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Photo journalist Vishwanath Suvarna opens ‘shutter’, captures most of the forts in lens

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Mysuru: Eighteen months, 1000 plus kilometers and eventually hundreds of forts captured. Don’t be afraid, the forts here were captured in the frames and the eyes behind the lens were that of photo journalist Vishwanath Suvarna.

The senior citizen that he is, at the age of 62 now, looks back what he did just four years ago.

One of the forts (above and below) captured by Vishwanath Suvarna

On the cusp of his retirement, he could have reclined on the chair to reminisce the fond memories. But he had a different plan and to explore the forts of Karnataka, that still stands testimony to the impregnable military forces of chieftains to feudatory rulers during the era of kings.

Vishwanath Suvarna

As a photo journalist Suvarna as he his fondly known as among his friends, saw many ups and downs in his career. While this tour definitely kept him above all, courtesy photo compilation of the book.

Chandragutti Fort in Shivamogga is a highly dangerous fort, for the topography of the place. Suvarna boarded a bus to Shivamogga and after reaching the destination hired a cab to reach the fort, not less than a forest area”, recalled Suvarna .

 
The humble villagers alerted him to return before 4 pm, well before the dusk, as the tiger was frequently spotted there. Though the cab driver left him midway, Suvarna was not willing, as he wanted to capture the fort all alone and he eventually did it.
 
Likewise Suvarna pat recalls the risks he undertook at lofty Madhugiri Fort to Kavaldurga fort. From Hubballi to Bidar and Bidar to Kaasargod all the forts had a different challenge to offer and Suvarna who had made up his mind faced them with equal grit and determination.
 
Most challenging was the weather condition, which differs from place to place. Lighting is essential for any photo and Suvarna was not willing to settle for anything less.
 
Suvarnna recalls ” There was a fort full of snakes. I was really shocked. There were places sans proper facilities, but I spent three days in each of the fort area. There were no proper hotel or rooms to stay. But the money has flown like water to accomplish the task”.
 
Each and every forts that are architecturally significant and are the pride possessions of the state. But they are ignored by the authorities concerned failing to tap their potential. There is a need need to improve basic facilities and if it is done, people will definitely visit these forts, he said
 
In 2017, Kannada version of the book-Karunada Kotegala Suvarna Nota was released. After a gap of three years- Golden Views of Karnataka Forts, the English version is released. It forms 500 pages with colourful photos with a touch of art.
 
Suvarna humbly thanked historian Ramesh Begur who wrote English synopsis. The cover price is Rs 4,500 in Karnataka and Rs 7,500 outside Karnataka.
 
My organisation, Prajavani team and its editir KN Shantakumar, Executive Editor Ravindra Bhat and whole staff across the state coordinated with me for completing the herculean task, says Suvarna with a Sigh of relief.
 
– Team Mysoorunews
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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