Agraharas which were pillars of administration when the kings were ruling the region, has been fast vanishing from the scene.
Several agraharas which were built during the reign of Vijayanagara rulers in 14th and 15 th century have remained as a monuments to remember the good old days even to this day. There were over 64 agraharas on the either side of Tunga and its tributaries.
An agrahara which was built near Koodali near Sringeri has become extinct.
Agraharas were group settlements of brahmins who formed a corporate body and administered all affairs of the agrahara, including education. The residents of Agrahara were called Ashesha Mahajanangal, and 24 mahajanangal. The head of the agrahara was called as Hebbara.
Agraharas were functioning as mini universities. There was a close affinity between Tunga river and Agrahara. Agraharas can be found in nemmaru, Anegunda, Kavadi, Mullolli, Vishwanathapura, Ardikoppa, Narve, Jammittige, Bommalapura and Theerthahalli even to this day.
Vishwanatha agrahara in Koppa taluk is in dilapidated condition without proper maintenance. An effort was made to save Ardikoppa agrahara. The ruins of Bomlopura agrahara built by Samantha is found even to this day. The agrahara at Narve is on the verge of collapse. Jammittige agrahara is the centre of attraction even to this day.
The Neelakanteshwara temple in Jammattige Agrahara is known for its carvings on the stone.
The carvings depict the stories from Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Kurukshethra wara, Tripura samhara.
After Land reforms act, agraharas lost land and have become extinct. Tasthik fund given by the government is not enough for the priest to carry out day to day activities. The inmates of Agrahara have left the Agrahara in search of livelihood. The agraharas are losing its charm owing to lack of maintenance, said villagers.
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks