Heritage – Karnataka First

Vishwa Konkani Samaroh at World Konkani Centre on November 5

Vishwa Konkani Awards 2024 to be presented on November 6 at World Konkani Centre in Shakthinagar.

Konkani Language and Cultural Foundation, World Konkani Centre, Mangaluru, will organise Vishwa Konkani Samaroh – 2024 on Tuesday, November 5, and present Vishwa Konkani Awards – 2024 on Wednesday, November 6.

Dilip G. Naik, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, will inaugurate the programmes at World Konkani Centre in Shakthinagar at 9.30 a.m. on Tuesday. A portrait of well-known cine actor Pandari Bai will be unveiled on the occasion.

The literary sessions scheduled on Tuesday include ‘education in post Independence India with special reference to Konkani’, ‘humour in Konkani literature’ and ‘culture of reading Konkani’. The finals of All India Konkani Poetry Reciting Competition will also be held on Tuesday.

There will be folk performances, Kudubi and traditional Holi dances, in the evening.

This year’s late Vimala V. Pai Sahitya Puraskar will be presented to Fr. Mousinho De Ataide (for lifetime achievement) and Prakash D. Naik (for poetry work) on November 6. Late Basti Vaman Shenoy Seva Puraskar will be presented to Seva Bharati of Mangaluru in the field of education, healthcare, and social service and to Veena Adige of Mumbai in the field Socio-Cultural Community Service, a release said.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: HISTORICAL RECORDS: 13th-century stone inscription discovered in Davanagere district

A 13th-century stone inscription, or Veeragallu, has been uncovered in Davanagere district during the renovation of the ancient Kalleshwar temple.

A 13th-century stone inscription, or Veeragallu, has been uncovered in Elehole village, Harihara taluk, Davanagere district during the renovation of the ancient Kalleshwar temple, a site dating back to the Kalyana Chalukya period.

The stone inscription, which had remained buried for centuries, has revealed historical connections to the Sevuna dynasty and the heroism of local defenders, offering significant insights into the history of the region.

Dating back to 1283 AD, the stone is carved from charcoal stone, measuring 4 feet in length and 2.5 feet in width. It bears a five-line inscription referring to the Sevuna royal family, also known as the Devagiri Yadavas. The inscription honours Ramachandra Chakravarti, a prominent ruler of the Sevuna dynasty, who held the title Yadava Narayana Bhujbala Praudhapratapa Chakravarti. This discovery highlights the strong presence and influence of the Devagiri Yadavas in the region during the late 13th century.

K Ravi Kumar told HT: “The lower part of the stone depicts Bhoja Narayana and Vambhava in the heat of battle. One of the brothers is shown beheading an enemy, while another enemy lies defeated. On the left, carvings of cows represent the cattle they were defending.”

“The central section of the stone illustrates the brothers’ journey to Kailasa, the divine abode of Lord Shiva. In this part, two celestial nymphs lift a vimana (celestial chariot), with musicians following behind, celebrating the heroes’ valour. The artistic representation symbolizes the heroes’ ascent to divine realms, honouring their sacrifice,” he said.

He further said: “At the top of the stone, the scene shifts to Shivaloka, where the brothers are depicted in Anjalimudra (a pose of reverence), worshipping a Shivalinga. This final image suggests eternal peace and glory, with the sun and moon depicted in the background, symbolizing that the brothers’ fame would endure as long as these celestial bodies exist.”

On the historical context of the Sevuna dynasty, or Devagiri Yadavas, Kumar said: “The Sevunas were a Kannada-speaking dynasty with a kingdom that spanned parts of present-day Karnataka and Maharashtra. They initially served as vassals under the Kalyana Chalukyas before asserting their independence in the 12th century.”

He said that the hero stone specifically refers to Ramachandra Chakravarti, a significant ruler of the Sevuna dynasty, who reigned from 1271 to 1312 AD. “Ramachandra was known for his military victories and cultural patronage, and he played an important role in shaping the region’s history. His reign saw the construction of the Lakshmi Narayan temple near the Harihareshwar temple in Harihara, commemorating his triumphs.”

