Karnataka First

The X-ray polarimetry method used by Indian scientists has opened up new dimensions to investigate and understand the nature of astrophysical black hole sources.

In a major breakthrough for space science, four researchers from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) for the first time in 52 years, have detected polarized emissions from a black hole source that exists beyond our Milky Way Galaxy using a technique called X-ray polarimetry. 

This feat has been achieved for the first time since the discovery in 1971 of the Large Magellanic Cloud X-3 (LMC X3) star system which is binary in nature and consists of a black hole and a ‘normal’ star that is much hotter, bigger, and more massive than the Sun.

For over half a century the star system was observed by many satellites but there has been a gap in understanding the polarization properties of X-rays emitted by highly energetic objects like stellar mass black holes in the universe.  The LMC X3 is located in a satellite galaxy of our Milky Way, nearly 200,000 light-years away from Earth. 

The X-ray polarimetry method used by Indian scientists has opened up new dimensions to investigate and understand the nature of astrophysical black hole sources. The researchers studied LMC X-3 using the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), the first mission of NASA to study the polarization of X-rays from celestial objects. They also made use of the simultaneous broad-band coverage of the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) Mission and Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) Mission to constrain the spin of LMC X-3. 

Reflecting on the importance of this research, Professor Santabrata Das, Department of Physics, IIT Guwahati, said, “X-ray polarimetry is a unique observational technique to identify where radiation comes from near black holes. LMC X-3 emits X-rays that are 10,000 times more powerful than those from the Sun. When these X-rays interact with the material around black holes, specifically when they scatter, it changes the polarization characteristics, that is degree and angle.” He added that this helps in understanding how matter is drawn toward black holes in the presence of intense gravitational forces.”  

Dr Anuj Nandi, Scientist, UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), ISRO, explained that the intense gravitational fields can cause the emitted light from black holes to become polarized. “Our observations indicate that LMC X-3 likely harbors a black hole with a low rotation rate, surrounded by a slim disc structure that gives rise to the polarized emissions,” he added. 

The study was published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society: Letters and was funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology, India. The research team was led by Santabrata Das from IIT Guwahati and Nandi from URSC, including research scholars, Seshadri Majumder (IIT Guwahati), and  Ankur Kushwaha (URSC).

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Certificates issued to seven private parties for adoption, restoration of monuments: H.K. Patil.

Karnataka Tourism Minister H.K. Patil said that several organisations have evinced interest in adopting and restoring ‘neglected’ monuments in the State.

Under the PPP mode, the Minister said, certificates have been issued to seven private parties for adoption and restoration of monuments in Bidar, Kalaburagi and Yadgir districts of Kalyana Karnataka region. “Priority would be given for cleanliness, protection and promotion of tourism at historical monuments,” he said.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Mr Patil said the government has been seeking the support of people and volunteers to protect historical monuments across the State.

A team led by the Minister, and comprising local legislators and officials, visited some monuments to publicise the the ‘Namma Smaraka Dattu Yojane’ (adopt a monument scheme), which was launched with the objective of collaborating with the public, NGOs and entrepreneurs to develop historical sites in different parts of the State.

The team inspected the rich art, architecture and cultural heritage of Karnataka at various protected national monuments, such as Narasimha Jharni temple, also known as Jharni cave in Bidar, Vijaya Vittala temple in Hampi, Bidar fort, Bhoganandeeshwara temple in Nandi Hills, Gol Gumbaz in Vijayapura, Badami caves, Anubhava Mantap at Basavakalyan, Nagavi Yallamma temple at Chittapur in Kalaburagi, Mulkhed fort in Kalaburagi district, and Shiravala village in Yadgir district.

The team learnt about the karez, a water harnessing system that originated in Iran. It uses deep underground channels to tap and distribute ground water. The team inspected ancient water supply systems.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

In a significant development for reproductive health and infertility treatment in Africa and Asia, twelve doctors from countries including Burundi, Gambia, Kenya, Nepal, Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana and Nepal have completed their specialized training in IVF Embryology at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), India. This milestone was achieved through the collaborative effort of the Merck Foundation’s ‘Merck More Than a mother’ campaign and MAHE’s Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology.

