User:Shambhavipj

Terahalli Betta, a part of Shatashringa chain of hills on Bangalore-Chennai Road, is not an ordinary hilltop. It is situated about 6 kilometres away from the district headquarters of Kolar. Aadima is located on the outskirts of Kolar district, 60 km from Bangalore. Its terrain is rocky with hills and huge boulders held together by clumps of trees and patches of shrubs. Tucked behind them are little hamlets and lush stretches of ragi fields nourished by the small, seasonal water bodies that punctuate the uneven landscape. Apart from the famous gold fields, which closed down long ago, are remnants of a kingdom in the form of collapsing watch towers and fortifications. Aadima has been actively developing theatre practices by engaging with oral traditions, crafts, life practices and narratives, and experimenting with organic pedagogy for Dalit students. Active now for almost a decade, Aadima has carved a niche for itself by promoting and practising alternative education, culture and politics, and by organising workshops, camps and cultural programmes to prepare the ground.

History: Kotiganahalli Ramaiah, one of the pioneers of the Dalit Movement in the state and a cultural critique, to concretize Aadima. This unique organisation was established by a group of like-minded people who saved one rupee a day for years to generate the initial capital. Kotiganahalli Ramaiah founded Aadima to do constructive work and breed good taste among the people Thus, Ramaiah took up the task. First step in that direction was to search for a piece of land. The search brought him to the hills of Antharagange. Then he did step upon a spot that was revered by local communities a spot of a saint. Aadima is located in Shivagange. Aadima promotes art and culture, specially focusing on revival of traditional forms of art. The concept was envisioned in the 1980’s. Theatre workshops, drama shows, translation workshops, literary discussions, film shows, cultural jathas form the main components of its activities

Legend: It has the mountain of hundred peaks. An interesting legend dating back to the Mahabharatha traces its origin. It is believed that the Pandavas lived in these hills and that Kunti was once chased by a lion while she was carrying her son Bhima. A panic stricken Kunti is said to have fled leaving Bhima on the hill which crumbled under his weight smearing the landscape with countless rocks.

Things to see and do: Under the support of writer and lyricist Kotiganahalli Ramaiah, Aadima is taking giant strides into the world of art and culture. It has a library, a rehearsal room, two dormitories and an office room. Aadima is ornate with beautiful murals and sculptures by John Devaraj, Gopala Kammar, Padmalaya Nagaraj and Venkatesh. Hunnime Haadu, Chukki Mela and Gaddige Gaurava are some initiatives undertaken at Aadima. In Kannada, “Hunnime” means full moon day and “Haadu” means song. On every full moon night, an ensemble of music, dance and drama unfolds in a natural setting under the star studded sky. Chukki Mela is an annual summer camp that aims to tap the creativity of young minds. Children are engaged in activities like clay modelling, painting, acting, dance and music. The activity camp which spans for over twenty days concludes with an exhibition on Buddha Poornima. Gaddige Gaurava is an initiative to recognize people who have excelled in various spheres of life. They aspire to rekindle folk arts like dollukunita, yakshagana, kamsalekunita, kolata and somanakunita. The food served there is also traditional. The simple but healthy menu includes rice, sambar, chutney and ragi balls. The 13th century Dravidian style Gangadhareshwara temple, which was built during the reign of the Gangas has an impressive gateway and is resplendent with many stone structures and intricate sculptures. One can see the carvings of saptamatrikas (a group of seven Hindu goddesses depicted together) at the entrance of the temple complex, while the pillared mukhamantapa is still intact, the kalyanamantapa is in ruins.

Other attractions: Antharagange which has a beautiful temple and perennial water source is a popular tourist attraction.

Getting there: •Kolar is connected by road and rail to Bangalore. There is a motor able road to reach the village of Shivagange. •Buses travel between Kolar and Shivagange. KSRTC has a special bus service from the Kolar Bus Stand to Shivagange and back.