Shivappa Nayaka Palace in Shivamogga Reopens After Landmark Restoration

The historic Shivappa Nayaka Palace in Shivamogga, which spent decades hidden from public view as a Forest Department office, has been fully renovated and is now open to visitors. The two-storeyed structure, set on a six-acre campus along the banks of the Tunga river, has regained its original architectural grandeur with carved wooden columns and engraved arches.

The palace now houses a museum displaying 92 archaeological sculptures. An audio-visual facility has been installed to explain the history of the site and its artefacts, though it remains largely non-operational due to a shortage of staff. Armoury and palm-leaf manuscript collections are yet to be exhibited.

Restoration work was carried out at a cost of about ₹17 crore under the Smart City project. The building is now managed by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. Around 30 visitors arrive on an average day, with numbers increasing on weekends and holidays, including college students who have begun touring the premises.

The structure's rediscovery is credited to archaeologist A. Sundara, who first documented it during fieldwork in the late 1970s after local residents pointed it out. His 1978 book on Shivamogga district brought the palace to wider attention, prompting the Karnataka Sangha and local citizens to lobby for its conservation. The building was formally transferred from the Forest Department to the archaeology directorate in 1982, though the handover was completed only in 1984.

Historians have yet to confirm who built the palace and its surrounding fort. Sundara's research suggests it was likely constructed during the reign of Hiriya Venkatappa Nayaka (1592–1619). He also notes that the palace may have been partially damaged during an attack by Bijapur's army, which was repelled by Shivappa Nayaka, who possibly restored the structure. Later, Rajaram, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji, is believed to have stayed here while seeking asylum with Keladi queen Chennammaji.

Despite the successful restoration, the site faces operational challenges. H.C. Kumara, curator of the Hassan Museum who also oversees the Shivamogga museum, has requested additional personnel, including a dedicated curator, gardeners, security guards, and electricians. He remains hopeful that the department will sanction the posts soon, allowing the palace to serve visitors more effectively.