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North Karnataka (Kannada: ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ), is a relatively arid expanse of plateau, lying between 300 and 700 meters elevation, in southern India and within the Karnataka province. It includes the districts of Belgaum, Bellary, Bidar, Bijapur, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Gulbarga, Raichur, Gadag, Haveri and Koppal. It is drained by the Krishna River and its tributaries the Bhima, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, and Tungabhadra. It mostly lies within the Deccan thorn scrub forests ecoregion, which extends north into eastern Maharashtra and east into the Telingana region of Andhra Pradesh.
Introduction
North Karnataka is known for the great freedom fighters, Social Reformers, great Hindustani musicians, great personalities related to literature, law, Science and technology. World heritage sites, Communal harmony, many more……
North Karnataka has many Jain monuments belonging to Kadambas, Rashtrakutas, Badami Chalukyas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Sevuna, Vijayanagara period. North Karnataka is a land accompanied by majestic cliffs, rocky landscapes and magnificent monuments that date back to 5th century. Aihole is called the cradle of Hindu rock architecture with over 125 temples and monuments. Rashtrakuta monuments at Lokapura, Bilgi and Kuknur and Kalyani Chalukyas monuments built in the Gadag style at Lakkundi, Gadag, Koppal District and the famous Vijayanagar empire temples at Vijayanagara are the best that it offers. Badami Chalukyas monuments at Pattadakal, Aihole, and Badami are a sight to be seen. Hampi in Bellary District is world famous with some fifty four world heritage monuments and six hundred and fifty national monuments.
History of North Karnataka
Reference : Handbook of Karnataka
www.gazetteer.kar.nic.in/dist_book.asp?pre_post=1&kan=2
www.gazetteer.kar.nic.in/data/gazetteer/postind/Kar_Handbook_2005_Chapter14.Pdf
North Karnataka's history2 and culture takes us back to pre-historic times. The earliest find of the stone age period in India was a handaxe at Lingasugur in Raichur district. The Ashoka's rock edicts found in the state indicate that "major parts of Northern Karnataka were under the Mauryas". Adding new dimensions to the cultural and spiritual ethos of the land, many great dynasties left their imprint upon the aesthetic development of North Karnataka's art forms. Prominent among them were the Chalukyas, Vijayanagara Empire, Rashtrakuta, Deccan Sultanates and Western Chalukyas.
Western Chalukya
This dynasty is sometimes called the Kalyani Chalukya after its regal capital at Kalyani, today's Basavakalyan in Karnataka and alternatively the Later Chalukya from its theoretical relationship to the sixth century Chalukya dynasty of Badami.
The Western Chalukyas developed an architectural style known today as a transitional style, an architectural link between the style of the early Chalukya Dynasty3 and that of the later Hoysala empire.
The Chalukyas built some of the earliest Hindu temples in India. The most prominent ones are: the Mahadeva Temple (Itagi) in the Koppal District, the Kasivisvesvara Temple at Lakkundi in the Gadag District, the Mallikarjuna Temple at Kuruvatti and the Kallesvara Temple at Bagali, both in the Davangere District. The monuments notable for their craftsmanship are the Siddhesvara Temple at Haveri in the Haveri District, the Amrtesvara Temple at Annigeri in the Dharwad District, the Sarasvati Temple in Gadag, and the Dodda Basappa Temple at Dambal, both in the Gadag District. Aihole turned up as an experimental base for the dynamic creations of architects.
Rashtrakuta
References : www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rashtrakuta , www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellora , www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kailash_Temple
During the rule of Dantidurga, built an impressive empire with the Gulbarga region in modern Karnataka as its base. This clan came to be known as the Rashtrakuta45s of Manyakheta, rising to power in South India in 753. During their rule, Jain mathematicians and scholars contributed important works in Kannada and Sanskrit. Amoghavarsha I was the most famous king of this dynasty and wrote Kavirajamarga, a landmark literary work in the Kannada language. Architecture reached a milestone in the Dravidian style, the finest examples of which are seen in the Kailasanatha Temple Kailash Temple at Ellora and the sculptures of Elephanta Caves in modern Maharashtra as well as in the Kashivishvanatha temple and the Jain Narayana temple at Pattadakal in modern North Karnataka, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Scholars however concur that the kings of the imperial dynasty in the eighth to tenth century made the Kannada language as important as Sanskrit. Rashtrakuta inscriptions are in the two languages of Kannada and Sanskrit and the kings encouraged literature in both languages. The earliest existing Kannada literary writings are credited to their court poets and royalty. Though these Rashtrakutas were Kannadigas, they were conversant in a northern Deccan language as well.
