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Mind and Matter: NGO in Bengaluru creates mental health awareness through unique community sessions

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This NGO is helping participants understand areas of mental health like communication, empathy, inter-personal relationships and more.

As part of the annual mental health awareness campaign, participants paint the walls of The Wheel Cafe in Madikeri

Bengaluru :

Every alternate Sunday morning, a group of individuals gather in the tranquil embrace of Cubbon Park, Bengaluru, for a unique mental health session called ‘Sundays for Mental Health’, organised by a Kodagu-based NGO Mind and Matter.

As the gentle breeze sets the stage, participants attend the event not just to meet, but to connect. Through a variety of carefully curated games, activities, paintings, etc, the NGO assist the participants to understand areas of different mental health such as communication, empathy, inter-personal relationships and more. In case someone comes up to them with a serious problem, the NGO refers it to mental health professionals.

Venkatesh, a chartered accountant who attended the event on Sunday, said, “There’s unmistakable warmth here. It helped me a lot. The session has given me a chance to look into my soul. It helped me understand myself much better.”

Another participant, Somnath, said, “This is my second campaign with Mind and Matters, and I understood how to look at the same situation from a different perspective.”

In a world where problems related to mental health often take a backseat, Mind and Matter stands as a beacon of hope, offering support to individuals in need. The NGO has stepped into the fray with free programmes which it organises in Bengaluru, Mysuru and Kodagu, and plans to expand to cities like Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai as well. It aims to break the stigma around mental health with a short yet moderate plan under expert guidance, a holistic approach and compassionate care.

Trustee and founder of Mind and Matter Deepika Appaiah said, “We work with schools, colleges, parents and teachers. Our initiative has impacted about 13,000 children and over 700 parents and teachers. Our organisation is run by volunteers, so we invite people to join us and provide them training from the Department of Psychiatric Social Work, Nimhans, in Bengaluru.

As of now, we have 150 volunteers.” From housewives to working professionals, the numbers joining the initiative are only growing. Registered in 2021, Mind and Matter has collaborated with Nimhans and is witnessing a spike in enrolment.

Mental health programme in schools in Mysuru

Dr Aravind Raj, Department of Psychiatric Social Work of Nimhans, and one of the pioneers of the initiative, said, “Mental health professionals are often confined to hospitals, where stigma deters people from seeking help. It is one of the reasons to take mental health initiatives outside hospitals.” He stressed the need for more awareness campaigns in society.

Mental health includes different methods of handling situations: understanding one’s potential, dealing with stress in a positive way, being productive and contributing to society. “Our motto is to promote all these among people, so their vulnerability to developing mental disorders comes down,” he said.

According to several reports, it has been identified that rural residents have inadequate mental health knowledge, tied to entrenched stigma and low literacy. In urban areas, people are grappling with work stress, especially Bengaluru’s techies. Dr Raj said Mind and Matter wants to penetrate that area and make them recognise the importance of mental well-being. “We also train Anganwadi workers and teachers and provide care in rural areas,” he added.

Mental illness affects 8% of population

According to the 2015–2016 National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), conducted by Nimhans and considered one of the best benchmarks, 8 per cent of Karnataka’s population, which is 1 out of 12 people, suffers from mental illnesses and requires care. Dr Raj and Appaiah say this is primarily because of a lack of awareness.

“The kind of transformation I have witnessed in people drives me to continue this work. Over time, I understood after attending the programmes we organise, that people feel it is okay to ask for help,” she noted. “If the initiative had never worked, people wouldn’t come back to us. More importantly, there is no monetary benefit involved, which means it has personally impacted me,” Appaiah said, a smile on her face. “I believe my family is my biggest support, and thank my entire team for their contribution.”

While the NGO is run for a noble cause, Appaiah says that sometimes, it is difficult to continue the initiative on such a large scale if there isn’t enough financial support. Appaiah, who also runs a café in Coorg, said it provides support. “We don’t go out to ask for donations. People who have worked with us donate money. The café is an extension of whatever we do here. However, now we are trying to collect funds from corporates or through CSR activities,” she said. Dr Raj also stressed that resource management is important.

