First public sector caravan park in Kerala to come up at Bekal

Subject :History

Section: Medieval India

Context:

Kerala has decided to set up a caravan park at Bekal fort in Kasaragod district of Kerala.
Proposals to set up more caravan parks at Ponmudi in Thiruvananthapuram and Bolgatty Palace in Kochi.

Details:

The caravan park at Bekal will be the first public sector park in the State.
Currently, there is only one caravan park in the State named ‘Karavan Meadows’, run by a private player at Wagamon.

Bekal fort:

Bekal Fort is a medieval fort built by Shivappa Nayaka of Keladi in 1650 AD, at Bekal. It is the largest fort in Kerala, spreading over 40 acres (160,000 m2).
Structure:
- The fort appears to emerge from the sea. Almost three-quarters of its exterior is in contact with water.
- An important feature is the water-tank, magazine and the flight of steps leading to an observation tower built by Tipu Sultan.
- Its solid construction resembles the Thalassery Fort and the St. Angelo Fort at Kannur built by the Dutch.
Historical perspective:
- After the Battle of Talikota in 1565 feudatory chieftains including the Keladi Nayakas (Ikkeri Nayaks) became powerful in the region. Bekal served as a hub to first dominate, then later defend Malabar.
- The economic importance of this port town prompted the Nayakas to fortify Bekal subsequently. Hiriya Venkatappa Nayaka initiated the construction of the fort and it was completed in 1650 AD by Shivappa Nayaka.
- Chandragiri fort near Kasargod was also built during this period.
- The struggles between the Kolathiries and nayaks to hold this area ended when Hyder Ali conquered the Nayakas and Bekal fell into the hands of Mysore kings.

Source: TH