JOIN USFunds will be utilised for renovation and electrification
The State government has released Rs 20 lakh for the renovation of Rajara Gadduge, one of the historical tourist spot near Banni Mantapa in Madikeri.
The State government has earmarked the funds for the renovation work in the last budget and has handed it over to archeological department.
The responsibility of the conservation of the Gadduge has been handed over to the archeological department. The department is getting ready to renovate three mausoleums. The funds have been deposited to the account of the department last month.
Tender was invited for the renovation work. However, no bidder had come forward to take up the work. Now, the department is thinking of taking up the work on its own or call for a re-tender. The decision on the same will be taken up after the Lok Sabha polls, said Archeological department Assistant Officer Sathish.
In the released amount, the work on electrification, painting and renovation of mausoleum of Raja Purohith Rudrappa situated on the left hand side of mausoleums of Chikkarajendra and his wife will be taken up, he said.
The Madikeri Urban Development Authority had laid a park at the Gadduge two years ago. However, owing to lack of maintenance, the park is crying for attention.
Visitors said “the park should be maintained well. Information boards should be installed at strategic locations in and around Madikeri city to furnish details on the Gadduge.”
On Gadduge
Rajara Gadduge is the mausoleum of the former kings of Kodagu namely Doddaveerarajendra, Lingarajendra and Rajaguru Rudrappa. Gadduge has two identical square structures, which are the tombs of the king Doddaveerarajendra and his queen.
They are close to each other, built in Indo-Sarcanic style, flaunting domes and pillars. There is tomb of Lingarajendra which was built by his son Chikkaveerarajendra in 1820. There is a tomb of Purohith Rudrappa which was built in 1834.
There are tombs of commander-in-chief Biddanda Bopu and his son Biddanda Somaiah, who were killed in their fight against Mysore Emeperor Tippu Sulthan.