A group of youngsters chit-chat after the Sundays for Mental Health programme in Cubbon Park, in Bengaluru / Photo | Express

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Bengaluru / by Saptarshi C / March 03rd, 2025

Film Director A.T. Raghu passes away

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All

Bengaluru:

Noted film director Apadanda T. Raghu (A.T. Raghu) passed away at his R.T. Nagar residence, here yesterday. He was 76.

 Raghu is survived by his wife Leela Raghu (Palengada), son Bijoy Ganapathy, daughter Binu Sachin (Bayavanda) and a host of relatives and friends. Last rites were held at Hebbal Crematorium in Bengaluru today afternoon, according to family sources.

Raghu’s journey in film industry began with the movie ‘Nyaya Neethi Dharma’ released in 1980. He has directed a total of 55 films in Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and Kodava languages.  Among the popular movies directed by him include ‘Kattu Rani’ (Malayalam – 1985), ‘Ajay Vijay’ (Kannada – 1990), ‘Mandyada Gandu’ (Kannada – 1994). He also directed a Hindi movie titled ‘Meri Adalat’ starring Tamil superstar Rajnikanth.

A native of Bettathur village in Kodagu district, Raghu also served as the Member of Kodava Sahitya Academy between 2014 and 2017. He has produced and directed Kodava language serials such as ‘Ainmane,’ ‘Pombolcha,’ ‘Thamane,’ ‘Gejje Thand,’ ‘Jamma Bhoomi’ and ‘Nanga Kodava’ which were telecast on DD Chandana.

His contributions to movie industry earned him several recognitions including the prestigious Puttanna Kanagal Award, Rajyotsava Award, Kodava Sahitya Academy Award, Kalasagara Sangeetha Nrithya Nataka Academy Award, Bangalore Doordarshan Chandana Award for Cinema, Bangalore Kodava Samaja Centenary Celebration award, among others.     

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 21st, 2025

Kodava Hockey Festival adds all-women 5s event

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

The month-long ‘Kodava Hockey Namme’, popularly known as Coorg’s hockey festival, is set to begin on March 28 in Madikeri and the household of the Muddandas – the host family for this year – is eager to make it grander than ever as it is the 25th edition of the tournament.

The Kodava Hockey Festival, a family-based tournament, is celebrating its silver jubilee this year.  Credit: Special Arrangement 

Bengaluru:

A sense of excitement is brewing in the coffee land of Kodagu as the hilly region prepares for its annual celebration of a sport close to the hearts of Kodavas. 

The month-long ‘Kodava Hockey Namme’, popularly known as Coorg’s hockey festival, is set to begin on March 28 in Madikeri and the household of the Muddandas – the host family for this year – is eager to make it grander than ever as it is the 25th edition of the tournament.  

And to mark this milestone, a 5-a-side all-women competition is being introduced in addition to the customary 11-a-side event. 

“This year being the silver jubilee, we wanted to add more to the festival and came up with this idea,” Rashin Subbaiah, president of the tournament and member of the host family, told DH.

“We observed that many young girls were interested in taking part. Though there has never been age or gender restriction, many women/ girls were reluctant to get onto the field. So we thought about introducing an exclusive all-women event to put them under the spotlight,” explained Subbaiah.

Undoubtedly, the response so far has been overwhelming as the organisers have already received entries from 37 teams for the 5s event. Those numbers are expected to cross 50 before the entry date closes on April 10. 

“The all-women’s 5s will begin in the last week of the festival with its final on April 26 when the main event has its semifinals scheduled. We planned this strategically because spectators come in big numbers to witness the final few days of the hockey extravaganza,” said Vikram Uthappa, another member of the organising committee. 

The no age/ gender bar tournament which began in 1997 with 60 teams, swelled to 360 in 2024 and will feature 396 squads on three grounds – two at the Field Marshal KM Cariappa College and one at the Police Grounds – this summer. Last year, 92-year-old Chittiappa, who made news as the oldest participant, will be seen in action for his team – Annadiyanda family – in this edition as well. 

Traditionally, the mixed-team tournament has had female participants playing with and against their male counterparts in the 11-a-side event. Former junior India women players – goalkeeper Shivachaliyanda Nilan, Mallamada N Ponnamma, Mallamada Leelavathi among others – from the region have been a part of the festival. 

