Karnataka is a South Indian state located on the western side of the Deccan region. The state was known as the kingdom of Mysore before being included in India as a constituent state in1956. The region has been ruled by many powerful dynasties during the ancient and medieval ages. The major dynasties that have ruled in Karnataka include the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Kadambas, Gangas, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, and the Hoysalas. The immensely powerful Vijayanagar Empire was also established here. In the middle of the 16th century, the region fell into the control of the Bijapur sultanate. The next prominent ruler was Haider Ali, whose son, Tipu Sultan, is one of the best known rulers of Karnataka and India. The major forts in Karnataka remind onlookers of the turbulent times that the structures have witnessed. The forts are also counted among the major tourist attractions in Karnataka.

Some important forts in Karnataka:

Bidar Fort:
Bidar was the capital of the Bahmani kingdom of Deccan before the kingdom disintegrated into the smaller states. The small remnant state of Bidar was overcome by the mughul forces under Aurangzeb in 1656. It came under the Nizams in 1724. The major attractions of the fort are the imposing gates, the ramparts and the Rangin Mahal, with its richly decorated interiors.

Gulbarga:
Gulbarga was famous as the Capital of the Bahmani kingdom from 1347 till 1428 when the kingdom disintegrated and the city came under the remnant sultanate of Bidar. The once mighty fort lies in ruins now, but some structures like the Jama Masjid which is an imitation of the famous mosque in Cordoba in Spain and the tombs of the Bahmani kings are well worth a visit to this fort.

Bijapur Fort:
This was the headquarters of the Adil Shahi dynasty after the founder Adil Shah whose reign is considered as the golden period of Bijapur. A landmark victory over the Vijayanagar Empire in the Battle of Talikota led to the rise of Bijapur as one of the most powerful dynasties in the Deccan. The Jama masjid had been built to commemorate that victory. The citadel, halls, passages and gardens still seem like frozen in time.The architecture of this fort is unique as it is a fusion of many prevalent styles. The tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah II (1586 � 1626) is one of the major attractions of the fort. The Bijapur fort still stands today with all its historical importance as one of the most impressive forts in Karnataka.

Vijayanagar Fort:
This city was famous all over the world during its heydays due to its architectural brilliance and impeccable town planning. The empire reached its zenith during the reign of Krishnadevaraya (1509-29). The capital is entirely in ruins now, but one can visualize the magnificence of the city from the scattered buildings and remains of the city walls. The ruins are spread over a vast area of 16 square kilometers and are among the most important places to visit in Karnataka.

Seringapatam Fort:
This fort was the abode of Tipu Sultan and the centre of his campaigns against the British. Located 16 kilometers from Mysore, the fort has one of the most attractive structures among the Karnataka Forts. The interiors are splendid examples of the architecture of that period. The paintings depicting Tipu Sultan�s wars against the British are among the special attractions of the fort.

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