MADHUGIRI, THE EX-POMEGRANATE TOWN OF KARNATAKA

The photos seen of the Madhugiri Hill taken from South (2) and North of the Hill.

These are two photos of the Gigantic, Monolithic Granitic Hill of Madhugiri. The name Madhugiri is derived from the local language Kannada, meaning Honey Hill (shaped like inverted Honey comb). This is located to north of the district centre Tumkur in Karnataka state.

One can climb it from the Eastern Side. I had climbed it during 1983 when i was studying the Govt High School of the town. It as adventurous but risky one. As you can see the slope is very sharp. Climbing it in summer or rainy season is not advisable as it would be very hot or slippery. When children we were told the hill is having a Stealth way from the hill top opening in other hills. It has Chandradoni, a small water pond on the hill. The hill has the very strong fort built by its rulers of the past called PALEGARS.

This city (taluk) once known for its variety of Pomegranates. I did sing when i was a child "KOLLIRI MADHUGIRI DALIMBE', ie. you puchase/take Madhugiri Dalimbe. Perhpas with change of time now it is "TANNIRI MADHUGIRIGE DALIMBE" ie. bring Pomegranates to bring from out side. I had tasted salty, sour,sweet and pungent ones. They come in white, red, yellowish ones. Now one may hardly find any of such gardens where i had eaten pomegranates. Not surprised to know that the fruits sold in this town are bought from cities like Bangalore.

It is drought prone area. Acute water scarcity is often haunting not only this town but the villages under its control. It had many KALYANIS, the stoneembellished open wells used for collecting drinking water. Now hardly any Kalyanis with water. Let alone Kalynis, even the open wells which served water demand of entire village are dry/ filled up with soil/ covered. My Veerapura well is one example which is not found today.