Kailash Temple is a splendid achievement of Dravidian art. This project was started by Krishna I (757- 773) of the Rashtrakuta dynasty that ruled from Manyakheta in present day Karnataka state, It is 40 km from Gulbarga city. Manyakheta (modern Malkhed) on the banks of Kagini River in Gulbarga district
Kadambas of Hangal
Kadambas were an ancient dynasty of south India who primarily ruled the region which is present day Goa state and nearby Konkan region (part of modern Maharashtra and Karnataka state). The early rulers of this dynasty established themselves at Vaijayanti or Banavasi in 345 AD and the ruled as independent rulers for more than 2 centuries. In 607 AD, Chalukyas of Vatapi sacked Banavasi and Kadamba kingdom was incorporated into the expanding Chalukyan empire. In eighth century AD, Chalukyas of Vatapi were overthrown by Rashtrakutas who ruled supreme in south India till the 10th century. In 980 AD, descendants of Chalukyas and Kadambas rose against Rashtrakutas and the Rashtrakuta empire fell, resulting in the establishment of a second Chalukyan dynasty (called Western Chalukyas). Chatta Deva, a scion of Kadamba family who helped Western Chalukyas in this coup, re-established Kadamba dynasty. He was mostly a feudatory of Western Chalukyas but his successors enjoyed considerable independence and were almost sovereign rulers of Goa and Konkan till 14th century AD. The successors of Chatta Deva occupied both Banavasi and Hangal and are known as Kadambas of Hangal. Later Kadambas kept paying nominal allegiance to other major power brokers of Deccan like Yadavas and Hoysalas of Dorasamudra and thus maintained their independence. Four different families of Kadambas ruled in southern India which were Kadambas of Hangal6, Kadambas of Goa, Kadambas of Belur and Kadambas of Banvasi.
Vijayanagara empire
Vijayanagara78, the greatest of all medieval Hindu empires and one of the greatest the world over, fostered the development of intellectual pursuits and fine arts. Abdur Razzaq the Persian ambassador had said, "The eye of the pupil has never seen a place like it and the ear of intelligence has never been informed that there existed anything to equal it in the world".
Deccan Sultanates
The Vijayanagara empire with its capital at Hampi fell a victim to the marauding army of the Deccan Sultanates9 in 1565 A.D. As a consequence of this, Bijapur has became the most important city of the region. Bijapur is a land of monuments and perhaps no other city except Delhi has as many monuments as Bijapur. Bahmani Shahis and Adil Shahis of Bijapur have played an important role in the history of Karnataka by their contribution to the field of art and architecture and also by their propagation of Islam in the state.
Historically Important Places
- Belagavi / Belgaum
Belgaum / Belagavi earlier known as Venugrama (Bamboo Village) is one of the oldest, strong, prominent and well cultured historical place nestling high in the Western Ghats. The old town area with cotton and silk weavers stands gloriously besides the modern, bustling, tree-lined British Cantonment.
Belgaum is the District Head Quarters and was also Divisional Headquarters till recently, on the Bangalore-Pune National Highway. It was the capital of the Rattas who shifted to this place from Saundatti during the close of 12th century A.D. The place has a fort inside which built by one Ratta Officer called Bichirajain 1204 A.D. exhibits the execution of a totally refined style of temple architecture. It has excellently and artistically carved Kamala Basadi' having huge protruding lotus petals of stone (Kamala) in its ceiling and this beautiful structure in Chalukya style houses Neminatha Teerthankara image. The place came under the Sevunas (Yadavas) and Vijayanagara and later conquered by Mahamood Gawan in 1474 on behalf of the Bahamanis. The fort was strengthened by the Adilshahis and there is an excellent structure, Safa Mosque with three entrances, has rich floral and impressive calligraphic designs. Two of its pillars have Kannada Inscriptions in Nagari Scripts, one of 1199 of Ratta King Kartaveerya IV and another of 1261 is of Sevuna (Yadava) Krishna.
Due to its proximity to the states of Maharashtra and Goa, Belgaum has acquired the cultural flavour of these states and blended it with the local Kannada culture to create a rich heritage, which is unique in its manifestation. It is also known as Malenadu or Rain Country and the vegetation here is verdant green throughout the year.
This city is famous for Belgaum Kunda.
Bellary is a district headquarters. It has spread round two rocky hills, and one of them called Balahari Betta has a temple. The fort built round the hill in Vijayanagara times is still intact. It passed into the hands of Bijapur, Marathas, the Nizam and Haider. After the fall of Tipu, the town was ceded to the British by the Nizam. The Durgamma (Ballaramma) temple here has the deity represented by the heap of earth. The place has two large mosques. A Government Medical College was founded here in 1961 Bellary now has grown as a great centre of apparel manufacturing.
