The funeral of Havaldar Altaf Ahmed (37), who martyred in Srinagar of Kashmir due to snowslide, was held with full state and military honours at his native place Virajpet on Saturday, February 26.
The funeral was held as per Islam traditions in the cemetery in the presence of his Virajpet family members, district administration, relatives and people representatives.
Altaf, who was born at the fish market of Virajpet had done his second PU and joined the AOC regiment of the Indian Army serving the country for 19 years.
Altaf’s mortal remains were brought by a special team of the Indian Army on the morning of Saturday.
It was kept for public view at the Taluk Maidan. MLAs K G Bopaiah, Santheyanda Veena Acchaiah, MP Suja Kushalappa, DC Dr B C Sathisha and SP M A Aiyappa offered their respects.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network – Madikeri (MS) / February 27th, 2022
New war machines brought to Sunny Side, General K.S. Thimayya Museum
The submarine, INS Shivalik model and the anti-aircraft gun were brought to Madikeri from Visakhapatnam Naval Base in giant many-wheeled trucks and have been placed on the museum campus for a formal handing over and opening.
The formal handing over will take place in Madikeri either in December this year or January 2022. The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy, will arrive in Madikeri and officially hand over the new items to the Deputy Commissioner and they would be open for public display.
Till now, only one ship anchor was on display in the museum and not many of the Indian Navy relics were there. But now with the addition of the INS Shivalik and a submarine being added to the existing attractions, it is a befitting tribute to the celebrated General who is Kodagu’s pride.
About INS Shivalik
INS Shivalik is designed to escape detection by normal radars and surveillance equipment. Special aerodynamics, equipment and material used in designing and building these ships makes it very difficult to monitor their movements. That’s why they are called ‘stealth frigates.’
With INS Shivalik, India made it to the elite club of eight nations that build stealth warships, adding new fire power and muscle to its Navy. Apart from India, only the US, Russia, UK, France, Sweden, Japan, Italy and China have the capability to build stealth warships of this size and class.
The vessel was ordered in 1999 and saw its keel laid down on July 11, 2001 by shipbuilder Mazagon Dock Limited. As a multi-role warship, the INS Shivalik is fielded with a varying group of armament options to contend with aerial, surface and underwater threats.
Rear Admiral’s contribution
Rear Admiral Ichettira Uthappa, who is a relative of Col. (Retd.) Kandrathanda Subbaiah, the President of Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimayya Forum, had visited Sunny Side four months back and Subbaiah had drawn the attention of the Rear Admiral to the fact that the museum did not have a warship.
Uthappa promised Subbaiah that he will pursue efforts to bring a warship model to the museum and accordingly, the war machines were brought to Madikeri. Rear Admiral Uthappa interacted with Navy authorities and sanctioned INS Shivalik warship model that is 24-ft in length and a submarine which is 8-ft in length.
Even the anti-aircraft gun that was brought to Madikeri from Visakhapatnam had served the Navy for years and the cost of all the latest additions to the museum is estimated to be Rs. 20 lakh.
According to Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimayya Forum Convener Major (Retd.) Biddanda Nanjappa, Rear Admiral Uthappa bore the transportation costs of shifting the naval items to Madikeri and in the coming days, a suitable place will be made to accommodate these war machines, he added.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 01st, 2021
Kallichanda Nishan Nanaiah’s movie ‘Alpha Beta Gamma’ revolves around three people who are stuck in a flat during the Covid lockdown.
Nishan Nanaiah
Madikeri :
Kallichanda Nishan Nanaiah, a native of Kodagu, is now basking in fame through the short film ‘Alpha Beta Gamma’. The acclaimed movie, shot during the time of the Covid pandemic, is now being screened at the Berlin Film Festival.
Nishan is a pass out of the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune and he started his acting career with Cycle Kick directed by Shashi Sudigala.
Following this successful debut, Nishan set foot in the mainstream film industry and has so far acted in 25 movies in Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam.
“I grew up watching commercial movies and I did my film course in Pune. Following this, I moved to Mumbai and have acted with noted names in the film industry. ‘Alpha Beta Gamma’ is close to my heart as this movie revolves around three people who are stuck in a flat during the Covid lockdown. The life equations change and it narrates a unique situation faced during the pandemic,” said Nishan. The movie, shot during the time of the pandemic, is a low-budget movie that has high content, he adds.
