Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

How the modest Nalknad palace sheltered Kodagu’s royals

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

Linga Raja I was the king of Kodagu and a subordinate ally of Nawab Hyder Ali of Mysore. In 1780, the king passed away, leaving his first son, the 16-year-old Dodda Veerarajendra as heir to the throne. Hyder Ali saw this as the perfect time to bring Kodagu under his complete control. 

So, he moved the king’s family members from the Madikeri Fort in Kodagu to Gorur Fort in Hassan. Displeased with the king’s removal, Kodagu rose in rebellion against Hyder.

Elsewhere, the second Anglo-Mysore war was raging on. In 1782, Hyder died and his son Tipu Sultan succeeded him. Linga Raja’s family was shifted and imprisoned at Periyapatna Fort in Mysore. In December 1788, Dodda Veerarajendra, his wife, daughter, brothers Linga Raja II (aka Lingarajendra) and Appaji Raja and other family members managed to escape from their confinement.

According to scholar H Moegling (in 1855) ‘some faithful Coorg friends assisted him (the king) and conducted him safely’. Historians I M Muthanna and D N Krishnaiah identified these friends as Kulletira Ponnanna, Pattacheruvanda Boluka, Appaneravanda Achaiah, Ketolira Achuvanna and others. They disguised themselves as oil-vendors and reached Periyapatna, where they were able to release the royal family. 

The people of Kodagu declared Dodda Veerarajendra their king but the new raja and his family had no place to stay. The Mysore Sultan still held the Madikeri Fort. The king first stayed at Kurchi where he made a temporary, makeshift residence.

One day, when the king was away, bandits from Wayanad attacked Kurchi; they killed the queen, looted the ornaments and burnt down the place.

D N Krishnaiah writes that with the king living near poverty, Ketolira Achuvanna recommended his own native village — Yavakapadi near Kakkabe — as a suitable place for the raja to stay till the war was over. Back then, Kakkabe was a remote location, surrounded by mountains and jungles. Achuvanna accommodated the raja in his own ancestral house until a new palace was built.

A farmland of the Puliyanda family was found to be the most secure site for a palace; hidden by natural barriers from all sides, it was relatively inaccessible to invaders.

Four brothers of a family living there were asked to vacate the place, with the promise of compensation. Everyone complied, save for the youngest brother Karichcha.

When the palace’s construction began, Karichcha troubled the construction workers during the day and hid in the forest at night. Displeased with this, the raja got him captured and put to death

The palace eventually came up at the place and is called ‘Naalnaad aramane’ or Nalknad aramane, after the name of the region. The palace was relatively simple: a two-storey building with a thatched roof, built in the native Ainmane tradition. 

The descendants of Achuvanna and his two brothers became the Aramane thakka (palace chamberlains); they were the hereditary chieftains in-charge of the Naalnaad palace. Meanwhile, Kodagu became free of Tipu’s rule in 1792. For Dodda Veerarajendra, life had come full circle, as he gained possession of his father’s old residence.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Spectrum / by Mookonda Kushalappa / October 03rd, 2020

Rashmika Mandanna turning busy with ‘Mega’ projects

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

Young Kannada beauty Rashmika Mandanna is in fine form as her previous two films Sarileru Neekevvaru and Bheeshma minted big bucks at the box office. Consequently, she is bagging big offers in Tollywood and she will next be seen in Allu Arjun’s ‘Pushpa’.

Interestingly, Rashmika is in pole position to sign for Acharya as well. The makers have reportedly arranged a look test featuring Ram Charan and Rashmika Mandanna early next month. They will be taking the final call on whether to bring her on board or not based on the output. She is consideration for Ram Charan’s love interest role in the film.

If Rashmika bags Acharya offer, she will be turning super busy with two projects starring mega heroes. These films could well provide Rashmika with the ticket to the elite league of actresses and she would be hoping to make the most of it.

Rashmika is already in Hyderabad and she is raring to get back to sets. Both Acharya and Pushpa will be hitting the floors very soon and the young actress is likely to work on them simultaneously if things fall into place.

source: http://www.telugubulletin.com / Telugu Bullettin / Home> Movie News / by TB Cinema / Hyderabad – September 26th, 2020

Works On Kodava Heritage Centre To Be Completed In 10 Months, Says Minister

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All

Bengaluru:

Tourism Minister C.T. Ravi said that the works on ‘Kodava Heritage Centre’ at Vidyanagar near Madikeri, the district headquarters of Kodagu, will be completed in ten months. The project was envisaged by the Government in 2004-05 for introducing the unique Ainmane tradition of Kodavas with a museum.