A female participant, this year, can play in the 11s team and also turn out for a 5s squad as well. However, picking a team to play for in the 5s competition could be a bit of a quandary for a few.

While the choice of family to represent will be a no-brainer for the unmarried girls, the married women, however, will have to decide between her ‘Thamane’ (father’s house) and ‘Bakemane’ (husband’s house).

Irrespective of one’s choice, there will be one more reason to celebrate both women and hockey in the Kodava land come April.  

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports> Hockey / by Hita Prakash / March 20th, 2025

Kodava Family Hockey Namme turns 25: Stage set for Muddanda Cup Hockey Festival from Mar. 28

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Madikeri:

The Kodava Family Hockey Namme (Festival) celebrates its 25th edition this year, with the Muddanda Cup Hockey Tournament set to begin on  Mar. 28 and continue until Apr. 27.

Matches will be played across three different grounds, with 370 teams already registered for the competition.

Addressing the media in Madikeri yesterday, Kodagu Hockey Academy President Pandanda K. Bopanna noted that while 360 teams participated in last year’s Kundyolanda Hockey Fest, this year’s registrations have already reached 370, with a few more days left for additional entries.

He announced that the inaugural ceremony will feature an exhibition match between Kodagu Hockey Academy XI and Karnataka XI.

Tournament Director Badakada Deena Poovaiah and Coordinator Muddanda Roy Thammaiah will oversee the event.

Cheppudira Cariappa will serve as the main commentator, assisted by Maletira Srinivas, while Kecchettira Prasanna will be in charge of match coordination. The inauguration will also include a special felicitation ceremony honouring the Kundyolanda family, which achieved a Guinness World Record last year.

Umpire training

Hockey Academy Working President Mekerira Ravi Pemmaiah revealed that a training programme for hockey umpires will be conducted on Mar. 19 and 20 at Cauvery College, Virajpet, urging young hockey enthusiasts to participate.

Academy Vice-President Kukkera Jaya Chinnappa stated that several dignitaries, including Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, MLC M.P. Suja Kushalappa, Rajya Sabha MP Ajay Maken, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Vekatraja, and Kodagu SP K. Ramrajan, will attend the grand opening ceremony.

Kreeda Jyothi

Muddanda Hockey Festival Chairman Muddanda Rashin Subbaiah confirmed that matches will take place at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds and the Police Parade Grounds. As part of the festival’s silver jubilee celebrations, a special ‘Kreeda Jyothi’ (Sports Torch) marathon will be held, visiting the Ainmanes (ancestral homes) of Kodava families.

The marathon will commence at 8 am on Mar. 25 from the Ainmane of the Pandanda family in Karada village, the pioneers of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

It will pass through eight Ainmanes in Ponnampet and surrounding areas before concluding on Mar. 28. On the inaugural day, a rally carrying the sports torch will proceed from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, flagged off by MLA A.S. Ponnanna.

To commemorate 25 years of the festival, a women’s hockey tournament has been introduced as part of the Muddanda Hockey Festival. So far, 30 women’s teams have registered, and more entries are expected before the Apr. 10 deadline.

The women’s matches will be played at the Police Parade Grounds in Madikeri. Star Indian hockey players Lalremsiami Hmarzote from the women’s national team and Indian men’s team captain Harmanpreet Singh will visit Madikeri during the tournament.

Matrimonial meet

The festival will also feature a thand-bendhu (matrimonial meet) and a quiz competition at the venue. A special cyclothon is scheduled for Apr. 26, and DJ music will entertain spectators from the pre-quarterfinal stage through the final.

An open ‘Maja Run’ from Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle has also been planned as part of the celebrations. Parking arrangements have been made for 2,000 vehicles, and Bengaluru-based Vandana Trust will assist in waste management throughout the month-long event.

Additionally, a shooting competition will be held on Apr. 20 at Ground No. 2, featuring three categories: 50-metre .22 rifle shooting, 30-metre 12-bore gun shooting, and 15-metre air rifle egg shooting. A traditional coconut shooting competition will also be organised.

