The much-neglected ruins and the historic fort that are in a dilapidated state at Malkhed in Sedam taluk of Kalaburagi district, which was once the seat of power of the mighty Rashtrakutas, have at last caught the attention of the State government which has sanctioned Rs. 5 crore for protection and comprehensive development of Malkhed Fort.
The State government had a few years ago entrusted the work of preparing a project report to a Bengaluru-based consultant and architect for protection and giving a facelift to the crumbling monument and a team had submitted a detailed report, including the estimated cost for renovation and development work at Malkhed Fort, the only remnants of the Rashtrakutas in Kalaburagi.
According to historians, Malkhed was the second capital of the Rashtrakutas from 814 AD to 968 AD during which period the famous King Amoghavarsha Nrupatunga reigned. The king is also known for his Kavirajamarga, the first classical work in Kannada.
A major portion of the outer wall of the fort is intact as also the entrance, with two domes, albeit in a dilapidated state and without a gate. However, inside the fort there are no signs of any monument and structures of the Rashtrakutas, except for a few Jain bastis (temples) and houses constructed in the recent times.
Besides the reign of the Rashtrakutas, Malkhed is also known for Mahaveeracharya who compiled the first book on Mathematics in Malkhed and Jain scholars such as Jinasenacharya, Ajitasenacharya and Gunabhadracharya who helped spread Jainism in the region.
Located on the banks of the Kagina, Malkhed was chosen by Sri Jayatirtha (Teekacharya), a favourite disciple of Akshobya Tirtha, as his new home. Sri Jayatirtha converted Malkhed into a centre of study of Madhwa philosophy and acquired great fame as a commentator of the works of Madhwacharya.
The mortal remains of Sri Jayatirtha, who was mainly responsible for the spread of the Madhwa sect in Hyderabad Karnataka region, is enshrined in a Brindavana at Uttradi Mutt on the banks of the Kagina, near the fort. Every year, during the month of Ashada, the Aradhana Mahotsava of Sri Jayatirtha is held at his Brindavana in Malkhed. People from not only the State but also elsewhere converge on the town to offer their obeisance to the sage. Now, the comprehensive development and protection of the fort would help convert Malkhed as a tourist and pilgrimage destination.
