Puthiyakotta(which translates to ‘New Fort’), also known by its former nameHosdurg Fort, is a fort in Kanhangad which is part ofKasaragod district inKerala state.[1] Puthiyakotta with its round bastion looks imposing from a distance.Somashekara Nayaka from theKeladi Nayaka dynasty ofIkkeri built this fort.
The place is made well known by the Nithyanandasram with 45 caves.[2] To the south-west of the fort is a temple that was also built by the Nayaks. The temple, dedicated to Shiva, is named the Poonkavanam Karpooreswara Temple.[3]
Hosdurg Fort, also known as Puthiyakotta ("New Fort") was constructed in the early 18th century bySomashekara Nayaka of theKeladi Nayaka dynasty to consolidate their control over northern Kerala after defeating theKolathiri chieftains.[4] The fort’s strategic hilltop location allowed the Nayakas to monitor coastal trade routes and defend against regional rivals. A square watchtower and seven round bastions provided observation and overlapping fields of fire.[5] In 1763,Hyder Ali’s forces overran the region, and later, following his defeat in 1799, theEast India Company assumed control, using the fort as a local administrative post until its decline in the mid‑19th century.[6]
Hosdurg Fort (Puthiyakotta) occupies a low hillock and is constructed almost entirely of finely dressedlaterite stones set in lime mortar, characteristic ofKeladi Nayaka military works of the 18th century.[4] Its roughly square plan is strengthened at each corner by imposing round bastions that once supported battlements and provided overlapping fields of fire.[4] A massive rectangular watchtower rising from the southeastern rampart and reached by a stone‑hewn ramp commands panoramic views, while broad wall‑walks link the bastions and enabled rapid troop movements around the perimeter.[6] Internally, vestiges of vaulted chambers and stone‑flagged courtyards hint at the fort's dual role as a defensive stronghold and administrative centre under the Keladi Nayakas.[7]
12°18′33″N75°05′38″E / 12.309297°N 75.093801°E /12.309297; 75.093801