Muddanda Family President Muddanda B. Devaiah urged members of the Kodava community to participate in large numbers in the rally from General Thimayya Circle to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College Grounds, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Kodava Family Hockey Festival.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 16th, 2025

Indian National Army veteran Lt. Madhavan Pillai celebrates 99th birthday by paying tributes to Netaji and fallen soldiers

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He joined the INA at the age of 17. His active involvement in the freedom struggle led to his imprisonment for eight months in Rangoon Jail from May to December 1945, officials said.

Indian National Army veteran R. Madhavan Pillai pays tribute at the National War Memorial at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on March 13, 2025. Photo: X/@adgpi

Lieutenant Rangaswamy Madhavan Pillai, a veteran of the Indian National Army (INA), celebrated his 99th birthday on Thursday (March 13, 2025) by laying wreaths at the National War Memorial and the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on Kartavya Path.

The wreath-laying ceremony organised by the Army was attended by senior military personnel and the public. “Today’s wreath-laying ceremony not only honours the sacrifices of the brave men and women who fought for India’s freedom but also serves as a poignant reminder of the nation’s ongoing journey to break free from colonial legacies while upholding the spirit of their sacrifice,” an officer said.

Indian National Army veteran R. Madhavan Pillai pays tribute at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s statue at Kartavya Path in New Delhi on March 13, 2025. | Photo Credit: ANI

Lt. Pillai was born on March 13, 1926, in the Swryan township of Rangoon district in Burma (now Myanmar). His father hailed from the Sivaganga region in Tamil Nadu. He joined the Indian Independence League as a civilian in 1942 under Rash Behari Bose. When Netaji arrived in Singapore, Lt. Pillai formally enlisted in the INA, also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, on November 1, 1943, at the age of 17.

After receiving his commission from the Officers Training School in Burma, he served as a recruitment and fundraising officer, according Army officials.

Serving as a recruiting officer and fundraiser, he mobilised support for the INA across 32 locations in Burma, including Hanthawaddy, Sawbwagale, Ywadanshe, Swryan, Yangon, and Mayongone. His active involvement in the freedom struggle led to his imprisonment for eight months in Rangoon Jail from May to December 1945, officials said.

Later, he served in the administrative branch at the INA headquarters in Rangoon under Major General K. P. Thimayya (elder brother of former Army chief General K.S. Thimayya). He was officially recognised as a freedom fighter by the Government of India on August 1, 1980.

On January 23, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi felicitated him on the occasion of Parakram Diwas at the Red Fort.

The Azad Hind Fauj was formed by Mohan Singh in 1942 and later revived by Netaji on October 21, 1943. United by the war cry “Chalo Delhi,” the INA aimed to secure India’s complete independence from British rule.

Several volunteers, soldiers, and overseas Indians — from regions as far as Malaya and Burma — joined the force. Lt Pillai’s life story embodies the courage and unity that defined the INA, another officer added.

In 2021, on the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji, Lt. Pillai was awarded a silver medal for his role in the INA and India’s Independence movement.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by The Hindu Bureau / March 14th, 2025

Players’ auction held for Kodava Cricket Leather Ball Premier League Season-2

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Sports

Mysuru:

The auction for selecting over 175 players for 10 franchisees of Season-2 (April-2025) Kodava Cricket Leather Ball Premier League to be organised under the aegis of Coorg Cricket Foundation at Pollibetta, was held at The Roost Hotel on Hunsur Road here yesterday.

The 10 Franchisees, which took part in the auction, are Kodava Warriors, Coorg United, Team Kodava Tribe, MTB Royals, Team Wildflower, Pragathi Cricketers, Coorg Blasters, Kodava Rising Stars, Western Ghat Warriors and Team Leverage.

Over 180 cricketers of Kodagu origin such as C.A. Karthik, C.R. Ayyappa and K.S. Devaiah took part in the auction and the Franchisees succeeded in getting the players they wanted by making a successful bid. Following the auction, Ranji player C.A. Karthik has been selected as Captain of Coorg Blasters, while C.R. Aiyyappa joined Western Ghat Warriors. Each franchisee selected 14 to 17 players depending upon their bid money.

