Shirasangi Lingaraj


Shirasangi Lingaraj was an Indian ruler, philanthropist and last provincial ruler of Shirasangi province. He donated all his property to support the education of Veerashaiva students. He presided the first convention of the All India Veerashaiva Mahasabha held in 1904 at Dharwad.

Early life

Shirasangi Lingaraj was born on 10 January 1861 to Goolappa and Yallavva Madli in Shigli village near Laxmeshwar in Gadag district. Later, he was adopted by Jayappa Desai who was the Desai of Shirasangi Desagati Principality and Gangabhai. On June 2, 1872 his name was changed from Ramappa Madli to Shirasangi Lingaraj Desai.

Philanthropy

Navalgund-Sirasangi Trust

As per the Will and testament of Shirasangi Lingaraj, Navalgund-Sirasangi Trust with an annual income of six lakhs rupees was set up in August 1906, for the upliftment and development of education in Veerashaiva Lingayat students. Between 1930 and 1984, over 6,925 students received financial assistance worth 22,98,321-00 Indian rupees from the Trust. The Trust continues to monetarily help the lingayat students for their education. Several notable recipients of financial assistance from the Trust included D. C. Pavate, B. D. Jatti, S. R. Kanthi and Ratnappa Kumbhar.
The first college of Karnatak Lingayat Education Society, Lingaraj College at Belagavi, established in the year 1916, is named after Shirasangi Lingaraj in gratitude for a donation of fifty thousand rupees to the K.L.E Society.

Recognition

In 2009, the students and staff celebrated his 148th birth anniversary at C B Kolli Polytechnic College.
In 2012, Students celebrated the 151st anniversary of his birth at PC Jabin Science College.
In 2014, on the 153rd anniversary of his birth, he was recognized at KLE's G.H College for his efforts to prevent child marriage, and for encouraging development in every economic sector.