Why Bengaluru’s Swaminathan Natarajan has a passion for heritage conservation

Do ancient pillars, milestones and inscriptions fascinate you as do statues and monuments? Though they are often overlooked, these smaller fragments from historic eras are also storehouses of information.

It is often said that a concerted effort to preserve and protect our heritage is imperative in order to understand our historical and cultural legacy. Well, this is a philosophy, Bengaluru-based Swaminathan Natarajan truly believes in. An IT professional with a profound passion for heritage photography, conservation and awareness, Swaminathan also holds a Master’s degree in Ancient History and Archaeology which he pursued out of a sheer love for history.

“My commitment to heritage conservation is driven by a strong sense of social responsibility and a steadfast belief in fulfilling my constitutional duty to protect and preserve our historical legacy.” says Swaminathan.

Inspiration at home

Swaminathan’s love for history and heritage was instilled at an early age by his mother. “My late mother, a history graduate, nurtured in me a love for the past through her stories and insights. Her deep knowledge of history and her ability to make it relevant and relatable ignited my imagination and fostered a sense of curiosity,” says the 44-year-old, adding that over time this sense of wonder grew into a passion to which he has dedicated most of his free time.

Swaminathan Natarjan with his late mother
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Swaminathan is an avid reader and enjoys researching records, reports and journals apart from history books — a trait which has helped him explore places that are relatively unknown. “The work of historian and archaeologist BL Rice has inspired me tremendously. Social media also plays a significant role and helps me connect with experts in the field, many of whom have become mentors, guiding and supporting my efforts,” he adds.

Swaminathan firmly believes that safeguarding our heritage is a collective responsibility and results can be achieved only when local communities, authorities and individuals collaborate.

Focus on Veeragallus

Swaminathan is deeply interested in veeragallus or hero stones. “By protecting veeragallus, we safeguard history, nurture cultural pride and fulfil our responsibility as custodians of heritage. These silent sentinels of sacrifice deserve the dignity and reverence they symbolise as they can inspire future generations to uphold values of bravery, loyalty and service,” he says.

A heritage tour in 2015 with experts from the Karnataka Ithihasa Academy during which he came across veeragallus partially buried at the Agrahara Bachahalli in Mandya, sparked an interest in him. “With support from the Culture Secretary’s Office (Government of Karnataka) and State Archaeology in 2016, these hero stones were placed on proper pedestals, showcasing their exquisite craftsmanship,” he says.

Doddashivara
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Swaminathan has been instrumental in protecting many hero stones that lay scattered and in need of preservation. For example, at Tamatakallu in Chitradurga, the oldest inscribed veeragallu in Karnataka dating 500 AD, lay exposed in an open field. “Social media helped bring together the State Archaeology department, zilla panchayat CEO’s officeand the local community to ensure its preservation, much to the delight of villagers who worship these veeragallus,” he adds.

Kolar is a treasure trove of veeragallus and has been widely documented in the Epigraphia Carnatica by BL Rice and the annual reports of the Mysore Archaeology Department. Swaminathan has been instrumental in preserving more than 30 veeragallus in Doddashivara, Arabikothanur and Hunukunda in Kolar district with the help of the zilla panchayat and local communities. As a result, heritage parks have come up in these areas.

The Heritage Park at Arabikothanur featured in the Kolar tableau display during the Mysore Dasara last year.

Agrahara Bachahalli
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

According to HM Siddhanagoudar, former director, Museums, State Department of Archaeology, Musuems and Heritage, veeragallus are of great significance. “Veeragallus not only honor the sacrifice of those who lost their life in battles, but also reveal important historical information. They shed light on the place and dates of battles, and geographical details of kingdoms; they also reveal details of attire and accessories worn during those times,” says Siddhanagouda, lauding Swaminathan’s effort in their conservation.

Swaminathan is a also a part of a unique initiative titled Nanna Ooru Nanna Beru (My Village, My Roots) which has been launched in Chikamagaluru with the support of the zilla panchayat CEO’s office, heritage scholars, enthusiasts and the State Archaeology department. “As a founding contributor, I am proud to be a part of this collaborative effort aimed at preserving and promoting our rich cultural heritage. I look forward to witnessing the growth and positive impact of this initiative on our community,” says Swaminathan.

Accolades galore

Swaminathan was facilitated by the Mandya district administration (Government of Karnataka) in September 2020 and the Karnataka Itihasa Academy in August 2023 for his work in the field of heritage awareness and preservation. He is also an avid photographer and has won awards for his images. He has previously won in the wildcard category of ‘India is’ global photography challenge organised by the Ministry of External Affairs (Government of India) in 2012. 

The inclusion of his photograph Natya Sundari’s feet as a whole page feature in the formal submission of Hoysala heritage nomination dossier for UNESCO is something he is very proud of. Natya Sundari is a noteworthy sculpture at the Hoysaleswaraara temple in Halebidu.

Hunukunda herostones
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Swaminathan is committed to creating awareness, fostering attachment to heritage and dispelling superstitions. “I dedicate most of my free time to this passion of mine and create awareness through social media and online platforms. Inspiring pride and community involvement often creates a ripple effect leading to meaningful action,” he says.

He believes parents and teachers play an important role in instilling inquisitiveness in children about history which goes a long way in laying the foundation for a generation that values and preserves the nation’s cultural identity.