Players aged from 15 to 60 are eligible to take part in the Tournament. The notable feature this year was the selection of 2 women players for the Tournament, which will be held on the lines of the popular Indian Premier League (IPL).

Coorg Cricket Foundation (CCF) President Porukonda Sunil said that the Tournament will commence from Apr. 1 and all the matches will be played at Tata Coffee Cricket Grounds at Pollibetta. The schedule will be finalised shortly, he said adding that the tournament is expected to be held over 12 days.

CCF office-bearers Palachanda Jagan, Madlanda Darshan, Charmandadanda Somanna, Chandira Rachan, Ballanda Reena Devaiah, Kulateera Shantha Kalappa, Keertiyanda Ganapathy, Annalamaada Roy Chinnappa and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 09th, 2025

Codava National Council Demands Recognition for Women

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Madikeri:

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, observed worldwide on March 8, the Codava National Council (CNC), under the leadership of its President, N U Nachappa, submitted an appeal advocating for the empowerment of Kodava women. The appeal was presented in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, urging the authorities to take necessary actions.

At 10:30 AM on Saturday, the Kodava National Council submitted a memorandum through the district administration to the United Nations Secretary-General, the Director of the United Nations Global Women’s Empowerment Agency, the UNESCO Director-General, the President and Prime Minister of India, and the Union Home Minister.

Under the theme “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment”, the CNC emphasised the necessity of ensuring true recognition and honour for Kodava women. An official communique from the CNC stated, “Kodava women have selflessly contributed to the Kodava clan’s structure, valour, humanistic approach, and strong familial bonds. The Government of India, the Government of Karnataka, and the people of this nation must recognise and adopt the values ingrained in Kodava women. If these values are embraced and implemented nationwide, there will be no oppression against women, and atrocities and subjugation can be eliminated. Kodava women are symbols of independence, intelligence, and generosity. However, due to their political subordination, they have been sidelined from India’s political establishment.”

The press release further stated, “After India gained political independence with its new Constitution, Kodava women lacked knowledge of their political and constitutional rights. Other communities should adopt the exemplary values of Kodava women, just as Kodava women should adopt political awareness from other communities. The government must now implement an effective strategy to empower both Kodava women and women across the country. Due to a lack of awareness regarding international conventions, fundamental rights, and human rights development, Kodava women have been unable to empower themselves through state welfare programs or effectively present their plight to relevant authorities. Hence, the United Nations and the Government of India must immediately grant them political and constitutional rights and power.”

This appeal underscores the urgency of government action in recognising and empowering Kodava women, ensuring their rightful place in India’s political, economic, and social landscape said Nachappa.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home> News> State> Karnataka / by The Hans News Service / March 08th, 2025

Kodagu coffee growers reap high prices amid yield drop

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Records, All

Madikeri:

In the heartland of coffee cultivation, Kodagu, this year’s harvest tells a tale of mixed fortunes.

While coffee production has seen a significant dip due to erratic weather patterns, farmers are finding relief in skyrocketing prices that have touched record highs. However, rising labour and maintenance costs continue to be a concern, particularly for small-scale growers.

A season of contrasts

Kodagu’s major coffee-growing taluks — Madikeri, Virajpet and Ponnampet — are currently in the thick of the Robusta coffee harvest. However, due to inconsistent rainfall last year, coffee yields have plummeted by 30 percent to 50 percent in several plantations. Some lucky farmers have reported decent harvests, but for most, expectations have fallen short.

Yet, what the season lacks in quantity, it makes up for in price. A 50 kg bag of Robusta coffee (with husk) is now fetching between Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 13,000 — a historic high. In comparison, last year’s rates stood at around Rs. 9,000 per 50-kg bag.

The surge in prices is attributed to a global dip in coffee production, particularly in major coffee-producing nations like Brazil and Colombia. For farmers, this unexpected price hike is a much-needed ‘bumper gift’ after a challenging season.

Labour shortage adds to woes

Despite high prices, farmers are struggling to find enough labourers for harvesting. Kodagu traditionally relies on seasonal workers from Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Bihar, who arrive in December for the coffee-picking season.

This year, however, the declining yield and other factors have deterred many workers from making the journey, leaving farmers in distress.

