requires careful navigation through the dense vegetation and unstable stone fragments.

Historical Context and Significance

Chakkiliya Durg must be understood within the broader context of Gingee’s remarkable history. The 12th century witnessed the laying of the foundation stones for Gingee Fort by the Kon dynasty. It is believed that it was originally built by Ananta Kon around 1190 AD and further fortification was done by his descendent Krishna Kon in the 13th century. The fort complex subsequently witnessed the rise and fall of multiple dynasties, including the Cholas, Vijayanagara Empire, Marathas, Tipu Sultan’s forces, Mughals, French, and British.

Recent Recognition

The historical importance of the entire Gingee complex, including Chakkiliya Durg, has been formally recognized. The fort was brought under official protection in 1921, when the Archaeological Survey of India declared it a National Monument. More than a century later, on 12 July 2025, Gingee was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the Maratha Military Landscapes.

Conservation Needs

The current state of Chakkiliya Durg highlights the urgent need for comprehensive archaeological survey, documentation, and conservation efforts. The dense vegetation, while protecting some structures from erosion, also accelerates the decay of others through root damage and moisture retention. A systematic clearing and conservation program could reveal significant historical features currently hidden beneath the overgrowth.

The mystery of why this hill was specifically associated with the Chamar community remains one of the intriguing historical puzzles of the Gingee complex, waiting for future archaeological discoveries to provide clearer answers about its unique role in this magnificent fortress system.

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