Mangaluru: “It is not true that ancient Tulu history was not documented. Within their limits, our elders have unconventionally documented Tulu history,” opined well-known historian Pundikai Ganapayya Bhat.
Speaking as a resource person on ‘Writings of Tulunadu history- The Early Footprints’, which was the first session in the webinar lecture series organised by Mangalore University, PG Department of History and Archaeology of the University College Mangaluru in association with MANUSHA (Mangalore University History Teachers’ Association) on Saturday, he said that amateur historians systematically documented Tulu history in the early 20th century.
He recalled the contribution of legends like Polali Sheenappa Hegde, Manjeshwar Ganapathi Rao Aigal, and Manjeshwar Govinda Pai, the latter who unfortunately wasn’t recognised for his writings on Tulu history. “Most of them were village folk. They were not trained and didn’t have any facilities for documenting history. Despite all the odds, they achieved it just because of their passion,” he added.
Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. P. SubrahmanyaYadapadithaya hoped that this webinar series would unveil more about Tulu culture. Principal of University College Mangaluru, Dr Anasuya Rai in her presidential address lauded the innovative endeavour of the department. PG Department of History and Archelogy Coordinator Dr Ganapathi Gowda, Dr Kumaraswamy M, Dr Meenakshi were present. Senior professors, research scholars and students participated in the event.
