Modern Vachana Mantapa planned near Kalaburagi; Museum, research and experience centres to be part of the proposed facility at Kapnoor

Home Minister Priyank Kharge reviews the proposed Vachana Mantapa project near Kalaburagi, at a meeting with officials in Bengaluru on November 9, 2026. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Karnataka government is planning to establish a modern Vachana Mantapa near Kapnoor village on the outskirts of Kalaburagi city to showcase the literary, cultural and social legacy of the 12th-century Vachana movement.

Minister for Home, IT and BT, and Kalaburagi district in-charge Priyank Kharge reviewed architectural designs and conceptual plans for the proposed project at a meeting in Bengaluru on Monday (November 9). He directed officials to ensure that the facility reflected the ideals and contributions of the Sharanas and Sharanes.

The project is proposed on 6 acres and 6 guntas of land at Survey No. 44/1 in Kapnoor village of Kalaburagi taluk. Besides the Vachana Mantapa, the plan envisages a museum, an interpretation centre, an experience centre and a research facility showcasing the lives of the Sharanas, Vachana literature and the history of the movement.

One of the conceptualised images of Vachana Mantapa to be built in Kalaburagi. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The complex will highlight the contributions of social reformer Basaveshwara and other participants in the Vachana movement, while promoting its core principles of equality, dignity of labour, dasoha and social justice. An open auditorium is also proposed to host discussions, lectures, seminars and cultural programmes.

At the meeting, Mr. Kharge also reviewed proposals for the conservation and development of heritage sites across Kalaburagi district. These include the Suryanarayana Temple in Kalagi taluk, the historic Malkhed Fort in Sedam taluk, archaeological remains at Nagavi in Chittapur taluk, and the historic Buddhist site at Kanaganahalli.

The government aims to preserve the district’s historical and cultural heritage while developing these sites as destinations for tourists, students and researchers, thereby giving a boost to tourism and the local economy.

Published - November 10, 2026 03:48 pm IST