The vice chancellor of MAHE, Lt Gen Dr MD Venkatesh, highlighted that the training program is a beacon of hope for childless women in Africa who face severe social challenges due to infertility. This initiative is expected to bring about a positive change in societal attitudes and provide much-needed medical assistance to infertile couples in Africa.

Since 2017, approximately one hundred African doctors have received training at the Centre of Excellence in Clinical Embryology, making significant strides in improving healthcare in this sector. “MAHE is committed to scaling up the Embryology training program to also include Southeast Asian countries and to strengthen industry participation in our programs,” said Dr. Sharath Rao, The Pro Vice Chancellor of MAHE.

The beneficiaries of this program, like Dr Tomusange Simon, a Gynecologist from Uganda, express immense gratitude for the opportunities provided by Manipal. This training has been instrumental in shaping their careers in IVF and enabling them to make a profound impact in their home countries.The event, which also saw the distribution of certificates to the graduating doctors, Dr Satish Kumar Adiga, the coordinator of IVF Embryology training gave overall brief about the program. Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean of KMC Manipal, welcomed the gathering, while Dr Prathima conducted the master of ceremony and rendered the vote of thanks.

This initiative by MAHE and the Merck Foundation is a significant step towards enhancing reproductive health services in Africa and beyond, empowering doctors with the knowledge and skills to combat infertility and make a lasting impact in their communities.

source/content: daijiworld.com (headlines edited)

The raja wade of Bhaskar Rao Bhave, also known as Babasaheb Bhave, who rebelled against the British, houses the Naragund Town Municipal Office

Amid the usual concrete structures that house government offices, the Naragund Town Municipal Office stands out. Large wooden pillars welcome visitors to the office, and as they step in, they see a locked old wooden door. On either side are two small rooms where one can see typical government employees buried in piles of old files. As they stand before the locked door, they see a narrow stairway leading to the first floor. Wooden pillars and ceiling on the first floor make them realise that they are in a heritage building, which has been disfigured owing to repair works taken up by unqualified workers with least regard for preserving the heritage.

But as they enter the adjoining room, which is now the office of the Chief Officer of the Town Municipal Council, their eyes light up. The decorated walls and ceiling, and the myriad hues of traditional artworks immediately catch a visitor’s attention. “This is what remains of the Babasaheb’s palace (Raj Wade) now, and there is one of his swords preserved in the other room,” said senior staff R.P. Malakar.

Barring the chief officer’s room, there is nothing in the whole premises to indicate that this building was once the palace of Bhaskar Rao Bhave also known as Babasaheb Bhave, who rebelled against the British a year after the first war of independence (1857) and was subsequently caught and executed.

Bhaskar Rao II Bhave, fondly known as Naragund Baba Saheb was the ruler of Naragund (comprising 33 surrounding villages) who succeeded his father Dadaji Rao III in 1842. According to the Dharwad District Gazetteer “Even earlier to the rule of the Peshwas, Chatrapathi Shahu had founded the Jahgir at Nargund. Rama Rao Bhave had been granted Naragund village as a Jahgir in 1711. In addition, the Savanur Nawab granted one taraf to the Bhave family.”

Bhaskar Rao or Babasaheb is described as a brilliant person who had a library of nearly 4,000 Sanskrit works in his ‘Wada’ (Big house with courtyards, also referred to as a palace). He was one among those rulers, who were affected by the Doctrine of Lapse introduced by Governor General of India Lord Dalhousie. His inability to adopt a son to succeed him rattled Baba Saheb and an upset Baba Saheb who got in touch with Peshwa Nana Saheb, who was leading the 1857 War of Independence.

Babasaheb put together a coalition comprising the heads of the neighbouring princely states of Ramdurg, Nippani, Dambala, Mundargi, and Koppal. The intelligence report of the same reached the British officers, who were already busy tackling the rebellions in Northern India and they sent Charles Manson, Political Agent of the region to tackle the situation in advance.

