Manora fort is situated 20 km away from the town of Pattukottai, Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, India. It was built by a Maratha king, Serfoji II in early 19th century. Serfoji II built this fort to showcase the win over Napolean army by the British army in the battle of waterloo. This fort also served as a base camp for the Britisher in many battles and also as a store house of their arms.
Its 230 meters high towers acted as the watch tower and also as the light house for the ships coming that way in the bay of bengal. The 8 storey tower was said to overlook a part of distant country Sri Lanka across the bay of bengal, a claim still unproven. It is said that the Lankan traders used to come to Manora and traded goods with their Indian counterparts.
Their are many claims regarding treasure Serfoji might have hidden inside the mazes of the fort. This claim resulted in the locals to damage the campus in search of the treasures but yielding none. Neglect from maintainance has already cost the heritage building severely that public are allowed to go until the 2nd floor of the 8 storey tower in fear of collapse of the tower. Also, it is claimed that an underground passege from this fort leads to the big temple in Thanjavur, 65 km away.
Many plans were tabled to improve the fort but all remained in the papers without moving further. The sea near the fort was planned to develop water sports, but when we got there the sea was filled with weeds and was in black in colour without much fanfare. The place was deserted with no tourists or even any persons in sight. Only the new modern lighthouse with a high gated compound looks fresh.
Without proper funds and government order it is impossible to bring back the glory of Manora, already ravage by peoples ignorance and natural disaster like the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. There are many age old legacies waiting behind the strong gates of Manora waiting to be told and revived.
Its 230 meters high towers acted as the watch tower and also as the light house for the ships coming that way in the bay of bengal. The 8 storey tower was said to overlook a part of distant country Sri Lanka across the bay of bengal, a claim still unproven. It is said that the Lankan traders used to come to Manora and traded goods with their Indian counterparts.
Their are many claims regarding treasure Serfoji might have hidden inside the mazes of the fort. This claim resulted in the locals to damage the campus in search of the treasures but yielding none. Neglect from maintainance has already cost the heritage building severely that public are allowed to go until the 2nd floor of the 8 storey tower in fear of collapse of the tower. Also, it is claimed that an underground passege from this fort leads to the big temple in Thanjavur, 65 km away.
Many plans were tabled to improve the fort but all remained in the papers without moving further. The sea near the fort was planned to develop water sports, but when we got there the sea was filled with weeds and was in black in colour without much fanfare. The place was deserted with no tourists or even any persons in sight. Only the new modern lighthouse with a high gated compound looks fresh.
Without proper funds and government order it is impossible to bring back the glory of Manora, already ravage by peoples ignorance and natural disaster like the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. There are many age old legacies waiting behind the strong gates of Manora waiting to be told and revived.
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