The archaeologist said that the newly discovered stone inscription has not only shed light on the political and cultural dynamics of the late 13th century but also underscored the importance of local heroes in the social fabric of ancient Karnataka. The Kalleshwar temple, where the inscription was found, continues to be a focal point for archaeological study.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: ARTS & CULTURE / FESTIVALS : DASARA 2024: Tableaux showcase vibrant Karnataka

This year’s grand Dasara concluded with a spectacular procession featuring 52 tableaux that celebrated the rich culture and traditions of our State.

For the first time, the number of tableaux exceeded 50, a significant increase compared to previous years, where it ranged from 28 to 35. This year, not only districts but also various Boards and Corporations participated with their tableaux.

Among the highlights of the procession was the tableau from Yadgir, showcasing the Thinthani Mouneshwara Temple, while Kodagu district highlighted the Harangi Reservoir, land conservation, coffee, pepper, and elephant camps.

Raichur district presented the Mudgal Fort, and the Chamarajanagar tableau captured attention by showcasing Soliga tribal culture. The Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) raised awareness for its ‘Ksheera Bhagya’ and ‘Ksheera Sanjeevini’ schemes, and Karnataka Soaps and Detergents displayed products highlighting Mysore Sandal Soap.

The newly formed Vijayanagara district transported spectators back to the glorious days of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The audience also enjoyed the Bengaluru Urban district’s portrayal of the iconic Vidhana Soudha as the ‘Power House,’ while Bidar highlighted Kannada Pattadevaru. Koppal showcased traditional Kinnala art, and the Tourism department’s tableau presented the State’s tourism spots under the title ‘Ondu Rajya Halavu Jagattu.’

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Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd. featured Lidkar products, Uttara Kannada district displayed the Murudeshwara Temple, and Bengaluru Rural showcased Ramadevara Betta and Heggunda.

Karnataka Silk Industries Limited (KSIL) presented various silk products under the theme ‘Karnataka Reshme Namma Hemme,’ while Davanagere district spread a message of humanity with its tableau themed ‘Naavu Manujaru.’

Udupi showcased its rich culture and coastal heritage, Shivamogga district highlighted the ‘Kaitabheshwara Temple’ located in Kotipura, Soraba taluk, and Ballari district presented the Kurugodu Temple.

The Mysuru district administration’s tableau, themed ‘Manavakulada Samanathe,’ emphasised the significance of unity among humanity. Other noteworthy tableaux included Bagalkote district’s ‘Rannana Kavya Gadayudha,’ Haveri district’s ‘Elakki Kampinadu’ and ‘Santara-Sahitigala Nelebidu’, and Ramanagara district’s portrayal of diversity.

Kalaburagi district showcased its commitment to development, while Vijayapura district featured Basavana Bagevadi. Belagavi district highlighted the 200 years of the Kittur War, and Chitradurga district presented its famous Fort and windmills.

Additionally, Chikkaballapura district showcased the Nandi Ropeway, Hassan district highlighted Belur and Halebidu and Tumakuru district featured Siddarabetta. Beyond the districts, various departments also participated, including Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation, Health and Family Welfare, Information and Publicity, Police, Minority Welfare, and Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, all highlighting different Government schemes. Notably, the Health Department’s tableau raised awareness about female foeticide.

Institutions such as the Central Food Technological and Research Institute (CFTRI), All India Institute of Speech and Hearing (AIISH), and Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) also presented their contributions through tableaux. The Indian Railways tableau showcased the Vande Bharat Express, which has been popular since its launch.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: 02nd October – Gandhi Jayanti: Badanavalu: Where Gandhjii’s legacy inspires a thriving khadi industry

The rhythmic hum of spinning wheels — Charaka — still reverberates through the air in Badanavalu, a village in Nanjangud Taluk, Mysuru District, that etched its place in history during India’s freedom struggle.

Sanctified by the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi (whose 155th birth anniversary was celebrated yesterday), this humble village embraced his ideals and clung to its legacy of cottage industries, preserving them with pride to this day.

The soft, distant clatter of spinning wheels, tirelessly weaving Khadi threads, echoes through the fields. It was here, following Gandhi’s two iconic visits in 1927 and 1934, that hundreds of women found empowerment, shaping their lives around the art of weaving Khadi.

