Once used by royalty, the Bidriware metalcraft has seen a decline in connoisseurs, worsened by the pandemic that has gripped the world.

WIKIPEDIA/ RANDHIRREDDY  ART WEDNESDAY, MARCH 03, 2021 - 13:40

            Sanjana Deshpande Follow @sanjanausd08

Karnataka Tourism’s tagline ‘One State, Many Worlds’ encapsulates the essence of the state. With a varied topography, the state also sees variations in culture, arts and crafts. The southern state is celebrated for its wide range of handicrafts that have thrived through the centuries, sustained by renewed efforts to preserve them. Be it the toys of Koppal, sandalwood carvings of Mysuru or the Bidri metal handicraft of Bidar, the royals of the region patronised these crafts, which later found connoisseurs abroad as well. The artefacts earned huge revenues from export and are valued owing to the use of precious metals like silver.

However, Bidri art is sadly on the decline, with the COVID-19 pandemic having adversely affected business and put the artisans in a tough spot. Two Bidri artisans speak to TNM and share the stories of the art’s origin, processing and how they’re struggling to sustain their businesses.

History
Bidri art or Bidriware derives its name from the city of its origin, Bidar, located in the north-eastern part of Karnataka. The craft has an interesting journey that dates back to 500 years. Persian in origin, Bidriware is, however, an indigenous innovation.Featured Videos from TNM

“Elders say that 500-600 years ago people from Iran had arrived in Bidar to construct tombs and while working with local artisans, they trained them in the metal craft. The local artisans added their own intricacies to the craft, and the Bahmani king liked it and encouraged it, which is how the art form flourished,” explains Khwaja, a Bidri artisan. He said that the craft was passed from one generation to another over the years and spread far and wide.

Bidriware processing
Khwaja, who has been in the business for 25 years now, said that Bidriware goes through an 8-stage process before it attains its final shape. He says, “We mix zinc and copper to form an alloy of the two. For every kilogram of zinc, we use 60 gm of copper for it to get the perfect black hue. Any inconsistency in the amount of copper can create an imbalance.”

The alloy is then melted in a furnace and poured into an earthen mould, polished, and then silver patterns are carved on the object. “We then dip it in a chemical solution,” adds Khwaja, “to enhance the black of the alloy so that the silver inlay shines brighter.”

Speciality
Ask what makes Bidriware special, and 60-year-old Rauf is quick to reply that it’s the intricate engravings and inlaying. He also points out that it is also the soil of Bidar that makes the art unique. “The soil is important for the art to assume form. The soil is brought from Bidar fort, no other soil will work as perfectly as this one. We taste the soil to determine if it’s fit for use or not,” says the artisan who has been in the business for 52 years.

Generations may pass but Bidriware will not spoil. Even if the sheen is lost, a good rub with coconut oil will rid the metalwork of its impurities and it will look as good as new, says Rauf.

Bidriware can be likened to wine. The artisans say that the older the Bidriware, the higher price it gets sold at.

The pandemic effect
Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic that hit globally, the two artisans say that their business was hit adversely because the major share of their earnings comes from foreign sales. Foreigners buy their art because they value antiques and can afford it, remarks Rauf.

Khwaja believes that the decline in the sale of Bidriware has been very gradual. “When we were kids, many people from foreign countries would come and buy the artefacts, willing to pay the price for the same. Over the last two decades though, this has changed. I rarely receive orders from abroad through my website. With the pandemic, things are looking very bleak, I have lost nearly 90% of my business. It’s a struggle but we’re managing to get by,” he says.

Rauf though believes that if the artisan’s work is good, his business will grow and that artisans can sustain themselves. “Before the pandemic, we used to export our products to European countries and to government handicraft stores like Cauvery Emporium (Karnataka government-run handicraft units). Our business is starting to regain its footing but it’s not as good as it was before the lockdown. We get orders for small items like mirrors or vases because most people have moved to gifting compact home décor items that are cheaper than Bidriware,” he shares.

Fewer artisans
The two artisans, meanwhile, observe that the number of craftsmen creating Bidriware has decreased. Why? The reasons are varied. Lack of business security forces artisans to venture into other fields. Khwaja further opines that the government’s lack of promotion of Bidriware has also resulted in artisans branching out.

“This is the last generation that will create Bidriware, I think,” Khwaja says, adding that there are only 150-160 artisans today in the community.

“We were initiated into the business by our fathers and grandfathers; most artisans are inter-generational. The government needs to create more schemes and promote them proactively for Bidriware to sustain. Artisans also need to survive and with the minimal orders we receive, it is difficult. Depending on the situation, the art may sustain or it may die down,” he says.


Source: https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/exports-hit-declining-interest-karnataka-s-bidriware-artisans-struggle-earn-living-144528

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Bidar airport: ₹4.23 crore released to acquire land

The government will acquire 13.62 acres in the Phase-I and 8 in Phase-II.


KSIIDC will acquire 5.39 acres in Phase-I


A decade after the State government had released funds to acquire land at Bidar Civilian Airport, the ball is finally rolling, raising hopes among people after a long lull that had left them disappointed.

Responding to the proposal made by BJP State executive committee member Suryakant Nagmarpalli, the State government was positive in its approach to release ₹4.23 crore to acquire 5.39 acres of land for the operation of ATR-72 flights.

Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) has released a cheque of amount ₹4, 23,50,000 at the disposal of the Bidar DC to start the acquisition process and pay landowners.


The KIISDC said 21.6 acres were required for the operation of ATR-72, Airbus-320, and aeronautical, non-aeronautical and commercial flights. The amount has been released to acquire 5.39 acres. A proposal has also been made to acquire 13.375 acres of land at an estimated cost of ₹11.22 crore for the operation of bigger aircraft. The government will acquire 13.62 acres (5.35 acres and 8.27 acres) in the Phase-I and 8 acres in Phase-II.


In 2010, the terminal building was ready and the State government had obtained clearance from the Civil Aviation Department and also got a clearance from the Defence Ministry to use the runway and other facilities at the Indian Air Force station on the outskirts of Bidar city.



Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/bidar-airport-423-crore-released-to-acquire-land/article30152195.ece




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ASI uses just 7% of funds granted for restoration in Hyderabad Karnataka

The Bahmani tombs of Ashtur (top) is among the three sites where renovation has been taken up. | Photo Credit: T. GOPICHAND

Though the Ministry of Culture had allocated huge amounts through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to protect and restore ancient monuments and sites in the Hyderabad Karnataka region in 2017-18, the ASI spent only 7% of the released funds.

According to documents provided by K.M. Mujeebuddin, an RTI activist, the ASI has spent only ₹39.6 lakh of the ₹5.88 crore funds released for the maintenance of heritage monuments coming under Dharwad Circle.

Mr. Mujeebuddin told The Hindu that 16 historical sites in the five districts coming under the region — Bidar, Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Koppal, and Raichur — were declared as Centrally protected monuments in Dharwad Circle.

Though most of these monuments are in a dilapidated state, renovation works have been taken up only at three sites — the Bahmani tombs of Ashtur, the madrasa of Mahmud Gawan, and Bidar Fort. So far, an amount of ₹39,60,420 has been spent.

The ASI has failed to take up renovation work at Kalaburagi fort (Bahmani Fort), the Jama Masjid on the fort premises, and the famous Hafth Gumbad (Seven Tombs) of Firoz Shah.

Mr. Mujeebuddin said the ancient excavated site with remains of Buddhist stupa at Kanaganahalli in Chittapur taluk of Kalaburagi, which dates back to between the 1st century BC and 3rd century AD, was crying for attention. The ASI would have utilised funds to develop the Budhist Mahastupa site, he said.

