Bidar: The State Government plans to develop Basavakalyan not only as an international centre of tourist attraction, but also as a centre for higher learning in Basaveshwara's philosophy.

The Government has already requested scholars to take up research on the life and times of Basaveshwara, the 12th century reformer-saint, his philosophy and architecture during that period.

Revenue secretary and Basavakalyan Development Special Officer Shivanand Jamadar told presspersons that the Government had approved 19 works related to the development of the historical city in the first phase. These include protection and preservation of monuments, landscaping and beautification of the city, providing civic amenities to tourists and making information available to them, and excavation of selected sites to look for signs of the 12th century civilisation.

"Works will start this week and some of them will be completed in three months," he said.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Kannada University, Hampi, M.M. Kalburgi has been made in charge of the research on Vachanas and Basaveshwara's philosophy of Kayaka and Dasoha. Former professor of the National Institute of Advanced Studies S. Shettar has been asked to study the historical facts of that period.

Former director of the Directorate of Archaeology S. Sundar will be in charge of excavations in places of historical importance such as Aravina Mane, where Basaveshwara is believed to have attained enlightenment.

Fencing of monuments

"To begin with, all monuments will be fenced to avoid encroachment of land and prevent further damage. Restoration and renovation of monuments will start after the fencing is completed," he said.

The team of experts and officials visited monuments in and around the city. In the first phase, development of monuments such as Devara Dasimaiah Cave, Haralaiah Cave, Madiwala Machideva's tomb and tank, Nuliya Chandaiah temple, Ambigara Choudaiah temple, Parusha Katte, Allam Prabhu tomb, Akka Nagamma Cave, Kambali Math, Bandavara Oni, Arivina Mane, Vigyaneshwar Cave and Elehutti area. The Government will also develop a Basava museum, Panchasutra Cave, Basava Vana and Basava Bhavana, the officer said.

Rs. 20 crore earmarked

The State Government has earmarked Rs. 20 crore for Basavakalyan Development Board. Earlier governments had sanctioned Rs. 5 crore.

Scholars, architects and assistant commissioner C.P. Shailaja, Tahsildar D. Y. Patil, Basaveshwar temple trust president Gurupadaiah Swamy accompanied Mr. Jamdar.

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