Admin / Chief Editor

Raghavendra Padmashali

Founder, Admin & Chief Editor of Chitharadurga Contact: +91 77979 73031, Website: www.raghavendrapadmashali.com

Contributor since 14 October 2026

Articles by Raghavendra Padmashali

Onake Obavva: the woman who defended the fort with a pestle

As Hyder Ali's soldiers crept through a gap in the rocks, a guard's wife named Obavva held the breach with nothing but a wooden pestle.

Raghavendra Padmashali23 September 20262,217 views

Science & Development

Challakere: from sheep pastures to India's 'science city'

The open grasslands near Challakere now host national scientific facilities, including DRDO's Aeronautical Test Range.

Raghavendra Padmashali10 October 2026780 views

History

Madakari Nayaka and the last years of the Nayaka kingdom

The last ruler of the Chitradurga Nayakas defended his fort against Hyder Ali until it fell in 1779.

Raghavendra Padmashali4 October 20261,325 views

Dams & Lakes

Vani Vilas Sagar: Karnataka's oldest dam

Built across the Vedavathi near Hiriyur and completed in 1907, Mari Kanive is still one of the most graceful sights in the district.

Raghavendra Padmashali30 September 2026962 views

Forts & Monuments

Chitradurga Fort: the seven-walled stone citadel

Built up over centuries and strengthened by the Nayakas, the 'Elu Suttina Kote' – the fort of seven circles – rises out of a field of giant granite boulders.

Raghavendra Padmashali14 September 20261,847 views