Bidar, the District headquarters, described as Viduranagara, a place of Mahabharatha times. It must have existed as a minor but powerful fort during the days of Kalyani Chalukyas (AD 1074- AD 1190). It passed on to the control of the Kakatiyas of Warrangal. In A.D.1322, Prince Ulugh Khan captured the town of Bidar. Subsequently, it was annexed by Sultan Muhammad-bin- Tughlaq of Delhi. With the establishment of the Bahmani dyanasty (AD 1347), Bidar was occupied by Sultan Alla-Ud-Din Bahman Shah Bahmani. During the rule of Ahmad Shah I (1422-1486 AD), Bidar was made the capital city of Bahmani Kingdom.
The Bahmanshahi rulers made it their capital, in c, 1426 and fortified it. It is still intact. Inside it are the Solha Kamb mosque (1423) and palaces like Takht Mahal, Chini Mahal and Rangeen Mahal; some of them are highly decorated with mosaic and wood work etc. The fort has magnificent doorways and massive bastions. Gawan’s Madrasa in the town is a gorgeous imposing building of Indo-Saracenic style. After the decline of Bahamanis, the Barid-Shahis ruled over Bidar and it was taken over by the Bijapur rulers in 1619. Later it fell to Aurangzeb, and finally it came under the Nizam. Jharani Narasimha temple here is quite famous. Ashtur near Bidar has tombs of Bahmani Sultans which are tall structures, and one of them has paintings. The Gurudwara at Bidar is built at Nanak Zhira, which is described as a fountain created by Guru Nanak during his visit.
Bidar boasts of several religious centers: The famous Nanak Jheera - the largest Sikh temple at least in Karnataka, carries the tale that Guru Nanak - the first guru of the Sikhs visited this place and got rid of the scarcity of drinking water in the region. A popular spot is the Sikh temple, Guru Nanak Jheera, where fresh crystal clear spring water appears from nowhere. To visit the Narasimha Jheera, you have to tread for at least a furlong inside a cave with waist deep water to seek the a view of Lord Narasimha. Papanaash is a temple of Lord Shiva. The historical fort of Bidar was a stronghold of the Bahamani Kings in the 14th and 15th centuries. The fort is surrounded by three miles of walls with 37 bastions, most of them surmounted with cannons. This fort was a source of irritation to the Mughal rulers of Delhi, and was finally conquered by Aurangazeb. The fort now lies in ruins.
Famous for Bidriware
Gulbarga and the area around it was a part of the ancient Chalukyan kingdom of Badami. The origin of the town of Gulbarga goes back to the local Kakatiya rulers of Warangal. It witnessed a lot of turmoil in the early medieval period. In the early part of the 14th century, it became the part of the Delhi Sultanate. It was captured by Ulugh Khan, one of the generals belonging to the Tughlaq dynasty of Delhi Sultanate, and later captured by Mohammed bin Tughlaq, the Sultan of Delhi. It remained a part of the Delhi Sultanate until the death of Mohammed bin Tughlaq. Later it became a part of the Bahamani kingdom. The Bahamani kings made it their capital from 1347 to 1428. In the 17th century, it was annexed by Aurangzeb, the last great Mughal ruler and inducted into the Mughal Empire. In the 18th century, Gulbarga came under the erstwhile rulers of Hyderabad.
Bijapur, the district headquarters, is one of the most important centres of Indo-Saracenic art, being the capital of the Adilshahis of Bijapur (1489-1686). The place is mentioned as Vijayapura in as inscription of 12th Century A.D. The Gol Gumbaz here has the biggest dome in India, 126 feet in diameter at its base and is the Mausoleum of Mohammed Adilshah (1626-56). It has an astonishing whispering gallery and it covers an area of 15,000 square feet. Ibrahim Rauza is a marvelous mausoleum of Ibrahim II (1580-1626) which stands on a platform supported by rows of arches, and at one end is the mosque and at the other the tomb. Henry Cousens called this, the Tajmahal of the South. Anand Mahal, Gagan Mahal, Asar Mahal etc. are the other important monuments of this place.
Bijapur. It is famous for the monuments Gol Gumbuz, Jama Masjid and Ibrahim Rauza.
Gol Gumbuz a round domed building, a tomb of King Adil Shahi. It is the second largest dome in the world after St Peters Basilica in Rome. In the central chamber every sound is echoed 7 times. The Whispering Gallery, a minutest sound can be heard 37 metres away.
Ibrahim Rauza tomb of King Ibrahim Adil Shahi II, this monument has been built on a single rock bed. It is said that the designs of the Ibrahim Rauza tomb served as an inspiration for the famous Taj Mahal, Agra.
Jama Masjid mosque has one of the largest remains Adil Shahi's Dynasty.
