Walking through the Kittur chapter of India's freedom struggle

Stepping into Veerabhoomi at Nandgad transports visitors back in time. Events from more than two centuries ago unfold through life-size stone sculptures and installations at this memorial dedicated to Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna, the heroic commander-in-chief of the army of the princely state of Kittur under Rani Channamma.

. From Rayanna’s home and the courtyard where he grew up, to Kittur where he trained for battle, and finally the banyan tree where he was martyred, Veerabhoomi traces the arc of his life and his resistance against British rule.

. Nandgad, near Belagavi’s Khanapur, is historically significant as the place where Rayanna and six of his companions were executed by the British in 1831. The banyan tree to which they were tied still stands, a silent testimony to the event.

. Spread across more than ten acres, the state government has developed the site into a heritage museum and memorial at a cost of Rs 72 crore and named it Veerabhoomi. Inaugurated in January, the museum is envisioned as a major heritage and tourism destination. Soon, the space will also have a research and development centre.

. Stone sculptures across the complex depict Rayanna’s military strategies, particularly his use of deception and guerrilla warfare. Installations show meetings held in caves, training in weapon-making, supply arrangements and coordinated attacks. These scenes explain how traps were laid to ambush enemy forces and villagers’ role in sustaining the resistance.

. Several important historical locations have been recreated with attention to details, including the Collector’s office in Dharwad where Rayanna was interrogated, the former amaldar’s office in Sampagaon, and the house of the Kulkarni (a village record keeper) who punished Rayanna’s mother for failing to pay taxes. Models of villages that supported Rayanna’s forces provide insight into the social and administrative realities of the period.

. The heritage space follows traditional architectural styles while preserving the natural terrain around it.

. A central space within the museum is the silent hall, where the final moments of Rayanna and his six companions are presented through 3D wall murals. Lighting and relief work recreate the execution scene, accompanied by dramatised audio. Another installation depicts Rayanna and his associates attending Rani Channamma’s final rites at Bailhongal, in disguise.

. The museum also uses sensor-based narration. As visitors approach a sculpture or installation, audio explanations begin automatically, functioning like a personal guide. 3D visualisations and sound-and-light presentations added to the immersive experience.

. Initiated based on the guidance of researcher Ka Ta Chikkanna, Veerabhoomi has been designed by Suryaprakash, an expert in designing open-air heritage spaces.

. “The challenge was to ensure that the installations did not deviate from historical facts. Researcher Prof Jyoti Hosur and historian Basavaraj Kamat guided us throughout. From building design to human figures, everything is designed to allow visitors experience history naturally,” Suryaprakash says.

. “Veerabhoomi evokes patriotic emotions and connects people with history. Preserving the tree where Rayanna and his companions were martyred is commendable,” said Shridhar Kademani, a visitor from Bailhongal.

. Tracing history

. Beyond Rayanna, the museum also commemorates six martyrs who were executed alongside him at Nandgad: Balanayak of Bastawad, Basalingappa of Hanabaratti, Karibasappa of Belavadi, Bhima Jiddimani of Hogarti, Kenchappa Rudrappa Patil of Sangatikoppa and Appoji Nayak of Sutagatti. Several others — including Rudranayak, Yallanayak and Neelanayak of Belavadi; Apponi of Tigadolli; Ranojikonda of Majjigadda; Koneri of Topinkatte; and Nemanna of Kodachawad — were sentenced to ‘transportation for life’ at the British colonial prison in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, known as Kala Pani.

. Researcher Prof C K Navalagi calls for efforts to identify the burial sites of the six executed warriors and to trace their descendants, as well as document the lives of those sent to Kala Pani. He also recommends archaeological excavation at Kittur to further study the period.

. There are also demands from the public for better road connectivity to Veerabhoomi, development of the tanks used by Rayanna and his associates and protection of the caves that once served as hideouts.

. (Translated from Kannada by Divyashri Mudakavi)

Walking through the Kittur chapter of India's freedom struggle

Follow us on :

Follow Us