The department has also neglected to protect the prehistoric sites at Vibhuthihalli and Rajankallur in Yadgir district. Three other prehistoric sites in Koppal — the Mahadev temple in Ittagi village, the ancient mound and Hire Benakal sites, and the rock edicts of Ashoka on the two hillocks — were neglected. “Successive governments and representatives of the region have failed to protect the structures. If the ASI fails to utilise the funds fully, it will go back to the government coffers,” Mr. Mujeebuddin said.



Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/asi-uses-just-7-of-funds-granted-for-restoration-in-hyderabad-karnataka/article26044726.ece

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Unique tear shaped tray from 17th century Southern India (BIDAR) at risk of export

A mysterious and uniquely designed tray from the historic city of Bidar in South India is at risk of being exported from the UK unless a buyer can be found.
Published 18 January 2019
From:Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport and Michael Ellis MP




A mysterious and uniquely designed tray from the historic city of Bidar in South India is at risk of being exported from the UK unless a buyer can be found.

The ‘Tear Shaped Bidri Tray’, which is believed to have been made in the first half of the 17th century by an unknown craftsman, has been blocked from export by Michael Ellis, Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, to provide an opportunity to keep it in the country.

The tray, deemed to be of a rare size and shape and unparalleled finesse, is in a metalworking technique known as ‘Bidri’, the name deriving from the capital city of the Bahmanid sultanate of the Deccan which was one of the major Muslim kingdoms of medieval India.

It is also believed to be one of only two bidri objects to have its entire outer surface covered in silver inlay, decorated through a complex intertwining of scrolling lines bearing leaves and stylised flowers.

17th century Bidriware is rare in any collection in the world, with the vast majority of pieces in UK public and private collections dating from the 19th century. Even the Jagdish and Kamla Mittal Museum of Indian Art, which has the finest collection of Bidriware in the world, does not own a tray of this type.

Michael Ellis, Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism, said:


The Tear Shaped Bidri Tray highlights the style, detail and innovation of metalware produced on the subcontinent during this influential period in world history.

When considering its unique nature, it is right that we do what we can to preserve this valuable item for the nation.

Most of the tray’s ownership history is unknown. It is recorded as having been acquired by the London-based antique dealer Anthony “Tobi” Jack in London by at least 1974, and was owned by the dealer Bashir Mohamed from 1974 to 2017.

Experts also believed that the tray highlights the Indian superiority in metallurgical knowledge, or scientific study of metals, at the time it was made. Appreciation of the zinc alloy technique of bidri may be indirectly linked to sharing with England how to produce metallic zinc, or carry out zinc smelting, on an industrial scale. This would ultimately lead to a transformation in English industrial production around a century later.

The decision to defer the export licence follows a recommendation by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, administered by The Arts Council. They made their recommendation on the grounds that the item is of outstanding aesthetic importance and significance for the study of Indian and Deccan decorative arts.

Chairman of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, Sir Hayden Phillips, said:


This 17th century Indian tray is exquisite; both in the beauty of its appearance, in the shape of a tear, and in the manner of its creation. It fully reflects the sophistication of Deccan design in the region’s monuments and interiors.

We were unanimous in our view that the tray was of outstanding aesthetic importance and of outstanding significance to the study of Bidri ware”.

The decision on the export licence application for the item will be deferred until 17 April 2019. This may be extended until 17 July 2019 if a serious intention to raise funds to purchase it is made at the recommended price of £75,000, plus VAT.

Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing the tray should contact the RCEWA on 0845 300 6200.

ENDS
Notes to editors

Details of the item are as follows:

• Tear shaped Bidri tray
• Matching offer: £75,000 plus VAT
• Blackened zinc alloy inlaid with silver and brass,
• Measurements: length 35cm, width 29cm, height 3 cm.

The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest is an independent body, serviced by The Arts Council, which advises the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on whether a cultural object, intended for export, is of national importance under specified criteria.

The Arts Council champions, develops and invests in artistic and cultural experiences that enrich people’s lives. It supports a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to digital art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections: www.artscouncil.org.uk.

A Buyer’s Premium is an additional percentage charge on the hammer price, which is charged by the auctioneer to cover their expense.



Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/unique-tear-shaped-tray-from-17th-century-southern-india-at-risk-of-export



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Rock solid: Descendants of fort-builders are helping the ASI restore monuments

The Wadars of Maharashtra helped the Marathas and Portuguese build their massive forts. Today, they are using the same methods on projects across the country.

Wadar workers reshape stone blocks at the Elephanta Caves, a Unesco world heritage site in Maharashtra. ’It is a matter of prestige for us that we are being roped in to work on such a site.’ says Tukaram Pawar, 56. (Aalok Soni / HT Photo)

In 2016, the majestic ruins of the Bassein fort on the outskirts of Mumbai were made famous by Coldplay’s ‘Hymn for the weekend’, which opens with shots of the ramparts and an ancient stone staircase.

The 110-acre fort, over four centuries old, is all that remains of the once-bustling port city — that, and the modern-day fort builders of Maharashtra, believed to have descended from the men and women who erected these unshakeable walls.

“The Wadars, a community of stone-cutters from the villages of Ahmednagar and Solapur districts, have unique skill when it comes to working on basalt rock,” says Kailash Shinde, a conservation assistant officer with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). “We believe it was they who were employed by the Marathas, the Portuguese and the Ahmedshahi sultans to work this very hard kind of rock into durable fortifications and fortified settlements. Workers for this kind of stone are hard to find.”

In Maharashtra, the Wadars are helping restore nine forts, he adds. They are also helping restore the Bidar fort in Karnataka, the Jhansi fort in Uttar Pradesh and the Krishna Temple in Hampi. And there are plans to rope them in to help restore the Panchalingeswara temple in Mandya, Karnataka.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/more-lifestyle/rock-solid-descendants-of-fort-builders-are-helping-the-asi-restore-monuments/story-RirYHrSi5UvaRykjcxVGhO.html


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ಹೈಕ 6 ಜಿಲ್ಲೆ: ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣಗಳಿಗೆ ಮೂಲ ಸೌಲಭ್ಯ ಕಲ್ಪಿಸಲು ಸಲಹೆ

ಜಿಲ್ಲಾ ಮತ್ತು ತಾಲೂಕು ಕೇಂದ್ರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಈಗಾಗಲೇ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣಗೊಂಡಿರುವ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣಗಳನ್ನು ಅಗತ್ಯ ಮೂಲ ಸೌಕರ್ಯಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸುಸಜ್ಜಿತವಾಗಿಡಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಯುವ ಸಬಲೀಕರಣ ಹಾಗೂ ಕ್ರೀಡಾ ಇಲಾಖೆಯ ಅಪರ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿ ಡಾ. ಡಿ.ಕಲ್ಪನಾ ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

ಹೈಕ 6 ಜಿಲ್ಲೆ: ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣಗಳಿಗೆ ಮೂಲ ಸೌಲಭ್ಯ ಕಲ್ಪಿಸಲು ಸಲಹೆ
ಬೀದರ್‌:ಜಿಲ್ಲಾ ಮತ್ತು ತಾಲೂಕು ಕೇಂದ್ರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಈಗಾಗಲೇ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣಗೊಂಡಿರುವ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣಗಳನ್ನು ಅಗತ್ಯ ಮೂಲ ಸೌಕರ್ಯಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸುಸಜ್ಜಿತವಾಗಿಡಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಯುವ ಸಬಲೀಕರಣ ಹಾಗೂ ಕ್ರೀಡಾ ಇಲಾಖೆಯ ಅಪರ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿ ಡಾ. ಡಿ.ಕಲ್ಪನಾ ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

BDR-19-1-BDR7

ಜಿಲ್ಲಾಧಿಕಾರಿ ಕಚೇರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಶನಿವಾರ ನಡೆದ ಹೈಕದ ಆರು ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಗಳ ಯುವ ಸಬಲೀಕರಣ ಹಾಗೂ ಕ್ರೀಡಾ ಇಲಾಖೆಯ ಸಹಾಯಕ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರುಗಳ ಸಭೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದರು.

ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣಗಳ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಗೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದಂತೆ ಹೈಕ ಪ್ರದೇಶಾಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿ ಮಂಡಳಿ, ನಗರೋತ್ಥಾನ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಬೇರೆ ಬೇರೆ ಕಡೆಗಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾವನೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿ ಅನುದಾನ ಪಡೆದು ಕೆಲಸ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿರುವುದು ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಬೆಳವಣಿಗೆ. ಇನ್ನೂ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿರುವ ಅನುದಾನದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಇಲಾಖೆಗೆ ಕೂಡಲೇ ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾವನೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿ, ಅನುದಾನ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ ಮಾಡಲಾಗುವುದು ಎಂದರು.

ಇಲಾಖೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಯಂ ನೌಕರರ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ ಬಹಳ ಕಡಿಮೆಯಿದೆ. ಹೊರಗುತ್ತಿಗೆ ನೌಕರರನ್ನೇ ಅವಲಂಬಿಸುವಂತಾಗಿದೆ. ಎಸ್‌ಡಿಸಿ, ಎಫ್‌ಡಿಸಿ, ಸೇವಕರು ಇಲ್ಲದೇ ನಾವೊಬ್ಬರೇ ಕೆಲಸ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದೇವೆ. ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣಗಳಿಗೆ ಭದ್ರತೆ ಒದಗಿಸಲು ಕಾವಲುಗಾರರಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು ಕೆಲವು ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಗಳ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳು ಸಭೆಗೆ ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

ನಮ್ಮ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಯಂ ತರಬೇತುದಾರರಿಲ್ಲ. ನಮ್ಮಲ್ಲಿ ತರಬೇತುದಾರರೇ ಸಿಗುತ್ತಿಲ್ಲ. ಅವರಿಗೆ ವೇತನ ಪಾವತಿಸಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು ಕೆಲವು ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಗಳ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳು ಸಭೆಗೆ ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು. ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಪ್ರತಿಕ್ರಿಯಿಸಿದ ಅಪರ ಮುಖ್ಯಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿಗಳು, ತರಬೇತಿದಾರರನ್ನು ಪಡೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಇಲಾಖೆಯಿಂದ ಅನುಕೂಲ ಕಲ್ಪಿಸಿಕೊಡುವುದಾಗಿ ಹೇಳಿದರು.

ತಾಲೂಕು ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣಗಳಿಗಿಲ್ಲ ಕಾಂಪೌಂಡ್‌:

ಅಫಜಲಪುರ ಬಿಟ್ಟರೆ ಬೇರೆ ಯಾವ ತಾಲೂಕುಗಳಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣಗಳಿಗೆ ಕಾಂಪೌಂಡ್‌ ಗೋಡೆಯಿಲ್ಲ. ತುಂಬಾ ಅಚ್ಚುಕಟ್ಟಾಗಿ ನಿರ್ಮಿಸಿದ್ದರಿಂದ ಈಜುಕೊಳಕ್ಕೆ ಬಹಳಷ್ಟು ಜನರು ಬರುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಜಿಲ್ಲಾ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಸಿಂಥೆಟಿಕ್‌ ಟ್ರ್ಯಾಕ್‌ ದುರಸ್ತಿಯಾಗಬೇಕಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಕಲಬುರಗಿ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ ಸಭೆಗೆ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ನೀಡಿದರು. ಕಲಬುರಗಿ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಗೆ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿರುವ 50 ಕೋಟಿ ರೂ.ಗೆ ಕೂಡಲೇ ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾವನೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿ ಎಂದು ಆಯುಕ್ತ ಕೆ. ಶ್ರೀನಿವಾಸ ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

ಇಲಾಖೆಯ ಜಂಟಿ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ ಎಂ.ಎಸ್‌. ರಮೇಶ. ಸುಭಾಷ್‌ ಚಂದ್ರ, ಉಪ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ ಬಸವರಾಜ ಹಡಪದ ಹಾಗೂ ಇತರರು ಇದ್ದರು.

ಜಿಲ್ಲಾ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳಿಂದ ಬೇಡಿಕೆ

ಈಗಾಗಲೇ 3 ಕೋಟಿ ರೂ.ವೆಚ್ಚದಲ್ಲಿ ಜಿಲ್ಲಾ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣವಾಗಿದೆ. ನಮ್ಮ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಈಜುಕೊಳದಲ್ಲಿ ನೀರಿಲ್ಲದಂತಹ ಸ್ಥಿತಿಯಿದೆ. ನೂತನ ತಾಲೂಕು ಮಾನ್ವಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣಕ್ಕೆ ನಿವೇಶನದ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿದೆ. 5 ಕೋಟಿ ರೂ. ಅನುದಾನ ಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ರಾಯಚೂರು ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ ಸಭೆಗೆ ಕೋರಿದರು.

ನಮ್ಮಲ್ಲಿ ತರಬೇತುದಾರರಿಲ್ಲ. ಇಲಾಖೆಯಿಂದ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತಿರುವ ವಸತಿ ನಿಲಯಕ್ಕೆ ಮೂಲಸೌಕರ್ಯ ಕಲ್ಪಿಸಲು ಅನುದಾನ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ 8 ಕೋಟಿ ರೂ. ಅನುದಾನ ಬೇಕಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಬಳ್ಳಾರಿ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ ಹೇಳಿದರು.

ವಸತಿ ನಿಲಯ ನವೀಕರಣಗೊಳಿಸುವುದಕ್ಕೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದಂತೆ ಪರಿಷ್ಕೃತ ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾವನೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿ ಎಂದು ಆಯುಕ್ತರು ಸೂಚಿಸಿದರು.

42 ಎಕರೆ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಜಿಲ್ಲಾ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣ ನಿರ್ಮಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಈಜುಕೊಳ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಕಾಮಗಾರಿ ಮುಕ್ತಾಯ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲಿದೆ. ಜಿಮ್‌ ಇದೆ, ತರಬೇತುದಾರರಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು ಯಾದಗಿರಿ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು. 18 ಎಕರೆ ವಿಸ್ತೀರ್ಣದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಜಿಲ್ಲಾ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾಂಪೌಂಡ್‌ ಗೋಡೆ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಕುಷ್ಟಗಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಒಳಾಂಗಣ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣಕ್ಕಾಗಿ 2 ಕೋಟಿ ರೂ. ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾವನೆಯನ್ನು ಹೆಚ್‌ಕೆಆರ್‌ಡಿಬಿ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಕೊಪ್ಪಳ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ ಹೇಳಿದರು.