Adding to the challenge, wages have surged. Two years ago, daily wages ranged between Rs. 400 and Rs. 450. This year, rates have shot up to Rs. 550 to Rs. 600 per day, further escalating the cost of cultivation.

To make matters worse, labourers now start work later than before. Earlier, they would begin harvesting by 8.30 am or 9 am and continue until 5 pm. Now, work starts at 10 am and wraps up by 3.30 pm, cutting valuable work hours.

This is mainly due to labourers being transported from distant locations. Apart from higher wages, estate owners must also bear the additional costs of labour contractors, driver fees and vehicle rentals, increasing the financial strain on growers.

First showers in February

In late February, Napoklu and Kaluru regions received their first rainfall of the year. While rain is usually welcomed in Kodagu’s coffee plantations, its timing is crucial.

The downpour has stalled the harvesting process, as ripened coffee cherries remain on plants alongside delicate new coffee blossoms for the next season.

For those who had already completed their harvest, the rain was a relief. But for those still working in the fields, it has become a frustrating setback.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 06th, 2025

District-level job fair in Madikeri on March 8

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The Kodagu Zilla Panchayat will hold a district-level job fair at Madikeri near here by under the Sanjeevini – Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Promotion Society’s (KSRLPS) Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) – Grameena Kaushalya Yojane (GKY) scheme on March 8.

According to an official statement here, the district-level job fair scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at District Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Madikeri is expected to offer employment opportunities to at least 800 candidates in various companies.

Several reputed companies are scheduled to participate in the fair and offer on-the-spot job opportunities and select candidates for training programmes, a statement said.

Chief Executive Officer of Kodagu Zilla Panchayat Anand Prakash Meena has urged unemployed youth between 18 and 35 years of age, to make use of the opportunity.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau, Mysuru / March 05th, 2025

69 stone inscriptions dating back to 9th century discovered in Karnataka’s Kodagu, transcription done

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The discovery of the inscriptions by Archaeology, Museums and Heritage department curator B P Rekha during a survey that started in 2023 is considered to be the largest one in Kodagu after B L Rice.

A rare ‘Nishidhi’ inscription found in Kodagu. Credit: Special Arrangement

Madikeri:

The transcription of newly found stone slab inscriptions in Karnataka’s Kodagu district has now been completed.

The discovery of the inscriptions by Archaeology, Museums and Heritage department curator B P Rekha during a survey that started in 2023 is considered to be the largest one in Kodagu after B L Rice.

B L Rice had published the transcription of the 114 stone slab inscriptions he had found in Kodagu in the ‘Epigraphia Karnataka’ in 1886.

B P Rekha recently found 69 inscriptions.

H M Nagarajarao, an expert of inscriptions from Mysuru has prepared the transcription of the inscriptions, revealing interesting details.

For instance, in an inscription found in Niluvagilu village dating back to the 9th century AD, a mention has been made about Vasanthi temple, which is not to be found today.

In another inscription found in Edavare village dating back to the 9th century, speaks about a person called Vendi who ascended to the heaven. He was titled ‘the Brahma of Kaliyuga’, the inscription mentions.

A person called Kanakasenaiah had installed a ‘Nishidhi’ inscription at Kalthmadu in Virajpet, in memory of his Guru.

There are several inscriptions pertaining to Jainism.

An inscription is cleaned and smeared with a chemical for copying the text.Credit: Special Arrangement

An inscription unearthed in Shirangala dating back to 11-12 th century AD mentions the name ‘Sirivangala’ which could be the ancient name of the region. Also, there are mentions of River Cauvery and persons named Siriyamma and Kava Gowda.

Some of the inscriptions even date back to 8th century AD.

An inscription related to Rajendra Chola has been found in Seegehosuru, which highlights the fact that the empire of the ruler extended till Kodagu.

An inscription has been found in Mrityunjaya temple, which mentions the place ‘Vangala’. Another rare inscription from Basavanahalli has a mention of Badiva of Kongalva. It is the rarest available inscription about the Kongalvas.

B P Rekha said that the transcription of 69 inscriptions is complete. A detailed study of these will shed more light on history.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by K S Girish / November 01st, 2024