Stories of the Stones

I always believe History can be fascinating when the narrative is interesting. After all, History IS essentially a narrative from the chronicler’s perspective. India’s monuments tell myriad stories in stone. Karnataka is a state rich in art, architecture, music and crafts. Ruled at various times by the Kadambas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Gangas, etc., every era left behind a unique form of art and architecture. Kings made it a part of their mission to construct temples which served dual roles, one, of places of worship, and the other as places of congregation for the populace. Temples of Karnataka have their distinct identity. They can be classified based on the style of construction, and have both Southern and Northern influences. The foundation, walls, carvings and panels thereof, sides ( 4, 8, 16) of the temple, Shikhar/Gopura are some of the features that distinguish themselves. I am not an expert in this field, just an avid and curious learner. An immense sense of pride engulfs me on seeing what amazing creations came about in this part of India, centuries ago. If people need just roots and wings to flourish, which I strongly believe, history is the taproot of mankind.

A unique seminar was held today at Govt. First Grade College, K.K. Koppa addressed by
Dr. Srinivas Padigar, Head of the Department of Ancient Indian History and Epigraphy of the Karnatak University, Dharwad and organized by Dr. Chandrashekhar Taboji. He brought alive the heritage architecture of the Badami Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Kalyan Chalukyas at Hampi, Badami, Pattadkal, Aihole and many such places, lucidly showed the differences in the styles, art in its details, beauty and symmetry in an era when they worked with limited resources. Dr. Padigar made a presentation with graphic pictures of each temple, explained the differences and showed the details in every one of them. Dr. Padigar explained that broadly, the different types of temple architecture are Dravidian, Rekha-nagara, Phamsana, Gajaprushtha and Mantap.

( Image courtesy: http://historyofvisualart.blogspot.in/2013/06/the-temple-architecture-styles-in-india.html)

Dr. Padigar must be lauded as a superstar. Another great Historian, Dr. Smita Surebankar, Principal of RPD College, has done monumental work in ancient History and Archaeology, but she deserves a separate article! There could be many scholars and passionate historians like them. It’s we who need to become their fans.

What can we do?

Belagavi and its adjoining areas are rich with temples of historical importance. Visit the Kamal Basadi in the heart of the city.

Beautiful temples are nestled at Nesargi, Ibrahimpur, Halasi, Belavadi, Degaon, Hooli, Kadrolli, Kittur, Konnur, Vakkund, etc.

Show the kids around, read before you go.

Organize picnics to these places. Experience the pride that you’ll feel.

Collect books, videos, texts, come out with any material that you may have inherited and enrich the heritage.

Boost the works of the historians.

Preserve the monuments. Do not deface them in any way.

Donate funds for their upkeep wherever you find them in a neglected state.