A new restoration project in North Karnataka

The Nagakunda Stepwell in Sudi, Gadag district, Karnataka – the site of the DHF’s latest restoration project.

As we begin the New Year, the Deccan Heritage Foundation is delighted to share crucial announcements. With new restoration projects on the horizon, and other efforts coming to a close, we are looking forward to another fruitful year.

Signing of the Agreement between the Government of Karnataka and the Deccan Heritage Foundation on the 28th of January, 2025 at Gadag, Karnataka.

We are delighted to announce that the DHF has signed an agreement with the Government of Karnataka for a new restoration project in Sudi, located in the Gadag district. The project is supported by a generous donation from Mrs. Rajashree Pinnamaneni in memory of her father Dr. Subba Rao Devineni. The DHF will soon begin the restoration of the Nagakunda Stepwell and its surrounding monuments. This initiative, under the government’s “Adopt a Monument” scheme, aims to revive the important sites in this area—once a historic stronghold of the Kalyani Chalukyas—restoring them to their former grandeur.

In and around Sudi, Karnataka. Photographs by Surendra Kumar.

Phase one of the project will focus on restoring the ancient stepwell itself, including water rejuvenation and conservation of the structure, along with landscaping the surrounding gardens. Phase two will include maintaining the stepwell, restoring the Jodakalasa temple, built during the later Chalukyan period, and creating a pathway to connect these monuments.

Bhoomi pooja at the Ganesha Temple, Sudi, Karnataka.

Preliminary work on the stepwell has already begun, with a bhoomi pooja — a ritual to honour the land — conducted at one of the temples on January 20th to mark the beginning of the project, paying respects to the land goddess.

Find out more about the project here. If you are inspired to support the DHF’s restoration efforts, consider making a donation by clicking the button below.

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Republic Day celebrations at the Gagan Mahal, Anegundi, Karnataka.

This past weekend, Republic Day celebrations were held at the Gagan Mahal, a rare 16th-century Vijayanagara pavilion restored by the DHF. This follows last month’s joyous gathering—an immersive cultural experience with local folk forms, a virtuoso performance by an acclaimed violinist, and a dinner highlighting regional cuisine. A large part of our goal in restoring this pavilion was to revive its role as a cultural hub for art, history, and village life. Find out more about Gagan Mahal’s restoration here.

We are pleased to announce the release of our popular guidebook, Bombay Gothic, in digital format. Authored by Christopher W. London, this comprehensive guide explores Mumbai’s remarkable Gothic Revival architecture. It traces the evolution of this distinctive style, brought to life through vibrant photographs and rare archival material. Visit the DHF’s online bookstore to get the digital edition, available as an e-book for instant download to your smartphone or tablet.

 DHF Bookstore

We look forward to sharing more updates, insights, and news from the Deccan region in 2025.