Source: THE PAULITE LINK No. 5, Dec. 2010
By Niranjan S. Patil
Raja Lakhamgauda’s son Basavaprabhu had no son, so he adopted Bharamagauda (my elder brother) as his heir in 1944, and changed his name to Lakhamgauda Basavaprabhu Sirdesai. On Basavaprabhu’s death in 1948 Lakhamgauda Basavaprabhu Sirdesai inherited the estate. My grandfather, Balasaheb Alagauda Patil, familiarly known as Annasaheb, was Raja Lakhamgauda’s brother, whose son Shankargauda Patil was our father. I am proud and privileged to have this man as my granduncle.
To recall the greatness of the man, one incident when I must have been around 6 comes vividly to mind. We were all at home when suddenly Rajasaheb walked in and said, “Come, let us go to Vantmuri.” His main object was to thank Prabhudev for all the good things he had in life and the good he was able to do. We bundled into the car which was big enough to carry all of us and here I was kneeling (!) next to the driver wanting to look at and listen to the conversation behind. Rajasaheb was very quiet on the way and as we approached the causeway, my father asked the driver to slow down. There was excitement among the villagers as they saw the car approaching and in the commotion, the darwan was summoned to break the seal on the door meant for entry on ceremonial occasions to enable our entry. Although our visit was sudden and unexpected, the villagers had changed into their ceremonial dress and thronged the palace to acknowledge Rajasaheb’s presence. Such was the love and regard that the villagers had for my granduncle.
Below I give a life sketch of this great man who was my granduncle, as published by the K.L.E. Socierty. Students of Lingaraj College may know about him. Authority, wealth and grandeur are the privileges enjoyed by a king. However, by sacrificing these, he chose to serve his subjects, protect the culture and strove to develop his country by devoting his life to these causes. Such men are one in a million!
Even Ashoka, Akbar, Vikramaditya and Krishnadevaraya, although great kings, never donated their empire for the upliftment of their subjects and development of society as did the Lingaraja dynasty. Among these samsthans, Vantmuri in Belgaum District is the hamlet that was ruled by Raja Lakhamagauda who followed this noble way of Lingaraja. Let us go back to the 15th Century in the era of the Vijayanagar Empire when the Adilshahi dynasty ruled Bijapur. During this period Prabhu Basavantrao had built a wada at Vantmuri. Raja Lakhamagauda was the 16th ruler of this samsthan, when he ascended the gadi in 1877, at the age of 13.
The great sages of Nidadoshi, Konnur and Ankalgi visited his samsthan and purified this land. Although this samsthan had a secure palace, it did not believe in keeping an armed force to protect it. Social awareness and spirituality were the ideology of this kingdom.
Raja Lakhamagauda was born on 29th July 1864 in Ammanagi village. His first name was Appasaheb and his primary education was in a Marathi school in Ammanagi. The secondary education was done partly in Kolhapur where most of the princely students studied. From Kolhapur he continued his studies in Sardar High School, Belgaum. Here, Mr.E. H. Hoogwerf, the headmaster gave special attention to Lakhamagauda. In 1882 he passed his Matriculation from Bombay University. While studying in Kolhapur, in 1880, he married Parvatidevi, the daughter of Kalyanshetty of Gokak. On July 29, 1884, he was invested with power by the British government. In 1884, his wife gave birth to a son, who was named Basavaprabhu.
Lakhamagauda was a king who lived without greed or lust. He studied law and medicine and decided to go to England for a law degree. He left for England in 1886 and was called to the Inner Temple Bar Association of legal luminaries. Here, he deepened his knowledge and heightened his compassion for humanity. The archeological splendor and natural beauty of England mesmerized him. After being called to the bar, he visited America on his way back to India. There, he saw their educational system, industry, and Art, Science & Cultural Institutes and noted its racial population. On returning o India in 1888, he was appointed first-class Judge of Vantmuri by the British Government. Highly qualified, Lakhamagauda managed his wada efficiently and renovated his palace. In the month of Shravan, he conducted Shivpuja Purana for Hindus and also celebrated Muslim festivals thus paving the way to secularism. Whenever disputes arose which could not be solved by law, he exercised moral guidelines to settle them.