ಹುಮನಾಬಾದ್‌ ಪಟ್ಟಣದಲ್ಲಿ 75 ಲಕ್ಷ ರೂ.ವೆಚ್ಚದಲ್ಲಿ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣ ಪೂರ್ಣಗೊಂಡಿದೆ. 200 ಮೀಟರ್‌ ಟ್ರ್ಯಾಕ್‌, ಕಾಂಪೌಂಡ್‌ ಗೋಡೆ, ಗಾರ್ಡನ್‌, ಪೆವಿಲಿಯನ್‌ ಕಟ್ಟಡ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಅಗತ್ಯ ಸೌಕರ್ಯವಿದೆ. ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಇನ್ನಿತರ ಕಾಮಗಾರಿ ಮತ್ತು ಒಳಾಂಗಣ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣಕ್ಕೆ 50 ಲಕ್ಷ ರೂ. ಬೇಕಿದೆ. ಭಾಲ್ಕಿ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣಕ್ಕೆ 50 ಲಕ್ಷ ರೂ. ವೆಚ್ಚ ಮಾಡಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಔರಾದ್‌, ಬಸವಕಲ್ಯಾಣ ಹಾಗೂ ಬೀದರ್‌ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಜಿಲ್ಲಾದ್ಯಂತ ಕ್ರೀಡಾಂಗಣಗಳ ಅಭಿವೃದ್ಧಿಗೆ ಬಹಳಷ್ಟು ಅನುದಾನ ಬೇಕಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಬೀದರ್‌ ಸಹಾಯಕ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕರು ಕೋರಿದರು.

Source: https://vijaykarnataka.indiatimes.com/district/bidar/hk-6-district-recommended-for-providing-basic-facilities-for-stadiums/articleshow/67602597.cms

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ಗ್ಯಾಸ್‌ ಸಿಲಿಂಡರ್‌ ಸ್ಫೋಟ:12 ಜನ ಗಾಯ

Source: Vijaya Karnataka

ಗ್ಯಾಸ್‌ ಸಿಲಿಂಡರ್‌ ಸ್ಫೋಟ:12 ಜನ ಗಾಯ
ಹುಮನಾಬಾದ್‌ : ಪಟ್ಟಣದ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕಾ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿ ಶನಿವಾರ ಮಧ್ಯಾಹ್ನ ಸಿಲಿಂಡರ್‌ ಸ್ಫೋಟಗೊಂಡ ಪರಿಣಾಮ ನವಜಾತ ಶಿಶು, 7 ಜನ ಮಕ್ಕಳು ಸೇರಿ ಒಟ್ಟು 12 ಜನರು ಗಂಭೀರ ಗಾಯಗೊಂಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

ಘಟನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಆಯಾನ್‌ ಪಠಾಣ್‌(20 ದಿನದ )ಶಿಶು , ಮಗುವಿನ ತಾಯಿ ಶಹಾಜಾನ್‌ಬಿ, ಜೊಯಲ್‌ ಯುನುಸ್‌ ಪಠಾಣ್‌ (5), ಪೂಜಾ (10), ಅಜಯ್‌ (6), ಶೇಖ ಅಲ್ಫಿಯಾ (2), ಯುನುಸ್‌ (35) ಗಂಭೀರವಾಗಿ ಗಾಯಗೊಂಡಿದ್ದು, ಇವರನ್ನು ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆಗೆ ಕಲಬುರಗಿ ಬಸವೇಶ್ವರ ಆಸ್ಪತ್ರೆಗೆ ಕಳಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ.

ಗಾಯಗೊಂಡ ಶೀತಲ್‌ (8), ರೇಖಾಬಾಯಿ (30), ನೀಲಾಬಾಯಿ (30), ಆಲಿಯಾ (4)ಶೇಖ ಜೈನೋದ್ದಿನ್‌ (45)ಗೆ ಹುಮನಾಬಾದ್‌ ಸರಕಾರಿ ಆಸ್ಪತ್ರೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆ ನೀಡಲಾಗುತ್ತಿದೆ.



ನಗರದ ಕಲಬುರ್ಗಿ ರಸ್ತೆಯಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಕೈಗಾರಿಕಾ ಪ್ರದೇಶದಲ್ಲಿನ ಖಾಜಾ ಕಬ್ಬಿಣ ಹಾಗೂ ಟಯರ್‌ ಕಂಪನಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಹಾರಾಷ್ಟ್ರ ಮೂಲದ ಬಡ ಕೂಲಿ ಕಾರ್ಮಿಕ ಕುಟುಂಬವು ಕೆಲಸ ನಿರ್ವಹಿಸುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಕಾರ್ಖಾನೆ ಆವರಣದಲ್ಲಿಯೆ ಕಾರ್ಮಿಕರ ವಾಸ್ತವ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ವ್ಯವಸ್ಥೆ ಕಲ್ಪಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಶನಿವಾರ ಮಧ್ಯಾಹ್ನ ಕಾರ್ಮಿಕರು ಅದೇ ಕೋಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅಡುಗೆ ತಯಾರಿ ನಡೆಸಿದ್ದರು. ಗ್ಯಾಸ್‌ ಸ್ಟೋವ್‌ ಹೊತ್ತಿಸಿದ ಕ್ಷ ಣದಲ್ಲಿಯೇ ಸ್ಫೋಟಗೊಂಡಿದ್ದು, ಕೋಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಮಕ್ಕಳು ಹಾಗೂ ಕುಟುಂಬದ ಸದಸ್ಯರಿಗೆ ಬೆಂಕಿ ತಗುಲಿ ಗಾಯಗಳಾಗಿವೆ.

Source: https://vijaykarnataka.indiatimes.com/district/bidar/gas-cylinder-blast-12-people-injured/articleshow/64238229.cms

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When a French Revolution-modelled Army contingent was established in Hyderabad

source: The Hindu

At a time when the French Revolution was at its peak in France (1789-1790), impacting the entire civilised world with its ideals of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, there was in Hyderabad an intrepid French General in the service of the second Asif Jah, Nizam Ali Khan, who with his indomitable courage and skills of diplomacy, established a contingent of native army personnel trained on French model that became a strong instrument of warfare to serve the Hyderabad State. The fact that these army men wore headgear similar to the Cap of Liberty, a symbol of the great French Revolution, shows how this French commander wanted to replicate the values of revolutionary France in distant Hyderabad. The guns and cannons he made, after establishing an arsenal and a foundry, became so famous that never in the country, before or after, were such quality ammunition ever made. The indomitable French general behind that contingent was Michel Joachim Marie Raymond, popularly known as Francois Raymond or Monsieur Raymond.

Native regiment

During the last quarter of the 18th century, this enterprising French adventurer, Raymond, came to India as a merchant. But soon he joined as a soldier and served a few native states, before he finally reached Hyderabad to form a native regiment. Here he rose to become its commander and established considerable French influence in the court of the Nizam by winning his trust. Raymond’s passionate commitment to the work he discharged and loyalty to the Nizam were such that his influence on the Nizam continued unabated, till death, even though the British had taken over vast territories of the Circars from the Nizam in 1766 and established their hegemony in Hyderabad court after the eclipse of the French power.




Footprints in history (clockwise) Students at the obelisk, Raymond’s tomb, Monsieur Raymond

Raymond was born in Gascony in France on September 25 , 1755. At the age of 20, in 1775, he came to Pondicherry along with his younger brother, as a merchant. They both wanted to be merchants and even set up a shop. But when Pondicherry fell to the British in 1788, Raymond went to Mysore where he joined the army in the service of Hyder Ali and participated in a number of campaigns against the British. After the death of Hyder Ali in December 1782, Raymond did not like to work under Hyder Ali’s successor. So he moved to Hyderabad and joined the army of Nizam Ali Khan who, as an ally of the British, was opposed to Tipu.

