Amulya Shodha’, a museum in Shimoga, was built by a retired history lecturer, Khandobarao, in memory of his wife. The history lecturer now plans to expand the museum and make it the go-to place for all students of history. Nrupathunga S K reports.
Inscriptions, coins, monuments, manuscripts, all stand as testimony to the many events in history. As we turn over the pages of history, we come across many kings, who took to the battlefield to either retain their kingdom or to expand it.
Speaking of love, though, only one king comes to the memory of most Indians — Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. This monument has been a source of inspiration for lovers across the globe for several centuries. It’s not surprising then that H Khandobarao, retired history lecturer, better known as ‘Shah Jahan of Shimoga’ was inspired by this emperor.
He has built his ‘Taj Mahal’, a museum named ‘Amulya Shodha’, on a one-acre farm near Lakkinakoppa circle on N R Pura road, 12 km from Shimoga in the fond memory of his wife, Yashodha, who was also history lecturer. She passed away in 2007 due to kidney failure.
‘Amulya Shodha’, as the name itself suggests, is an invaluable search for lost values and culture of the bygone days. It showcases rare paintings of Ravi Varma, coins, inscriptions, manuscripts, weapons, all used by popular kings. The history professor collected these artefacts from various parts of the country.
He wants to create awareness among youth about the significance of lost heritage, culture of the previous era through his museum and thus aspires to make youth more aware of our culture and heritage. Apart from this, it also spreads the fragrance of his deep love for beloved wife Yashodha.
Khandobarao did his schooling and college in Shimoga. Yashodha was his neighbour during his college days. Both of them studied at the Sahyadri College together. Acquaintance turned into friendship, and later, love. They got married in 1972. Khandobarao began his career as high school teacher in 1968.
After serving for nearly five years, he was promoted as a history lecturer for National Pre-University College in Shimoga.
His wife worked as a history lecturer at Kamala Nehru Women’s College. His wife would often say that the Taj Mahal was not only a symbol of true love, but also the soul of true lovers. Inspired by her thought, he made up his mind to build a museum on a one-acre farm after the death of his wife in 2007.
Khandobarao is seeking financial assistance for the development of this museum. He has appealed to people’s representatives, including former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, in this regard. But, his efforts have failed to produce desired results. Khandobarao feels the museum is turning into a mere godown, owing to the presence of a large number of artefacts. He plans to expand it.
But he is short of funds to execute his plan. He has already submitted a proposal to the Centre along with his plan seeking Rs 3 crore for the development of this museum. He wants this museum to remain a symbol of true love and a school of history for future generations.
source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> Supplements> Spectrum / April 02nd, 2013