The movie witnessed its premier launch at the International Film Festival in Goa. Following acclaimed reviews, the movie was among the 25 other short films that were selected by the Indian Panorama. “Further, nine films out of the 25 were selected to be featured at the Berlin Film Festival and the movie is now being screened to the European audience,” he added. Nishan is the son of Kallichanda Prasad and late Padma Prasad – natives of South Kodagu.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Express News Service / February 21st, 2022
He is the new ‘Bruce Lee’ of this tiny Kodagu district which has contributed thousands of warriors, sports personalities to the nation. Keeping its tradition of shining in various fields, a youth has added another feather in the cap of this hilly district by gaining entry into the Asian Book of Records with his karate skills in January 2022, after being entered into the India Book of Records in December 2021. Meet young and dynamic martial arts lad 20-years-old K Rahul, hailing from Virajpet in Madikeri/Kodagu district, who achieved a new feat with a record-making 262 punches and 262 kicks in One Minute in karate. In view of the Covid pandemic, the achievement was recorded online.
Rahul is the first person from the Kodagu district to create such a record. Earlier, Rahul had secured a place in the India Book of Records. The karate tournament in which participants from 18 countries participated, was organised jointly by Dynamic Shotokan Karate Du Association, World Union of Martial Arts Association, World Karate Alliance and Evolution of Karate, in December 2021. Rahul who was very fond of karate since childhood, started practising the art when he was just twelve years old. “A lot of hard work and perseverance for a decade was behind my achievement. I owe my success to my parents who encouraged and supported me in this sport. Everyone has innate talents and they should make good use of them through practising”. said Rahul.
Apart from gaining entry into the Asia Book of Records, Rahul has won many medals at State and national level championships. He won first place in Kata and Kumite division in 2016 in the Karate championship organised by Karate Tues UECHI RYU DO India of Kerala. He strove many years to gain entry into the India Book of Records, where he was issued an identity card, certificate and medal to Rahul. Rahul was trained by karate expert H R Shivappa. In September 2021, he won a gold medal in an international online karate championship competition organised by the World Union of Martial Arts Federation, World Karate Alliance, following which he aimed to gain entry into the Asia Book of Records- and succeeded.
K Rahul seen with his Parents
Speaking to Team Mangalorean, Rahul said, “Karate is not merely a martial art for self-defence, but offers a lot to sportspersons to achieve. Kodagu, the smallest district in the State, has contributed hundreds of sports talents to the country.
Many talented sportspersons have proved their mettle in international and national level sports competitions. Following in the footsteps of all these Kodagu athletes, I was really keen on Martial arts and Athletics. I was so dedicated to karate that at my first Karate tournament in Karate Times Cup 2016, I secured 1st position in Individual Kumite and Kata. Since then I reached greater heights in this Art, winning top places in various Karate tournaments”.
Born to Kumar, who runs a metal shop in Virajpet, and Varalakshmi, a homemaker, Rahul attended St Anne’s Composite High School and is currently enrolled in a pre-university BA programme at Mangalore University.
He enrolled himself in UECHI RYU Karate school at the age of 12. In 2017, he won third place in Karate Times Cup; In 2017, Karate tournament organized by Naga Martial Arts Academy (R) Mysore SHORIJINI-RYU, he won 3rd position and in Kumite 2nd position; he won 2nd position in Kumite in 2018 Karate Times Cup; First place in SEIKO FUKUCHI CUP-2018 SOUTH INDIA in Individual Kata and Kumite; In 2019, in the Karate Times Cup at Kannur he gained 3rd position in Individual Kata and 2nd Position in Team Kata.
In 2019, got 1st place in the BODHIDHARMA JKS INDIA CUP 2K19 WORLD in Kata; In the 5th O.K.A.A OPEN KARATE CHAMPIONSHIP 2019 in Kata, he bagged 3rd Place; In 4th O.K.A.A OPEN KARATE CHAMPIONSHIP 2019 in Kata, he got the 2nd place; In the STATE LEVEL OPEN E-KATA CHAMPIONSHIP-2020 Above 18 years Black Belt, he secured 1st place; the 15TH STATE LEVEL INVITATIONAL KARATE CHAMPIONSHIP Below 70kg Black Belt fetched him the 2nd place and in Above 16 years Black Belt, the 2nd place.
