Nestled in the quaint town of Santhebennur in Channagiri taluk of Karnataka’s Davangere district, the Santhebennur Pushkarni, or pond, stands as a stunning relic of 16th-century architecture. Built under the rule of Hiriya Hanumappa Nayaka, the local chieftain loyal to the Vijayanagar Empire, this historic Pushkarni is renowned for its unique design and layered history that weaves Hindu and Islamic influences.
Historical Significance of Santhebennur Pushkarni
Commissioned by Hanumappa Nayaka, the pond was initially built as a place of spiritual significance near the Ranganatha temple. Known locally as “Rama Theertha,” it once featured an elegant central pavilion known as the Vasantha Mantapa (Spring Pavilion), which seems to float serenely at the heart of the pond. It is said that this pavilion originally housed an inbuilt fountain, giving it the alternate name Karanji Mantapa (Fountain Pavilion). This unique structure reflects the ingenuity of 16th-century craftsmanship and remains a captivating architectural feat.
However, Santhebennur’s tranquil legacy was disrupted in 1637 when the Bijapur Sultanate’s general, Sultan Ranadulla Khan, invaded the region. Following the invasion, the temple was demolished, replaced by a mosque, and various Islamic architectural elements were added to the pond. Yet, in an act of defiance, Hanumappa Nayaka would later desecrate the mosque, and Santhebennur remained under Tarikere rule for some time, eventually passing through the hands of the Keladi Nayaks, Hyder Ali, and other rulers, each leaving their own influence on the town.
Architectural Details of the Santhebennur Pushkarni
The Santhebennur Pushkarni measures approximately 240 x 250 feet, with a depth of around 30 feet. Four sets of steps line the edges, with the main entrance on the west side consisting of 52 granite steps, while the other three sides feature 44 steps each. The pond’s borders once had eight decorative towers in cardinal directions, six of which still stand. Each tower rests on a sturdy base of pillars adorned with floral motifs and Hindu deities, a testament to the original Hindu influences on the Pushkarni. Later modifications by the Bijapur Sultans introduced Indo-Islamic elements, including arches, minarets, and domes that blend with the original structure.
The pond’s central pavilion, or Vasantha Mantapa, remains its defining feature. Built on a square plinth, the pavilion includes two floors:
- First Floor: The first level features an open design with an arched entrance and steps leading up, allowing visitors to enter a space flanked by railings and supported by four pillars on each side.
- Second Floor: The second floor is enclosed, with arched openings that create a pleasing symmetry. The parapet wall is accentuated with slender minarets between each arch, while intricate carvings of elephants, swans, and Gandaberundas (mythical two-headed birds) add a sense of cultural richness. This level’s ribbed dome is a focal point, with lotus petal decorations and floral motifs crowning its neck.
The Musaffir Khana: An Example of Indo-Islamic Style
Located on the western side of the pond is a structure believed to be a Musaffir Khana (rest house), likely a repurposed mosque from the Bijapur Sultanate era. This granite structure, measuring around 150 feet by 40 feet, showcases the Indo-Islamic architectural style, featuring two truncated minarets at the corners and numerous arched windows along its walls. Inside, visitors can find a spacious hall adorned with pointed arches, a hallmark of Islamic architectural influence, blending seamlessly with the pond’s layout.
Santhebennur Pushkarni: A Harmony of Cultures and Eras
The Santhebennur Pushkarni stands today as a symbol of resilience and cultural convergence, merging Hindu and Islamic architectural elements into a unique harmony. For anyone visiting Karnataka, this 16th-century pond offers not just a glimpse into India’s historical architectural mastery but also an opportunity to witness a site that embodies the vibrant, multifaceted heritage of India’s past.
With its strikingly serene ambiance and historical allure, Santhebennur Pushkarni is a testament to the creative vision of Karnataka’s bygone rulers and a lasting treasure for all who seek to explore India’s cultural legacy.
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