Kurumbera Fort, Medieval fort in Gaganeshwar, India.
Kurumbera Fort is a medieval fortification in the village of Gaganeshwar in Odisha. The structure features a spacious courtyard enclosed by arched corridors supported by 69 original stone pillars, with a three-domed structure sitting on a raised platform.
The structure was built between 1438 and 1469 under the Suryavamsi Gajapati dynasty of Odisha. After Mughal forces arrived in the region, architectural elements reflecting their style were gradually integrated into the original design.
The name Kurumbera comes from local dialect words: 'kurum' means stone and 'bera' means fence, reflecting how the structure served as a fortified gathering place for religious ceremonies and community events.
The fort sits about 4 kilometers from Keshiari town and can be reached via well-maintained, tree-lined roads. You will need your own transportation to get from Keshiari town to the site.
Despite being classified as a fort, the structure lacks typical defensive features such as bastions or gun emplacements. Instead, it contains a sacrificial altar, suggesting it primarily served as a place for religious gatherings rather than military defense.
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