The Kolar Goldfields, Mysore, India

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The Kolar Gold Fields, Mysore, India

Mysore Mine, Kolar Gold Fields looking North West circa 1890.

From left: Plummer's, Taylor's, Rowse' and Crocker's Shafts.

Background

The following were the principal Mines on the Gold Fields in 1905:- The Mysore Gold Mine; Champion Reef Mine; Ooregum Mine; Nundydroog Mine; Tank Block Mine; Balaghat Mine; Gold Fields of Mysore; Coromandel Mine; Oriental Mine; Nine Reefs Mine; Road Block Mine; Mysore Reefs Gold Mines.

Research on the Cornish connection with the Kolar Goldfields has only recently commenced , the following is a brief account of the information collected to date.

In 1873 a Mr. M.F. Lavelle, a resident in Bangalore, applied to the Government for the mining rights within the Kolar District with the intention of finding coal. His request was granted and he commenced operations by sinking a shaft in 1875, near Oorgaum. Finding that greater capital would be required to carry out the work he transferred all his rights and concessions to a syndicate formed by Colonel Beresford and known as the Kolar Concessionaires. By 1881 the Concessionaires had secured the services of Messrs. John Taylor & Sons, a firm of mining Engineers in London who had been involved in the management, amongst many other mining operations, of the Real del Monte Company in Mexico from the 1820's to its winding up in 1840.

Champion Reef Mine, Kolar Gold Fields

It would appear that Cornish involvement in the Goldfields probably commenced around this time and was no doubt promoted by John Taylor & Co's connection with and knowledge of the Cornish hard rock miners.

Details of the European employees in 1905 include a predominance of Cornish surnames both at the mines and within the Kalor Goldfield Volunteers.

Kolar Gold Fields Rifle Volunteers

1905 Under the Commander-in-Chief in India: formed by G.G.O. 639 of 1903

Motto - "Defence not Defiance" Badge - Crossed Pickaxe and Hammer

Honorary Colonel - Richard Hancock , Esq Lieutenant-Colonel - Thomas Edward Piercey , Commandant Majors - G.A. Paterson , C.H. Richards Captains - E. Jeffery , R.H.P. Bullen , F.J. Tregay , Percy Key , H.M. Leslie , H.T. Hincks , D. Gill Jenkins , J. Johns Lieutenants - G.W. Walker , W.R.C. Beudon , T.A. Clarke , N.F.K. Richards , W. Ward , H.M.A. Cooke , G.E. Payne , A.W. Jolly , C.H. Stonor 2nd Lieutenants - J.J. Clarke , R.F. Vaughan , H.H. Osborn , J.S. Anderson , W.C. Vine , R.T.J. Weeks Staff - Adjutant - Capt. F.G. Pierce , 69th Punjabies; Medical Officer - Surgn,-Maj. T.J. O'Donnell; Hony. Chaplains - Rev. L.G. Pollard , Rev. J.H. Fraysse; Hony, Major - Edgar Taylor , Quarter Master - Hony. Lt. G.W. Bickley Surgeon Lt. J.D. O'Donnell Sergeant-Major -- H.W. Goble , Oorgaum Sergt.-Instructors - A. Goldfinch , L. Taylor , R. Motley , 1st Essex, Officiating, Gold Fields Qr. Mr. Sergeant - D.A. Spence , Chanpion Reef

Cornish and Indian miners cutting the top plat, 315 Level, Rowes Shaft, Mysore Mine, Kolar Gold Fields

We would be most interested to hear from anyone with connections to the Kolar Goldfields.

The KGF Online website contains a lot of information on the Kolar Goldfields

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Page last updated 4th August 2007 - more to be added