No doubt that Rahul is the new hope for Karate among youth as he has won a series of prizes and his passion for Karate was inspired and supported by his parents in winning many laurels and awards consistently so far. It’s time for other youth to follow in his footsteps and take up Karate or any other sports, and make it big.
Anything or any achievement can happen over Coffee! No doubt the rich bold Coffee of Virajpet/Madikeri consumed by this Kodagu lad has shown some big results in Karate. Team Mangalorean congratulates K Rahul on his superb achievement, and we wish him all the luck in his future Karate talents, so he could enter the Guinness Book of World Records. You Go Boy!
source: http://www.mangalorean.com / Mangalorean / Home> Mangalorean News> Local News / by Alfie Dsouza, Team Mangalorean / February 15th, 2022
For Nikitha Kikanamada, a sophomore nursing major at Quinnipiac University, the beginning of the spring semester is bittersweet, as it’s her last semester as the titleholder of Miss Connecticut Teen USA.
During her Miss Teen USA interview, Kikanamada wore a Sherwani, a traditional South Asian suit. (Contributed by Nikitha Kikanamada)
Kikanamada will pass down the title to the winner of Miss Connecticut Teen USA 2022 in April, after holding it since June 2021. She has used her platform as the first Indian-American titleholder to increase representation of her South Asian culture, as well as expanding her mental health advocacy.
After being diagnosed with depression and anxiety in 2019, Kikanamada started an Instagram account called More for Myself, where she raises awareness for mental health issues. She also runs an account called The South Asian Segment, where she features the stories of people of South Asian descent to combat stereotypes.
“(Mental health issues are) not something that is talked about in South Asian households,” Kikanamada said. “So to be the face of change for those people who look like me, I’m just so honored.”
In November 2021, Kikanamada took her platform to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she competed in Miss Teen USA. While she did not place in the competition, Kikanamada said she enjoyed the opportunity to represent her home state.
“Even though I didn’t win or even place, I was able to share my story,” Kikanamada said. “And that, in itself, is an achievement.”
As she enters her first college semester that is not simultaneously preoccupied with preparations for her next pageant, Kikanamada said she is looking forward to continuing her education.
“I don’t know if I will be back yet as a Miss,” Kikanamada said. “I hope to, I really do, but it’s a lot. It’s mentally, physically and emotionally a lot. And I just want to focus on myself right now and my career.”
Despite juggling nursing school and preparing for pageants, Kikanamada said her professors have always been supportive and understanding of her situation.
“(Last semester) they were more than happy to accommodate me and everything that I’ve been doing,” Kikanamada said. “They seem very proud of me, which gives me a lot of support.”
Miss Connecticut Teen USA 2021 and Quinnipiac nursing student Nikitha Kikanamada (right) poses with Miss Teen USA 2021 Breanna Myles (left). (Contributed by Nikitha Kikanamada)
Professor of psychology Anne Eisbach taught Kikanamada in a child development psychology course during the fall. She said she enjoyed learning about Kikanamada’s efforts as titleholder.
“It was clear to me that she was strongly committed to her responsibilities both as a student and a titleholder – and I was impressed with how she balanced both roles,” Eisbach said. “… As a professor, I always encourage my students to broaden their education beyond the classroom and so I was happy to support Nikitha as she was able to make this happen!”
Before being named Miss Connecticut Teen USA, Kikanamada also held the titles of Miss South Windsor Teen USA 2020 and Miss Teen India Connecticut 2018. She first entered the pageant industry at eight years old, when her mom enrolled her in modeling and acting classes.
“She always told me, ‘I just saw something in you,’” Kikanamada said.
After modeling, acting and dancing for several years, Kikanamada entered pageants through the National American Miss organization, a program for girls ages 4-20. Through NAM, Kikanamada participated in competitions for preteen titles throughout the Northeast.
In high school, Kikanamada went on to win Miss Teen India Connecticut, her first major pageant title. Kikanamada said her time as the titleholder for Miss Teen India Connecticut piqued her interest in the opportunity to represent her Indian heritage on a larger scale.
“I was able to take my culture and my background and something I love, which is pageants, and in ways mix them into one, which was really amazing,” Kikanamada said.
