MYSURU: Heritage structures – from temples to pavillions and towers – are more than just physical structures built from brick, mortar and, in the case of many ancient Indian buildings, stone. They act as windows to another age, inviting the eye to gaze on a solid canvas that paints a rich tapestry of life, each dent made by the stonemason’s axe revealing more about the past than reams of pages in history textbooks. Over time, these structures get imbued with more than just the vestiges that mark time’s remorseless passage – they become a wellspring of legends, which linger, sometimes even after the stones themselves have withered to dust, and oblivion. Bangara Doddi (canal) in Srirangapatna is one structure that qualifies on all the aforementioned parameters, as a very tangible artifact holding the key to rich tales about the Mysuru Wadiyars . More than three centuries’ old, this canal is believed to be the first aqueduct ever built in Asia, and the first check dam constructed by a Kannada ruler across the Cauvery. Built during the reign of Ranadheera Kantirava Narasaraja Wadiyar between 1638 and ’59, the canal was meant to serve the irrigation requirements of Srirangapatna, besides meeting the drinking water needs of the island town.One version of the legend about the origins of the canal has it that the Mysuru monarch, while riding by the Cauvery, slipped from his horse and fell into the roaring river. A woman Bangara Doddi, leapt into the river and rescued the king, who was enamoured, both of her beauty and bravery, and asked her to be his wife. Bangara Doddi is believed to have agreed to marry the king only under the condition that he should ensure that the lands around Srirangapatna received enough water.As is the case with legend, there never is a definitive version, and historian Nanjaraj Urs offers another tale that inspired the construction of this canal. “Bangara Doddi was disguised as a man, and came to Mysuru as part of a team of 10 wrestlers. It is believed she was supposed to honeytrap Ranadheera Kantirava, who defeated all the pugilists. However, he lost his heart to Bangara Doddi, who reciprocated his affection. She then asked Narasaraja Wadiyar to build a canal to quench the thirst of the residents of Srirangapatna, which the king duly fulfilled,” said Urs.However, this aqueduct cum canal, which has withstood the passage of more than three centuries is today a picture of woe. Cracks have developed along the walls of the canal, threatening its stability, and historians fear that irreparable damage to the structure. Understandably, they are furious with the apathetic attitude of the departments of archaeology, museums and heritage for their failure to maintain the heritage structure.Historian and conservationist Echanur Kumar called the canal an ‘engineering marvel’. “There is a bridge across the river, a canal along the bridge and a road above the canal. Water flows below the canal, and subsequently inside it, and a road passes on the canal. Nowhere else in the world will you see such a feat in engineering,” Kumar told TOI.Seeking to lend perspective to the historical relevance of Bangara Doddi, Urs said, “This was the first check dam built across the Cauvery, which was known for her fury. The canal is of immense historical significance, and a remarkable piece of engineering.”Urging the department of archaeology, museums and heritage to act swiftly to save the structure, Kumar said, “Politicians too should understand the importance of the canal, and ensure it is restored to its original state before it vanishes.”Voicing concerns about the apathetic attitude of the officials concerned, retired history professor at the University of Mysore Prof. NS Rangaraju, also a member of the heritage committee, said, “The case of Bangara Doddi is not unlike other historical sites. This has also suffered as a result of official negligence. While the upkeep of heritage structures was initially entrusted to the public works department, it was later the responsibility of the department of archaeology, museums and heritage, but nothing much has changed by way of making a concerted effort to preserve these buildings.”Rangaraju called on the tourism industry to play an active role in preserving the structure. “The officials can include Bangara Doddi on the tourist itinerary, and educate the public about its importance by erecting signboards containing information about its past,” he added.Upbraiding officials for their lackadaisical attitude towards heritage structures, Urs said, “No official is interested in protecting them. Many heritage structures are in need of immediate attention, but all that the officials want to do is to sit, and wait for them to crumble so they can make money later.”- (Shivendra Urs)

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