Did you know Mahatma Gandhi visited Karnataka 18 times!

Seventy years ago, when Mahatma Gandhi was leading the nation towards its freedom, he had toured along the length and breadth of the country to gather people's support. He had visited Karnataka 18 times during the freedom struggle, and this establishes his special bond with the state. In fact, the state celebrated the centenary year of Gandhi's visit last year to mark his first visit to Karnataka on May 8, 1915. Karnataka Bhavan held an exhibition of rare photographs of Gandhi's visit to the state. Besides, programmes were held throughout the year to mark the occasion. As we celebrate the 71 Independence Day, here's a quick retake of Gandhi's visit to Karnataka.

Bengaluru
It was May 8, 1915, when Mahatma Gandhi visited then Bengaluru to take part in a programme organised to commemorate his guru, Gopalakrishna Gokhale. Although the programme was scheduled for May 9, Gandhi arrived with his wife Kasturba, two daughters and others by the Madras Mail, a day before the programme. People had organised to take him on a chariot, but Gandhi refused and walked up to Anand Rao Circle and had stayed at his friend Krishna Iyer's house. He had visited Lalbagh on May 9 where he addressed a public gathering. In Bangalore, he also addressed gathering at United Theological College, Mythic Society, IISc. At Gandhiji visited Bangalore five times between 1915 and 1940.

Nandi Hills
Not many know that Gandhi frequented Nandi Hills whenever he visited Bangalore. Gandhiji who was ailing from asthma and high blood pressure had stayed at Nandhi Hills for 45 days in 1936, and the hills indeed did magic on him, it is reported. During his stay, Gandhiji visited Madaku Hosahall village at the foothills of Nandi and conducted bhajans. To commemorate his visit, the village has been renamed as Gandhipura. While at Nandi Hills, he was advised to be on a diet of fresh goat milk, fruits and homemade bread. His physician Dr Jivraj Mehta had also ordered him yoga asanas and pranayama. The place where Gandhi stayed at Nandhi Hills is still called as Gandhi Nilaya.

Mysuru
Gandhi's campaign against untouchability also brought him to Mysore on January 5, 1934. He visited Tagadur, Badanval and Nanjangud urging people against untouchability. In fact, Gandhiji had visited Mysore before this also but as a guest of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar. There was severe opposition from British rule, but Nalwadi hosted Gandhi in 1927 and 1936. Impressed by the Mysore State's progress in education, agriculture and art, Gandhiji had famously remarked that Maharaja was a 'Rajarshi (a saintly king).

Belagavi
The Belgaum hosted the 39th session of the Indian National Congress on December 26 and 27 in 1924. Gandhiji presided the Congress, despite opposition. In fact, it was the only session chaired by Gandhi. There have been reports that Gandhi touched its soil after landing here and it was on the same occasion, he declared non-violence non-cooperation as main objectives of freedom. In fact, he had famously said that "Only my death can prevent me from attending the session in Belgaum." Gandhiji had visited the city earlier too on 1916.

Mangaluru
Gandhi visited Mangalore which was under the Madras presidency thrice - in 1920, 1927 and 1934. During the Khilafat tour, Gandhi addressed people at Centaral Maidan (1920), and at least 10,000 people had turned up for the programme. Gandhi was accompanied by Shaukat Ali, and they were taken in a procession through Hampankatta, Car Street, Market and Bunder. At Canara Girls High School, he laid a foundation for Krishna Mandir.

Udupi
As part of his tour to raise funds for the uplift of Harijan, Gandhiji also paid a visit to Udupi on February 25, 1934. During his address at the Ajjarkad ground where 3,000 people had gathered, Gandhi exhorted people to allow of weaker sections into the temples. Gandhiji had inaugurated khadi Bhandar at Kadabettu.

Tumakuru
Gandhiji paid a visit to Tumakuru in on July 14, 1927, along with his wife and others. He visited Panchama Boarding School and addressed the gathering at Prani Daya Sangha. He also addressed the gathering at Madhugiri and surrounding areas during his tour to raise funds for weaker section of the people.

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