Dharwad, a district headquarters on the Pune-Bangalore Road, is the cultural headquarters of North Karnataka. Mentioned as Dharawada in a record of the 12th century of the Kalyani Chalukyas, the place came under the Seunas, Vijayanagara, Bijapur, Mughuls, Marathas, and Haider and Tipu. The Vijayanagara rulers built a fort here which was strengthened by Bijapur rulers. Its door-frame alone remains now. It was the home of Alur Venkatrao, the father of Karnataka Unification Movement, poet Dr. D. R. Bendre and outstanding Hindustani Vocalists Mallikarjuna Mansur. Now a part of Hubli-Dharwad Corporation, Dharwad became the district headquarters when it came under the British from the Marathas in 1818, and grew to be a centre of learning due to the English School opened in 1848, high school opened by the Basel Mission in 1868 and the Training College was initiated in 1867 which became the centre of Kannada Movement. The Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha (1890) sowed the seeds of Kannada Renaissance.
The Durgadevi temple near the fort is renovated now and the Someshwara on Kalghatgi Road has a Chalukyan temple and a tank. The Mailara Linga temple at Vidyagiri is a Kalyani Chalukya monument converted into a mosque by Bijapur army but again changed as a temple by the Peshwas. The place has many temples like Venkataramana, Nandikola Basavanna, Dattatreya, Ulavi Basavanna etc. The Murugha Matha is a centre of religious activity.
Basavana Bagewadi in Bijapur District. is 43 km. to the east of Bijapur and is a Taluk headquarters where Sharana Basaveshwara was born (12th Century). It was an agrahara. Basaveshwara was the son of the head of this institution. The main temple here the Basaveshwara, is of Chalukyan style, but called as Sangamanatha in records. The Samadhis of Siddharameshwara and Gurupadeshwara of the Inchageri school of spiritual pursuit are seen here. A spot here identified as Basava’s ancestral house is declared as protected zone by the Trust.
Western Chalukya architecture10
Reference : Western Chalukya architecture
Gadag-Betgeri (Kaldugu is the old name of Gadag and Battakere(Round Tank) of Betgeri) is a twin city, It is a great centre of Kalyani Chalukya art with the large Trikuteshwara temple, originally Rashtrakuta, later expanded by the Kalyani Chalukyas into a vast complex, and it has Trikuteshwara temple complex triple shrines once housing Shiva, Brahma and Surya. The Saraswati temple in its precinct has the finest shining decorative pillars, is the finest examples of Chalukya Art. The place has the Someshwara and Rameshwara temples of Chalukyan style, is also known for its religious harmony. The Veeranarayana temple of Chalukya times, completely renovated in Vijayanagara times including the image of Narayana too replaced. The great Kannada poet Kumaravyasa composed his famous Karnataka Bharatha Kathamanjari by staying in this temple.
Gadag has a mosque of Adilshahi times, highly artistic. There is a Church too of the Basel Mission (Now C.S.I.). Betageri has many artistic herostones, some dating back to 9th-10th centuries. Gadag-Betageri are famous for weaving industry, and of late, Gadag has excelled in printing. To reach Lakkundi, Dambal, Itgi and Kuknur, Gadag is the gateway.
- Mahadeva Temple (Itagi) in the Koppal District
Mahadeva built the Mahadeva temple at Itagi (Koppal Dt.) the finest Chalukyan monument.
Lakkundi12 was a place of prominence during the ninth and 14th centuries and it came under the rule of Chalukya, Yadava and Hoysala kings. It was the capital of Hoysala king Ballala II (Veeraballala) in 1192 A.D.
Lakkundi (Known as Lokkigundi)situated at 12 km from Gadag, was once famous for its rich cultural heritage. Lakkundi finds mention in the inscriptions dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries. In these inscriptions, Lokkigundi has been compared to Amaravati, the capital of Lord Indra in terms of wealth.
The Kashi Vishweshwara Temple at Lakkundi in the Gadag district
BRAHMA-JINALAYA BASTI at Lakkundi in the Gadag district
- Haveri
The Siddhesvara Temple at Haveri in the Haveri District
Siddhesvara Temple at Haveri, a staggered square plan with dravida articulation and superstructure, 11th century CE
The Amrtesvara Temple at Annigeri in the Dharwad District
Amrtesvara Temple in Annigeri was built in the Dharwad district in 1050 CE with dravida articulation. This was the first temple made of soapstone
The Doddabasappa Temple at Dambal in the Gadag District
Dambal or Dhammavolal now in Gadag dt. is 21 km from Gadag. It is also known as Dharmapolalu in ancient inscriptions. It was a Buddhist Centre too. The Doddabasappa and the Someshwara are the two notable Chalukya temples here and the Doddabasappa has multigonal star-shaped garbhagriha. With fine sculptural representations and a huge Nandi image. The Someshwara could have been an old basadi. In the old ruined fort, there is a huge Ganapati image in a small shrine. The town has a 400 year old vast tank. There is the Thontada Siddhalingeswara Matha at the place.