The Kodava Heritage Centre Project features an Ainmane, a Hall, a small indoor water pond, an open auditorium, a library, a museum and drinking water facility. The Project is coming up on a 4-acre land at Karavale Badaga village close to Vidyanagar on the outskirts of Madikeri City, near Mahindra Holiday Resort.

Replying to a question by Congress MLC Veena Achaiah in the Legislative Council yesterday on why the project was lying in limbo for long, Ravi assured that all the works on the Heritage Centre will be completed in ten months. Attributing the delay to the lethargic attitude of implementing agencies, change in structure design and multiple revision of estimate, Ravi said that part of the works have been completed and the rest will be completed at a cost of Rs.97 lakh. The contractor has been asked to finish the works in ten months, he added.

Continuing, Ravi said that the Union Tourism Ministry sanctioned Kodava Heritage Centre in 2004-05, with the project estimated to cost Rs. 88.75 lakh then, following which Rs. 33.54 lakh was released to Jungle Lodges and Resorts, the implementing agency. But the project did not take off and subsequently it was decided to execute the works through the district administration at a cost of Rs.1.45 crore. After administrative approval on Aug.18, 2010, the contract was awarded  on Sept.12, 2010 to M.B. Hemashankar of Mysuru, who was asked to finish the works in a year, the Minister said.

Though the project took off, only the walls of the structure came up, amid complaints of poor quality work and improper planning and architecture.

Ravi said that due to doubts about the stability of the structure’s foundation, the Government was sought a redesign of the project  in 2011. On account of the changed design, the project estimate was revised to Rs.2.68 crore, which was approved by the Government on April 26, 2012. The contractor who resumed the works based on the revised estimate went slow, following which the contractor was served notice a number of times asking him to expedite the project. But as the works were not finished, the contract was terminated on Nov.27, 2018. By the time the contract was terminated, the contractor who was paid Rs.1.68 crore by then, had partially constructed the retaining wall and  tiled-roof (Mangaluru tiles). Later, the PWD Chief Engineer  submitted a revised estimate of Rs. 3,30,45,110, which received administrative approval on May 27, 2020. The PWD has now been directed to complete the works in ten months, Ravi explained.

The  cost of the Project which was first planned in 2004-05  has gone up from Rs. 88.75 lakh to Rs.3.30 crore in the 15-year period and the people of Kodagu are hoping that the Project will be wholly executed soon and the Heritage Centre becomes a major tourist attraction.

It may be mentioned here that Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Annies  Kanmani Joy, who is also the District Tourism Development Committee Chairperson, surprised and upset over the undue delay in the execution of the project, held a meeting on Sept. 6, 2020, during which she ordered the officials to expedite the project. 

Later Tourism Minister C.T. Ravi held a meeting with officials on  Sept.11, when the Minister was shocked to learn that an important tourism project like Kodava Heritage Centre was lying in limbo for the past several years.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 27th, 2020

International Hockey Player Uthappa Ties Knot

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

International hockey player Sannuvanda K. Uthappa, son of Sannuvanda Vasanth Kushalappa and Niraj of Devarapura, tied the nuptial knot with Sanjana, daughter of Puttichanda Uthappa and Leela of Bollarimad, at The Yellow Bamboo Resort in Balaji, South Kodagu, yesterday.

Only family members of the couple and close relatives were part of the simple ceremony (Dampathi Muhurtha) held last evening.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / September 28th, 2020

Cauvery Nisargadhama Near Kushalnagar Witnesses Spurt In Tourist Footfalls

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

Kushalnagar:

With the Government opening up the tourism sector following  phased  COVID-19 induced lockdown relaxations, Cauvery Nisargadhama, a prominent tourist destination near Kushalnagar in Kodagu, is witnessing a spurt in the number of tourists in recent days.

Yesterday, being a Sunday, the tourist spot recorded as many as 600 visitors and this number is significantly more when compared to last week. 

