The fort was built by Maratha ruler Serfoji II in 1814–1815 to commemorate the successful advance of the British over Napoléon Bonaparte.

[3] The fort was built by Tanjavur Maratha ruler Serfoji II (1777-1832 CE) in 1814–1815 to commemorate the successful advance of the British over Napoléon Bonaparte (15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821) in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

[7] The fort is hexagonal structure and has eight storeys, raising to a height of 75 ft (23 m) tapering to its top.

The monument looks like a pagoda, with arched windows, circular staircase and eaves separating one storey from the other.

[2][5] The Tamil Nadu state Tourism Development Corporation allocated ₹3,195,000 (US$37,000) for improving the infrastructure around the fort.