Dodda Basappa Temple at Dambal, a unique 24-pointed, uninterrupted stellate (star-shaped), 7-tiered dravida plan, 12th century CE
Badami has a set of four elaborately carved cave temples and one natural Buddhist temple. The caves are located half way up a low hill and can be approached by stairs.
the third cave quite interesting with its almost 3-metre high sculptures. Between the second and the third caves, there are stairs that go up to the top of the hill where there are some fortifications from the Chalukya era.
The caves overlook the ancient Agatsyateerth pond, built sometime in the 5th century.
Just behind the archaeological museum, there is a long stairway that leads to the fortification on the top of the hill. Most people who come to Badami don't venture this way, this is the best thing about the place.
The pond shimmers in the glory of the early morning sun, reflecting the cliffs on the other side. A perfect Kodak moment. There are a couple of Chalukya temples on the top covered with intricate carvings.
On the northern side of the pond, is a group of Shiva temples called the Bhoothnath temples, which are also worth exploring.
There are more than a 100 temples in the village dating from the 6th to the 12th centuries. Of these around 30 temples are within an enclosed area and the others are spread all over the village.
Aihole was the first capital of the early Chalukyas and is a veritable treasure trove of ancient temples. Actually quite similar to Hampi, only much more ancient and much less publicized.
The most famous of the temples is the photogenic Durga temple within the enclosed complex, lying in the midst of lush green lawns. The temple is apsidal in plan, topped by a curvilinear shikhara. A pillared corridor runs around the temple. The pillars are beautifully carved with sculptures depicting incidents from the Ramayana. Another notable temple is the Lad Khan temple, also within the compound. The temple has beautifully carved pillars and is named after a Muslim saint who lived here sometime in the late 19th century. There are several other smaller shrines and a small museum within the same complex.
The Revalphadi Cave, dedicated to Shiva, is remarkable for its delicate details.
Not to be missed is the Konthi Temple Complex (Kwanthi Gudi), the Uma Maheswari Temple with a beautifully carved Brahma seated on a lotus, the austere Jain Meguti Temple and the two storeyed Buddhist Temple.
Mahakuta, once a great center of shaiva cult, Mahakuta is a beautiful place surrounded by hills. The Mahakuteshwara temple dedicated to Shiva, is built in the Dravidian style.
Naganath Temple, located in a forest on the way to Mahakuta, it is one of the early Chalukyan temples dedicated to Shiva.
The temple is dedicated to Banashankari or Shakambari (a form of Parvati) is located at Cholachagud popularly called Banashankari. A famous fair and festival is held here in January - February.
Hubli-Dharwad
Hubli City, situated about 20 km east of Dharwad, is the commercial centre of the district. Cotton and peanuts (called groundnuts locally) are grown aplenty in the surrounding rural areas, and Hubli is a major trading center for both commodities. Fish from Karwar, a coastal town 165 km away, is packed and shipped from Hubli. It is also an important city for the Indian Railways, being The zonal headquarters of South Western Railway and the Hubli Division. It also has a wagon workshop.
Hubli is an important industrial centre, with more than 1000 allied small and medium industries already established. There are machine tools industries, electrical, steel furnitures, food products, rubber and leather industries and tanning industries. With the establishment of Bhoruka textile Mill, N.G.E.F and K.M.F. it has gathered momentum in industrial development.
Dharwad is the cultural capital of Northern Karnataka. It is home of great maestros of Hindustani classical music such as Kumar Gandharva, Basavaraj Rajguru, Gangubai Hanagal, Bhimsen Joshi, Mallikarjun Mansur and soon...
Famous for Dharwad peda
History of Kannada language
Origins of Kannada languages
Linguistic history of India : Linguistic history of India#Origins of Kannada
Kannada is one of the oldest Dravidian languages with an antiquity of at least 2000 years. The spoken language is said to have separated from its proto-Dravidian source earlier than Tamil and about the same time as Tulu. However, the archaeological evidence would indicate a written tradition for this language of around 1500-1600 years. The initial development of the Kannada language is similar to that of other Dravidian languages and independent of Sanskrit. In later centuries, Kannada, along with other Dravidian languages like Telugu, Malayalam, etc., has been greatly influenced by Sanskrit in terms of vocabulary, grammar and literary styles.
Kannada is one of the oldest Dravidian languages with an antiquity of at least 2000 years. The spoken language is said to have separated from its proto-Dravidian source earlier than Tamil and about the same time as Tulu
Links to Kannada and Karnataka(North)
As indicated that kanada had no written evidence that it is 2000 years older and older than that of Tamil, does it mean kanada had no script when evloved...? or just that to claim oldest status amongst dravidian language, the undisputed fact and as accepted by all linguist is Tamil is the mother language of all dravidian language, the so called proto dravidian language is itself is Tamil in an un refined form.