Overall, the district recorded more number of visitors, thus bringing some hope for those dependent  on the tourism industry. However, at the same time, tourists are disappointed that other most visited tourist  spots such as Dubare Elephant Camp and the Golden Temple at Bylakuppe have not re-opened for tourists despite lockdown relaxations.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 28th, 2020

Gulshan Devaiah, Sagarika Ghatge’s ‘Footfairy’ about a killer’s foot fetish

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg
Gulshan Devaiah, Sagarika Ghatge's 'Footfairy' about a killer's foot fetish

Mumbai :

Gulshan Devaiah and Sagarika Ghatge star in the upcoming mystery drama Footfairy, and the trailer of the film promises murder, brutal thrills and psychotic obsession.

“The narrative takes the viewer on a journey to experience how an obsession can make one cross the line, just to get a sense of satisfaction. The movie’s take of psychotic obsession leading to crime is exciting,” Devaiah said.

Directed by the Kanishk Varma the film revolves around Vivaan Deshmukh, a CBI officer and his lady love, Devika. Vivaan sets out in pursuit of a serial killer who strikes and kills women driven by an absurd obsession for feet.

The &pictures original film is all set to hit television screens on October 24.

Source: IANS

Olympian S.K. Uthappa Engaged

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

Wedding this evening at Kodagu Resort (27th)

Olympian S.K. Uthappa engaged

Gonikoppa:

Olympian Sannuvanda Kushalappa (S.K.) Uthappa got engaged to Puttichanda Sanjana at Yellow Bamboo Resort in Balaji village, South Kodagu, yesterday. Only family members of the couple and close relatives were part of the simple engagement ceremony and the marriage (Dampathi Muhurtha) will be held this evening.

Daughter of Puttichanda Uthappa and Leela couple of Bollarimad village, Sanjana is working at a private firm in Bengaluru.

S.K. Uthappa’s father Sannuvanda Kushalappa of Devarapura village, mother Niraj, brother Chinnappa and his wife were present during the engagement.

Uthappa made his international debut in hockey against South Africa in 2012 and scored a total of three goals in the five-match series. He was then picked to play at the 2012 Olympics Qualification Tournament where he exhibited good game.

Uthappa captained the side for the first time at the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy in Malaysia, in a league game against Pakistan, in the process of rotation of captaincy the team followed after the 2016 Rio Olympics. His side won the game 3-2.

An Ekalavya Awardee, he has played a  total of 164 international tournaments.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / September 27th, 2020

Talacauvery Theerthodbhava On Oct. 17

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Madikeri:

The annual Theerthodbhava at Talacauvery will be held on Oct. 17 at 7.03 am as per the Hindu almanac on the Tula Sankramana Day (Kanya Lagna).

On this day, it is believed that Goddess Cauvery comes in the form of a fountain-head where water gushes up from Brahmakundike at the predetermined time.

On the occasion of Theerthodhbava, rituals such as rice being poured to ‘Pathaya’ (Tula Lagna) of Sri Bhagandeshwara Swamy Temple at Bhagamandala will be held as per tradition on Sept. 26 at 8.31 am.

Oct. 4 (10.33 am): ‘Ajna Muhurtha’ will be held at ‘Vrishchik Lagna’;

Oct.14 (11.45 am): Placing of ‘Akshaya Patra’ (Dhanur Lagna);

5.15 pm: Offering boxes will be placed (Meena Lagna).

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 23rd, 2020

Backyard tourism set to boom as travellers explore short and safe vacations

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

After many months of intermittent lockdowns, travellers are venturing out again, opting for remote getaways, Nature trails and short drives as backyard tourism booms

Waking up to the sounds of a gurgling Cauvery and soaking up spectacular views of monsoon-drenched mountains, it was a blissful morning in Coorg for Archana N Vidur. “After being cooped up for five months, it felt like I was breathing again,” she says.

Archana and her family based in Bengaluru are just back from their first road trip post lockdown. “We had to get some fresh air and flush out the negativity that has entered our lives during COVID-19. Connecting with Nature, frees you up mentally,” she adds. They booked an entire property, the Carpe Diem Homestay at Kushal Nagar, which is a five-hour drive from Bengaluru.

“We selected a place that is cut off from ‘touristy’ destinations. We packed blankets, bed sheets and toiletries. We carried our plates, glasses, cutlery and a dishwasher too! Of course, we kept our masks on at all times. We packed our used clothes in sealed plastic bags and washed them immediately on return.”

