A Trip Towards History - The Bijapur District

Deepavali. Diwali. The festival of lights. The time of the year when both days and nights are bright with lights and colors. Any idea why it's celebrated? It's to celebrate the return of Lord Rama, Lakshman, and Sita from 14 years of exile. The day Rama returned to Ayodhya, the entire city spent the night with lamps, dances, and pure joy.

Returning to one's hometown after a long time is a mix of happiness, nostalgia, sadness, and cheer. It was a feeling experienced by my parents this week. That's where we're going to; the places where it all started.

• Halsangi-

It's a small village in the Indi Taluk, Bijapur District, Karnataka. It houses about a few thousand people. It was ruled by the brother-in-law of Adil Shah. 

This village holds a lot of importance to some of the famous and respected poets of Karnataka. One among them was Sir D.R Bendre. Sir used to come to the village to seek knowledge from Madhura Channa. He would sing songs on the rooftop and talk to the people of Halsangi. 

The remains (such as nails and hair) of Sri Arbindo Ghosh lies here and is worshipped. Sri Arbindo was a freedom fighter and a saint who is respected worldwide. He studied the soul on a higher spiritual level. In every house at Halsangi, you will see a picture of Sri Arbindo. It is believed that the soul of Swami Vivek Ananda and Sri Krishna guided Sri Arbindo. Sir's main ashram is situated at Pondicherry.

The samadhi (tomb) of Madhura Channa is located here. He was a great writer whose alma mater is literature and he was also a deeply spiritual person. He wrote a book called Nanna nalla, which describes his devotion towards God. Unfortunately, his work was not as widespread as it deserved. Madhura Channa was strongly influenced by Sri Arbindo. It is said that during Madhura Channa's funeral, D.R Bendre ran from his car and jumped in the grave to offer his last prayers to his senior. 

The samadhi of Madhura Channa:

There is also a legend about Jakkavva. While constructing the fort around Halsangi, there was a part of the wall which kept falling. A sage advised the people to build it with a pregnant lady at the bottom. A room was thus constructed for Jakkavva, the wall was built and it never fell. It still stands today.

The first picture shows The Jakkavva Fort.

The second picture shows the inside of the fort.

• Lachyan-

Compared to Halsangi, Lachyan can be considered a city. Lachyan is a town at Indi Taluk. It was the place of summer vacation for my paternal family.

The Mutt (kind of like an ashram that also provides social services) and samadhi of Sadhguru Siddha Lingehwara Maharaj is present at Lachyan. Swamiji had a Jeevan Samadhi (live burial). He brought the fame and dignity that Lachyan holds today. People from nearby states come as travelers only to visit the Mutt.

Both these places, Lachyan and Halsangi, as little known as they may be, hold great emotional value to families who grew up there. Seeing our old home, the first school my grandmother taught, her students recognizing my father, the old neighbors we spoke to... It really is these little things that make the bond stronger.

• Gol Gumbaz-

Gol Gumbaz- One of the most known monuments of North Karnataka. Located in Bijapur, it was constructed by Adil Shah in the 17th century and holds the remains of Mohammad Adil Shah. The mausoleum is incomplete due to the death of Adil Shah. You can find undone forts and solitary pillars located around the area.

Gol Gumbaz literally translates to - Round dome. The artwork around the dome is purposely designed to make it look like a lotus:

Once you enter this magnificent building, you will be hearing screams and shouting from the people inside. Why? Inside the dome, whatever is spoken echoes 7 times! So, you know, we have to test it out obviously. And people can communicate through walls. One can speak into a wall and the other should press their ear to the other end and it works like a telephone system. This is also a monument that is tentative to be a world heritage site under UNESCO. It is a beautiful place and the engravings are so precise and delicate, almost as if it is machine made. 10 outta 10, must visit.

The museum (opened recently) gives insights into the way people lived during the reign of the Adil Shah dynasty. The crockery, carpets, coins, arms, and armory used are all collected and placed in the museum. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take pictures, so how about you go there and find out on your own? ;)

And now, we're at the end of our travel series. What did we learn here, kids? No matter which place you visit, the sunsets are always pretty.

No matter which place you visit, be sure to learn about its stories, myths, legends, and history about it. That makes it all the more exciting. Each place is filled with a different aura. The more you explore the more you know.

Between you and me, here's a little secret. I was forced to go on this trip by my mum. Were there sad noises from me at the beginning? Sure. But am I glad I hopped on the journey? Yes. It is truly one of the most fun things I've done in a while. I only wish we had more time to go into detail about each place.

So kids, if your parents force you to go somewhere, just go. You may never know the secrets and tales you uncover as you go.

Whether Diwali or not, let the lights of our history shine. When is that possible? When you provide oil to the lamp.

Signed,

Ann.