- Kannada language : Kannada
- Kannadiga : Kannadiga
- History of Karnataka : History of Karnataka
- Political history of medieval Karnataka: Political history of medieval Karnataka
- Rashtrakuta literature: Rashtrakuta literature, Amoghavarsha I
- Kannada Literature under the Rashtrakutas: 13www.kamat.com/kalranga/deccan/rashtrakutas/literature_kannada.htm
- Adikavi Pampa : Adikavi Pampa
- Ranna : Ranna
- Kannada literature: Kannada literature
- Halegannada: Halegannada
- Halmidi inscription: Halmidi inscription
- Western Ganga literature : Western Ganga literature
- Medieval Kannada literature: Medieval Kannada literature
- Literature in the Hoysala Empire: Hoysala literature
- Vijayanagara Empire Literature: Vijayanagara Empire Literature
- Alupas: Alupas
- Kappe Arabhatta inscription Badami : Kappe Arabhatta
The Monier-Williams Sanskrit Dictionary lists for the Sanskrit word draviḍa a meaning of "collective Name for 5 peoples, viz. the Andhras, Karnatakas, Gurjaras, Tailangas, and Mahārāstras".14
Jaina contribution to Kannada literature
evidence required on "Jaina authors in Kannada are far more numerous than in Tamil". whatever is just said cannot become fact. Any satement made should be substantiated.!
Jaina contribution to Kannada literature,15 The earliest cultivators of the Kannada language were Jainas. The oldest works of any extent and value that have come down to us are all from the pen of the Jainas. The period of the Jainas predominance in the literary field may justly be called the Augustan Age of Kannada Literature. Jaina authors in Kannada are far more numerous than in Tamil. To name only a few, we have Pampa, Ponna, Ranna, Gunavarman, Nagachandra, Nayasena, Nagavarman, Aggala, Nemichandra, Janna, Andayya, Bandhuvarma and Medhura, whose works are admired as excellent specimens of poetical composition. It is only in Kannada that we have a Ramayana and a Bharata based on the Jaina tradition in addition to those based on Brahmanical tradition. Besides kavyas written by Jaina authors, we have numerous works by them dealing with subjects such as grammar, rhetoric, prosody, mathematics, astrology, medicine, veterinary science, cookery and so forth. In all the number of Jaina authors in Kannada is nearly two hundred.
Hindustani music
The golden era of Hindustani music in North Karnataka16 17 came with the rise of five great vocalists - Mallikarjun Mansur, Gangubai Hangal, Kumar Gandharva, Bhimsen Joshi and Basavaraj Rajguru. These five rich rivers of Hindustani Music not only contributed generously to Hindustani classical music but also left behind a large number of their disciples and promising vocalists.
It is worth to mention the names include Narayanrao Mujumdar, Ganpatrao Gurav and Mrityunjaya Puranikmath. From Belgaum include Kagalkarbua, Utturkarbua, Uma Maheshwarbua, Pandit Rajwade, Sangmeshwar Gurav, Pandit R N Joshi and Pandit Rambhau Vijapure. These vocalists were immensely talented and contributed tremendously.
Golden era of Hindustani music in North Karnataka
North Indian artists, invited to perform in Mysore, especially during the Dussera celebrations, often broke their journey at Dharwad where they found the weather as pleasant as the people. Connoisseurs like vakil Pitre housed them and conducted baithaks to which attendance was free. Zamindars in Jamkhandi and Sangli were equally ready to play hosts and patrons. The ashrams in that region had swamijis with a taste for songs in praise of the Lord. The blind vocalist Panchakshari Gavai set up the Vireshwar Punyashram in Gadag town, a music school which gives precedence to blind pupils.
Dharwar flowered quite suddenly in the 20th century into a great centre for Hindustani music. Before the 1880s, the region had Carnatic musicians of local fame.
Abdul Karim Khan from village Kirana in the north made extended stays in Dharwad and Hubli. On a visit to Kundgol Khansaheb happened to notice a boy humming the Bhairavi, this was Ramrao (Sawai Gandharva). Sawai Gandharva attracted disciples like Bhimsen Joshi, Firoz Dastur, Basavaraj Rajguru and Gangubai Hangal. He cast such a spell on them that Joshi holds an annual festival in his guru's name in Pune, and unfailingly performs in Kundgol on the master's anniversary. There he is joined by fellow sishyas like Gangubai.
Sawai Gandharva, Mallikarjun Mansur and Basavaraj Rajguru had put in early stints on the stage. Gangubai Hangal's humming of natyasangeet made the family decide to train her in Hindustani rather than Carnatic music practised by her mother Ambabai and grandmother Kamalabai.
Two eminent singers from Dharwad started with the same guru from the Gwalior gharana, and worked in drama companies, but developed their own original music. Mallikarjun Mansur was born in a family of agriculturists in Mansur village. His exposure to music came from brother Basavaraj of Wamanrao Master's drama troupe. A restless spirit was Basavaraj Rajguru who spent his lifetime learning from as many sources as possible. An astonishing twelve gurus from many parts of India and several gharanas tell their own tale.