Babasaheb gained the initial advantage, he lay seize on the camp of Charles Manson at Surebhan village near Naragund on May 27, 1858, and killed him. The decapitated body of Manson was thrown into the fire and Babasaheb brought the head as an exploit and hung at the ‘Agasi’ (entrance) of Naragund, which is now known as ‘kempagasi’ (red entrance).

After killing Manson, Babasaheb received the shock of his life, when he found that his own close associates Krishnaji Joshi and Banya Bapu had been reporting all his activities to Manson secretly. He found the letters of correspondence between them which were in the possession of Manson, which also revealed that they had caused damage to the stock of gun powder in the Nargund fort. Although Babasaheb sought help from Mundargi Bhimrao, he was not in a position to help as he reached Koppal and was engaged in fighting the British.

On hearing the news of Manson’s death, British army led by Col. Malcolm reached Nargund and laid siege to Nargund on May 31. On June 1 they marched towards the fort. Of the nearly 700 people who confronted them, 70 were killed. The next day, when they entered the fort and reached the palace it was. The valuable library was burnt down by the furious British army.

In the folklore

Having been deceived by treachery and perfidy, the disolutioned Babasaheb had left the fort. However, he was pursued and caught near the forest of Toragal. His mother Yamunabai and wife Savitribai ended their life by plunging themselves into the river. Babasaheb was tried and hanged at Belgaum on June 12, 1858. The rebellion of Babasaheb which resulted in the killing of Manson and his subsequent execution has found its way into the folklore in the form of ‘lavani’ and is referred to as ‘Naragund Bandya’ (Naragund Rebellion) in the history of Karnataka, while British records term it another ‘mutiny’ by chieftains.

Converted to municipal office

The ‘raj wade’ (palace) captured by the British was later turned into a municipal office after one was established in 1871. Just few years before India attained independence, i.e. on May 20, 1942, the Municipal Office, Naragund purchased the building for Rs 4,000. A plaque (dated 1-3-1943) giving details of the purchase and office bearers of the municipality still adorns the front wall of the building.

All these years, the Raj Wade has been used as the municipal office of Naragund, which is a Town Municipal Council(TMC) now. Over the years, the structure has undergone temporary repairs, and several portions of the structure have already collapsed or rendered unfit for occupancy. While some efforts have been made to retain the old structure, it seems the damage has already been done due to lack of maintenance. The adjoining annexe with a courtyard, which reportedly was the women’s quarters (Annapurna) has been leased out to an organisation running a ‘rehabilitation centre for destitute and elderly persons’. The structure seems to be fragile. A portion having an underground secret annexe has caved in. The front elevation of the annexe has undergone a change with cement and bricks being used for the purpose. The words ‘babasaheba aramane’ (Babasaheb’s palace) written on it look amusing considering the change the building has undergone.

It is not that none is bothered about preserving the history. A group of teachers and writers from Naragund made a futile attempt to trace and collect more information on the relatives of the Bhave family, but to no avail. According to C.S. Salutagimath, Professor of Political Science and Retired Principal of Government Degree College in Naragund, still a lot is needed to be done to unearth details pertaining to the freedom fighter. People like him and other like minded persons hold programmes to commemorate the sacrifice and a memorial hall has been constructed in the town. And bust of Babasaheb installed in front of the municipal office welcomes the visitors.

Will it be restored?

More than the thinking to preserve the structure as a monument, the structural fitness of the building seems to have forced the authorities to chalk out plan for building a new municipal office for the town. The plan was sanctioned during the 2017-18 fiscal year and the building is in the final stage.

However there is no clear cut plan as such on restoring the structure. Amit Taradale, Chief Officer of Naragund TMC, told The Hindu that probably with the plan of restoring and preserving the structure, the new building was planned. “It may take another six months for the new building to get completed. Once the office is shifted, we will take a call on the restoration issue. We will have to consult various departments before taking a final call. The issue of restoration, whether to convert into a memorial or museum and other issues have to be decided upon in consultation with senior officials”, he said.

