Chikkajala village (Bangalore rural) is on NH-7 (Bengaluru International Airport Road), 24kms from Majestic and 6kms before Bangalore International Airport. Chikkajala is referred to as a pre-historic site by the ASI (Archeological Survey of India) monument list (http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_alphalist_karnataka_bangalore.asp). The discovery of burial grounds in Chikkajala led to historians dating the place to 1000 BC.
The Chikkajala fort stands to the right of NH-7, approaching the airport from the city, almost a kilometer before the ITC factory (on the left). As you approach Chikkajala from the airport, the small fort is to your left and a few yards ahead, a signboard on the left (close to the Police Station), proclaims the existence of a temple in the village.
The historic Channarayaswamy (Channakeshava) temple in the village is believed to be 950years old, built by Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana. (Sources: Multiple City, writings on Bangalore, edited by Aditi De, Penguin, 2008;http://wikiedit.org/India/Chikkajala/218374/; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chikkajala).
Chikkajala Fort, an abandoned vassal fort in ruins, is part of the Revenue Department. There were talks of the tourism department making it a venue for a light and sound show and part of a three-place circuit, including Muddenahalli (birthplace of Sir M Visvesvaraya) and Devanahalli (birthplace of Tipu Sultan) to showcase Bangalore's rich heritage.(http://www.bangaloremirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=News%20-%20City§id=10&contentid=20101118201011180339057953772bce)
There was a proposal to move the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) to the lake bed here, which was stayed by the High Court. (http://www.rainwaterharvesting.org/chikkajala_tank/chikkajala_tank.htm ). The lease deeds for which were handed over to BTC in Sep 2009. (http://www.bangaloremirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=News%20-%20City§id=10&contentid=20101118201011180339057953772bce)
What came as a rude shock to us on Sunday, 25 Dec 2011, while on a drive to the Airport was this - the demolition of part of the Fort by NHAI for road widening hardly a day or two earlier.
As we sauntered in ( the majestic fort gates missing since the demolitions, according to the locals), we found this inside the fort - a temple in ruins, by the side of a pond on our left -
and this to our right -
Here are a few pictures capturing the beauty of the ruins -
Whither heritage, whither conservation?
Does Bangalore, the IT capital have no place for its past? Are there no conservation plans that apply? Who is responsible for this lapse? Local authorities caught napping or the NHAI or some unknown third actor?Couldn't this have been handled better? What's the guarantee we won't lose more of our collective past - like the fort gates that went missing without a trace? Indeed an irony of sorts, that this unfortunate incident has happened the same year that Bangalore has added a 'Heritage Museum' to showcase its past!
The Chikkajala fort stands to the right of NH-7, approaching the airport from the city, almost a kilometer before the ITC factory (on the left). As you approach Chikkajala from the airport, the small fort is to your left and a few yards ahead, a signboard on the left (close to the Police Station), proclaims the existence of a temple in the village.
The historic Channarayaswamy (Channakeshava) temple in the village is believed to be 950years old, built by Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana. (Sources: Multiple City, writings on Bangalore, edited by Aditi De, Penguin, 2008;http://wikiedit.org/India/Chikkajala/218374/; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chikkajala).
Chikkajala Fort, an abandoned vassal fort in ruins, is part of the Revenue Department. There were talks of the tourism department making it a venue for a light and sound show and part of a three-place circuit, including Muddenahalli (birthplace of Sir M Visvesvaraya) and Devanahalli (birthplace of Tipu Sultan) to showcase Bangalore's rich heritage.(http://www.bangaloremirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=News%20-%20City§id=10&contentid=20101118201011180339057953772bce)
There was a proposal to move the Bangalore Turf Club (BTC) to the lake bed here, which was stayed by the High Court. (http://www.rainwaterharvesting.org/chikkajala_tank/chikkajala_tank.htm ). The lease deeds for which were handed over to BTC in Sep 2009. (http://www.bangaloremirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=News%20-%20City§id=10&contentid=20101118201011180339057953772bce)
What came as a rude shock to us on Sunday, 25 Dec 2011, while on a drive to the Airport was this - the demolition of part of the Fort by NHAI for road widening hardly a day or two earlier.
As we sauntered in ( the majestic fort gates missing since the demolitions, according to the locals), we found this inside the fort - a temple in ruins, by the side of a pond on our left -
and this to our right -
Here are a few pictures capturing the beauty of the ruins -
Whither heritage, whither conservation?
Does Bangalore, the IT capital have no place for its past? Are there no conservation plans that apply? Who is responsible for this lapse? Local authorities caught napping or the NHAI or some unknown third actor?Couldn't this have been handled better? What's the guarantee we won't lose more of our collective past - like the fort gates that went missing without a trace? Indeed an irony of sorts, that this unfortunate incident has happened the same year that Bangalore has added a 'Heritage Museum' to showcase its past!
I'm appalled! Such beautiful intricate sculpture and architecture being driven into oblivion! I think this should be taken to the media! Really appreciate your finding it, Uma!
ReplyDeleteIt is really shameful that such a thing has happened. In our frenzy towards modernisation we are losing our precious heritage and history.
ReplyDeleteWe travelled on this road on Saturday 24 Dec.2011 when we went to Nandi Hills. We noticed this Fort and decided to visit sometime later. What will be left of it by the time we go there again?
Gaurav
Thank you for your feedback and support. And here is a brief update indicating how things panned out.
ReplyDeleteThis article was carried by CitizenMatters at http://bangalore.citizenmatters.in/articles/view/3678-nhai-demolishing-historic-chikkajala-fort-for-road-widening.
In the days that followed, the Chikkajala demolition featured prominently in most local papers -
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-05/bangalore/30592763_1_temple-priest-fort-wall-muzrai
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/article2888126.ece
Unfortunately the fort could not be saved from being demolished, despite a lot of effort, by concerned groups like INTACH Bangalore.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/article2773836.ece
Makes sad reading. Ideally it should be a protected heritage site with facilities for casual visits to learn about our history. Laser or Light shows are a misfit here, I feel. Still not too late if the authorities make up their mind. The images you have posted are stunning.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nanda. It's well worth a visit to the ruins, if you liked the pictures. Indeed the sight of the remains of the fort makes me sad every time I go past it. Even now, if authorities step in, in the right spirit, atleast some things can be preserved.
ReplyDeleteHi Ms Uma Bharath, I would like to talk with you in respect to the temple development. please call me at 9945969917 or mail me at athishravikanth@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteShame on the ASI. I saw the place, Not good for tourism. Wake up India. You've lost another piece of heritage. There cant be too many left.
ReplyDelete