Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Description: Gingee Fort, also known as Senji Fort, is located in Tamil Nadu and is regarded as one of the most impregnable forts in the country. Its exceptional defensive design earned it the title “Troy of the East” from the British Empire. Over time, it was ruled by several powers, including the Vijayanagara Empire Nayaks, Bijapur Sultanate, Mughal Empire, Maratha Empire, and later the French and British. The fort is uniquely spread across three hills Rajgiri Hill, Krishnagiri Hill, and Chandragiri Hill enclosed by massive walls and a wide moat. The lower fort area extends over about 11 sq. km and includes temples, mosques, halls, and water tanks, forming a vast complex. Rajgiri, the highest hill, rises to about 800 meters and contains a citadel and the Ranganatha Temple Gingee with an empty sanctum. 

Along the ascent are the Kamalakanni Temple and Senji Amman Temple. The Krishnagiri fort also features Indo-Islamic architectural elements and a similar Ranganatha temple. In the lower complex, the Venkataramana Swamy Temple Gingee stands out for its detailed carvings from epics and Puranas. Nearby is the Anaikulam, once used for elephants. The Kalyan Mahal, an eight-storeyed structure, is an architectural highlight. Though the site was known earlier, major construction occurred under the Vijayanagara rulers in the 15th-16th centuries. Krishnappa Nayak strengthened the fort and built key structures, while Muthialu Nayak added the Venkataramana temple, making Gingee a powerful stronghold.