Gandhi first arrived in 1927, amidst his fight against the Simon Commission. His visit to the Mysore kingdom brought him face-to-face with freedom fighter Tagadur Ramachandra Rao.

Beacon of self-reliance

Upon witnessing the Khadi and Village Industries Centre, established by the Maharaja of Mysore in Badanavalu, Gandhi’s heart swelled with hope. His inspiration spurred the growth of more cottage industries, a movement that would transform the village into a beacon of self-reliance.

To commemorate Gandhi’s visit, a stone was laid at the very spot he set foot, with the inscription ‘Badanavalu Spinning Region.’ This simple act sowed the seeds for the formation of the Badanavalu Khadi Village Industries Cooperative Society.

A stone dating back to 1927, etched with the image of a spinning wheel, still stands as a symbol of his presence. Under local leadership, a bust of Gandhi and a pavilion were erected, with a plaque proudly noting its inauguration by the then Chief Minister, Veerendra Patil.

A hub of rural industry

In 1934, Gandhi returned to the Mysore region as part of his donation campaign for the ‘Harijan Sevak Sangh.’ Seizing the moment, he revisited Badanavalu to check on the progress of the spinning centre he had once inspired.

Following Gandhi’s initial visit, and with the enthusiastic backing of Maharaja of Mysore, Badanavalu blossomed into a hub of rural industry. Matchstick production, hand-made paper crafting, carpentry, blacksmithing, grain processing and making of puffed rice, beaten rice and fibre products were all successfully established.

Additionally, training for rural oil and fibre industries was introduced, creating a vibrant cottage economy that provided employment for around 500 villagers. Locals fondly recall Gandhi’s delight at witnessing the thriving industries during his second visit, a testament to the enduring spirit of self-reliance he had instilled.

Government support

At present, the Khadi industry is the only operational enterprise at Badanavalu, with the centre now under the management of the Khadi and Village Industries Society from Holenarasipura, Hassan district.

Supported by Government incentives, the workers spinning Khadi garments earn Rs. 35 per piece, with an additional Rs. 3 for each spool of thread and Rs. 7 per metre of fabric as bonus wages from the Khadi and Village Industries Board.

On average, women earn between Rs. 150 to Rs. 200 per day, utilising their spare time after household chores to engage in this craft.

Sabarmati Ashram model

The centre, sprawling across 5 acres, is seeing a renewed focus on development. A compound wall is under construction and the Karnataka State Tourism Department, through KRIDL (Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited), is building a structure modelled after the Sabarmati Ashram. The project is well underway.

Plans are also in motion to transform the park into a tribute to Gandhi’s legacy, with statues depicting his Dandi March and other figures emphasising village self-governance and self-reliance.

Meanwhile, the building erected in 1950 on the very spot where Gandhi addressed the villagers in 1927 has fallen into disrepair. Plans are underway to restore this historical structure, preserving it as a monument for future generations to remember and honour Gandhi’s profound connection with the village.

Badanavalu village, nestled in Nanjangud taluk of Mysuru district, is strategically situated along the route from Nanjangud to Chamarajanagar, boasting robust road connectivity.

Earlier Narasambudhi

Notably, railway records refer to this village as Narasambudhi. According to the 2011 census, Badanavalu is home to 632 families, with a population totalling 2,784. While it once drew attention due to caste conflicts, today the village thrives in a spirit of communal harmony.

In his 2024-25 State Budget speech, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a native of the Mysuru district, unveiled plans to enhance Khadi activities in Badanavalu — an area historically significant for its connection to Mahatma Gandhi.

He also proposed the development of the village as a National Memorial and a dedicated Development Committee has already been established to oversee this initiative.

The Badanavalu centre has attracted numerous dignitaries, including activist Medha Patkar political leaders, Ministers, elected representatives, and a host of film actors, all drawn by the village’s rich heritage and ongoing development.

The original Kannada report, written by D. Ashok Kumar, Deputy Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Mysuru, was sent to Star of Mysore to be published on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti (Oct. 2).