In 2019, Kikanamada had another opportunity to represent her culture when she competed for Miss Connecticut Teen USA. After not placing in the competition, Kikanamada decided to move on from pageants and focus on finishing high school and pursuing college. Then, when she received a letter in the mail asking her to come back to compete in Miss Connecticut Teen USA 2020, she decided she wanted to give it one more shot.
“I wasn’t going to (compete again), I really wasn’t,” Kikanamada said. “I begged my mom to let me be coached — usually girls get coached for their local pageants, (but) I’ve never been coached before, until I reached out to the coaches that sponsored (the previous) year.”
Kikanamada joined KP Consulting, where she has multiple coaches that help her prepare for competitions.
“I love them so much,” Kikanamada said. “They truly just helped me be who I am today. They helped me find a purpose in my life.”
Kaet Parent, one of Kikanamada’s coaches, said her preparation for Miss Connecticut Teen USA was challenging as it was plagued by uncertainty — the pageant was postponed multiple times due to the pandemic.
“Nikitha was on top of everything, no matter how frustrating anything was in terms of COVID impacting the dates being changed, a lot of uncertainty, she just remained diligent,” Parent said. “She had a goal and her goal was to win, and nothing was gonna get in her way.”
Beyond coaching, Parent said she has valued getting to know Kikanamada on a personal level, calling her “special and incredible.”
“Nikitha just has this fire inside of her that is so special,” Parent said. “… I think that is something that anyone around her, not even talking in the world of pageants, but anyone around her — friends or family professors — they see that and I think that is something that people latch onto.”
source: http://www.quchronicle.com / The Quinnipiac Chronicle / Home> Featured> Features> News / by Melina Khan, News Editor / February 03rd, 2022
Four Defence personnel from Kodagu have bagged Armed Forces awards on the occasion of Army Day 2022 and Republic Day 2022.
They are: Major Maletira Muthappa, who has been awarded Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card, Colonel Pandanda Bheemaiah, Sena Medal Bar – Awarded Mention-in-Dispatch, Commander Battianda K. Ponnappa (Indian Navy) – awarded NM (Distinguished Service) and Rear Admiral Iychettira Uthaiah Belliappa, VSM – awarded AVSM (Athi Vishisht Seva Medal).
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / January 27th, 2022
Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha said that unlike many other top Army Officers who preferred to lead their retired life in major cities, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa chose to lead his retired life in his native Kodagu amidst nature’s splendour and beauty.
He was speaking at the 123rd birth anniversary celebrations of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, OBE, jointly organised by Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Mysuru and Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Fans Club, at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle at the junction of JLB Road and Hunsur Road here this morning.
Pointing out that it was not easy for becoming the first Commander of the Indian Army post-Independence, Simha said that Field Marshal Cariappa, along with Gen. K.S. Thimayya should be credited for showing how a country’s borders can be secured by unitedly taking together all the soldiers.
Terming Field Marshal Cariappa as a true ‘Veeraputra’, he said that Cariappa was also a very able leader and brought many laurels for the country.
Chamundeshwari MLA G.T. Devegowda, in his address, said that today, the entire country is paying tributes to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa. Recalling the contribution of Kodavas in defence sector, he said that it is the pride of the nation that Kodava is home to many war heroes.
Former Mayor H.N. Srikantaiah recalled how Metropole Circle was renamed as Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle when he was the city Mayor in 1999 and the current Chamaraja MLA L. Nagendra a Corporator then.
Pointing out that as Mayor, he had put forward a proposal to the then Education Minister A.H. Vishwanath to rename the Circle as Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle, to which Vishwanath readily agreed, he said that thereafter a resolution was passed at an MCC Council meeting to this effect, following which the Circle was officially named as Field Marshal K.M.Cariappa Circle. He further said that a statue of Cariappa was also proposed at the Circle when he was the Mayor.