Public works such as Pasi Pool Bridge over the river Ghataprabha, the road from Hattarki to
Pachapur, construction of a Guest House, Medical Shop and Primary School were taken up at his own cost for the betterment of society. During this time, the Lingayat Education Association
of the Veerashaiva community in Dharwad provided hostel facilities with boarding for their students. Raja Lakhamgouda donated Rs. 55,000 to this association in 1901. He reiterated his ideology that “Organisation is bigger than men, Society is bigger than association and Nation is bigger than society.” Social unity, including vision, value and health, the importance of the Lingayat community and its benefits to society were some of the issues of the Veerashaiva Mahasabha held in 1904 at Dharwad. This meeting was presided over by Lingaraja of Sirsangi. At this meeting Raja Lakhamgauda spoke on “Social Development” and urged the community to unearth the lost volumes of literature and study them. He presided over the Veerashaiva Mahasabha of Bagalkhot in 1904, emphasizing religious development, social awareness and spread of education in his speech. He also emphasized ways and means to improve the agricultural sector, urging the removal of inequality in society while living in unity with compassion.
In 1908, the sage Shri Kumaraswamy of Hanagalwas responsible for building the Shivayoga Temple which became known as Veerashaiva University, where he started spiritual education and social service. Raja Lakhamagauda helped this sage with generous donations. His social service and the work of electrification of this complex was recognized by the British Government and he was appointed as a Member of the Legislative Council of the Bombay Presidency for three successive terms, during the tenures of two successive Governors of Bombay Presidency.
In 1917, the Karnataka Lingayat Education Centre was started by Mr. Rudragowda of Aratala, joined by Mr. Sakhare and Mr. Mamadapur. When they visited Raja Lakhamagauda and explained their activities and plans, he donated Rs. 20,000 to the Trust. They named the Belgaum Science College after him. He also donated generously to various institutions such as the Deccan Education Society, Willingdon College Sangli, Lady Irwin College Delhi, Hostel of Free Scholarship Home Kolhapur, Belgaum Public Library and various educational institutions in Belgaum.
His beloved wife Parvati Devi expired in 1917 after a prolonged illness. Despite this sorrow, he involved himself in social service. He devoted his time entirely to the upliftment of humanity. He helped the poor and needy and became their savior. To help medical service to the poor, he donated generously to several hospitals such as the Belgaum Ayurveda College, Miraj Mission Hospital, Ghataprabha Arogyadhama and the TB Eradication Centre of the Belgaum Civil Hospital.
The British Government recognized his service towards the community and education and in 1919 conferred the order of Companion of the Indian Empire (C.I.E.) and in 1930 his title as rajah was conferred. He worked towards the publication of several books on Veerashaiva culture sponsored by the Lingayat Education Association of Dharwad. He was also the leading donor towards the construction of the office building of the Karnataka Lingayat Education Society in Belgaum.
When Rao Bahadur Aratala Rudragowda stepped down as President of the KLE Society due to advancing age, Raja Lakhamagauda became the President considering his being an able lawyer, administrator an industrious social worker. In 1929, the Dharwad High School was renamed Raja Lakhamgauda Sardesai High School. In 1922 the school grew into a Degree College and Raja Lakhamgauda donated 1 lakh towards this cause. This college was named after the great donor Lingaraja and in 1944 it’s science stream was named Raja Lakhamgauda Science Institute.
Some prominent people of this area thought there was a need for a Law College and approached Raja Lakhamgauda with this proposal. Being the only barrister in this region, he gladly donated 1 lakh to the proposed Karnataka Law Society. As a token of respect, the college was named Lakhamgauda Law College. Further, he donated generously to the Karnataka College at Dharwad, right from its inception by Aratala Rudragauda. Raja Lakhamgauda worked for the development of Education for all castes and creeds, not just the Lingayats, and donated generously for their upliftment. He was a visionary and knew that all his moral and material help was for a noble cause and would bear fruit.
Being a ruler of a princely state, he was responsible for the well-being of his subjects. He mingled freely with hem and participated in their joys and sorrows. Thus, he was loved by one and all. He used to conduct cultural programs, and gave priority to health, sports and cultural activities. He showed how important and necessary these were to society and made “Kreeda Bhawan” and “Social Club” grow rapidly by leaps and bounds in Belgaum. In commemoration, Kreeda Bhawan was named after Raja Lakhamgauda. Though he was a ruler, he did not have any ego or pride and always expressed his love and compassion for the people. He aligned himself with the British Government for the benefit of society. Although he adopted British discipline, tolerance and obedience, he never distanced himself from Indian culture.