Karnataka Gandharvas
There are many Gandharvas18 in the Indian Classical Music
Sawai Gandharva, Kumar Gandharva, Bhoo Gandharva, Swar Raj Chhota Gandharva, Bal Gandharva, Dev Gandharva, Maharashtra Gandharva, Anand Gandharva
Rambhau Kundgolkar. Born in Kundgol in Karnataka, 15kms away from Hubli on the Banglore Hubli Railway route, Sawai Gandharva was disciple of Ustad Abdul Karim Khan of Kirana Gharana.
The contribution of Sawai Gandharva is classical music is by way of creating disciples like Pt. Bhimsen Joshi. Pt. Bhimsen Joshi got the inspiration of Santwani from the Bhajans of Sawai Gandharva. His other disciples are Dr. Gangubai Hangal, Sangameshwar Gurav, Pt. Phiroz Dastur. Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Samaroh held at his birth place Kundgol.
- Pandit. Kumar Gandharva
Many new ragas like Madh Surja, Chaiti Bhoop, Gandhi Malhar and several bandishes were created and composed by him. Geet Varsha, Mala Umajalele bal Gandharva are also his compositions. He never accepted the rigid rules of Gharana and created his own Gharana.
Shivaputra Sidhharamaiya Komkali born in a Lingayat family at Sulebhawi near Belgaum, he used to imitate many singers in his childhood. At 8, he came down to Bombay and started living with Dr. Ba. Ra. Devdhar at his Music Class near Opera House where he had a privilege of listening to many top singers like Ustad Bade Gulam Ali Khan, Shine Khan etc. His entire learning of music and up bringing took place here at the Deaodhar's Indian Music School under the instructions and observations of Dr. Devdhar. At a young age, he had problem of lungs and had to change his "gayaki style". He was asked not to sing for 2years and his first baithak took place at Puna where he sang for an hour. Surprisingly he sang very well in spite of having no riyaz.
Hindustani classical musicians
North Karnataka is home to many Hindustani classical musicians of repute who have sung their way to dizzying heights.19
Dr Gangubai Hangal .20
Dr Gangubai Hangal was born in the family of musicians on 5th March 1913 at Dharwad. Her mother Smt Ambabai was a renowned carnatic singer and father Sri Chikkurao Nadiger of Ranebennur was an agriculturist.
Dr Gangubai was Initiated into music by her mother. She learnt music under the guidance of Sri Krishnamacharya Hulgur and later under Sri Sawai Gandharv alias Sri Rambhau Kundgolkar a disciple of late Ustad Abdul Karim Khan, the main architect of kirana gharana school of music.
The blind singer Ganayogi Panchakshari Gawayi belonged to Gadag. His music school is famous, very shortly going to get an entry in Guinness book.
Ganayogi Panchakshari Gawayi - film
Kumareshwara Krupaposhitha Panchakshari Gawayi Natya Sangha Gadag.
Three generations of the Godkhindis : Pt. Venkatesh Godkhindi (60), his son Pravin Godkhindi (30) and grandson Shadj Godkhindi (6)
Vocal
- Arjunsa Nakod
- Ashok Huggannanavar
- Basavaraja Rajaguru
- Bhimsen Joshi
- Gangubai Hangal
- Gururao Deshpande
- Hanumanna Nayak Dore
- I.N. Kalaburgi
- Jayateerth Mevundi
- Keerti Kumar Badseshi
- Krishna Hangal
- Kumar Gandharva
- Madhava Gudi
- Mallikarjun Mansur
- Nagaraja Rao Havaldar
- Omkarnath Havaldar
- Panchakshari Gawai
- Panchakshari Swami Mattigatti
- Parameshwara Hegde
- Puttaraja Gawai
- Rajabhau Sontakke
- Rajashekhara Mansur
- Sanjeev Chimmalgi
- Sangameshwara Gurav
- Sawai Gandharva
- Shantaram Hegde
- Sheikh Hannumiya
- Vinayak Torvi
Bansuri
- Venkatesh Godkhindi
- Rajendra Kulkarni
- Pravin Godkhindi
Tabla
- Raghunath Nakod
- Rajendra Nakod
- Ravindra Yavagal
- Vishwanath Nakod
Harmonium
- Vyasamurthy Katti
Universities and great Colleges of North Karnataka
- VTU Visvesvaraya Technological University [1]
Industries in North Karnataka
IT,BT,ITES,BPO Companies
Player at STPI Hubli [15]
- N S Infotech Ltd
- Sankalp Semiconductor
- Neilsoft Ltd-Pune
- Katwa Infotech Ltd
- Transparent Technologies Pvt Ltd
- Ritescribe Medinfo Pvt Ltd
- Penarbour Infotech Pvt Ltd
- Able Design Engineering Services Pvt Ltd
- Aalpha Information Systems India Pvt Ltd
- IBSI India Pvt Ltd
- Shrinivas Technologies (MLM/Network Marketing software)
- First Source (ICICI One source)
- Augen Technology Software Solutions
- Viz-tek BPO Solutions Private Limited
- Intense Software Solutions (India) Private Limited
- Akshateck Solutions Private Limited
- Squteck Private Limited
- Inetsystems Web SOlutions
- ClickHubli.com
- Triams Technologies (Professional Web design Company) Hubli/bangalore/USA/Srilanka
- Esoftzone
- EQuest SEZ (EQeust Bangalore /USA)
- Leadingminds Ltd
- Katwa Infotech Ltd
- Gokulscribe Pvt Ltd
- Deltra software
- Rachanasoft Belgaum
- BTP infoserve Pvt Ltd
- G5 Solutions Pvt Ltd
- Vayavya Labs Pvt. Ltd
- Prosoft Solutions Belgaum
- K2 Technology Solutions helathcare division
- Conquest Infotech & Software ServicesMumbai
Tourism
Tourism Circuits of North Karnataka
Dandeli-Yellapur region Tourism Circuit :
The places include Dandeli, Syntheri rocks, Skypoint Ambikanagar, Ulavi, Kavala caves, Sathodi Falls, Lalguli Falls, Yellapur, Jenkal gudda, Kavadi kere, Magod Falls.
