The Hindu : Karnataka News : ‘Priceless find’ in Shimoga

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Wednesday, Mar 05, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka

‘Priceless find’ in Shimoga

It seems like an eternal love story all over again

‘Sarva Dharma Sthamba’ at the entrance of the museum at Lakkinakoppa near Shimoga.

It sounds like an eternal love story of the Moghul Emperor Shahjahan who built the glorious Taj Mahal in the memory of his wife Mumtaz. It is not known whether a retired history lecturer of Shimoga H. Khandobrao drew inspiration from the world famous monument when he threw open a museum developed by him at his farm in Lakkinakoppa on the N.R. Pura Road about 15 km from here recently in the memory of his wife Yashodamma who too was a lecturer in history in a local womenR 17;s college.

She died last year after a prolonged illness. But the museum and other structures that have come up at the farm stand as a testimony to the eternity of Mr. Khandobrao’s love for his wife. Mr. Khandobrao has spent over Rs. 50 lakh without seeking help from anybody for the development of “Amulya Shodha” (priceless find), a museum housing rare and unique remains, and “Nenapu” (memory), a small auditorium for holding functions.

As you enter the cultural complex at the farm spread over about two acres, you are transported to an enchanting world of yesteryear which looks like an undeclared centre of study in history and archaeology. Mr. Khandobrao, who is keenly involved in the collection of ancient coins, decided to do something unique to make his love for his departed partner eternal. Mr. Khandobrao and Yashodamma, who were of different castes, were in love since their college days and decided to marry despite the resistance from their respective family members.

When Yashodamma developed a serious kidney problem, Mr. Khandobrao donated one of his kidneys in a bid to save his wife. But all his efforts proved futile and she died on February 7, 2007.

Mr. Khandobrao decided to dedicate a historical monument in her memory.

“Amulya Shodha” has artefacts such as a variety of earthen pots, swords of the Maratha period, wooden cooking ware, drums, tambool dabbi (box to hold beetle nuts), palm leaves, traditional oil lamps, colourful costumes of the bygone era, and early war weapons.

The museum has a collection of about 2,000 rare coins dating from before the Common Era to 8th century AD. It also has amusing key bunches, tongs and other curiosities.

Mr. Khandobrao has developed a well-laid lawn, artificial streams and water falls, with replicas of cows and calves, deer and tortoises. The auditorium is also decorated with artefacts. The complex, which has become an important landmark in Shimoga, is kept open to the public on Sundays.

Pramod Mellegatti in Shimoga

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