Magnificent PILLALAMARRI: Fast falling into a pitiful state?

Four kilometers from Mahbubnagar town, sprawling an area of about three acres stands the majestic old Pillalamarri – the famous 700-year-old banyan tree which is both a tourist attraction and a place of pilgrimage. 

Described once as “a large green umbrella under which at least a thousand people can easily take shelter” (The Hindu, August 13, 2003), Pillalamarri is today losing its splendour. 

“More than half of the tree has been cut down,” says Shiv Kumar G, a ticket collector at the site. “One of the main reasons for this is that the public climb the branches and cause damage.” 

Along similar lines, local shopkeeper Nandu says, “There is a lot of difference in the way the tree used to be in the past and how it is now. Ten years ago, the tree was huge and one could see its giant sprawl from far away. But now, in order to make it more comfortable for visitors, they laid cement flooring that ruined the beauty of the banyan tree”. 

The main trunk of Pillalamarri is hard to locate because the entire foliage comprises many other banyan trees which grew close together, like “children” of the original plant. This is how the place got its name – “pillalu” meane children and “marri” means banyan tree. Beneath the tree lies the tomb of a Muslim saint, and many devotees frequent the place. There is also a small zoo, an aquarium, and an archaeological museum beside the site, and during the monsoon, one can also go boating. 

“Twenty years ago, there were a lot of people visiting the place,” says Shankar, a watchman who has been working here for twenty three years. “They would consider the trip here as a mini pilgrimage and spend the whole day with family. The number of visitors has gone down in recent times,” he adds. Speaking further about the zoo he says, “There are at present only 200 animals, including deer, fox, rabbits, peacocks and others. A lot were handed over to the animal and zoo welfare department.”

Nonetheless, this historic site continues to attract large numbers of visitors, especially school children. On week days, the numbers range from 200-300, and this increases to 500-600 on weekends and holidays. 

“I know this is one of the largest banyan trees in the world but it is not as grand as I’d expected.” said Sudarshan Reddy, a first-time visitor to Pillalamarri. This sense of disappointment is shared by old-timer Vijay Nandula who has been fond of the place for many years. “What I remember of this tree as a child and what I see today are two different things. It is sad to see the beauty of the tree being lost,” he says. One can’t help but feel that the Pillalamarri remains a symbol of the transformations in its district. Hopefully the people here will find a way to rejuvenate this monumental tree, and a way to balance its welfare and development.

By Amoga Laxmi Sukka

Reported in March 2013 during my educational visit to Mehbubnagar from University of Hyderabad

Spreading Smiles, my good friends

On an official trip, i was in Nowrangpur, a maoist affected area located in the borders of Chattisgarh and Odisha. I was assigned the duty to visit one of the ten gram panchayats in Jharigaon block where the tribal girl children literacy levels was found to be around six percent.

In the assignment, i came across these three Santhalese tribal women who later became my companions or good friends talking to me in their own language and helping me to understand their culture.

Language was never a problem for us as we exchanged our views through our eyes and actions. I spent some time walking through the fields along with them and understanding their daily dose of activities.

After being addicted to 24/7 internet and daily huzz buzz of the city, being away from this schedule and spending time in a remote area like Baalujaran, without continuous power cut and good transport system was not a silly thing for me.

But these two days spent in Baalujaran was a different experience. The first time i went close to them with a camera in my hand, they were not panicked but welcomed me with a cute smile. Innocence was clearly visible and friendliness was extended without any expectations. 

I sat beside them and questioned all possible things that i want to ask and got replies which i understood to an extent. When i asked for a photo, they dint understand anything, but after showing few clicks they agreed to me.

I was not understanding how to make them sit or stand in postures or locations.. but felt that i should make the best of ambience that was offered in the location. I had to show them how to laugh for my photo so that they will laugh. After couple of sessions, they came out with hearty laugh and the result is this photo.

God always made beautiful things and we humans exploit and kill the quality. Natural beauty is something god gifted. Having seen these women without any make up or without using sunscreen to combat scorching heat or get tanned, this is something that has to be appreciated. Beautiful souls and beautiful them.

Miss those days and them.

By Amoga Laxmi Sukka