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History

The Biligiriranga Hills (BR Hills) in Karnataka form a unique ecological bridge between the Western and Eastern Ghats, hosting a rare mix of shola forest and dry scrub that sustains tigers, elephants, and the indigenous Soliga community. The range is crowned by the Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple, a hilltop shrine to Vishnu revered by both pilgrims and Soliga. In 2011, the Soliga gained formal community forest rights under India's Forest Rights Act, a landmark recognition of their ancestral stewardship. The area is now a tiger reserve, with the K. Gudi safari zone offering wildlife viewing.

Overview

BR Hills, located in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka, is a compact hill range of about 540 square kilometers, rising to 1,800 meters. It is named after the white (bili) cliffs that surround the Ranganathaswamy Temple. The hills are a biodiversity hotspot, acting as a corridor between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, and are home to a significant population of Soliga tribals who have coexisted with the forest for centuries. The region is protected as the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT), which includes the K. Gudi safari area. The temple itself is a major pilgrimage site, drawing devotees throughout the year, especially during the annual car festival.

Historical Timeline

12th century (approx.)

Construction of the Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Established the hills as a major pilgrimage site, blending Hindu worship with local Soliga traditions.

1870s

British declaration of BR Hills as a reserved forest

Began the restriction of Soliga forest rights and initiated commercial forestry, altering the traditional way of life.

1974

Declaration of BRT Wildlife Sanctuary

Provided legal protection to the region's wildlife but further marginalized the Soliga, leading to conflicts.

2011

Recognition of Soliga community forest rights under the Forest Rights Act

A landmark decision acknowledging the Soliga's ancestral rights and enabling their participation in forest governance.

2011

Upgradation to Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve

Enhanced conservation status, attracting more tourism and funding, while requiring careful management of human-wildlife coexistence.

2015

Formation of Soliga 'Forest Rights' committees and joint forest management initiatives

Institutionalized Soliga involvement in decision-making, leading to sustainable harvest of non-timber forest produce and reduced conflicts.

Historical Sites

Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple

An ancient hilltop temple dedicated to Ranganatha, a reclining form of Vishnu. The temple's architecture blends Dravidian and local styles, and it is a revered site for both pilgrims and the Soliga, who consider it their clan deity.

Honnametti Viewpoint

A scenic cliff on the edge of the BR Hills plateau, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forested valleys and the plains of Tamil Nadu. It is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset, and historically served as a lookout point.

K. Gudi Safari Zone

The main safari area within the tiger reserve, named after the K. Gudi hunting lodge built by the Maharaja of Mysore. Today, it is a base for open-jeep wildlife safaris, with a museum and interpretation center.

Soliga Tribal Settlements (Podus)

Traditional Soliga hamlets scattered across the hills, where visitors can learn about their culture, medicinal plants, and sustainable practices. These settlements are living examples of indigenous heritage.

Notable Figures

Maharaja of Mysore (various)

The Wodeyar rulers, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, patronized the temple and used the hills for hunting, leaving a lasting impact on the region's history.

Dr. Made Gowda

A prominent Soliga activist and social worker who championed the rights of the Soliga community, leading the movement for forest rights recognition and sustainable development.

Siddappa G. (Soliga leader)

A key figure in the Soliga community, instrumental in organizing the community to file claims under the Forest Rights Act and in negotiating with the government.

Valmiki (legendary sage)

According to tradition, the sage Valmiki meditated in these hills and installed the idol of Ranganatha, linking the temple to the epic Ramayana.

Pilgrimage History

The Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries, drawing devotees primarily from the surrounding Karnataka and Tamil Nadu regions. The temple is unique in that it is revered by both mainstream Hindus and the Soliga tribe, who consider the deity as their guardian. The annual car festival (Rathotsava) held in March-April is the major event, attracting thousands of pilgrims who climb the hill on foot. The temple's location atop a hill, surrounded by dense forest, adds to its spiritual aura. Historically, pilgrims would travel through the forest, often with the guidance of Soliga trackers. The temple's management has traditionally been under the Mysore royal family, but the Soliga have always played a role in rituals and maintenance. In recent years, the forest department has regulated access, but the pilgrimage continues to thrive, blending faith with nature.