A structural collapse was discovered at Manjarabad Fort, the star‑shaped bastion near Sakleshpura in Hassan district, Karnataka, where a portion of the fort used as a resting spot for soldiers caved in overnight following heavy rain on August 2, 2025. The damage was first noticed by fort security guards the following morning.
Conservation experts have long warned that the structural integrity of Karnataka’s hilltop forts is highly susceptible to water-induced damage. Over decades, improper water drainage systems and neglect in maintaining mortar joints have allowed seepage to erode the internal layers of stone walls. In the case of Manjarabad, the recent collapse is a symptom of this unchecked deterioration, which could worsen with every monsoon if not addressed with urgency.
Local historians are raising alarms that the fort’s unique Indo-French architectural blend is now at critical risk. Manjarabad Fort is among the rare few that employed European military design techniques in India, making it a living document of Tipu Sultan’s alliance with French forces. Any loss of structural detail, they argue, is not just physical damage but an erosion of a significant historical narrative.
Residents of Sakleshpura, who rely on tourism as a primary livelihood, are concerned that the incident could lead to a prolonged shutdown of the fort for repairs, affecting local businesses. They have called on the district administration and the state’s tourism department to expedite both restoration and promotional activities to mitigate the fallout on the town’s economy.
Urban heritage conservationists have pointed out that the collapse underscores a chronic gap in maintenance funding and periodic audits for monuments managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). They argue that while funds are often allocated on paper, their execution on the ground is hampered by bureaucratic delays, leading to reactive—not preventive—conservation.
Environmentalists emphasize that climate patterns in the Western Ghats region are intensifying, with erratic rainfall becoming more frequent. Heritage sites, often built centuries ago without accounting for such changes, are ill-equipped to withstand the combined assault of heavy rains and modern-day neglect. They are urging for a climate-resilient conservation strategy that includes water management upgrades, drainage rehabilitation, and periodic structural reinforcements.
The Manjarabad incident has reignited debates on the need for a dedicated Heritage Disaster Risk Reduction (HDRR) framework in Karnataka. Activists are lobbying for a state-level task force that would not only oversee structural integrity checks but also integrate environmental risk assessments, ensuring monuments are safeguarded against natural calamities.
Academics are also highlighting that the collapse should serve as an educational moment. Universities offering architecture and conservation studies should involve students in restoration projects, providing hands-on learning while augmenting the limited manpower of state conservation agencies. Collaborative restoration could bring fresh expertise into preserving Karnataka’s tangible history.
Background
Constructed between 1785 and 1792 by Tipu Sultan, Manjarabad Fort is an architectural gem built in the shape of an eight‑pointed star, following French military design. Located about 4 km from Sakleshpura on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru highway and standing at 3,393 ft above sea level, it offers panoramic views and remains a key tourist attraction and filming location.
Current Status
Sakleshpura’s Assistant Commissioner Shruti confirmed that authorities from the Archaeological Department were immediately informed, and a site visit was scheduled for Monday. The damaged section reportedly functioned as a shaded rest area for soldiers. No injuries have been reported as the fort was unoccupied at the time of collapse.
Significance & Architecture
The fort’s unique star‑design was engineered to deflect cannon fire, enabling defensive strength against all approaches. Built with granite blocks and designed to store rainwater at the centre, this fort is not only of strategic historical value but also a rare example of Indo‑French military collaboration during the Mysore era.
Environmental Causes
Precipitation had been persistent in Sakleshpura, weakening the masonry. Water ingress into the old stones likely caused loosening, leading to the collapse. Similar structural failures due to rain have been reported at other fragile heritage sites, highlighting vulnerability from rising rainfall intensity.
Policy experts are now emphasizing that Karnataka must adopt a comprehensive Heritage Conservation Act that goes beyond superficial maintenance and delves into structural health monitoring, disaster mitigation, and scientific restoration techniques. The current framework, they argue, is reactive—addressing damage only after incidents like the Manjarabad collapse occur. A robust policy should institutionalize annual structural audits, mandate the use of modern technologies like 3D mapping and ground-penetrating radar for early detection of vulnerabilities, and ensure that conservation funds are allocated with transparent accountability. Without a legal infrastructure that prioritizes heritage as an asset integral to the state’s cultural economy, Karnataka risks losing not just monuments but the living history they represent.