All his services to humanity prompted the socialites to organize a felicitation ceremony in which several leaders praised and blessed him. Raja Lakhamgauda was mesmerized by the love and affection bestowed on him by these patrons. He wrote a speech for the occasion, which was read by his son Basavaprabhu. He played down himself and his deeds and said that his donations to various institutions were not important but the noble utilization of them through the selfless service by these institutions was praiseworthy. He said, “I am simply a treasurer indebted to society and just return money which belongs to them.” He believed that service to mankind was the supreme service. He devoted half his lifetime for social service and empowerment through education. In a way, men such as he are the true preachers of socialism and spirituality by actual practice. At the age of 80, he expired in 1942. In 1944, the Governor of Bombay Presidency, Sir John Colville, visited Vantmuri to unveil a bust of Raja Lakhamgauda.
Note: The palace of Vantmuri was submerged in 1978/79 when a dam was built downstream at
Hidkal. Today its remains surface at the peak of summer and the surrounding villagers visit the
Prabhu Dev Temple at Sidlal, which has somehow survived even under water!
Felt proud to know HIS deeds towards society and mankind. Thanks for positing
Dear Niranjanji, I had privilege to spend couple of days at the Vantmuri Palace and also witness a cricket match at the palace ground where leading Ranaji players of that period, to name Hajare brothers and others participated. I was then about 14 years old. Nothing more though there are many nostalogic moments to remembr and write. Thanks!.
Dear Nazirji the ruins of the vantmuri Fort and Palace can still be viewed in Summer. It is a breathtaking site. In spite of the gushing waters with great force for more than thirty years the fort has remained almost intact without any conservation efforts. A lot to learn for our Govt officials and Civil engineers to be.
More than anything you can sit under a tree near the site and meditate. The remoteness, peacefulness and beauty of the the place is very rejuvenating and which no amount of money can buy. I will try to Post the pictures.
My grandfather grew up in Old Vantamuri. He has a lot of stories from the old town but not a lot of pictures. It’ll be really nice of you if you post more pictures if you have any.
Hi Ashwin.
If I am not mistaken I think you use to stay in Indal Colony, and your father was stayting E type.We were in F type. If so kindly call on my cell +919880408963
Regards.
I want to see more about vantmuri,
Thank you very much for writing this Sir ……. I would visit Vantmuri to know more about history
Just Y'day me and my father were discussing about RLS and how the name came to be. He went to RLS and so did my sister. His good friends worked in KLE society and he said the name changed from Lingayat society to Liberal society to back to Lingayat. What does it stand for today? Very nice article Thank you.
NIJADA NILAVU PARAMA PRABHUWE.
thank you so much for uploading the history of the palce, thank you.
NIJAD NELAVU PARAM PRABHWE. .. Thank you for publishing the information about the palace and the village.
I had prievilage to meet Shri Niranjan Patil after a lapse of about forty years. Amanullha Kittur, my elder brother and Shri Niranjan Patil were close friends. I spent quite a long time with him. I also came into contact with the grandsons of Shri Basavprabhu. God bless them.
i was most interested to read this article. Edmund H. Hoogwerf, headmaster of Sardars High School, was my great-gandfather. I have pictures of him in Belgaum and many details of his life. Born in the subcontinent (as were six generations of my famiily) he was a great friend to india. In 1886, he travelled to London on the same boat as Raja Lakhamagauda, I think accompanying him as his mentor. if the author of the article, Mr. Patel, has time to email me, I would be delighted to exchange further information. Ben Hoogewerf, London.
I am the nephew of Mr Niranjan patil who is now aged about 82 years. It would be nice if you could mail me the pictures of your great grand father in Belgaum and share the interesting details which I shall share with my uncle. I can also mail some old photos if possible. My Uncle greatly respects and values the stature of your Great Grand father. My uncle is not a internet user and this article was uploaded by the Paulite magazine, he being an ex student of St Paul’s High School.