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: PROJECT DIGITISATION: Close to 12,000 books digitised in Bengaluru for All India Gandhi Library project

The collection, assembled over three months and spanning 12 languages, includes Mahatma Gandhi’s collected works, publications such as Harijan and Young India and audio recordings.

The Servants of Knowledge, a non-profit group, has announced that 11,720 books from the library of Bengaluru’s Gandhi Bhavan have been digitised as part of the All India Gandhi Library project.

The group announced this at the valedictory session of a seminar held on Sunday to mark the 75th year of the Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi Organisation.

According to a statement by the non-profit group, Gandhi Bhavan had already made 1,272 books publicly available online. The freshly digitised collection, assembled over three months and spanning 12 languages, includes the collected works of Mahatma Gandhi, his publications such as Harijan and Young India and audio recordings of him speaking on All India Radio.

The digitised libraries have been presented to 12 Gandhian organisations.

Among the speakers at the seminar was American public domain information advocate Carl Malamud, who is also part of Servants of Knowledge and the founder of the US-based Public.Resource.Org.

“For the last several months, we have been digitising every book here at the Karnataka Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi libraries. Today we are presenting all of those books in digital format to the organisations here, making them the trustees of this knowledge….this is the first release of the All India Gandhi Library. We have offered to digitise at no cost additional Gandhi materials these organisations may possess to add to the collection. We have already assisted the Gandhi Smaraka Nidhis of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and we welcome additional materials…..as we say ‘scanning is the new spinning’,” he said at the seminar.

Explaining the digitisation process, Malamud told indianexpress.com later, “We make the scanners and frames here in India and have 17 scanners here at Gandhi Bhavan and can scan 15 lakh pages every month… Once you get good at it, you can do 500 pages in an hour. After the scan, a post-process happens where you crop the pages, de-skew it, run optical character recognition and create a PDF file—a whole chain of processes.”

Explaining the challenges of working with old books in general, Malamud added, “If the material is truly fragile, we work with INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) and they help us conserve the books. The same goes with fragile palm leaves. We’re careful while turning the pages with older books, but if the book is going to disintegrate we have it go through the conservation process.”

About some other work done by the Servants of Knowledge, Malamud said, “Om Shivaprakash (another archivist with the Servants of Knowledge) has been instrumental in finding old Kannada books and gotten permission to digitise old Kannada magazines from publishers…. We’re also working on Lalbagh right now and digitising their library of 6,000 books and digitising old and rare prints. There are all sorts of materials that are on the internet for the first time and that is something we’re particularly proud of.”

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA : HISTORY: Historian and Epigraphist Gunda Jois remembered for making world know about Keladi dynasty

Gunda Jois’ son Dr Venkatesh Jois, Dr G V Kallapur and others are carrying forward his work.

A renowned historian and epigraphist Keladi Gunda Jois passed away on June 2. He was 94. The fraternity of ancient history and epigraphy in the state said, “We have lost a legacy of a scholarly research cum resource person who informed the world about the tiny dynasty of Keladi of Shivamogga district.”

Gunda Jois of Sagar taluk, popularly known as “Keladi Gunda Jois”, earned the prefix Keladi for his dedicated research and study of the dynasty.

His passion for the dynasty’s history made him set up an exclusive museum at Keladi village of Sagar taluk in 1960. For those visiting the Sri Keladi Rameshwara temple, a peep into the museum is a must.

Gunda Jois collected historical manuscripts, sculptures, paintings, coins, arms and ammunition, copper plaques, and documents of the dynasty and displayed them at the museum. Most of these were found by him in the Malnad region.

Interestingly, he joined an MA course in Ancient History and Epigraphy when he was over 50 years old. He translated the work ‘Nrupa Vijaya’ in Halagannada (old Kannada) to Hosagannada (New Kannada) and helped historians understand the history of Keladi dynasty.

“Jois was an authority on ‘Modi lipi’ and Tigalari dialect of Havyaka Brahmins of Malnad region. He taught many of his students to study it and helped carry forward the knowledge,” said Dr SG Samak, a research student of Jois.

Also an Indologist, Jois learnt how to read palm leaf inscriptions that was in Modi dialect.

Gunda Jois’ son Dr Venkatesh Jois, Dr G V Kallapur and others are carrying forward his work.