Environmental planners are also urging the government to integrate heritage conservation into urban and regional planning models. They point out that many forts, including Manjarabad, were originally built with sophisticated water management systems, but modern neglect has rendered these designs ineffective against today’s rainfall patterns. Restoring traditional drainage mechanisms, while upgrading them to withstand contemporary environmental pressures, could serve as a dual-purpose strategy—preserving historical authenticity while enhancing structural resilience. Conservation, they stress, cannot be siloed from environmental sustainability; the two must be approached holistically to ensure long-term preservation.
Architectural historians have suggested that Karnataka establish a ‘Heritage Emergency Response Cell’ comprising experts in conservation architecture, structural engineering, and environmental science. This task force could act swiftly in cases like Manjarabad, assessing damage within 24 to 48 hours and recommending immediate stabilization measures. Unlike current ad-hoc responses, this specialized unit would ensure that no time is lost in initiating rescue and restoration operations, minimizing further degradation and reducing financial costs in the long run. Such an initiative would place Karnataka at the forefront of proactive heritage management in India.
From a socio-cultural perspective, the collapse of the fort has ignited discussions on the need for community participation in heritage stewardship. Experts argue that involving local communities in basic maintenance activities, guided by experts, would foster a deeper emotional connection to these monuments. When communities perceive heritage structures as extensions of their identity rather than distant tourist spots, there is a natural impetus to safeguard them. Educational programs, heritage walks, and participatory conservation drives could cultivate a culture where preservation becomes a grassroots movement rather than a top-down administrative function.
Ultimately, the Manjarabad Fort collapse serves as a watershed moment in Karnataka’s ongoing dialogue on heritage preservation. It encapsulates the urgent need for a paradigm shift—from viewing conservation as an ornamental activity confined to ceremonial events to recognizing it as a continuous, science-driven, community-supported process integral to the state’s cultural and economic fabric. The future of Karnataka’s forts, temples, and palaces hinges on this transition. Whether the state chooses to embrace this responsibility with the seriousness it demands will determine whether iconic structures like Manjarabad will continue to stand as proud symbols of the past or crumble into forgotten ruins of apathy.
Parallels & Precedent
In 2024, parts of Malkhed Fort in Kalaburagi district had collapsed twice within a month due to incessant rainfall causing erosion of ancient walls. Neither site had seen significant restoration recently, raising questions about maintenance of heritage structures across Karnataka.
Conservation Concerns
Manjarabad Fort has been under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) since 1965, yet regular monitoring of water damage and drainage management seems inadequate. Officials now emphasize the urgent need for preventive structural audits across heritage sites exposed to monsoon impacts.
Tourism & Local Impact
As a year-round tourist destination, the fort draws visitors for its pristine vantage points and historical ambiance. The collapse has triggered concerns over safety and prompted calls for restricting public access until restoration is complete and the structure is certified stable.
Historical Legacy at Stake
Over two centuries since its construction, Manjarabad Fort represents Karnataka’s rich medieval military heritage. The collapse not only dents its physical integrity but also endangers centuries of cultural identity tied to Tipu Sultan’s architectural innovations..webp)
Investigative Action & Restoration Plans
Officials from the archaeological department are expected to conduct structural assessments, including material durability tests and rainfall waterlogging analysis. Restoration funding and a timeline will likely be proposed based on these findings, with priority given to stabilizing remaining vulnerable sections.
Broader Takeaway
This incident reinforces a broader pattern: Karnataka’s historical forts, many centuries old, are under increasing stress from climate-linked rainfall. The Manjarabad collapse serves as a wake-up call for authorities to undertake proactive preservation before irreparable damage occurs.
Politicians across party lines are now being compelled to address heritage conservation as a governance issue. Opposition leaders have accused the ruling government of neglecting the maintenance of critical historical assets, demanding that fort restoration be treated as an infrastructure priority rather than an occasional cultural initiative.
In response, the Karnataka State Department of Archaeology is expected to propose an emergency restoration blueprint. This will include not just the structural rebuilding of the collapsed portion but also a comprehensive assessment of vulnerable sections within the fort, ensuring that similar incidents do not repeat in the near future.
Civic groups have begun organizing awareness drives to educate the public about the importance of preserving heritage structures. They stress that public engagement is crucial—not just in voicing demands for state intervention but also in fostering a sense of collective ownership over these monuments. The Manjarabad collapse, they argue, is a stark reminder that heritage preservation is not a passive government duty but a shared societal responsibility.
Follow: Karnataka Government
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