Raymond earned the trust of the Nizam and was appointed as the commander of a contingent of 900. Soon the Nizam increased the number of troops to 14000. Raymond improved the conditions of the Nizam’s army, provided them with modern weapons and trained the men on western lines. The regiment under his command was called ‘the Corps of Francois’ and it became a model army. Raymond was granted a jagir for maintaining his army. Later Raymond was appointed to the post of Controller of Ordinance, Amir-I-Jinsi.




The obelisk on which Joachim Raymond’s initials “ JR” are inscribed

The army commanded by Raymond proved to be a strong instrument of warfare and participated in a number of campaigns with the banner of the French tricolour flag as its motif. He maintained unifirmity in dress, caps and every minute detail of the contingent, on the lines of his native France. The buttons of their dress were engraved with the Cap of Liberty inspired by the ideal of the then ongoing Revolution, back home in his country, France.

Gunfoundry

In order to provide sufficient arms of good quality, Raymond established a gun foundry in 1786, for the manufacture of guns and cannons, the ruins of which still exist in the heart of Hyderabad. The foundry is now a protected monument and the area around it still bears the name, Gunfoundry.

Raymond participated in a number of campaigns for the Nizam during his service. In 1790, he fought against Tipu Sultan of Mysore. Four years later, when the Marathas demanded Chowth from the Nizam, Raymond fought a battle against their army, which incidentally was also commanded by a French general, Perron.

When Mir Ali Jah, the rebel son of the Nizam revolted against the father and occupied the fort of Bidar in 1795, Raymond successfully led the campaign, captured Bidar and brought the recalcitrant prince, a prisoner. For this, Raymond was rewarded by the Nizam with Medak district as a personal jagir.

Raymond suddenly died on 25 March 1798 and his death marked the decline of the French influence in the court of the Nizam. With the signing of the Subsidiary treaty Alliance of Lord Wellesley in 1800, the Nizam had to disband the army that was formed by Raymond.

Recognised and rewarded

Raymond’s performance, talent and character and above all, his loyalty to the Nizam, accorded him an enviable position at the Nizam’s court. Though a foreigner, he became a favourite of Nizam Ali, who treated Raymond as his own son. Adhar-I-Jung (Dragon of Wars), Ajdhar-ud- Daulah (Dragon among Nobles), Mutwar-ul-Mulk (Bravest in the State) were some of the titles the Nizam bestowed on Raymond.

It was not only with the Nizam and the royalty that Raymond was popular. He was very popular among the people — both Hindus as well as Muslims — in Hyderabad. While Muslims called him ‘Musa Rahim’, for Hindus, he was ‘Musa Ram’. An area in the city is also called Moosarambagh.




As GB Malison, the historian pointed out, “No European of mark who preceded him, no European of mark who followed him in India, ever succeeded in gaining to such an extent the love, the esteem and the admiration of the natives of the country”.

Specimens of huge cannons and cannon balls manufactured in the Gunfoundry by Raymond bearing the details of their making, are still seen in places like Public Gardens in Hyderabad. A few are also displayed in the ‘Gun Park’ opposite the Assembly Hall.

Raymond’s Tomb
The tomb of Raymond is made of shining black granite on which an attractive pavilion on a Palladian model with large attractive pillars is built. The entire complex stands on a massive rectangular masonry raised platform. There is also a tall obelisk, on the face of which is a studded black marble tablet inscribed with his name Joachim Raymond, in initials as “J.R” in calligraphic style. The Nizam also ordered for the conduct of annual Urs; at the tomb of Raymond, in March every year, to mark his death anniversary, in which both Hindus and Muslims participated to honour the French hero.

The epitaph on Raymond’s tomb, reflecting the love and affection that Nizam Ali Khan showered on him, reads, “Faithful unto death”. The graves of Raymond’s pet dog and his horse are also seen near his tomb. The entire area around the tomb bears the name Moosaram Bagh in memory of this French General.



Source:http://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/michel-joachim-marie-raymond-raymonds-tomb/article23936147.ece



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ಚಿಟಗುಪ್ಪ: ಸೋಲಾರ್‌ ಪ್ಲಾಟ್‌ಗೆ ಬೆಂಕಿ

Source: Vijaya Karnataka

ಚಿಟಗುಪ್ಪ: ಸೋಲಾರ್‌ ಪ್ಲಾಟ್‌ಗೆ ಬೆಂಕಿ
ಚಿಟಗುಪ್ಪ : ಪಟ್ಟಣದ ಹೊರ ವಲಯದ ನಾನಾ ಹಜರತ್‌ ದರ್ಗಾ ಬಳಿಯ ಸೋಲಾರ್‌ ಪ್ಲಾಟ್‌ಗೆ ಆಕಸ್ಮಿಕವಾಗಿ ಬೆಂಕಿ ತಗುಲಿ ಕೊಟ್ಯಂತರ ಮೊತ್ತದ ಕೇಬಲ್‌ (ವೈಯರ್‌) ಬಂಡಲ್‌ ಸುಟ್ಟು ಕರಕಲಾಗಿರುವ ಘಟನೆ ಶನಿವಾರ ಮಧ್ಯಾಹ್ನ ಜರುಗಿದೆ.

ಇಲ್ಲಿನ ಕೇಬಲ್‌ ವೈಯರ್‌ ಬಂಡಲ್‌ಗಳಿಗೆ ಬೆಂಕಿ ತಗುಲಿದ್ದರಿಂದ ಬೇಸಿಗೆ ಬಿಸಿಲಿನ ಪ್ರಖರತೆಯಿಂದ ಮತ್ತಷ್ಟು ಬೆಂಕಿ ಕೆನ್ನಾಲಗೆ ಚಾಚಿತ್ತು. ತಕ್ಷಣವೇ ಧಗಧಗನೆ ಹೊತ್ತಿ ಉರಿಯುತ್ತಿದ್ದರಿಂದ ಹತೋಟಿಗೆ ತರಲು ಅಗ್ನಿ ಶಾಮಕದ ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗಳು ಹರ ಸಾಹಸ ಪಟ್ಟರು.

ಚಿಟಗುಪ್ಪ, ಹುಮನಾಬಾದ ಹಾಗೂ ಬೀದರನ ಅಗ್ನಿ ಶಾಮಕ ಠಾಣೆಯ ತಲಾ ಒಂದೊಂದು ವಾಹನ ಸ್ಥಳಕ್ಕೆ ಆಗಮಿಸಿ ಬೆಂಕಿ ನಂದಿಸುವಲ್ಲಿ ನಿರತರಾದರು. ಬೆಂಕಿ ತಗುಲಿರುವುದು ಹೇಗೆ ಎಂಬುದು ತಿಳಿದು ಬಂದಿಲ್ಲ.



