Krantiveer Sangolli Rayanna memorial Nandgad
Krantiveer Sangolli Rayanna was the army chief of the Kingdom of Kittur ruled at the time by Rani Chennamma and fought the British East India Company till his death.
Krantiveer Rayanna was executed by hanging to death from a Banyan tree about 3 kilometers from Nandagad village in Belagavi district on 26th Jan 1831. (Born 15 August 1798).
The place where he was hanged has a small temple built near the huge banyan tree which is amidst fields away from the city.
Rayanna’s mortal remains were buried at Nandagad. Legend says that a close associate of Rayanna planted a Banyan sapling on his grave. Unlike the usual 6 foot grave, Rayanna’s grave is 8 feet long because Rayanna was tall – more than 7 feet. The tree is fully grown and stands to this day. An Ashoka Stambha was installed near the tree.
A custom also exists where women and childless couples ask mannat (wish) of having baby like Sangolli Rayanna and they tie small cradles to the tree.
Sangolli Rayanna also participated in the 1824 rebellion and was arrested by the British, who released him later. Rayanna is considered by many historians to be the pioneer of guerilla warfare in India. The British troops could not defeat him in open battle. Hence, by treachery, he was caught in April 1830 and tried by the British; and sentenced to death.
How to go: About 38 kms from Belagavi
Take NH4A – Khanapur – take left at the Diversion towards Nandgad on SH140/SH93
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