A HAPPY 2026 to all of you readers of Daijiworld, With Abundant Good this NEW YEAR.......

  •   Sun, Jan 25 2026
  •   By Ivan Saldanha-Shet

January 25, 2026

Mangalore is known for its unique history and culture, much of it is unknown and forgotten, now and again some interest is shown and needs a better outlook.   The Catholic Community has much at stake and efforts to raise the platform are needed.  Since two or more centuries the Konkani Catholic writers have documented (in Konkani and English) a lot for posterity, it lies neglected, we on this platform, Daijiworld, have shared some crisp bits about local history in the last quarter of 2025.  The AI & electronic age calls for new outlooks.  The Govts, Civil Authorities, Smart City and Mangalore City Corporation  have announced many hitech projects and action to make some of the many issues and neglect truly smoothened and operational.

Currently,  many Heritage Festivals and activities much to look forward to with a Coastal advantage have been talked about but "The talk needs to be walked" and a really people and history friendly city is looked up to and eagerly waited in and around Mangalore.    One valued  among others is the old unused DC office, a structure with a rich historical legacy in the city; the oldest  buildings are in their original form and red colour. The vintage structures remain to this day  as testament to the district's  hoary history and are relics of culture. Currently it seems some repair works on the old building seems to be in progress.  Plans may be there for the future but it all depends on the local authorities and communities.  Let us look at a few  interesting relics to focus on in 2026.  

Known as the Collector’s Office (1799-1950), this monument housed the British administrative hub for South Kanara (Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kasargod districts) of British Madras Presidency.  Even after Independence, the deputy commissioners or Collectors (DC) operated from this historic base. The tourist  plaque at the gate reads "OLD DC OFFICE BUILDING : The present premises of the old DC's (District Collector's) office building belonged to the ruling Jain Banga family under the patronage of the Vijayanagara Empire. It was the palace of the Banga Rulers. Converted to the Administrative office of the British in the region. The building has more than 400 years of history. Prior to the 1780s it was in possession of the Mysore rulers of whom Tipu Sultan was the last. When the British conquered Tipu's lands in 1799 it came into the possession of the British Administration headed by Major Sir Thomas Munroe, the first British Collector  on July 8, 1799."  

Celebrating the long history and expanding awareness among the public and students about the rich heritage and history is the aim, apart from seeking ideas on how it all can be put to optimum use. Traditional walks are scheduled regularly of adjoining historic sites of old port (Bundar). The DC office plans to host various activities to gain the interest of citizens and tourists.  The historic heritage of early times represented in the vicinity are :  The old Portuguese and British Forts, Old Port of Bundar (1500s and before), The Mangaladevi temple more than a 1000 years, from which Mangalore gets its name;  The oldest churches like Rosario Cathedral and Milagres Church (1800); The Zinat Bakhsh Mosque (650 AD) The Kutch Memon Masjid (1800s), Tile Factories, Railway Station and Netravati Bridge (1907), the original 1500s location of Portuguese settlements opposite the Estuary, Old bungalows... The early Kudla extended along the river banks from Mangaladevi Temple to Kudroli,  many natural scenic locations and all treasures of local history may be seen.

The DC has generated  enthusiastic direction which is encouraging and needs continuity.  Indeed such are the matters that cultured Mangaloreans enjoy and participate in for a new dawn. “India,  thou hast taught kings to lay down Crown, scepter, throne and kingdom, and put on the clothing of the poor.  Thou hast taught warriors in lawful battle To forgive an enemy…., To hold back the drawn arrow, forgetful of victory and defeat. Thou hast taught the doer to surrender to God all triumph of achievement” (Rabindranath Tagore).

 

 
By Ivan Saldanha-Shet
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Title: A HAPPY 2026 to all of you readers of Daijiworld, With Abundant Good this NEW YEAR.......



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