ಸ್ಥಳಕ್ಕೆ ಚಿಟಗುಪ್ಪ ಪಿಎಸ್‌ಐ ಪ್ರಕಾಶ ಯಾತನೂರ ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡಿ ಪರಿಶೀಲನೆ ನಡೆಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಬೀದರ ಜಿಲ್ಲಾ ಅಗ್ನಿ ಶಾಮಕ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ ಎಂಡಿ ಮುಜಬುಲ್‌ ಪಟೇಲ, ಹುಮನಾಬಾದ ಠಾಣಾಧಿಕಾರಿ ಚಂದ್ರಶೇಖರ ರಡ್ಡಿ, ಚಿಟಗುಪ್ಪ ಸಹಾಯ ಅಗ್ನಿ ಶಾಮಕ ಠಾಣಾಧಿಕಾರಿ ರಾಮಪ್ಪ ಸೇರಿ ಹುಮನಾಬಾದ, ಚಿಟಗುಪ್ಪ ಅಗ್ನಿ ಶಾಮಕ ಠಾಣೆಯ ಸಿಬ್ಬಂದಿಗಳು ಅಗ್ನಿ ನಂದಿಸುವಲ್ಲಿ ಹಾಜರಿದ್ದರು.

Source: https://vijaykarnataka.indiatimes.com/district/bidar/chitaguppa-fire-to-solar-plate/articleshow/64237494.cms


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ಬೀದರ್‌ಗೆ 184 ಹೊಸ ಬಸ್‌ಗಳು

ಬೀದರ್‌ಗೆ 184 ಹೊಸ ಬಸ್‌ಗಳು: ಬುಳ್ಳಾ



ಪ್ರಸಕ್ತ ಸಾಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಗೆ 184 ಹೊಸ ಬಸ್‌ಗಳನ್ನು ನೀಡಲಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ರಾಜ್ಯ ರಸ್ತೆ ಸಾರಿಗೆ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ಉಪಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಬಸವರಾಜ್‌ ಬುಳ್ಳಾ ಸುದ್ದಿಗೋಷ್ಠಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿದರು.

ಈಶರ್‌ ಕಂಪೆನಿಯ ಬಿಎಸ್‌3 ಮಾದರಿಯ 30, ಎಚ್‌ಕೆಡಿಬಿಯ 10, ಈಶರ್‌ನ ಬಿಎಸ್‌4 ಮಾದರಿಯ 76, ಅಶೋಕ್‌ ಲೇಲ್ಯಾಂಡ್‌ನ ಬಿಎಸ್‌ 4ನ 50, ರಾಜಹಂಸ 14 ಹಾಗೂ ನಾನ್‌ ಎಸಿ ಸ್ಲೀಪರ್‌ 4 ಬಸ್‌ಗಳು ಸೇರಿ ಒಟ್ಟು 184 ಬಸ್‌ಗಳಿವೆ ಎಂದರು.

ಬೀದರ್‌-1 ಡಿಪೊಗೆ 33, ಬೀದರ್‌-2 ಡಿಪೊಗೆ 25, ಹುಮನಾಬಾದ್‌ ಡಿಪೊಗೆ 32, ಬಸವಕಲ್ಯಾಣದ ಡಿಪೊಗೆ 32, ಭಾಲ್ಕಿ ಡಿಪೊಗೆ 34 ಹಾಗೂ ಔರಾದ್‌ ಡಿಪೊಗೆ 28 ಬಸ್‌ಗಳನ್ನು ನೀಡಲಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಬಸವರಾಜ್‌ ಬುಳ್ಳಾ ತಿಳಿಸಿದರು.

14 ಹೊಸ ರಾಜಹಂಸ ಬಸ್‌ಗಳ ಪೈಕಿ 6 ಬಸ್‌ಗಳು ವಾಯಾ ಹೈದರಾಬಾದ್‌ ಮೂಲಕ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿಗೆ ಕಾರ‍್ಯಚರಣೆ ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿವೆ. ಜತೆಗೆ ಬೀದರ್‌-ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು, ಬಸವಕಲ್ಯಾಣ-ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು, ಔರಾದ್‌-ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು, ಎರಡು ರಾಜಹಂಸ ಬಸ್‌ಗಳು ಬೀದರ್‌-ಶಿರಡಿ ಹಸೊ ಮಾರ್ಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಓಡುತ್ತಿವೆ. ಇನ್ನು ಆರು ರಾಜಹಂಸಗಳು ಬೀದರ್‌- ಕಲಬುರಗಿ ಮಾರ್ಗದಲ್ಲಿ ತಡೆರಹಿತ ಸಾರಿಗೆ ಸೇವೆ ನೀಡಲಿವೆ ಎಂದರು.

ನಾಲ್ಕು ನಾನ್‌ ಎಸಿ ಸ್ಲೀಪರ್‌ ವಾಹನಗಳ ಪೈಕಿ ಎರಡು ವಾಹನಗಳು ಭಾಲ್ಕಿ-ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಮಾರ್ಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾರ‍್ಯಚರಣೆ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದರೆ, ಇನ್ನುಳಿದ ಎರಡು ಬೀದರ್‌- ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಮಾರ್ಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾರಾರ‍ಯಚರಣೆ ನಡೆಸುತ್ತಿವೆ ಎಂದು ಅವರು ಮಾಹಿತಿ ನೀಡಿದರು.

2017-18ನೇ ಸಾಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ವರೆಗೆ 128 ವಾಹನಗಳನ್ನು ನಿಷ್ಕ್ರೀಯಗೊಳಿಸಲಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಇನ್ನು 86 ಬಸ್‌ಗಳನ್ನು ನಿಷ್ಕ್ರೀಯಗೊಳಿಸುವ ಯೋಜನೆಯಿದೆ ಎಂದರು. ನಾಲ್ಕು ಹೊಸ ಐರಾವತ ಮಲ್ಟಿ ಎಕ್ಸಲ್‌ ವಾಹನಗಳನ್ನು ಬೀದರ್‌-ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ವಾಯಾ ಹೈದರಾಬಾದ್‌ ಹಾಗೂ ಬಸವಕಲ್ಯಾಣ-ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ವಾಯಾ ಬಳ್ಳಾರಿ ಓಡಿಸಲಾಗುತ್ತದೆ ಎಂದರು. ಈ ವೇಳೆ, ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್‌ನ ಯುವ ಮುಖಂಡ ಆನಂದ್‌ ದೇವಪ್ಪ ಇದ್ದರು.



Source: https://vijaykarnataka.indiatimes.com/district/bidar/184-new-buses-to-bidar-bulla/articleshow/63114430.cms




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Chinese electric bus maker BYD will soon start a manufacturing in Bidar

Chinese electric bus maker BYD will soon start a manufacturing in India for the domestic market, as well as for exports to neighbouring countries. Hyderabad-based Gold Stone Group, which sells BYD buses in the country, is setting up a greenfield facility in the country at a cost of about Rs 2 billion.

Goldstone Infratech Managing Director N K Rawal said the new facility, coming up this year and to be spread across 100 acres at Bidar in Karnataka, will have an initial capacity of around 1,000 units a year. Localisation of the product, around 25 per cent initially, will be increased to 50 per cent by 2020.

"We will also start manufacturing batteries in India," said Rawal. His company is also talking to various state transport undertakings (STUs) and other players to set up charging stations. He expects 10 cities -- Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Jammu, Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore and Bengaluru -- to bid for 390 electric buses in the coming months.

A major challenge for STUs is the upfront cost, even as they realise that the total cost of ownership will be low. While the cost of buses is coming down and the government is also offering new schemes to induct electric buses, the company says it is open to a public-private-partnership model, under which it would acquire and manage vehicles, while the STUs could operate and share the revenue.

Rawal said the company would also start exporting buses under the BYD brand to neighbouring countries, starting this year. On whether Goldstone would also look at other segments, Rawal said: "We are exploring, nothing has been finalised yet."

Goldstone Infratech has signed a technical collaboration agreement with China's BYD, one of the largest electrical vehicle manufacturers in the world. Apart from buses, BYD also manufactures electric cars and trucks.