(Sources: Dharwad District Gazetteer, History of Indian Mutiny, 1857-1859 by Colonel G.B. Malleson, CSI, Published from London in 1880)

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

The idea of the badge came to Speaker UT Khader when he noticed the foreign delegates wearing a unique badge and he thought of getting similar badges for the state legislators too.

 Legislators in both Houses of Karnataka will henceforth wear gold-coated metal badges depicting Gandaberunda while attending sessions. The badge, which carries the official emblem of the state, will also mark 50 years of renaming Karnataka.

Starting from the legislature session at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, MLAs, and MLCs are expected to flaunt the badges on the left of their shoulders. Legislators are also expected to wear them when they travel out of the state and country.

“We cannot make it compulsory for all legislators. But this badge will definitely give an aesthetic and elegant look. It will make each one legislator proud as it carries the state emblem,” said a senior officer requesting anonymity. The Belagavi session starts on December 4.

The idea of the badge came to Speaker UT Khader when elected representatives from a foreign country met him recently. He noticed the foreign delegates wearing a unique badge and he thought of getting similar badges for the state legislators too, official sources told TNIE.

The badge is mostly made of brass with a gold coating. Gandaberunda is a two-headed bird in Hindu mythology and is believed to be a form of Lord Vishnu. The emblem was used by the then Mysuru state and continued to be the state emblem even after Mysuru state became Karnataka 50 years ago. Official sources said that initially, the idea was to get the badges for MLAs.  

‘Bagdes will ensure security’

Official sources said that initially, the idea was to get the badges for MLAs. But after members of the Legislative Council showed interest, the badges are being made for them too. “Each badge costs around Rs 2,800 and each MLA will get three sets. The entire cost comes to around Rs 20 lakh. The Finance Department has given its approval for the proposal,” the sources said.

During the budget session this July, an unknown person, who was not an MLA, entered the Assembly and sat for some time. This serious breach of security would not have occurred if legislators had such badges, the sources added.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

Nagavi Agrahara near Chittapur in Kalaburagi district, which once housed an important place of learning, lies in a state of neglect.

An hour’s drive from Kalaburagi city via Nandur, Bhankur, Ravoor, and Chittapur — with tur-dal fields and limestone quarries on either side of the poorly-maintained road and massive cement factories visible at a distance — take you to the historical town of Nagavi. It is located about 50 km from the district headquarters Kalaburagi, and 580 km from State capital Bengaluru.

As you move a few kilometres south of Chittapur, you reach a well-conserved 1000-year-old Nagavi Yellamma temple. Nagavi Yellamma is said to be the family deity of Rashtrakutas who ruled the large areas of the Indian subcontinent between the 6th and 10th centuries. Manyakheta (today’s Malkhed town), the capital of the Rashtrakuta Empire, is around 12 km from the temple. The mixed architectural style of the temple suggests its structural transformation over centuries in the hands of successive dynasties – Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas of Kalyana and Bahmani Sultanate.

Nagavi Agrahara

About 200 meters walk from the Yellamma temple to further south takes you to the gateway to the ruined town of ancient Nagavi. Stepping inside, you will find a number of damaged structures such as temples, step-wells, raised platforms, houses, and other structures – all built with locally available limestone blocks – scattered everywhere across the large area surrounded by the vast tracts of agricultural fields.

Based on inscriptions and historical records, researchers have concluded that it was an Agrahara, a settlement of Brahmins who were then called Mahajan. The evidence suggests that Nagavi, which was also called Nagavapi and Nagavavi in ancient times, had, at a point, provided shelter to 400 Mahajan families. An inscription describes the Nagavi Agrahara as “the Brahmaloka of four hundred Brahmins mastered in four Vedas; head of the mother earth; and the Tilak of Kuntala Desha”.

