The Story of the Royal Tombs
Published on: 01/07/2025
Photo title: Interior arches
|Photo Credits: Bindu Gopal Rao
Gaddige or Raja’s Tombs in Madikeri Coorg, is a monument that is generally off the tourist radar which is another reason that adds to its charm.
On a recent trip to Madikeri, I decided to visit the Raja’s Tombs and as we drove up to the monument, the lady at the ticket counter asked for exact change saying, “not many people come here.” However while that meant they were fewer people here, this is a monument that must be on your Madikeri itinerary.
This 19th century monument in Mahadevpet houses the remains of the royal members of the Kodava clan and is located on a hilltop. There are two stone elephants on either side of the main entrance that lead to the set of structures that have been built in Indo-Saracenic architectural style. While the façade has central domes and minarets which is typical Muslim architecture, these are spaces dedicated to Hindu rulers. There are three tombs here and these are set amidst landscaped gardens.
The largest tomb is the central one and was built in 1809 by Haleri King Doddaveerarajendra for his second wife Mahadeviamma. It is said that the inspiration for this came from Agra’s Taj Mahal built by Shah Jahan for his wife. In fact, Doddaveerarajendra had asked to be rested next to his wife after his death which happened to be in the same year as the tomb was built and the remaining construction work was completed by his brother Lingarajendra.
The right side structure is where Lingarajendra and his wife have been laid to rest and was built by his son Chikkaveerarajendra in 1820. The simplest tomb built in 1834 is the one on the left side and Chikkaveerarajendra’s son Veerarajendra’s guru, the royal priest Rudrappa, among the most revered Gurus of the Lingayat rulers is laid to rest here. There are two smaller structures on the right side of the tombs that are dedicated to Biddanda Bopu and his son Biddanda Somaiah, officers who fought against Tipu Sultan in 1808.
Photo title: The central tomb at Gaddige
|Photo Credits: Bindu Gopal Rao
The architecture of the tombs is worth noticing with the use of wrought bronze bar windows and brass Kalasha capped domes. The entrance, passages, and minarets have Hindu gods, sages, the revered bull Nandi, and other mythical creatures carved intricately. This is also the only Indian monument that has a Shiva Linga alongside tombs. A protected monument under the Archaeological Sites Act, do not miss the turrets at the corners as well as the Nandi figures on top of the corners. Interestingly there is a signage outside the tomb that says that the kings and nobles of Kodagu were worshippers of Shiva and hence their tombs are watched over by his vehicle – the bull of Nandi.
The two-storied structure has designs and motifs of flowers, animals, and mythical creatures. Step inside and you cannot miss the symmetrical intricate arches carved with impeccable precision, a nod to the skill and artistry of the workers who built it. The tombs are surrounded by verdant gardens and the flora and fauna make for Instagram worthy images as well.
Bindu Gopal Rao
Bindu Gopal Rao is a freelance writer and photographer based in Bengaluru, who believes writing provides a unique opportunity to meet a variety of people while exploring new places. She has a keen eye to learn about offbeat, unusual and local angles when she travels. Her work is documented at www.bindugopalrao.com
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