Palakkad Fort: What Actually Happened (Facts + Sources)
The present stone fort you see in Palakkad was rebuilt in 1766 by Hyder Ali. Tipu Sultan later strengthened and used it, which is why the site is often called Tipu’s Fort. The Palakkad Raja’s request for military help in 1757 opened Mysore’s entry into Malabar. The British captured the fort in 1768, 1783, and 1790, renovating it for their Mysore campaigns.
Table of Contents
Palakkad Fort (Tipu’s Fort), Kerala — present stone structure dates to 1766.
The Origins of Palakkad Fort
A fortified site existed at Palakkad prior to Mysore’s rise in the region, under the local rulers known as the Palakkad Achans. The early phase is thin in the records, but its location—guarding the Palakkad Gap between the Malabar coast and the Tamil plains—made it strategically important.
Why Mysore Came to Kerala (1757)
In 1757, facing pressure from the Zamorin of Calicut, the Palakkad Raja (Kombi/Komi Achan) sought assistance from Hyder Ali, then faujdar of Dindigul. Hyder sent his brother-in-law Makhdoom Ali Khan with cavalry, infantry, and artillery. The combined Mysore–Palakkad force pushed the Zamorin back to the coast and imposed terms. This request effectively opened the door to Mysore’s entry into Malabar.
The 1766 Rebuild — Hyder Ali’s Role
In 1766, Hyder Ali rebuilt/refortified Palakkad Fort in stone. The robust ramparts and the moat reflect an 18th-century Mysorean military design, part of Hyder’s push to secure routes and influence across Malabar.
Tipu Sultan’s Contribution
Tipu Sultan subsequently strengthened and garrisoned the fort during his Kerala campaigns. This association popularised the name “Tipu’s Fort.” The main structural rebuild, however, is credited to Hyder Ali (1766).
Who Planned or Engineered It?
Many Mysorean fortification projects in this era drew on French military engineering know-how (e.g., Srirangapatna). However, for Palakkad Fort specifically, no named architect or chief engineer is reliably documented in accessible government or standard academic sources. Conclusion: French influence is plausible; a specific named planner for Palakkad is not established in the record.
British Captures & Renovations
- 1768 — Captured briefly by Col. Wood (British); Hyder Ali retakes it within months.
- 1783 — Captured by Col. Fullarton after an 11-day siege; abandoned in 1784.
- 1790 — Captured by Col. Stuart (British), then renovated as a base for operations leading to the fall of Srirangapatna in the Third Anglo-Mysore War.
Subsequently, the fort served as a garrison and, by the early 20th century, as a taluk office. Today it’s a centrally protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Quick Timeline
- Pre-18th century: Local Palakkad rulers maintain a fort at the site.
- 1757: Palakkad Raja invites Hyder Ali; Mysorean troops (under Makhdoom Ali Khan) defeat the Zamorin’s advance.
- 1766: Hyder Ali rebuilds Palakkad Fort in stone.
- 1768: British capture; Hyder retakes.
- 1783–84: British capture and then abandon.
- 1790: British capture and renovate as a forward base.
- 19th–20th century: Garrison ? civil (taluk) use.
Visiting Today
The fort sits near Palakkad town center. Outer grounds are generally accessible in daylight; inner sections/museum may keep separate timings. Respect ASI rules on preservation.
Sources
- Government of Kerala — Kerala Tourism: Palakkad Fort
- Government of India — Palakkad District (History & Fort page): Palakkad Fort
- Imperial Gazetteer summaries, Anglo–Mysore War narratives (captures in 1768, 1783, 1790).
- K. V. Krishna Ayyar, The Zamorins of Calicut (context on Zamorin–Palakkad–Mysore conflicts).
- UNESCO/ASI notes on Mysorean fortifications (context for French engineering influence; no named engineer for Palakkad identified).
FAQ
Who rebuilt Palakkad Fort into its present form?
Hyder Ali in 1766. Tipu Sultan later strengthened and used it, hence the nickname “Tipu’s Fort.”
Did the Palakkad Raja invite Hyder Ali to Kerala?
Yes. In 1757, the Palakkad Raja sought Mysore’s help against the Zamorin. Hyder’s forces under Makhdoom Ali Khan pushed the Zamorin’s troops back.
Is there a named architect or engineer for the 1766 rebuild?
No reliable primary source names a specific architect for Palakkad Fort. French military engineers were active in Mysore’s fortification works, but a named plan