Bedkihal village is situated in the Chikodi taluka of Belgaum district, 37 km from Kolhapur and 22 km from Kagal. This village is well known in the Belgaum-Sangli and Kolhapur districts for the Navaratri and Dussehra festival celebrated at the Siddheshwar Temple. The wrestling competitions held here during the Dussehra festival are famous throughout Maharashtra, attracting wrestlers from distant places. However, Bedkihal becomes significant to us due to the fortified mansion (Gadhi) of Sardar Manoji Jagdale located here. This Gadhi, situated on the Ramnagar road in Bedkihal village, is locally known as the Inamdar’s Wada. On the northern side of the Gadhi is a well-constructed reservoir, and the entrance to the Gadhi lies through a path from this reservoir. This square-shaped Gadhi is spread over approximately 1.5 acres and has four large bastions at each corner. ... No evident defensive structures are seen within these bastions or the fortification walls. The height of the walls is approximately 15 feet, while the bastions rise up to 25 feet. The access to the Gadhi is currently through a narrow lane where no gate is visible. At the center of the Gadhi stands a well-maintained four-winged Wada belonging to the Inamdar family, which is still in use today. Other parts of the Gadhi are occupied by houses of the descendants, leaving no open space. As more houses were constructed, the eastern wall of the Gadhi was broken down to allow expansion beyond it. In addition, there is another gate on the western side of the fortification. The inner walls of the fortification feature arched niches, and at one point, there are stairs to ascend the wall. As there is not much space to explore within the Gadhi, a round can be completed in 5 to 10 minutes. While taking a round from the outside, one can see a 4-foot tall sculpture of Maruti embedded in the wall of the northeast bastion. From the exterior, the fortification of the Gadhi still appears to be in good condition. The overall construction of the Gadhi does not seem to be very ancient. No historical references are found regarding this Gadhi, which was likely built in the later period of the Karvir princely state. Along with visiting the Gadhi, one can also visit the Siddheshwar temple in the village.
© Suresh Nimbalkar