Apathy mars Rajara Gaddige tourist spot

The promises made by former ministers have remained on paper

Now District-in-Charge Minister C H Vijayashankar has directed the Tourism Department officials to prepare a plan for the promotion of tourism within a month.

Rajara Gaddige is also one of the attractions in the district. The tourists who pay visit to Abbey falls will get Rajara Gaddige en route to it. However, it is in deplorable condition owing to the negligence of the government. It has remained ‘orphan’ owing to the negligence of the government. When Rani Sathish was Minister for Kannada and Culture in S M Krishna’s government, she had promised to protect the land by fencing around it and making arrangement for sound and light system. However, the promises have remained only in paper. The Rajara Gaddige situated in a hilly region at Mahadevapete has been built in such a way that it can be seen from all the four directions.

Rajara Gaddige was burial place of the Haleri dynasty which ruled Kodagu for two centuries. On the one hand, government and on the other hand department of archeology is neglecting it. Rajara Gaddige was situated in 19.80 acre land in the beginning. Of which, 1.25 acre was handed over co-operative Training Institute. About 30 families have encroached about four to five acre land of the Gaddige.

Gaddige of Raja Veerarajendra’s wife Mahadevamma is situated in the middle.
Lingarajendra and Devammaji couple gaddige is situated on the right side and Gaddige of Raja Purohitha Rudramuni built in 1834 is situated on the left side.

The tomb of Commander in Chief Biddanda Bopu who died in war against Tippu Sulthan, his son Biddanda Somaiah is also seen in the premises. The Gaddige has been built on Indo-Sarascenic architectural style. It has carvings on the stone, panchaloha window panes and other intricate designs, which has added beauty to the Gaddige.

The government and Directorate of Archaeology which should have protected this monument has shown least interest in its protection. As a result, the Gaddige has remained an orphan.

The authorities could not even fence it so that cattle does not enter its premises. The Gaddige has not seen any white wash for the last several years. Few years ago, with the funds released for the renovation of Gaddige, lightings were installed. However, as the authorities failed to pay the electricity bill, the electricity connection too has been disconnected.