Gunda Jois had been presented with Rajyotsava and other awards. He has written 30 historical books.

The Keladi dynasty came into existence at the end of 1499. Keladi Nayakas, who were once part of Vijayanagara empire, ruled Ikkeri and Keladi, and picked, Keladi, a small town, as their capital. Their rise started with the decline of Vijayanagara empire, whose preeminence began to erode after their loss at the Battle of Talikota in 1565.

Keladi rulers fought against the Mughal army, which had set out to capture Raja Ram — son of the Chhatrapati Shivaji, who had taken shelter at Keladi. The dynasty was in power from 1499 to 1763.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: KARNATAKA: Bandipur’s ‘Yuva Mitra’ In India Book Of Records

The ‘Yuva Mitra’ programme, initiated by the Forest Department at Bandipur Tiger Reserve to educate students about forests and environmental conservation, has earned a place in the India Book of Records.

Distinguished by its unparalleled participation, the programme saw a remarkable turnout nationwide. A total of 8,410 individuals, comprising 7,019 students, 655 teachers, 197 Gram Panchayat members, 395 local farmers and 143 tribal community members, actively engaged in the initiative. Over the period from Mar. 3, 2023 to Mar. 8, 2024, a comprehensive series of 162 awareness sessions on forest conservation were conducted.

The programme demonstrates forest and wildlife citizenship qualities through positive change in behaviour and action at individual, school, family and community levels. Not only students, but also teachers, Principals, parents and all those who demonstrate these qualities become ‘Yuva Mitras.’

Initiated under the leadership of Dr. P. Ramesh Kumar, during his tenure as the Bandipur Director (he is currently serving as Conservator of Forests – Project Tiger, Mysuru) ‘Yuva Mitra’ commenced in 2023, coinciding with the Golden Jubilee of Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

Dr. Ramesh Kumar accepted this honour along with ACF Navin Kumar, RFO Deepa, ‘Yuva Mitra’ Education Officer Mohan, safari guides Manju and Dharma.

This endeavour provides students with free safari and nature education. A notable feature is issuance of ‘Environment Volunteer’ identity cards to participating students, emphasising their role as custodians of environmental stewardship.

The programme envisages providing an opportunity for underprivileged students to explore, understand, experience and learn more about Bandipur and its wildlife in the context of their immediate surroundings. It will promote a learning-by-exploring approach through field visits and curriculum transactions related to forest, wildlife, forest ecosystem services and their conservation importance.

Originally tailored for students, the programme’s scope was later expanded to include local Gram Panchayat staff, farmers and tribal communities.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA / & INTERNATIONAL: ARTS & CULTURE / LANGUAGE : Tulu, Kannada ambassador Bharatesha Alasandemajalu to represent Wikimedia Summit 2024, Berlin

Bharatesha Alasandemajalu has been chosen to represent the Tulu and Kannada languages at the Wikimedia Summit 2024, scheduled to take place in Berlin, Germany, from April 19 to 22.

A dedicated member of the Karavali Wikimedians User Group in Mangaluru, he will serve as an ambassador for these languages.

Joining over 150 multilingual individuals from more than 100 countries, Bharatesha will participate in various activities, including discussions on ratifying Wiki Moment 2030, attending User Group representative meetings, and addressing challenges related to regional languages.

Born and raised in Alasandemajalu, Perlampady, Puttur Taluk, Bharatesha is the son of Bojappa Gowda A and Girija A B.

Currently employed at the Bank of Baroda, he has previously been associated with the Karnataka Arebhashe Samskriti mattu Sahitya Academy.

Notably, Bharatesha collaborated with the Wikimedia Foundation to create “Pursa Kattuna,” Tulu’s inaugural research documentary, which garnered recognition at international film festivals.

With expertise in Tulu and Kannada writing, he remains committed to making significant contributions to the preservation of language and culture through meticulous archiving efforts.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: HISTORY / ARTS & CULTURE / BUDDHIST: Nuggets of history from Sannati village in Kalaburagi district

Left neglected for many years after it came to light through the ASI excavations in the 1990s, the ancient Buddhist site of Sannati on the bank of the Bhima River got a restoration project in 2022.

