Belagavi
The state government, under the aegis of Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Area Development Authority (KSRADA) is developing Shouryavana theme park at Sangolli village in Kittur taluk.
This project, showcasing the life history of freedom fighter Rayanna through different visuals, is in the last stage. The project is taking shape at a cost of Rs 12 crore. The visuals take visitors 200 years back, to the era of Rani Channamma and Sangolli Rayanna. Sangolli Rayanna, a trusted lieutenant of Kittur Rani Channama who headed her army, was born on August 15, 1798. India got Independence on the same day 149 years later, making it a historical day. In 2017, the state government decided to develop and link the tourist destinations, Sangolli in Bailhongal taluk and Nandgad village in Khanapur taluk, the birthplace and the village where the 19th century warrior was hanged to death by the British.
Now, the KSRADA has developed Shouryavana in Sangolli, the birthplace of Rayanna. 64 different scenarios of Kittur dynasty have been installed in the park covering 10 acres of land. Created using cement, iron and red brick, every artwork here is authentic.
Shouryavana was built with the intention of giving prominence to the birthplace of Rayanna who fought for freedom and became a source of inspiration for thousands of freedom fighters in future. Sangolli is fast becoming one of the most attractive tourist spots in the district.
150 artists from the Shilpakala cottage of Gotagodi in Haveri district have been working on Shouryavana for the past two years. Scenarios such as the fort, palace, battlefield, wrestling arena, garadi mane, Rayanna’s house, his mother and sister, Raja Mallasarja, Rani Channamma’s royal life, Sangolli village and Kittur kingdom have been created meticulously.