Backyard tourism has now emerged as a favourite activity. Now that there are fewer restrictions on travelling across states, people are venturing out on short and safe vacations close to their cities — from weekend drives to isolated home stays to exploring the countryside on bikes. J. Rumi, a writer based in Bengaluru has lined up places like Dandiganahalli dam, Manchenahalli dam, and Turahalli forests, all well within 50 to 100 kms from her house. “ We can drive down and then go on treks, cycle around or spend some quiet time with Nature.”

Coppersmith Barbet   | Photo Credit: Manish Kumar

Author and travel blogger Manjulika Pramod is contemplating a road trip to Machilipatnam beach which is 80 kilometres away from her home in Vijayawada. “I want to go to a place where I can easily avoid human contact. So, it’s best to go to a beach where we can take our own food. Nature, especially the sun, sand and waves will definitely cheer me up,” she says.

The monsoon has also ushered in some much-needed cheer. “It is the best time to explore the green countryside of my state, Jharkhand,” says Manish Kumar who lives in Ranchi and blogs in Hindi about travelling and conservation. “I indulge myself with trips within 50 to 80 kilometres over the weekends to places like the beautiful Patratu Valley on the outskirts of Ranchi, or the isolated Dhurva dam, which is a haven for migratory birds. Another popular place is the Ramgarh countryside (top photograph) for its lush green paddy fields,” says Manish, adding “Backyard tourism is going to boom now.”

Running wild and free

However, travelling during lockdown comes with its fair share of challenges. One has to follow handy tips to travel safe. Says Archana, who along with her husband Vidur runs Travelmynation, a couple travel and lifestyle blog, “COVID-19 is not the time for surprise vacations. We took all safety precautions as we travelled with our parents who are senior citizens and our two Lhasa Apso dogs. We packed our food, including coffee, and stopped at the outskirts cut off from the city to have our meals before reaching Coorg.”

Rashmi Chadha, founder of Wovoyage, a startup for women-centric travels   | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

In a post-lockdown scenario, a road trip is also a way to finally reunite with family or friends after months of isolation. “A protocol is in place. Those joining avoid outside travel before the planned trip. They get tested and take off from a common point,” says Delhi-based Rashmi Chadha, founder of Wovoyage, a startup for women-centric travels. “Recently, we organised a road trip for a group of seven to eight women, most of them friends who travelled in two cars to Kanatal in Himachal to spend a few weeks in solitude. Some of our clients in Mumbai are taking off to Lonavala over the weekends. Those in Delhi now make trips to Rajasthan. The trend now is to travel with close-knit groups.”

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She also points out that the lockdown is encouraging people to explore their own backyards. “Domestic tourism is picking up. People are travelling to different places within their State, for example people in Madhya Pradesh are exploring places like Chanderi Fort and Jhansi Fort.”

Evergreen County Resort in Coorg   | Photo Credit:  Special Arrangement

Most travellers, however, choose to reconnect with Nature after months at home. Says Bajan Bopanna of Evergreen County Resorts, located inside a coffee estate in Coorg, “We see a rise in bookings. They want to trek or go on plantation trails within the property or enjoy a private camp fire.” Col VG Pandey (retired) of Vama Resorts at Nandi Hills near Bengaluru says families from locations within the State have been visiting the military-themed resort and camp. “They engage in activities that we offer, like how to improve mind-body coordination, overcome fear of enclosed spaces, to name a few.”

Richa Gupta   | Photo Credit:  Special Arrangement

Some take a road trip for a change of scenery like Richa Gupta, a digital media marketer for travel brands, who lives in Pune. “We wanted to beat the boredom. We checked in at Taj Fort Aguada resort at Sinquerim Beach, Candolim in Goa, which is located on a cliff overlooking an ocean. The check-in was contactless, safe and clean. We spent time at the beach and went on treks. Now, I am ready to be cooped up.”

Nishu Boralia   | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Nishu Boralia, a chartered accountant based out of Bengaluru, plans to pitch a tent inside the forest in Chikmagalur. “The professional and personal space has become blurry. I am craving for open skies, a bubbling waterfall, and birds chirping around me.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu /Home> Life & Style> Travel / by K. Jeshi / Coimbatore – September 22nd, 2020

Charles II silver sugar box stars in our pick of five auction highlights this week

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, World Opinion

ATG’s weekly selection of items that caught bidders’ eyes includes a rare Charles II silver sugar box described as “in an exceptional state of preservation” that sold above estimate in Nottingham.

