Jagdeesh Laxman Singh
aka Jugie Singh
Text & Photography
[email protected]
Virajpet aka Virajpete abbreviation of Virarajendrapete after the ruler of Kodagu is the second town of the district after Madikeri and before Somwarpet. This hamlet has a population of 30,000 people (last census) with literary of 81%. Virajpet is the largest producer of honey in these districts. It’s main attractions is Malethirike hill adorned with Ayappa temple half way up and a Shiva temple on top of the hill. Virajpet also has a mosque and a 220 year old St Anne’s Church. Tadiandemol closer to Virajpet is the highest mountain in Kodagu district and it houses the famous Igguthappa temple, the local diety.
In this historic town, the town’s famous landmark is the Clock Tower which turns 100. A century old clock is embedded in Indian history. This clock was locally erected by M R Ry. Mukkatira Iyappah who was the Rai Bahadur of the area. The descendants of the family still live in Kodagu. The Clock Tower’s foundation was laid by Sir Hugh Daly who was a knighted British solider of gallantry, he happened to be the Chief Commissioner of Coorg ( 1910 -16) on 5th February 2014. Sir Daly played a vital role in signing of the 1913 Treaty of Mysore giving Mysore Government equal status to the British India Government. He was also involved in negotiating with Madras Presidency with regard to sharing of the Cauvery waters on behalf of the Mysore State. A memorial hall named after him called The Daly Memorial Hall still exists today in Bengaluru (Bangalore), This Memorial Hall was under the patronage of the erstwhile King of Mysore-Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV who donated 10, 000 rupees along with other princely states.
The Virajpet Clock Tower was constructed in memory of the celebration of the – ‘Delhi Coronation Durbar’ held in the year 1911 by his Imperial Majesty, King George V Emperor of India. The Coronation Durbar was called Delhi Durbar held with Queen Mary and King George V. The coronation was held three times 1877, 1903 and 1911. The 1911 Coronation was the only one attended by George V. Lot of jewels and gifts were presented to the royal couple. The coronation lasted from 7 to 16th December 1911. The coronation park inside Red Fort today is the most known place in Delhi. 26,800 medals were presented to gallantry and important officers of the Indian and British army along with noble men. 102 silver medals were presented to the princes of stately kingdoms of India. The coronation thrones are to this day displayed in the Marble Hall Gallery at the Rastrapati Bhavan. It is at this Coronation event of Delhi Durbar of 1911 the move of India’s capital from Calcutta to Delhi was proclaimed.
The foundation stone to the new city the capital of India, New Delhi was laid. King George V and Queen Mary gave the Indian public their darshan through one of the Jharokas ( windows) of Red Fort. A feature film was made on made on this occasion.
The Kodagu people today have a testimony of history right in their town square. However todays clock is of the new generation the old one vandalized and burried in history of the wrath of times. All now remains is a memorial which stands the testimony of times.
Coorg Clock Tower turns 100!
