Why was the Matara Fort built in a star shape?

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Sloane R.2060 rep1

I am visiting the southern tip. I noticed the Matara Fort has a unique geometry compared to the Galle Fort ramparts.

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The Star Fort in Matara was built by the Dutch in 1765 after the Matara Rebellion. The star shape was a tactical design from the era to eliminate blind spots for artillery fire. It is one of the few surviving examples of its kind in Asia. Today it houses a small archaeological museum that explains the history of the southern frontier battles.

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Anjali M.5570 rep1

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