Charles II silver sugar box – £19,000 at Mellors & Kirk.

1. Prattware coiled pipe – £880

Prattware coiled pipe – £880 at Sworders.

Sworders in Essex is dispersing one of the world’s finest collections of pipes and smoking accoutrements across a number of sales this year. The Trevor Barton (1920-2008) collection represents more than 50 years of acquisition and study by a Hertfordshire pipe collector known to many in the antiques trade as ‘The Pipe Man’.

Barton began collecting pipes and other tobacco-related items in 1947, shortly after he was demobbed. In addition to regular visits to Bermondsey market, he travelled widely during a sales and marketing career which helped him to grow his collection.

Selected items from the Barton collection were sold at Christie’s in 2010, but the remainder were kept by the family. The first tranche of the collection formed part of Sworders’ Fine Interiors auction on September 22.

Every lot (many of them multiples) sold above top estimate including this Prattware coiled pipe c.1820, elaborately coiled and painted in ochre and blue dashes. Expected to bring £400-600, it made £880.

2. Coorg War knife – £8000

This 19th century Indian knife with a shaped and carved horn handle comes in its original morocco case. A handwritten label says it was gift from the Raja of Coorg to Colonel George Mackenzie Stuart, the commander of a column of the Madras Army at the taking of Coorg and commandant at the fortress of Vallore where the Raja was later held.

This appears to reference the Coorg War fought between the British East India Company and the small south Indian state in February-April 1834. British losses during the campaign were 93 killed before the British ensign was raised and Chikavira Rajendra, the last ruler of the Coorg kingdom, was sent into exile.

Coupled with this provenance, this fine knife sold for £8000 (estimate £400-600) at Gildings of Market Harborough on September 22.

3. Harry Rountree illustration – £2600

An illustration for ‘The Lost World’ by Harry Rountree – £2600 at David Lay’s in Penzance.

It was estimated at £40-60 but this 14 x 10in (35 x 25cm) pen and ink by New-Zealand-born artist Harry Rountree (1878-1950) sold for £2600 at David Lay in Penzance on September 17.

Fully signed, is one of the original grisaille illustrations created for Conan Doyle’s sci-fi classic The Lost World. The story of an expedition to a plateau in the Amazon basin where prehistoric beasts still survive has spawned many films (the first in 1925). However, it was originally published serially in the Strand Magazine during the months of April-November 1912 with Rountree supplying the illustrations.

4. Charles II silver sugar box – £19,000

Charles II silver sugar box – £19,000 at Mellors & Kirk.

In family ownership for several generations, this 27oz Charles II sugar box was described by Nottingham auctioneers Mellors & Kirk as “in an exceptional state of preservation, with hardly any sign of wear and no damage or repair worthy of note”.

Probably last on the market a century ago, it is engraved with an armorial crest and fully marked to the rim, lid and hasp for London 1681 and the maker’s mark AR with a mullet and two pellets below.

Estimated at £10,000-15,000 on September 16, it took £19,000.

5. Portrait of WH Auden – £28,000

Portrait of WH Auden by Maurice Feild – £28,000 at Bonhams.

This oil on canvas portrait of WH Auden (1907-73), offered for sale at the Bonhams Modern British and Irish Art sale on September 16 is by Maurice Feild (1905-1988). It came by descent from the artist to a private collection in the UK.

Feild and Auden were colleagues and friends during their time teaching at the Downs School, Colwall during the early 1930s with this informal 22 x 15in (56 x 38cm) portrait signed titled and dated verso 1937. It was a key year for Auden: his visit to Spain where he experienced first-hand the horrors of civil war, provided the inspiration for his poem Spain.

Feild, an associate of the Euston Road School of painters, later went on to teach at the Slade in 1954.

A picture of obvious literary interest, it was pitched at an appealing £800-1200 but found sufficient admirers to bring £28,000.

source: http://www.antiquestradegazette.com / Antiques Trade Gazette / Home> News> 2020 / by Roland Arkell / September 25th, 2020