Origin & History
The Raja Lakhamagouda Science Institute
The Raja Lakhamagouda Science Institute is an autonomous education institution run by Karnataka Lingayat Education (K.L.E.) Society in Belagavi. It was established in 1935 and was named after the head of the former princely state Vantamuri, Raja Lakhamagouda Saradesai. The Raja Lakhamagouda Science Institute was inaugurated in 1944by the noble laureate Sir C. V. Raman.
North Karnataka during pre-independence period was educationally and economically a backward region. Yet, there was a great thirst for education among the people. This educationally backward region experienced a scientific renaissance of the mind and the spirit with the inception of the Science college in Belagavi by Karnataka Lingayat Education Society, in 1935. Initially, the Science course was introduced in the, then, already existing Lingaraj College. It was progressing by leaps and bounds; and subsequently,in 1941, it was named as Raja Lakhamagouda Science Institute, after the name of the munificent Sardar Raja Lakhamagouda Basavaprabhu Sardesai of Vantamuri, who had generously donated to the institute.
Raja Lakhamagouda Science Institute has a rich academic history of 87years spanning over three generations of students. Since its establishment in 1935, the Institute has been supported by the committed faculty members undertaking curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities to fulfil its mission.
The Institute offers students the opportunity for holistic development and brings a sense of accomplishment to the faculty members and stakeholders alike. The Institute has, over the years, expanded and grown by leaps and bounds and its alumni have excelled themselves all over the world.
Raja Lakhamagouda Sardesai of Vantamuri- A great philanthropist
Raja Lakhamagouda Sardesai (1864–1942) was an Indian philanthropist, first Barrister-at-Law from Karnatakaand a ruler of Vantamuri princely state in Belagavi district. He was the 16th ruler of Vantamuri princely state. He ascended the throne at the age of 13 years in 1877. The princely state had a Wada (traditional mansion) at Vantamuri which was built by Prabhu Basavantrao at Hidkal.
Early life and education
He was born on 29 July 1864 in Ammanagi village of Belagavi district. His birthname was Appasaheb. He completed his primary education in Ammanagi village. Later, he went to Kolhapur for his secondary education. He partly completed his secondary education in Kolhapur and completed latter secondary education in Belagavi at Sardar High School. Later in 1882, he enrolled at Bombay University.
Sardesai studied law in England. He was appointed as first-class Judge of Vantamuri by the British Government in 1888 on his return from England after his law degree completion.
Early life and education
- He was conferred the order of Companion of the Indian Empire(CIE) in 1919 and the title Raja in 1930 by British Government for his service towards community and education.
- Dharwad High School was renamed as Raja Lakhamagouda Sardesai High School in 1929.
- Our Science institute in Belagavi was named as Raja Lakhamagouda Science Institute in 1935.