Journey Through Time: Heritage Walk in Halasi-Khanapur and Krantiveer Sangolli Rayanna mortal Nandagad village in Belagavi Karnataka.
Embarking on a cultural odyssey, Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE), Angadi Institute of Technology and Management-AITM, Belagavi organized a visit to a Heritage Walk as part of their Social Connect and Responsibility for 3rd Semester Students 2023-24. Students of 3rd semester of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, AITM Belagavi recently ventured into the historical heart of Karnataka – Halasi-Khanapur in Belgaum.
About Halasi Khanapur Belagavi Karnataka
Halasi is known for some old temples built in the 5th century during the Kadamba period. The main temple of this area is the Bhuvaraha Narasimha Temple. This ancient monument(temple) is now under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and it is still worshipped by the villagers. The temple has a large stone tablet that has an inscription and gives details about some gifts given by the Kadamba dynasty in the 12th century. The temple structure is situated on a star-shaped platform and is dotted with coconut palm trees.
The heritage walk was not just about admiring the past ancient monument but understanding the craftsmanship and resilience that shaped these architectural marvels. Exploring the delicate ecosystem surrounding Halasi-Khanapur, Students understood the importance of preserving the natural beauty that complements the historical treasures.
In the echoes of halasi, our students found not only history but a call to social responsibility and an everlasting connection with the roots of our civilization.
About Krantiveer Sangolli Rayanna mortal Nandagad village,Belagavi ,Karnataka
Sangolli Rayanna was a prominent freedom fighter and warrior from Karnataka, India, who played a crucial role during the Kittur Uprising against British colonial rule. Krantiveer Sangolli Rayanna was the army chief of the Kingdom of Kittur ruled at the time by Kittur Rani Chennamma and fought the British East India Company till his death. Krantiveer Rayanna was executed by hanging to death from a Banyan tree about 3 kilometers from Nandagad village in Belagavi district on 26th Jan 1831. (Born 15 August 1798).
The place where he was hanged has a small temple built near the huge banyan tree which is amidst fields away from the city. Rayanna’s mortal remains were buried at Nandagad. Legend says that a close associate of Rayanna planted a Banyan sapling on his grave. The tree is fully grown and stands to this day. An Ashoka Stambha was installed near the tree. Sangolli Rayanna also participated in the 1824 rebellion and was arrested by the British, who released him later. Rayanna is considered by many historians to be the pioneer of guerilla warfare in India. The British troops could not defeat him in open battle.
As the heritage walk, students gathered to reflect on their transformative journey. The lessons learned extended beyond textbooks, fostering a deeper appreciation for heritage, cultural diversity, and the importance of sustainable practices.
We thank our Management and Dr. Anand B Deshpande Principal & Director, AITM, Prof. Kantesh D C HoD EEE, for their constant support in organizing the activity. The activity was coordinated by Prof. Rajendra Ghivari, Prof. Peermohammad and Prof. Manjushree Havannavar.