To mark the occasion, the statue of the Field Marshal was garlanded and offered floral tributes by the dignitaries
Former Mayor M.J. Ravikumar, Corporators M.U. Subbaiah and Pramila Bharath, Rangayana Director Addanda C. Cariappa, Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Mechanda M. Shashi Ponnappa, Vice-President Malachira M. Ponnappa, Hon. Secretary Mukkatira B. Jeevan, Joint Secretary Appanderanda Tara Somaiah, Treasurer Machimada P. Nanaiah, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President Kuttimada D. Muthappa, Secretary Mechanda S. Bopanna, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Fans Club President Nayakanda M. Thimmaiah, Shri Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha President Ponjanda Lovely Appaiah, former Mysuru Kodava Samaja Presidents Mechanda M. Karumbaiah, Poyyettira S. Ganapathy and Ballyamanda M. Nanaiah, Philanthropists Kuttimada D. Cariappa and Pudiyokkada Praveen Chengappa and others were present.
Some facts
1. Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa took over as the First Army Chief on Jan. 15, 1949, so Army Day is celebrated on this day.
2. Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa relinquished his appointment on Jan. 14, 1953, so the Veterans Day is celebrated on this day.
3. City-based VeKare Ex-Servicemen Trust (VKET) President Mandetira N. Subramani had urged the District Administration in August 2006, to install a life-size bronze statue of the Field Marshal at Metropole Circle.
source:http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 28th, 2022
Field Marshal KM Cariappa is known as the man who took charge of the Indian Army from its last British Commander in Chief, General Sir Roy Bucher in 1949.
Image Source : TWITTER @RASHTRAPATIBHVN (FILE) /
HIGHLIGHTS
Cariappa was the first Indian Officer to be given command of a unit in 1942
He had led troops in the 1947 Indo-Pak war & successfully recaptured Zojila, Drass & Kargil
On January 15, 1949, Cariappa became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army
Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year in recognition of Field Marshal KM Cariappa’s taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander in 1949.
Who was KM Cariappa?
Field Marshal Sir Kodandera Kipper Madappa Cariappa is known as the man who took charge of the Indian Army from its last British Commander in Chief, General Sir Roy Bucher. Born on January 28, 1899, in Shanivarsanthe, Coorg Province (present day Kodagu district in Karnataka), Cariappa completed his education at Central High School at Madikeri and went on to study at the Presidency College in Madras. He was among the first Indians to be selected for military training.
Following his training in Indore, he joined the British Indian Army shortly after the end of World War I. Later, he was commissioned into the Carnatic Infantry. He became the first Indian Officer to be given command of a unit in 1942.
He had led his troops in World War II and the first Indo-Pak war of 1947. He successfully recaptured Zojila, Drass and Kargil and established a linkup with Leh.
He went on to receive many awards and accolades in his career spanning three decades. He received the prestigious order of the British Empire (OBE) for his role in Burma against the Japanese force during World War II.
Before taking over as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, Cariappa served as the commander of the Indian Army’s Eastern and Western Commands. He has also conferred the ‘Order of the Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit’ – the first-ever award of its kind given to an Indian General, by President Harry Truman (the 33rd President of the United States).
In 1947, he became the first Indian to be selected to undergo a training course at Imperial Defence College, Camberley, UK. On January 15, 1949, Cariappa became the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.
In 1983, he was given the title of Field Marshal (five stars). The only other person who has been conferred the title so far is Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw in 1973.
After retiring from the Indian Army, Field Marshal KM Cariappa served as High Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand till 1956. He died on May 5, 1993, at the age of 94.
source: http://www.indiatvnews.com / India TV / Home> English News> India / by India TV News Desk , New Delhi / January 15th, 2022
Established in April 2017, Thanal Ashram has provided shelter and been a home to many women, including a few who now live happily with their families.
The Thanal Ashram in Madikeri district. (Photo| EPS)
Madikeri :
Solace to the distressed, neglected and the homeless – this resonates as a synonym of Thanal Ashram in Madikeri. Established in April 2017, Thanal Ashram has provided shelter and been a home to many women, including a few who now live happily with their families.
Located amid the chaos of bad roads and routine buzz of the normal world, Thanal is a symbol of tranquillity. Smiling faces and sweet greetings welcome one into the building, currently home to 24 women. Most of them are homeless, and a few others made the ashram their home, after being deserted by their families.
“A 96-year-old woman who was found on the road, was brought to Thanal. The first thing we do is give them a bath. The woman was unclean but refused to take a bath till she was fed. When we gave her food, she ate her fill. This is when I realised that we first need to cater to their hunger,” shared Shashikala BK, an employee of the ashram.
