The Hindu 07.09.2009
Mayor for revival of Nada Kusti
Special Correspondent
| Rs. 10 lakh to be spent to revamp Sahukar Channiah Kusti Akhada |
Mysore: After a long gap, Sahukar Channiah Kusti Akhada in the city may come to life during Dasara. For, the Mayor Purushottam has evinced interest in reviving wrestling activities at the Akhada or arena which is currently languishing in neglect.
A property of the Mysore City Corporation (MCC), the wrestling arena is a part of the city’s heritage and was the site of various wrestling bouts held during the era of the Maharajas. Though it was given to a wrestlers association on lease, the arena lost much of its hallo following a controversy and the issue is mired in litigation.However, Mr. Purushottam visited the venue on Sunday and evinced interest in reviving wrestling activity at the historic arena and said this year’s Dasara wrestling would be held at the Sahukar Channaiah Kusti Akhada. The wrestling arena has a seating capacity of nearly 25,000 people and there was a time when it played host to weekly bouts.
But over the years the traditional Mysore wrestling also called Nada Kusti, has gone into a decline and the Mayor said he would make efforts not only to revive the wrestling arena but also the traditional Mysore Kusti. “We will ensure that the Nada Kusti is held here during Dasara and we will start new tournaments subsequently so that the sport gets a fillip” said Mr. Purushottam.
The Mayor has envisaged an investment of nearly Rs. 10 lakh to clear up the weeds, provide water and drainage facility and overhaul and revamp the existing seating arena.
The traditional Mysore style of wrestling was patronised by the erstwhile royal family of Mysore and reached its zenith during the 18th and the 19th century. It was among the more interesting pastime for the rural populace and Dasara festivities provided the right platform for the local wrestlers to showcase their skills.
The association of Mysore and the Wadiyars with traditional wrestling is rooted in history and there are historical accounts of Randheera Kanteerava who considered it is beneath its dignity to bow to the diktats of a local chieftain in Tiruchirapalli and defeated him in a bout of wrestling. Reckoned to have been the favourite of the Raja Wadiyar who ruled in the 16th century A.D., it was during the regime of Nalwudi Krishnaraja Wadiyar in the first half of the 20th Century when Nada Kusti attained its peak popularity in modern times.
