Minister highlighted Barkur’s historical importance, proposed committee under Jagadish Shettar, and urged report preparation to restore and preserve its heritage authenticity
UDUPI
Tourism and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil has called for urgent steps to restore the historical importance of Barkur and protect its ancient monuments without altering their original character. He made the statement after visiting the Panchali Agheshwara temple in Brahmavar taluk and reviewing nearby heritage sites.
The Minister said Barkur, once ruled by the Alupa dynasty, holds deep historical value and its ancient forts, temples and structures must be preserved for future generations. He stressed that the glory of the Alupa rule should be documented and shared with young people so they understand the region’s cultural and administrative history. He said preserving heritage is a responsibility of both the government and the public, adding that historical stones, temples and monuments should not be neglected or altered.
The Minister noted that Barkur was once an important administrative centre and ruled peacefully without major conflicts, making it a significant part of Karnataka’s early history. He suggested forming an official committee under the leadership of former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar to prepare a detailed plan for restoring the historical identity of the region. He said a report should be submitted soon and action should be taken to revive Barkur’s heritage without compromising its authenticity.
The Minister also referred to similar conservation efforts in places like Lakkundi, where thousands of ancient remains, including wells and temple structures, have been identified and are being restored.
He said efforts are underway to convert such sites into open-air museums to preserve their archaeological value and attract tourism. Officials also highlighted ongoing religious and cultural tours connecting several temples and pilgrimage centres across coastal and inland Karnataka to promote heritage awareness. Local leaders and temple authorities attended the programme and expressed support for conservation efforts and tourism development in the region. The Minister concluded that preserving Karnataka’s historical identity is essential for cultural pride, education, and sustainable tourism development.