Ashwin Patil, Bangalore
I need some information about Vantmuri villagers those who staying in between the year 1940 to 1975. (Before construction the Hidkal Dam)
Hello, I am from Yamakanmardi and my father used to teach in CES High School. I was remembering that your family made a donation to the new school building constructed sometime in mid-70’s. While searching the web about your family I was pleasantly surprised to come across such a detailed article. These are precious pieces of history very few people know. Much appreciated and may the spirit of his administration live on and rub a little on today’s politicians…!
recently one book was published on Raja Lakhamagouda Sardesai of Vantmuri by Shankar Hanagadkar and Raja Lakhamgouda Rastirya Pratistan if get detail plz send the details to me
Im frm hargapur son of mahadevgouda malagouda patil iwant some more pictures,of hargapur patil family if u have any please
Mail into
I felt very proud reading this article,even I want to know the history associated with our family in hargapur
Thanks & regards
Anand m patil
heloo Ashwin Patil , Mr Annad please call me Fro Gajanan Salunkhe-Vallabhgad, Hargapur Gad
8796027055
I want to see vantmori
Hiiiii All I am Sudhanva from Hubli. Professionally I am a sculptor, and currently I am doing project for one museum. I need pics of shri lakmagouda vantamuri, lingaraj Sir Desai to make sculpture of them, if you have any pics do send it to my mail Id.. Or you can call or what’s app to my no..
Details:
Sudhanva R Deshpande
Artist (sculptor)
Email: [email protected]
Call: 9886660266
We have formed group Royal Vantamurians wants to join Share What’s App No
To 9739143786
Niranjanji ,
It’s a great to read this article about Rajasab , we are from vantamuri and I have spent my chief hood in Vantamuri
My Grand Father was a Head master of Urdu school (who has completed his arts degree from JJ School of Art from Mumbai and he was in Adveseary committee of. Rajasab , we had the prevellage to participate in the royal celebrations of
Palace , also my Uncle Bademiya jamadar was Karbhari for royal services till 1978 , he was associated with Your brother
Rajalakhamgouda Basavprabhu Sardesai (Bharam Gouda ) your brother . We always remember the well planned Vantamuri Village with surrounded by fourt and two palaces , river bank and the beauty of rich planning done for the lanes and cutters of different communities living with peace and harmony .
I really salute this great presanality . I have got some photographs , of royal pics certainly wants to share with every one.
Certainly I will be glad to meet the members and relatives of this family , it’s my previlage .
With regards .
YUNUSMIYA S. JAMADAR.
B.Tech (ele). Cell No – 09739143786 , 08312414627
Member for planning and development committee .
Rani Chennamma University ,Belgavi.
(Grad son of Razamiya Jamadar)
Hi Yunus,
This is Shadab Ibrahim Jamadar great grandson of Hussainsab Jamadar(whom you referred as headmaster) and i am the grandson of gousmohiddin jamadar. I would like to see the photographs which you have. I tried to get the photographs but couldnt get it. Please send me the photgraphs on [email protected].
You can contact me on
07875827318
Regards,
Shadab Jamadar
My grandfather’s name is Siddlingappa Arballi. Due to financial crisis my father Ballappa S Arballi moved to Mumbai. My father use to share many things about vantmuri. If anyone knew about my family Arballi kindly let me know. And also if anyone could send me pictures it would be very kind. Thank you.
I could not find any info on Raja Lakhamagouda Sardesai/Sirasangi Lingaraj on wikipedia. It would be nice to have an article on wikipedia.
It is complete article , Even Vantumuri Desai ‘s still having the wade (Bungalows) in Kamatenatti (Tq-Chikodi) and Yelimunnoli (Tq-Hukkeri). But now both wade’s are managing by naganur swami ji.. I hearld from my grand parents and villagers . Desai’s were having land in all the areas of belgaum and neighbouring districts.
After vantumuri , prabudeva devastan rebuilted in Kamatenatti and Yelimunnoli.
You guys can get multiple pictures of desai’s family and royalty at that time from both the wades.
i was born in new vantamuri but i see old vantamuri thats sweet memeory are very greatfull and i am the froud to a fpart of vantamuri my father mother and relative are very lucky where born the old vantamuri i love vantamuri pls pls some other images post
Vantmuri was a Deskhat regranted by the British Government pursuant Inam Commissions Report as a superior grant. However, having to the social status achieved in Lakhsmgouda in the Mumbai Karnstaka region, the British conferred on him the title of Raja.
