Kondapalli Fort, Krishna

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Kondapalli Fort, Krishna

Description about Kondapalli Fort

The fort is located 16 km away towards West from Vijayawada City and is built on a hill.

History of Kondapalli Fort

Prolaya Vema Reddy,constructed this fort during 14th Century. The king used to visit this fort for relaxation and recreation. It was the residence of "Bhogamalas" meaning the prostitutes of the kings. Near the fort, there is a Dargah of a Persian Saint, Gareeb Saheeb. A legend goes that the palace women and the saint were always at loggerheads. Unable to bear the trouble, the queen of the palace ordered the beheading of the Saint. Even after he was beheaded the Saint fought valiantly and dragged the fort soldiers to a distance of 20 km without his head.

Kondapally Toys

Kondapalli toys are made of softwood, known as Tella Poniki. Apart from Poniki wood, sawdust, tamarind seed powder, enamel gums and watercolours are used in making these toys. After carving the toy on wood, a paste made of tamarind, wood and sawdust is used for giving further shapes and attaching limbs etc., to the toy. This paste is also used for giving the final touch. The toy is then left for a day or two to dry,after sudda (White lime) colour is painted on the toy.

When the toys are dried, artists colour the toy. Two sets of Kondapalli toys are most prominent. The village set constitutes toys of various occupations of people in the village. The artists choose colors symbolizing the character of the image. The influence of Islamic idiom is prominent in some of the toys.

It is believed that these artists had migrated from Rajasthan. This can be known from their craft, which has the influence of 17th Century Rajasthani style in features(pointed nose and veil over the head).

How to Reach Kondapalli Fort:

• Kondapalli is 16 km from Vijayawada.
• From Vijayawada, Kondapalli is connected by road.
• Private transport also available.

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