She narrated stories about many women who were, and are, being nurtured at Thanal. “An old woman, Parvathy, was brought to the ashram from the District Hospital in Madikeri. After she was admitted to hospital, no family member came to take her back. She had cancer and she passed on in a few months, after living at the ashram,” she said.
Parvathy was from the Kodava community. “In order to perform the final rites as per Parvathy’s religion, we contacted people from the Makkada Koota and Kodava Samaj. The members took Parvathy’s body for cremation, as per Kodava rituals,” explained Mohammed Musthafa, the head of Thanal in Madikeri.
“Parvathy had no family, but there were many people from the surrounding areas who attended her funeral and bid her goodbye,” recalls Shashikala.
The head office of Thanal is based in Kerala, and is founded by Dr Idris, who is also chairman of the charitable trust. In Madikeri, the trust is run by Daya Rehabilitation Trust, headed by Musthafa. “No one who has a family should stay homeless on the roads. While we shelter the homeless, we look forward to reuniting them with their families,” says Musthafa.
He narrated the stories of Muthulakshmi, Jalavathi and others who were reunited with their families after many years of separation. “Jalavathi is from Uttar Pradesh. She got lost on a train and somehow ended up in Madikeri. She couldn’t speak proper Hindi and didn’t know her address. Her son’s number was traced by Thanal and she was reunited with her family after two years,” says Musthafa.
Like Jalavathi, Muthulakshmi was found in a pitiable state near the Madikeri Bus Depot. Two of her toes had fallen off and her legs were rotting due to myiasis (infection caused by maggots). She was treated for her infection and mental illness.
“During the course of her treatment, she recalled the name of her village. There are many villages by that name and we visited several before we finally traced her village in Tamil Nadu. She was reunited with her family after seven years. No one must stay orphaned if they have a family and Thanal strongly believes in this,” said Mohammed.
However, a few women who have been abandoned by relatives, swear to spend their last days in the comfort provided by Thanal. This destitute home has sheltered over 80 women in the past three years and has united at least eight families.
In case of death, the rituals of the deceased’s community are followed during the last rites. “This is not a home for people from any particular caste or community. This is a home for humans,” shared Musthafa.
The ashram is run by the trust, and with support from the main branch of Thanal. However, it is in need of more funds and benefactors who recognise their social work. Reach out to Thanal Ashram on 9844558896.
Thanal Ashram
Established in Madikeri in April 2017 to provide a home to distressed and homeless women. It has since become a home to many.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna G R, Express News Service / January 23rd, 2022
“This edifice is believed to be the house of Hombale Nayaka, a close aide of King Dodda Veera Rajendra who once ruled Kodagu kingdom,” said Nagesh Kaluru, a writer.
The outside view of the 18th century edifice near Murnad.
Madikeri :
Three stone pillars with Nandi sculptures on them. This is what is first seen of an age-old edifice in Kathuru village limits in Murnad of Madikeri taluk. Over three centuries old, the building is now covered with scribbles carelessly left by people who did not know better. However, if revived, this edifice will narrate the iconic history of Kodagu and its renowned kings.
The Archaeological Department is currently involved in village surveys across Kodagu to identify and revive historical places. During one such survey in Murnad limits, the 18th-century edifice was located amidst the bountiful coffee estates in the area.
“During the village survey, we were told about this place by the locals,” explained Rekha, curator of Kodagu District Museum. The department with support from the NSS students of Murnad PU College and professor Harish Kiggal cleared the area of dense growing weed and the edifice glowed under the sun.
“This edifice is believed to be the house of Hombale Nayaka, a close aide of King Dodda Veera Rajendra who once ruled Kodagu kingdom,” said Nagesh Kaluru, a writer.
According to historical findings, Homabale Nayaka stayed here during the 18th century along with his family. A close aide of the royal family, he was one of the people who helped the king escape from Tipu Sultan’s prisons in 1788.
The historical edifice was under the care of the Kere Mane family settled in Kathuru. The family has an ancestral connection with Homable Nayaka and the building had been home to many other ancestors from the family.
However, the archeological department has now discovered the historical importance of the edifice. There is though no confirmation from the department about plans to revive it. Other historical monuments in the district including the Madikeri Fort and the Nalknad Palace are already awaiting funds for maintenance.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Pragna GR, Express News Service / January 25th, 2022
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