Barrister Raja Lakhsmgouda as public remembers him was great philanthropist. If Mumbai Karnataka prospered by early education, the credit must undoubtedly go to Raja Lakhamgouda also.
The following web site gives details maintained by Inner Temple archives from where Raja Lakhamgouda was called to the as Barrister at Law
http://hosted.law.wisc.edu/wordpress/sharafi/files/2010/07/Inner-Temple-List-25-Oct-2012.pdf
The way he donated generously for the welfare of the society is unmatched… Great deed…
Good Day
please Forward to me mr. Niranjan S. Patil Mobile no
Gajanan Salunkhe-Vallabhagd,Tal: Hukkeri, Sankeswar
8796027055
[email protected]
hi send your What’s App no I want to add you in group “Royal Vantamurians “
realy hart touching hestry but iam also desai family raja samrth desai
Iam studing in landan univarsity iam caming march 3 please contact 8970907434
I am Sankarganesh Karuppiah, IRS, I came on election duty to Hukkeri ,during the visit to various villages of the constituency I came to know about Desai fort in Yeli Munoli and about Raja Lakhamgouda . Indeed he and his successors who donated a lot to the society and lands for construction of Hidakkal dam are great and selfless souls. A great salute to them
Wow hats off to Raja Lakahamagouda, for his social and educational deeds, feeling proud that such great personalities we had. Thanks for this valuable knowledge.
Hi nice article sir . My grandfather was their in the vantamuri palace still my some
of relatives are in touch with Desai family in belgaum.
My self Manoj Vantamuri,
I was curious to our why our surname is Vantamuri, even my father also don’t know.
From: Ugarkar brothers
It was delightful to read a brief history of Vantmuri and its beloved former ruler Raja Lakhamgouda Sirdesai. Thanks to Shri Niranjan Patil for enlightening the proud descendants of Vantmuri Samsthan.
Blogs by the people who were, or are, associated with Vantumri through their ancestry flashed the pictures of some of those people. We remember the names, especially of Jamadars, Araballis, Purlgote, Kittur, etc. Our father, Ganapatrao Ugarkar known as Pattar (Goldsmith), was a friend of the Desais from the time of RLS and was entrusted with making jewelries and Ganesh statues to both the palaces for Ganesh Chathurthi festival. The palace used to hold Darbars during the Ganesh-chathurthi where prominent musicians of that era would give concerts. Some of us were fortunate enough to accompany our father to those concerts. The darbar hall was vast with exquisite carpets, velvet Diwans, colorful chandeliers, Victorian wall tapestries and gift artifacts RLS had collected from various countries he had visited were beautiful and memorable.
We 6 brothers, and a sister were all born in Vantmuri, lived and went to school (and high school in Yamakanmardi) until 1968. Our house was in the Jamadar Galli where Shri Bademiya and his brother Razamiya (we fondly called him Rajju chacha) were our close neighbors. Saleem-miya, the eldest son of Shri Bademiya, and Subhanmiya, Iqbalmiya and other sons of Rajju-chacha were all classmates of us brothers. We all grew up together going to school and playing typical village games like Gilli-dandu, marbles, hanging around the riverbank eating tamarind and flying kites during summer vacations.
Our parents had insured from the beginning that we stay focused on education and build careers. Two older brothers Shankar and Mallappa took on the challenges of building not only their careers but also making sure their younger brothers go to the limits of their capabilities. As a result of their sacrifices, two younger brothers, Suresh and Giri, completed B.Sc. and took up jobs in Maharashtra while the remaining two brothers Bheemarao and Anil completed their Ph.D. degrees from Karnatak University, Dharwad and went to the US for higher education. Bheemarao remained in the US for 25 years and returned to India in 2004 and settled, whereas, Anil returned to take up a job as Assistant Professor of Geology in Karnatak University Dharawad, and retired recently as Professor and Head of Geology department. Mallappa too is retired and lives with his family in Nipani where one of his sons practices architecture and construction. Beloved brother Shankar, unfortunately, passed away in 1999. His children too are highly educated and well settled in their respective lives. Our only sister Malutai was adored by the whole village – she, along with her classmate Mahadevi Ghivari were the first girls of Vantmuri to graduate from high school. Malutai married a high school teacher and has raised a successful family of her own – two sons completed their M.Tech. degree from IIT Bombay and are working for multinational companies in Bangalore. Her two daughters are working in banks in Maharashtra. Our success in education was rooted in our in Vantmuri (as well as in Yamakanmardi, CES High School) and largely because of the inspiring teachers. Needless to say we had an invisible blessings of RLS on our entire family.
