Saving 101-door mansion heritage in Karnataka

The 101 door wade in Karnataka built by the Desai Family symbolise the splendid life led by their inhabitants. This magnificent piece of art is admired by the locals who come to visit this mansion.

Hubli-Dharwad: The 101-door wade (mansions constructed in north Karnataka) in Hubli Dharwad is an interesting piece of heritage building built by Desais in the 17th century. The majestic building with the unique style and exquisite architecture is no less than a plush property constructed during the British era.

Like the palaces had darbar halls, this 101-door wade has big spacious rooms with numerous windows making it a major centre of attraction. This ancient building is very well maintained and attract tourists from far and wide and is open to scenic views.

What is most appreciable about the building is the splendid wood work with various types of wood like limestone, dead wood and artistic stones.

With a spacious courtyard in front of the mansion, there are large cowsheds located inside it adding to its beauty. It has a large hall, big kitchen, four courtyards, discussion halls and spacious rooms for Desais and his family members.

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More or less like a labyrinth, this wade has wooden stairs and large pillars with a separate room designed to keep records and documents.

Three films have been shot inside this Wade and all of them have bagged national awards which adds to the belief of the local that every movie shot here gets an award. Famed director T.S. Nagabharana shot ‘Santa Shishunala Sharif’ and ‘Singarava’ here. Apart from that, another director also shot ‘Kanasemba Kudurenneri’.

After years, the owners of the house have decided to renovate the mansion at their own cost in an attempt to protect and safeguard the cultural heritage.

"We have decided to renovate this Wade so that people remember our family and culture. It is a move to safeguard our culture," said the Desai family.