Feroke: The Kerala State Department of Archaeology has announced its plans to initiate Phase IV excavations at Tipu Fort, scheduled to take place in the first week of September. After an extensive legal battle, the Department has successfully obtained permission from the Archaeological Survey of India to proceed with the exploration of this significant historical site.

The ongoing excavation project has already revealed significant findings in previous phases. In Phase I, British-made coins and molds used for their production were discovered within the fort's inner chamber. Subsequently, Phase II unearthed remnants of armory and ammunition located on the fort's western side. During Phase III, a trench and fort wall leading to a chamber that was used to manufacture coins (mint) were uncovered. The most noteworthy discovery among these excavations was the remains of the fort wall. 

To aid the excavation process, Global Positioning System (GPS) technology was employed during Phase I, allowing for a comprehensive survey. Over 100 key areas were marked using indicators to guide subsequent excavation efforts. Building upon these achievements, the Department is now preparing to initiate Phase IV of the excavation project.

On October 9, 2020, K. Krishnaraj, an official from the Kozhikode Pazhassiraja Museum, initiated the exploration process following a court order. Back in November 1991, the government declared Tipu Fort a protected monument. However, due to a lack of subsequent action, the Feroke Cultural Coordination Committee approached the High Court in 2010, seeking to safeguard the historical site. After an extensive legal process lasting ten years, the High Court finally granted permission on May 19, 2020, allowing the Department of Archaeology to preserve the historical integrity of the protected monument. Consequently, the Department of Archaeology took charge, leading to the initiation of the first excavation work at Tipu Fort.