We have very fond memories of our childhood in Vantmuri. It was a village unlike any. Situated along the slope on the east bank of the river Ghataprabha – very well planned broad streets with a drainage system, lots of tamarind, mango, marigold and neem trees. Shops were segregated mainly in two areas leaving residential quarters in peace. Both the palaces were situated strategically on top of the hill with a fortified fort enclosing the main village provided a unique grandeur to Vantmuri. The cleanliness of the village was impeccable. Every street corner had a lamppost with kerosene lamps lit every evening. It was a self-reliant village with blacksmiths, carpenters, potters, goldsmiths, merchants, and more importantly weavers and shoemakers who made handloom sarees and handmade chappals of Vantmuri classy articles that were sought after even in far off places. Sunday Bazar in Vantmuri was busy and vibrant where farmers from nearby villages came to sell their produce. People of Vantmuri were always warm, friendly and supportive of each other.
The river Ghataprabha gave a unique beauty to the village – roaring and overflowing during monsoon, but trickling during the rest of the year. The east bank had rocky steps to reach the waters. Except during monsoon, the village people bathed, washed clothes, and left their buffalos in the water in designated areas in the river. The scenary at the water’s edge was lively throughout the year where people exchanged pleasantries and shared their life’s happenings.
All this came down crashing in 1956-57 when a prominent politician came to Vantmuri and announced the construction of a dam across the river near Hidkal, and declared that Vantmuri, along with 25 villages in the area, would be marooned. People of the village were shocked, dismayed and saddened beyond their own beliefs. A pall of gloom hung over the village, which swallowed it bit by bit until the last person bid farewell to it. Had it been saved protecting from the rising waters of the dam, Vantmuri would have been an idyllic place as a tribute to the great philanthropist RLS with rich heritage and history.
Thanks once again to Shri Niranjan Patil for refreshing us with the memories of one of the greatest philanthropists northern Karntaka has ever seen. His article took us back on the memory lane to pen down some aspects of our own family as we too were, and still are, proud Vantmurians. We are sure some old timers will remember us. Sharing our stories can bring us back into a community it once was. Best wishes to all Vantmurians.
We are very fortunate to have Rulers like this, you added some extra thoughts of your links to vantamuri which was interesting.
Our village also submarged in hidkal dam, village name :mangon it is near to vantmuri
Hello
Nirajana how are you
Article is too good can touch anyone heart, it’s power of words & hero’s freedom fighter it brings spark within us.
Can we speak please.
I am from Mahadwar Road Belgavi :9916631629
I want to make what’s App group
Called “Royal Vantamurians “
So that each and every one from this great
Place can interact and share about their families
Yunus S Jamadar
9739143786
Any suggestions please
Dear Yunus – It is a great idea. At least Vantmurians of our generation can exchange memories, news and whereabouts of original Vantmurians. My number is: 9845610550. Let us start.
I am Satish Kumar based in Dubai a Belgaum boy, all these comments left me speechless, as though reading each lines made me as if I am there in that bygone era of this province called Vantamuri and a lot about this great Philonthrophist Raja Lkahmgowda Sirdeasai
9945182725, PAVAN PATIL OF HARGAPUR, PANCHAYAT CHAIRMAN OF HARGAPUR
Hello
How are you! Article was Heart touching with power words. I was numb after reading this article.
Can we speak, I am from Belgavi Mahadwar road call me on 99166 31629
Amazing to know about King Lakhanagowda, no less than Baroda or Mysore Maharaja. Though I am of Belagavi I never heard about this philanthropist. I studied in kle society college. Even the kle society also not published much about him. Thanks for publishing this information. Every year in July his birthday should be celebrated with grandeur.
Very commendable information of Raja Lakhman Gowda Sir Desai of Vantmuri. But we saw disastrous end at the hands of last Lakhman Gowda.