Buffaloes in Vijayanagar era Dasara: Kambala opponents accuse CM of distorting history

According to historians and experts on heritage, there is not a single record of buffaloes participating in the Dasara celebrations observed by the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire, says Parisarakkagi Naavu’s general secretary Parashuramegowda. | Photo Credit: File Photo

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.