Madakasira Fort

Madakasira Fort, also known as Simhagiri, is a historic hill fort located in the town of Madakasira in Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh. It was established in 1492 by Siruda Rangappa Nayaka, who founded the present-day Madakasira near an older village called Madakapalle. The fort was initially a small stronghold but grew in strategic importance over time. In the 17th century, it was under local chiefs who acknowledged the Vijayanagara Empire's suzerainty.

During the 18th century, the fort changed hands multiple times, controlled alternately by Maratha ruler Murari Rao, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore, the Nizam of Hyderabad, and eventually the British by 1800. Madakasira Fort features several significant structures, including seven gates, temples like Sri Ramalingeswara and Venkateswara, water ponds near temples, and a unique hilltop construction called Singe-moothi ("face of lion") with four pillars and a large bell, built to detect enemies from afar.

Other notable features on the hilltop include a palace known as Rani Mahal, a horse shed, a gym, and food storage areas. The fort's walls and structures are made of hard stone and strong concrete that have endured for centuries. Though some parts have suffered damage over time, the fort remains a symbol of the region’s layered history and architectural heritage.

It is recognized as a Monument of National Importance and draws visitors interested in its martial past and scenic location overlooking the town and plains. The fort hosts cultural events, including Shivratri celebrations, and there are ongoing efforts to improve access and tourist facilities.