Goldstone is the first company to have bagged orders for 31 electric buses and ensured 100 per cent delivery to two STUs -- Himachal Roadways and Transport Corporation (HRTC) and Brihan Mumbai Electricity Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST). The company also completed trials of its electrical buses in Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Rajkot and Chandigarh.


Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/chinese-electric-bus-major-byd-to-make-in-india-for-home-market-exports-118021300774_1.html


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Design and Development of 360 degree Virtual Tour platform for KAREZ at Bidar

Source:sonata-software

Design and Development of 360 degree Virtual Tour platform for KAREZ at Bidar

Partner: DHF (Deccan Heritage Foundation)


About DHF 

Deccan Heritage Foundation (DHF) is a charitable organization conceived by likeminded individuals with a vision to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of India’s Deccan region, including a historic water management site - Rehabilitation and Revitalization of Karez at Naubad, Bidar www.sonata-software.com 

About the Program 

Sonata expressed an interest in DECCAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION INDIA to spread the awareness of this project by creating a website that will help DHF showcase this Heritage site to the world. Sonata’s Application development Team has created this Digital experience for DHF as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). 

Expected Outcome 

Sonata has developed a 360-degree panoramic view virtual tour of Bidar Karez. This platform helps citizens and Tourists to know the relatively unknown complex historic water system, combination of subterranean tunnels, systems, pipes, pools, etc., that met the water needs of the historic city of Bidar. Originally a technology from ancient Persia known as ‘qanat/Karez’, this technology was adapted to suit the local climate and geology of Bidar. This platform enables tourists and historians to have a panoramic view of this ancient but spectacular water management system.




source: http://www.sonata-software.com/sites/default/files/upload_files/dhf.pdf



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Saviours of craft get short shrift

 Source: The Hans India


 Bidriware, though considered a ‘dying craft’, is ably protected by vestigial craftsmen in the city. Thanks to their unremitting efforts, Hyderabad is the second highest producer of Bidriware, next only to Bidar – the place of its origin.


All they need is proper support, like in Karnataka, to keep this 14th century craft alive. However, the exquisite craft is almost on the verge of extinction in the twin cities due to lack of support from the government. Questions are also being raised about the quality of workmanship today compared to that of the past, non-availability of particular type of sand and rising costs of raw materials.

Items of Bidriware are an alloy of 90 per cent zinc and 10 per cent copper with inlaying of sliver. There is growing demand for Bidriware among foreigners and multinational companies; yet, its production has been on the decline.



Artisans lament that the Telangana government has turned a deaf ear to their woes, whereas the Karnataka government has been taking positive measures to save the centuries-old craft.

Source: http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2017-08-23/Saviours-of-craft-get-short-shrift-/321093



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49 new taluks to be created, DCs told to fix boundaries

 

Source: Deccanherald

Briefing reporters after the meeting in Bengaluru, Law Minister T B Jayachandra said deputy commissioners have been directed to finalise the boundaries of the new taluks coming under their jurisdiction. DH file image

Five months after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced carving out of 49 new taluks in the state budget proposals for 2017-18, the state Cabinet on Monday finally gave its approval for the same.

Briefing reporters after the meeting in Bengaluru, Law Minister T B Jayachandra said deputy commissioners have been directed to finalise the boundaries of the new taluks coming under their jurisdiction. “We are ensuring that there is no ambiguity and all details are finalised before issuing the government order carving out the new taluks,” he said.

The first announcement to form new taluks was made by BJP leader Jagadish Shettar when he was the chief minister in 2013.

However, it did not materialise due to the cost factor. It is estimated that at least Rs 2 crore is required to form a new taluk. At present, there are 176 taluks spread over 30 districts in the state.

New taluks

The 49 new taluks proposed to be carved out in various districts are as follows: Guledagudda, Rabakavi-Banahatti and Ilakal (Bagalkot); Nippani, Mudalagi and Kagawad (Belagavi); Hanuru (Chamarajanagara); Nyamati (Davangere); Chitaguppa, Hulasuru and Kamalanagara (Bidar); Kurugodu, Kotturu and Kampli (Ballari); Annigeri, Alnavar and Hubballi City (Dharwad); Gajendragad and Lakshmeshwar (Gadag); Kalagi, Kamalapura, Yadrami and Shahabad (Kalaburagi); Hunasagi, Vadagera and Gurumitkal (Yadgir); Kukanuru, Kanakagiri and Karatagi (Koppal); Maski and Siravara (Raichur); Brahmavara, Kapu and Byndooru (Udupi); Moodbidire and Kadaba (Dakshina Kannada); Yelahanka (Bengaluru Urban); Babaleshwara, Nidagundi, Tikota, Devarahipparagi, Talikote, Chadachana and Kolhara (Vijayapura); Rattihalli (Haveri); Saraguru (Mysuru); Ajjampura (Chikkamagaluru); Dandeli (Uttara Kannada) and KGF (Kolar).

Super speciality hospitals

In another decision, the state Cabinet gave its approval for construction of super speciality hospitals on the premises of K R Hospital in Mysuru, Belgaum Institute of Medical Sciences, Belagavi and Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Kalaburagi at a total cost of Rs 501 crore.



The Cabinet also approved the decision to provide ‘Nirmala kits’ consisting of uniforms, coconut oil and soaps from Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL) to students of residential schools run by Backward Classes Welfare department at a cost of Rs 6.5 crore.



Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/630331/49-taluks-created-dcs-told.html





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Blackbuck to get water

Source: The Hindu: 

Deputy Commissioner H.R. Mahadev has instructed officials to supply water to blackbuck in the grasslands surrounding the Bellur Lake on the outskirts of Bidar. During a visit to the grasslands on Wednesday, he observed that the tank had gone dry. He instructed officials to build small tanks and fill them with water to help the animals. Assistant Commissioner Shivakumar Sheelvant was present.

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/blackbuck-to-get-water/article17968625.ece

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Octogenarian’s daily musical offering at a dargah

Source: the Hindu;

Rishikesh Bahadur Desai





In the blood:Mohammad Mian hails from a family of court musicians at the dargah of saint Abul Faiz.Gopichand. T 

Karnataka shehnai player takes forward family tradition despite frailty, but rues lack of a successor

For the last nearly 70 years, the daily routine of 82-year-old Mohammad Pasha Mian has involved waking up at the crack of dawn to reach the dargah of Abul Faiz in Bidar and begin playing his ‘chota shehnai’ at 6 a.m.

His post-prayer music recital at the n agarkhana , the music gallery atop the dargah’s front gate, serves as a pleasant wake-up call to the people of the neighbourhood. Mian’s limbs are weak owing to old age but that has neither deterred him from walking to the dargah nor reaching the nagarkhana — on all fours when there is none around to help him with the climb. The ‘chota shehnai’ he carries in his pocket, he proudly says, was handcrafted by his father, who also played the same instrument at the dargah.

He is sometimes accompanied by his grandsons, who play drums. The drums start playing just as the prayers end in the small mosque on the premises of the dargah, and within a few minutes, the soulful strains of the shehnai rise up in the morning air. On days when the boys go to work as construction labourers, Mian takes turns on the drums and the shehnai.

‘No money in music’

Hailing from a family of court musicians at the medieval era saint’s dargah, Pasha Mian learnt music from his father and uncles. He plays some classical pieces and then some Sufi songs and ghazals.


“I must have been a boy of about 12 or 13 years when I began accompanying my father and uncles who performed here,” he says.

His childhood was hard and he received no formal school education. “Nor could I learn music from a guru. I began to play the 'chota shehnai' and practised on my own,” he says.

