The Strategic Construction

Built in 1784, Sultan Bathery was ordered by Tipu Sultan, the king of the Kingdom of Mysore, to prevent the British navy from approaching the Gurupura River from its mouth. The watchtower was a part of a large and intricate system of coastal defences which was developed to safely defend the region's most important ports and trade routes from the colonial invaders.

A Testament to Resistance

The etymology of "Bathery" "represents its initial role as a battery, a military fortification strongly armed with artillery. The fortification had a major effect on Tipu Sultan's military strategy, and therefore it provided a place to look down on the waterway traffic. In spite of the lapse of time, Sultan Bathery represents the lasting memory of the determined builders and the past turbulent events for the rule over India’s coastal region.

Architecture: A Mix of Power and Poise

This fort got its name Sultan Bathery since its construction was done using black stone from the neighboring areas, giving it a prominent and majestic look. Robust construction of the watchtower is a representation of the military engineering achievements of the time, and the extreme conditions of the coast and the fighting.

Though largely functional, there are also aesthetic elements in the architecture of Sultan Bathery. The walls house intricate carvings and ornamental designs that are a reflection of the artistic inclinations of that era. The carefully designed windows and apertures allowed the defenders to have the best possible views to the river, and also to be able to communicate with each other securely between the various parts of the fort.

The real thrill of Sultan Bathery comes with the discovery of its underground chamber. The subterranean chamber was originally used to store ammunition and give the area an unmistakable air of mystery and adventure. By roaming this hidden chamber, visitors would have a vivid sense of what the builders intended to achieve by their engineering ingenuity and foresight.