the light baggage

Overview: Hidden between the hustle and bustle of the Bangalore Pete is the Manchi Someshwara temple, built in the 19th century, by the then Diwan of Kodagu, Manjayya. Manjayya was the Dewan under the king ChikkaVeera Rajendra, who ruled Coorg in the early 19th century. The Raja was exiled by the British in 1834 and he took refuge in the Nalknad Palace in Kodagu. The Manchi Someshwara temple is a simple structure, with a 12 feet long Dhwajastambha opposite to it. The inner mantapa has Vijayanagara like carvings, now painted in silver. The main diety has a small Shivalinga, with Nandi bull facing it. The idols of Ganapathi is also seen next to it and an idol of Devi on the right side. The Kannada inscriptions mentioning the Kodagu Dewan's description of ChikkaVeera Rajendra is seen inside the temple. Manchi Someshwara temple Manchi Someshwara temple Manchi Someshwara temple Manchi Someshwara temple Manchi Someshwara temple Manchi Someshwa...

Overview: Stepped Wells have been a part of Indian civilizations from the ancient past. Stepped wells were built for multiple purposes, be it for drinking or storage purposes, or as a bath. Several stepped wells with interesting architecture can be seen all over India, from Kashmir to Southernmost parts of India. Stepped Ponds are a smaller version of stepped wells, with mostly square or rectangular dimension. These stepped ponds are seen mainly near temples, and are used mainly for temple usage. Bengaluru also has a few interesting stepped ponds, almost all of them in a state of neglect, and some of them over 1000 years old. Inscriptions on some temples mention about grants offered by the rulers and local chieftains to build these wells. The tanks are referred to as 'Vav' in western part of India and 'Baoli in the regions of Rajasthan and Sindh. But why were the kalyanis built is an important. One of the main purpose of installing a temple pond has been rain water har...

Overview:   Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali established their stronghold in Bengaluru in the 17th-18th century. Some of the monuments one can still see in the bustiling areas of Shivajinagar, Kalasipalayam and other areas of Central Bengaluru. Tipu Sultan stored a large chunk of his weapons in the armoury near Kalasipalya area. The armoury has been recently identified as a heritage structure and has been taken over by the ASI. One of the gates of the fort is still intact and can be seen near the hustle bustle of City Market area. Tipu also built a summer palace close to the fort. The palace is a compact structure and it was built entirely on teak wood and the interiors mark the elegance of Islamic architecture. The Palace stood at the centre of the Fort and to imagine those days, the vibrant city was built within the fort premises which was the heart of politics.         Jumma Masjid, OPH Road: This colourful mosque is located off Shivajinagar, and is known fo...

Overview:   Following the downfall of the Hoysalas, the district of Bengaluru came under Vijayanagaras, Kempegowdas and Marathas. There are several Medieval monuments and structures which we cross everyday within the city, most of us unaware of its past. 1. Bugle Rock and Bull Temple, Basavanagudi: At the Bugle Rock, Kempegowda II built a watch tower where a person used to sound the bugle every evening to make sure all is fine after having a view of the city from the top. The Bull Temple built by KempeGowda in the 16th century in the Sunkenahalli village.   2. Mallikarjunaswamy temple, Basavanagudi: The history of this temple dates back to 1689 during the rule of Chikkadevaraya Wodeyar, who is also credited for his work in building Kote Venkataramanaswamy temple.   3. Kempegowda Towers: Kempegowda II built 4 watch towers marking the outer boundary of his Bengaluru. These towers can be seen today at Halasooru(East), Lalbagh(South), Sadashivanagar(North) and K...