History

First known history of the city was from 14th century. It was the capital of local kingdom of Langula Gajapati, chieftain to Gajapatis of Orissa. It came under rule of Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagara around 1512. Fort was inaccessible on most sides. It could be only penetrated on a jungle track in east side and a pathway on west side. The siege lasted for an year and resulted in loss for Prataparudra of Gajapatis.

During the reign of Gajapatis and Vijayanagara Empire, the fort was extended. The entire city and the surrounding hill of 1000 feet height were circled with walls. Fort consisted of thirteen buildings, eight on the hill and five below. It also consisted of several temples and gardens.

After the fall of Vijayanagara Empire, it was ruled by chieftains of Golconda rulers. The mosque on top of the hill has two Persian inscriptions that credits the construction of mosque and planting a near by garden to Shaik Husain, chieftain to Sultan Abdullah of Golconda. Then it came under the Nawabs of Arcot, who granted it to Mustafa Ali Khan as Jagir. His descendants controlled it till 1839, till they were deported by Nawabs again to Chengalput for their treason.