Renovation of the historical Jain temples in Bijapur

The Minister of State for Textiles Shri Basangouda R.Patil called on the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Shri Jagmohan here today to impress upon him the need for developing tourist facilities and renovation of the historical Jain temples in Bijapur, Karnataka.

Shri Patil presented a set of three project proposals of these temples to develop them with all facilities and infrastructure for the visitors. These temples are frequented by a number of pilgrims from all over the country.

He told Shri Jagmohan that Bijapur was the seat of Adil Shahi dynasty which ruled the kingdom for over 300 years. The rulers of the dynasty and the local Jain community patronized the Jainism turning Bijapur into a prominent seat of Jain learning, culture, literature and art. There are a number of Jain Temples in and around Bijapur dating back to 11th Century. These temples ravaged by nature with the passage of time, need urgent renovation from the archaeological point of view. He pointed out that among the list of the Jain temples marked for renovation at an estimated cost of Rs. 2604 crore by the Archeological Survey of India, some unique temples have not found place.

He said that the renovation of the Jain monuments in Karnataka would go a long way in preserving cultural heritage monuments and promoting tourism in the state.