‘Takshashila of South’

Nagavi is often termed “Takshashila of the South” by researchers because of the intense educational activities said to have been carried out there. As per the inscriptions found in the area and historical records, the ancient town housed a famous Ghatikasthana of the time. Ghatikasthana, which means the place of learning, had the status of today’s university.

The Nagavi Ghatikasthana, which was established during the early rule of Rashtrakutas, gained prominence during the reigns of Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna-III (929-970) and the Kalyana Chalukya ruler Someshvara-I (1042-1068), attracting hundreds of students from across the subcontinent. Some of the researchers compare Nagavi Ghatikasthana with Kanchi Ghatikasthana, which was at its peak of fame between the 6th and 8th centuries.

Though there is no exact estimate of the size of the Nagavi Ghatikasthana, it is roughly estimated that over 200 students at a time were studying a range of subjects including Vedas, Shastras, and the works of Kumarila Bhatta and Prabhakara. It is said that Vastu Shastra, Agastya Samhita, and Bhrigu Samhita works were also taught here. The ruined structures and the inscriptions give enough evidence for the presence of a number of houses for teachers and hostels for students in the fortified Nagavi Agrahara.

While there is no clarity about the exact spot of Ghatikasthana within the Nagavi Agrahara, some point to the 60-pillar temple. Presently, three Lingas – representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara – are worshipped together in the structure. It is said that it is the only place where Brahma Linga is worshipped. Built with heavy limestone blocks, the roof is supported by 60 stone pillars spread throughout the central hall. There is a square-shaped pit at the centre of the hall and exactly above it is the opening of the roof for sunlight.

Indications of a big library

The inscriptions suggest the presence of a good library at the Nagavi Ghatikasthana which attracted students and scholars from neighbouring states as well. The library had Bhandaraka (librarian), who was also a scholar, and his assistants to look after the daily affairs. The library had developed a system of copying valuable original works and giving them to scholars in need for their reference. It had many copy-makers for the purpose.

The inscriptions record a number of endowments of lands given by the contemporary rulers for the maintenance of Ghatikasthana, libraries, temples, Agrahara, and the households in it. Though Nagavi was under the rule of Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta, it received grants and donations from other kings subsequently as well, including Chalukyas of Kalyana and the Haihaya king Shivarasa. When Someshwara-I, the king of Chalukyas of Kalyana, had camped in Kalagi, his military general Kalidasayya gave a land grant to Nagavi Agrahara. It is said that he and his son Madhavarasa built the Lakshmeshwara Temple and Madhusudhana Temple at Nagavi Ghatikasthana and gave land grants in Alur and Ravoor villages for their maintenance.

There are a number of wells in and around the Nagavi Agrahara. Some of them are buried in the ruins and thorny bushes while a few of them are still used by the local people. “It is in this well that many people in Chittapur town and other surrounding settlements learnt swimming,” a local resident told The Hindu.

A picture of neglect

With the Archaeological Survey of India and the local administrations being conspicuous by their absence here, it is hard to get to the structures given the dense and impregnable Jali (Prosopis Juliflora), lantana, and other thorny shrubs that have engulfed this place.

Most of the structures, some of which are over 1000 years old, have already collapsed and the remaining buildings are on the verge of destruction. Two damaged structures standing side-by-side, and apparently counting their days, will especially draw your attention. One of them has two inscriptions lying on the ground in the heap of fallen stone slabs and pillars.

“After firmly standing for centuries, many structures have collapsed owing to the rains, winds, and other natural causes over the years. However, there are some structures that were destroyed by people who dug the floors for treasures that they believe were hidden beneath the historic structures,” a villager said.

The floor and the premises of one of the abandoned temples outside the fortified area was completely filled with the dung of sheep and goats. The livestock, while grazing, take shelter inside the temple during the rains. The adjacent structure, which is said to be a dance school during ancient times, appears to have been renovated with Indo-Islamic architecture. Behind the temple is a beautiful well which was full of water. The trees and bushes that completely cover the water-filled well have Baya Weaver nests hanging from their branches. Nagavi is charms a visitor who dares find his/her way through the bushes despite its state of neglect.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)