Buffaloes in Vijayanagar era Dasara: Kambala opponents accuse CM of distorting history
Environmentalists and farmers' organizations have accused Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar of distorting history by claiming buffaloes were part of Vijayanagara-era Dasara celebrations. Critics argue there is no historical evidence for this, suggesting the claim is a political attempt to justify the controversial Kambala race.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights the intersection of cultural heritage, political rhetoric, and animal rights activism in regional Indian politics.
The environmentalists and other organisations opposing the conduct of Kambala during Mysuru Dasara have accused Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of distorting history by claiming that buffaloes had participated in the Dasara celebrations during the rule of Vijayanagar empire.
While addressing the gathering at the inauguration of Mysuru Dasara 2026 atop Chamundi Hills on Sunday, Mr. Shivakumar claimed that historical accounts indicated that the rulers of Vijayanagar empire brought buffaloes for Dasara celebrations.
However, Parisarakkagi Naavu’s general secretary Parashuramegowda, in a statement here on Tuesday, said the Chief Minister’s claim is “far from truth”.
He said the Joint Action Committee of farmers’ organisations, the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (DSS), the ‘Parisarakke Naavu’ organisation, and progressive and pro-Kannada organisations strongly condemns the “distortion of history in the presence of hundreds of religious leaders and several elected representatives” by the Chief Minister of the State.
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