Thimmarasu’s Prison – A Silent Witness in Penukonda Fort
Penukonda Fort – An Overlooked Chapter of Vijayanagara Splendour
After the catastrophic fall of Hampi in 1565 CE following the Battle of Talikota, the glorious Vijayanagara Empire reeled under crisis. Amidst the ashes of destruction, the empire attempted to revive itself, choosing Penukonda, a strategically located town in present-day Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh, as its temporary capital.
Penukonda Fort, sprawling across the Penukonda hill, became the epicentre of this renewed assertion of power. With multiple layers of fortification, secret water tanks, watch towers, temples, and a rich blend of architectural styles, it remains a lesser-visited gem. Among its many hidden structures is a humble, almost unassuming building tied to one of the most tragic episodes in Vijayanagara history, the imprisonment of Timmarusu.
Who Was Timmarusu?
Mahapratihara Timmarusu was the trusted minister and mentor of Krishnadevaraya, one of the most celebrated emperors of South Indian history. Often remembered as the "Bhishma of Vijayanagara", Timmarusu had guided the young emperor through wars, diplomacy, and administration. His loyalty and wisdom were beyond question.
But fate played cruelly. In a politically motivated conspiracy, Timmarusu was accused of poisoning Krishnadevaraya's son. Believing this, the emperor ordered his loyal minister to be blinded and imprisoned. Years later, the truth emerged; Timmarusu had been falsely implicated. A devastated Krishnadevaraya sought forgiveness, but history had already etched its wound.
It is believed that this simple structure within Penukonda Fort served as Timmarusu's prison cell.
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The Structure – A Silent Storyteller
This solitary building, now identified as Thimmarasu’s jail, stands in poignant silence within the Penukonda Fort premises. While there are no definitive inscriptions confirming the association, local tradition and oral history have preserved the memory of this being the site of his incarceration.
Architectural Observations
The structure is modest in scale but holds layers of meaning in its design. Here's a closer look at its architectural features:
🏛 Superstructure (Shikhara)
The top portion of the building is shaped like a pyramidal roof, constructed in stepped tiers. The design mimics a temple vimana, though the structure is secular. The central tier rises in receding layers and culminates in a simple lotus-like finial.
🧱 Parapet and Ornamentation
Running along the top is a beautifully carved jharokha-style parapet, with pointed finials and miniature columns. This gives the building an elegant crown and blends Hindu and Indo-Islamic decorative motifs, characteristic of the Vijayanagara-Deccan phase.
🧩 Eaves and Brackets
The overhanging eaves are supported by heavy projected brackets (corbels), which are not only functional but also stylistically significant. Each bracket emerges from the wall in a stylized profile, with a tapering geometric design that adds a touch of visual rhythm. These are likely made of lime plaster over brick or stone core.
🚪 Facade and Openings
The entrance is a pointed arch doorway, minimal, with a hint of Islamic influence. Above it is a small window framed in a similar arch. The window would have allowed minimal light, adding to the claustrophobic nature of a prison cell.
🧱 Wall Finish
The building is plastered in lime stucco, now weathered with age. Despite the simplicity of its facade, the structure reflects a delicate balance between austerity and subtle detailing.
A Prison or a Memorial?
Whether or not Timmarusu spent his prison days here, the building's association with him has transformed it into a memorial to betrayal, loyalty, and regret. It reminds us that even the most powerful emperors could falter, and even the wisest ministers could fall victim to courtly intrigue.
In Conclusion
The Thimmarusu Prison in Penukonda Fort is not just another old building; it is a powerful symbol of the emotional fragility behind royal grandeur. As you stand before this small structure amidst the vast ruins of Penukonda, the silence feels heavy. It is as if the walls still echo with Timmarusu’s unspoken words, his pain, and his unwavering loyalty.
📌 Travel Tip: Penukonda is about 70 km from Anantapur and well-connected by road. The Fort complex requires some walking and light trekking. A visit to this forgotten chapter of history is rewarding for anyone interested in heritage, architecture, or human stories carved in stone.
Happy travelling.
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