History of Gangolli church
GLIMPSE INTO THE HISTORY OF GANGULI CHURCH Pratapananda Naik, S.J. Founder of Ganguli Church – Franciscan Friars Venkatappa Nayaka I (1582 – 1629 A.D.), the powerful king of Keladi to whom Ganguli belonged, died on 10 th November 1629. 1 His successor, Virabhadra Nayaka (1629 – 1645), was attacked by the Adil Shah of Bijapur and the other neighbouring kings. Besides the feudatories of Keladi began to revolt and a relative of Virabhadra claimed the throne of Keladi. 2 The Portuguese fully exploited this critical situation. Early in 1630 they took possession of Ganguli. 3 The Portuguese Viceroy, Dom Miguel de Noronha decided to execute the plan to build a fort at Ganguli. 4 The local Chettis (merchant caste) approved the plan under the condition that the Portuguese would defend them against Virabhadra Nayaka. The Portuguese had already acquired Kundapur fort in 1569 from Tolar chiefs. 5 About a century later, due to storm, the entranc...