The dargah committee pays Pasha Mian Rs. 1,200 per month. He has no other other means of livelihood. Mian has a large family to feed as one of his sons died young and his daughter-in-law and grandchildren live with him. His other son is a carpenter.

“There is no money in music. That’s why it is unattractive to young people,’’ he says. “When I was young, there were six shehnai players in my family. But now I am the only one. Hazrat Khwaja Abul Faiz Sadath Zaid Husseini is considered Bidar’s patron saint and my family has been playing in the dargah for generations,” he says.

“One of my uncles told me that the n agarkhana should never be bereft of sound. I continued the family tradition. But I don’t know what will happen next. My son did not learn the art and my grandsons are not interested,’’ he says.




Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/octogenarians-daily-musical-offering-at-a-dargah/article17760916.ece




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Bidriware imitations everywhere

Source: The Hindu .


Special Thanks to Rishikesh Bahadur Desai sir and Serish Nanisett sir.

Counterfeit An imitation Bidriware piece.

Unscrupulous traders go the easy route to meet bulk orders


Are visitors to Hyderabad buying fake Bidri souvenirs? This is the fear of Bidri artisans in Hyderabad and Bidar in Karnataka who believe cheap screen-printed pieces are being passed off as hand-crafted Bidriware.

Rehaman Patel, a faculty member in the Department of Visual Arts, Gulbarga University, has written to the Geographical Indications (GI) Registry voicing his concern after he came across a photograph of Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao handing over a Bidri souvenir to Tim Cook, Apple CEO, a few months ago. He also wrote to the Karnataka government demanding action against misuse of the GI tag.

Even The Hindu wrote to the Telangana Chief Minister’s office on this issue, but there has been no reply.

Original Bidriware is made of an alloy of 90% zinc and 10% copper, with inlay work of pure silver. The products are later blackened by dipping them in a bath of chemicals with traces of soil from Bidar fort. Instead of the long-drawn-out traditional process, unscrupulous traders are printing the designs onto black plastic or zinc plate. These poor imitations are being passed off as original.


“When we get bulk orders, or when the design is too intricate, or when the client is in a hurry, we print the design. The printed design is laid on a base material, which can either be a zinc plate or a black plastic sheet and the print is fixed using a process of oxidisation,” said a trader in Hyderabad where regular Bidriware is also created.

Incidentally, Bidriware is protected by the GI Registry and any attempt to duplicate it is illegal. “These items are cheaper and weigh far less than the authentic product. I bought a few items out of curiosity,” said Bengaluru-based art connoisseur Kranti Kumar.

Imitation Bidriware is being sold even in the souvenir shop of the Salar Jung Museum. “This is not Bidriware. It’s machine printed. Nobody’s hand is so steady,” said Muhammad Yaseen, a craftsman in Hyderabad’s Murgi Chowk area, when shown a ₹1,700 ‘Bidri’ item. Incidentally, at a retail outlet in Hyderabad, a similar-sized item is sold for ₹550, while an original Bidriware of slightly bigger size is sold for ₹2,500. Half of the Bidar old city’s economy is dependent on Bidriware, and it would be destroyed as machine-made goods become popular. Artisans would lose jobs, said Rashid Quadri, national award winning artist and quality consultant for Cauvery Handicrafts. Counterfeit items are flooding bigger markets in Hyderabad, Mumbai and Kalaburagi, said Vinayak Vangapalli, who has written a research paper on the Bidriware market.



Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/bidriware-imitations-everywhere/article17760140.ece



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Bidar fort to get a facelift under Adarsha Smaraka Yojane

Source : TOI



As many as eight monuments of the state including historic fort in Bidar have been selected for development under Adarsh Smarak Yojana by the Union ministry of culture.

The monuments to be developed under ASY are: Bidar Fort, Golgumbaz, Pattadkallu, Aihole, Hampi, Dariya Doulat in Shrirangapatna, Shravanagelagola, and Beluru. The department is developing 75 monuments across the country under ASY.

Under the scheme, all these eight monuments will get basic facilities as suggested by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).



Archaeologist of ASI Mounesh Kuravatti told TOI that under the project Bidar fort will get facilities like proper lighting, drinking water, toilets, ramps for physically challenged, a tourist information centre, hotel, memento shop and WiFi.



Bidar fort which is famous for its Persian architect was built in 10 century by Kakatiyas of Varangal. Later it was captured by the Bahman Sultanate. Alla Ud-Din Bahman who shifted his dynasty from Gulbarga to Bidar rebuilt it in 1429.




Billed as one of the biggest forts in South India, this fort's uniqueness lies in its Karesz system of water supply. This fort attracts tourists from Maharashtra and Telangana states. This fort has more than 30 monuments including Gumba Darvaja, Sharja Darvaja, Fatheh Darvaja, Talfat Darvaja, Chandni Chabootar, Hajar Kothi, Takhs Mahal, Gagan Mahal and others.




Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/bidar-fort-to-get-a-facelift-under-adarsha-smaraka-yojane/articleshow/56575586.cms

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Unani medical college sought

Source:The Hindu


Several Muslim organisations have urged the State government to sanction a government Unani medical college for Bidar in this year’s budget.

This is among the demands made to the government by the organisations to be included in the budget.

One of the factors supporting the demand is the acceptance of the medical system in Bidar and surrounding areas. The concentration of large number of Unani practitioners or Hakims and pharmacy in and around Bidar is another reason.


“Unani practice in Bidar has a rich history,” says Abdul Samad Bharati, writer and chronicler of the Deccan.

Among those who have appealed to the government for a Unani college are the Unani Medical Practitioners Association and the Bidar District Writers and Poets Association.




Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/Unani-medical-college-sought/article17291280.ece

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Official promises steps to removeencroachments from Bidar Fort

Source: The Hindu



Efforts will be made to remove encroachments from Bidar Fort, Deputy Commissioner H.R. Mahadev said here on Monday. At a meeting of the District Tourism Promotion Council meeting, he told officers to hold meetings with the 47 families that are living inside the 600-acre heritage structure.

Archaeological Survey of India officials said that rules regarding heritage structure did not allow human settlements in the vicinity of monuments.

Dr. Mahadev said that the rules would be followed and assured ASI officials of shifting the families out of the fort by giving them alternative houses or sites.

ASI officials also asked Dr. Mahadev to clear their long-pending demand of handing over the management of the Barid Shahi Silver Jubilee Park with the district administration and to stop ticket collection at the monument.

Dr. Mahadev asked Balbhim Kamble, project director, District Urban Development Cell, to study the advantages of retaining the management of the park with the district administration against handing it over to the ASI.


Officials said that the district administration had built a park around the Barid Shahi tombs to stop attempts to encroach upon the land belonging to the monument in the early 1990s.

Since then, the Horticulture Department was managing the park.

He instructed Kishor Joshi, assistant director of Tourism, to send a proposal prepared by Deccan Heritage Foundation to develop the Ali Barid tomb into a garden to the ASI for approval.

He asked Deccan Heritage Foundation representatives to explain in detail the importance and implications of all the heritage tourism works initiated in Bidar, in a gathering of public representatives and civil society groups in the next meeting. The Deputy Commissioner said that a coordination committee of officials from various departments would monitor tourism promotion works in the district in future.

IIT Hyderabad representatives spoke about the structural engineering involved in the construction of the Karez and warned against allowing construction on top of the high risk zones of the subterranean water body.


Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/Official-promises-steps-to-removeencroachments-from-Bidar-Fort/article17206266.ece



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