While traveling from Sankeshwar towards Hukkeri on the Sankeshwar-Gokak highway, one comes across a small village named Nerli, located about 8 km from Sankeshwar. In this village stands a fort-like structure known as Inamdar Gadhi (fortified residence). Inside this gadhi is the Inamdar family's mansion, which, though aged and worn, is still in use today. A moat surrounds the entire gadhi, raising the question of whether it should be classified as a fort or a ground fort (Bhuikot). Located in the Hukkeri taluka of Belgaum district, this gadhi lies just 7 km from the town of Hukkeri. Upon arriving in Nerli, asking for Inamdar Fort will lead you directly to the moat in front of the main entrance. The moat is now partially filled with soil, and a footpath leads to the gadhi gate. On both sides of the path, one can still see some water collected in the moat. ... After crossing the moat, on the right-hand side, there is a small stone-built temple, and a newly built assembly hall (Sabhamandap) stands in front of it. Further ahead, a narrow enclosed path within the fort walls leads you into the gadhi. To the right of this path is another small temple, which houses an installed idol of the goddess (referred to as "Tandala"). The interior area of the gadhi spans about 3 acres and features four bastions built into the walls. Most of the fort walls and bastions are now in ruins. Besides the four bastions in the wall, there is also one tall standalone bastion, which can be accessed via a staircase. A new temple dedicated to a goddess has been built on this bastion, which is the highest point in the gadhi and offers a clear view of Nerli village outside the fort. Descendants of the original Inamdar family still live inside the gadhi, and it is advisable to seek their permission before exploring the property. Behind the mansion, there is a stone-built well, whose water is still in use. Some parts of the gadhi are in ruins, while others have been recently rebuilt. As you walk along the wall, you can spot all four bastions, although only two are accessible. There is dense vegetation around the outer walls, so one should move carefully in that area. About half an hour is sufficient to explore the entire gadhi. Although there is no written history available about this gadhi, according to the Inamdar family's account, they were granted seven villages as land grants (inam) during the Adilshahi period in the 16th century. The family’s original ancestor, Rudroji Purushottam, is said to have come from the Kanakavli region in Konkan and established the village of Nerli. The family’s original surname was Mutalik Sardesai. During Shivaji’s era, the area was under Maratha control, later came under the Karveerkar family, and for a time, under the Patwardhan as well.
© Suresh Nimbalkar