Ranjankudi fort wall damaged in rain; ASI to carry out repairs soon

The fort, believed to have been constructed by a Jagirdar of the Nawab of Carnatic during the 17th century, was the site of a Battle of Valikondah between the English and the French in 1751.

The upper fort wall on the south east corner of Ranjankudikottai, a 17th century fortress near Perambalur, has suffered damages during the recent monsoon rains in the district.

The fort, believed to have been constructed by a Jagirdar of the Nawab of Carnatic during the 17th century, was the site of a Battle of Valikondah between the English and the French in 1751. In 1752, the fort was also the scene of surrender of French troops under D’Auteuil, which was sent to relieve the garrison at Srirangam. When D’Auteuil retreated to Ranjankudi, the Jagirdar took the side of the British and denied entry to the French troops to the upper level of the fort. D’Auteuil surrendered in the fort, according to a note on the history of fort in the official website of Perambalur district.

The fort is oblong in shape with semicircular bastions and a moat encircling it. There are three fortifications at different levels, built with cut stone blocks. The fort, one of the prominent tourist attractions in Perambalur, is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).