KOLARA
Kolara (kOlAra)
(ಕೋಲಾರ)
is one of the more ancient towns of Karnataka both in terms of mythology and history.
It is surmised that the famous dynasty of Gangas of Talkad (talakAD) had Kolara
as their capital city before they moved over to Talakad.
Legends link this place to Parashurama. It
is said that Parashurama infuriated by the killing of his father Jamadagni by the
children of Kartaveeryaarjuna, killed all of them in a prolonged battle. The clamor
and noise caused by the fights reverberated
in the hills surrounding this place. Hence the city was named ‘kOlAhalapura’ literally
meaning a city of great noise and commotion. The KOlaramma temple in the town is
supposed to be a memorial for Renukaa the mother of Parashurama. Another variant
of the legend avers that a cowherd by the name of kOla came across a hidden treasure
while tilling the land. He was asked to report his find to the Chola king and Goddess
Renukaa warned the king not to insist upon that. The town as well as the Kolaramma
temple were built by the grateful king.
Historically, Kolara is mentioned in a number
of inscriptions. It was known as ‘kuvalALapura’ (ಕುವಳಾಲಪುರ)
or kOLAlpura (ಕೋಳಾಲಪುರ)
as early as the 4th century A.D. The Gangas of Talakad have called themselves
the masters of Kolara. (ಕೋಲಾಳಪುರವರೇಶ್ವರ)
This place was one of their mainstays even after they moved over to Talakad. Many
inscriptions belonging to Cholas, Hoysalas and the kings of the Vijayanagara Empire
are found in Kolar. The city must have flourished and seen many ebbs and flows during
the regime of these dynasties. This was controlled by a chieftain named Timmegowda
in the 15th century. Timmegowda was instrumental in the renovation of
the old fort. In 1639, Kolara was occupied by Shaji a war lord from Bijapur. It
came under the control of Fateh Mohmed the father of Hyder Ali in 1720. However
it is to be conceded that the hoary past of Kolara in the interval between the fourth
and the fifteenth centuries has now moved in to oblivion.
Kolara boasts of many temples and other constructions
as also a host of inscriptions which bear witness to its past.
Kolaramma temple is the most important architectural
exhibit of this town. Different parts of this temple were constructed in different
eras and in styles that are specific to various dynasties. Gangas, Cholas and the
kings of Vijayanagara have participated in this venture. The main temple and the
icons of Saptamatrukaas, Dakshinamurthy, Vinayaka, Chamundaa and the utsvamurthy
of Kolaramma are attributed to
Someshvara temple is another important structure
built in the Dravidian style. The outer walls of the sanctum sanctorum and the pillars
of black granite were built in the 13th and the 14th centuries.
Remaining edifices belong to a later period.
There are many buildings in Kolara built in the Islamic style. The maqbara and the
tombs of some relatives of Hyder Ali are the more important ones.
Further
1.
Kolara
(Someshvara Temple)
2.
indiabackpacker.blogspot.com/