The first symptoms of modernity was witnessed in South Kanara in the mid 19th century owing to the Basel Mission and the Christian missionaries, said Bangalore University History department Chairman Prof S Chandrashekar.

Speaking after inaugurating a seminar on “South Kanara and Kodagu: Colonialism and after” organised by the Mangalore University History department here on Saturday, he said printing technology in Kannada was first launched in South Kanara, which was followed by many publications later.

He said modern renaissance had its beginning in the West Coast. Efforts of reforming the society had found its echo in South Kanara. People were discussing child marriage and widow re-marriage in 1860s and 1870s.

Stating that Indian nationalism was not active in South Kanara, Prof Chandrashekar said leaders like K K Shetty, K S Rao, U S Mallya have shown anti-colonial struggles. But no major events have taken place.

Even after independence, Govinda Pai, K R Karanth were very active in the unification of Karnataka, however, the response of the people at the local level was not known. The response from the people of this region is nil with regard to major burning issues of Karnataka.

Prof Surendra Rao, Prof Keshavan, Dr Hanumanayak and Dr Lokesh were present.