Major Buddhist centre during the Ashokan Empire

Historians believe that the Sannati Ranamandal [war zone] was a fortified area spreading over 210 acres, of which only a couple of acres have so far been excavated. The excavations suggested that the area was one of the major Buddhist centres that flourished with the active support of Emperor Ashoka. The areas came under the control of Shatavahanas after the Mouryas.

The Maha Stupa destroyed by natural calamities

The Maha Stupa, which measures nearly 22 meters in diameter and rose to a height of about 17 meters, is believed to have been developed in three constructional phases – Maurya, Early Satavahana and Later Satavahana periods stretching from 3rd Century BC to 3rd Century AD. The archaeologists believe that the Stupa was destroyed by natural calamities.

Devanampiye and Piyadasi, titles of Emperor Ashoka

The minor rock edict found at Maski town in Raichur district in 1915 convincingly established that Devanampiye and Piyadasi (‘beloved of the gods’ and ‘one with a benevolent gaze’) were the titles of Ashoka. Till then, the identity of Devanampiye and Piyadasi which were widely referred to in ancient inscriptions remained unknown.

A major education hub between 10th and 12th Centuries

The site of ancient Nagavi Ghatikasthana, which was often termed the Takshashila of the South by historians, is around 40 km away from Sannati. The Ghatikasthana, which had the status of a present-day university, was a major education hub during rulers of the Rashtrakuta and Kalyana Chalukya dynasties between the 10th and 12th Centuries.

The Sannati Development Authority to conserve the antiquities

The Karnataka government established the Sannati Development Authority to conserve the antiquities retrieved during the excavation in Kanaganahalli and developed the ancient Buddhist site as a major tourist and pilgrimage destination. Karnataka Housing Board has built a museum building, dormitories, and staff quarters, but the museum building is not handed over to to ASI.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

KARNATAKA: HISTORY: Know Your City: The Bengaluru ‘Jayamahal Palace Hotel’ connected to 03 Royal families and a musical mind of the Wodeyar family

A well-known admirer of music, Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar is said to have pursued his interests at what is now Bengaluru’s Jayamahal Palace hotel.

Connections to the bygone royals are everywhere in Bengaluru for those looking in the right place, from the Gangas to Kempe Gowda. But today, the most common reminders are those of the Wodeyar dynasty, most often seen in the marks of the twin-headed Gandaberunda sigil. But one heritage hotel can draw its lineage back to not one but three of India’s erstwhile royal families—Jayamahal Palace.

The earliest trace of the history of the building, blending colonial and Indian architecture of the time, is from around 1892, by which time it had already been built for the Jagirdar of Arni. This was a small state dating back to around the time of Shivaji, when the founder of the jagir had been granted the territory by Shivaji’s father Shahaji as a reward. By the early 20th century, however, the palace had passed into the hands of the Wodeyar family.

The hotel probably takes its current name from Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar’s successor. His nephew, Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar, was a well-known admirer of music and is said to have pursued his interests at Jayamahal. A composer in his own right, Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar was the president of the Philharmonia Concert Society in London and a patron to composers as far afield as Europe.

One of these musicians was Nikolai Medtner. This association happened towards the close of Medtner’s life, during a period of relative obscurity. The New York Times noted in October 1948, “In characteristic regal fashion, this Hindu ruler has expressed a desire, backed by a special endowment, that the entire stock of Medtner’s works—sixty works in all—be recorded on gramophone disks, so that posterity may avail itself of the composer’s neglected contribution to musical art. For the past twelve years Nicholas Medtner has been living quietly and modestly… One may well imagine the composer’s complete bewilderment when…he was informed of the Maharaja’s friendly wish.”

After a stint of about a half century with the Wodeyars, the building was by 1950 in the hands of the erstwhile royal family of Gondal, a princely state of Rajput origin located in Gujarat. According to Sanjay Sinhji, a member of the family, “The connection with the family is that Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar was married to my grandfather’s sister (Maharani Pratapa Kumari), who hailed from Vana in Gujarat. The hotel later was sold to Vikram Sinhji, the head of the family and erstwhile king of Gondal. Today, it is owned by his grandson.”

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)