We Attack a 13th-Century Fortress

Our upper-grade school excursion took us to Gingee Fort. It was a very energy-consuming day, but so worthwhile for history buffs. This fort is just soaked in history, having been built during the the 13th century Chola Dynasty. It was besieged and possessed by every ruling faction through the centuries, including the French and English. Read more about it by searching "Gingee" on Wikipedia.


The objective, 800 feet up and nearly impregnable. One Mughal army lay siege for 7 years before they finally took the place.


We begin the adventure, supposing that a journey of 2,000 steps begins with the first one.


Up we go on ancient stairs past ageless trees. Who knows what people and passages were witnessed by these granite sentinels?


Some of the local citizens take time for grooming. They showed no fear and seemed to wonder what we were doing traipsing through their living room.


I have this same photo at BaDaLing on the Great Wall of China.


We went through several passageways in the various walled areas as we made our way up. You see a guard tower to the left.


Vickie helps a student from another school navigate the very steep steps. I can't imagine that soldiers went up and down these too often. If they did they would have been in great shape.


Two of our kids tempting gravity at the top of the citadel. It really is a spectacular view.


Looking from the top guard window across to the Ranigiri, or queen's fort, atop a neighboring hill.


Most of the students and teachers squeeze together at the very top. Whew!


What goes up must come down. Vickie and Vijayalakshmi help each other down the steps after a very long and tiring climb. Vickie was the only adult female in our group to make it to the top.


We completed our morning with a nice roadside picnic, courtesy of the Rising Star cooks. Feeding folks outdoors is so easy when everyone eats with their hands. It was a good day.