Saundatti / Savadatti region Tourism Circuit :
The places include Saundatti Fort, Parasgad Fort, Yallammagudda, Navilateertha, Hooli, Sogal, Murgod.
Gadag region Tourism Circuit :
The places include Gadag, Lakkundi, Annigeri, Mahadeva Temple (Itagi), Dambal, Sudi, Kuknur and Gajendragad.
Haveri region Tourism Circuit :
The places include Haveri, Kaginele, Hangal, Bankapura, Chaudadanpur, Ranebennur, Galaganatha, Kuruvatti, Rattihalli, Balligavi, Mundgod, Attiveri, Harihara, Haralahalli.
Badami region Tourism Circuit :
The places include Badami, Banashankari, Mahakuta, Aihole, Pattadakal.
Kudalasangama region Tourism Circuit : The places include Kudalasangama, Almatti Dam, Almati Garden.
Karwar region Tourism Circuit :
The places include beaches between Karwar and Ankola, Gokarna, Murdeshwara.
Kittur region Tourism Circuit :
The places include Kittur, Degaon, Halasi, Nandagad.
World heritage centres
Hampi near Hospet, in Bellary district is a renowned world heritage centre.
Hampi, the seat of the famed Vijayanagara empire was the capital of the largest empire in post-mogul India, covering several states. The empire reigned supreme under Krishnadevaraya, the Emperor. The Vijayanagara empire stretched over at least three states - Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction of Vijayanagar by marauding Moghul invaders was sudden, shocking and absolute. They reduced the city to ruins amid scenes of savage massacre and horrors beggaring description.
World heritage centre
Pattadkal was the second capital of the Chalukyas and it is where the kings were crowned. All the temples date to between the 7th and 8th centuries AD and are located on the banks of the scenic Malaprabha river.
It is basically a collection of nine temples, four of which are in the south Indian Dravidian style, four in the Nagara style of north India and the last one, the Papanatha temple represents a coming together of the two styles.
Pattadkal, perhaps one of the greatest ever experiments in the history of Indian temple architecture, is an art historian's delight.
The Sangameshwara, Chandrashekhara, Jambuling and Kadasideeshwara are the other major temples here, and Pattadakal has also a Jaina basadi of Rashtrakuta times with two beautiful elephants in this front. The Galaganath here which is dilapidated, has caurvilinear (rekhanagara) shikhara.
Wild life Sanctuaries of North Karnataka
The unique Sloth Bear sanctuary is situated very close to this heritage site. Situated only 15 kilometers from Hampi, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary is the only such sanctuary in North Karnataka
- Dandeli Wild life Sanctuary
Spread over 834.16 km2 the Dandeli wildlife sanctuary25 is the second largest in Karnataka and it is contiguous with the Mahaveer sanctuary in Goa. Prime Wildlife Attractions of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary) are Sloth Bear, Bush Grail, Deer, Elephant, Sambar, Tiger, Gaur, Panther and Partridge are some of the many inhabitants of this sanctuary. Around 35 km from Dandeli National Park is Syntheri rocks, awesome monolithic granite structure amidst thich forest, with the perennial river Kaneri flowing by its side. There are innumerable trekking trails and fishing spots at Dandeli.
- Ranebennur blackbuck sanctuary
Ranebennur blackbuck sanctuary26 in haveri district (declared a wildlife sanctuary on the 17th of June 1974 to protect blackbuck). Spread over 119 square kilometers, it is divided into three blocks namely hulathi, hunasikatti and alageri for administrative purposes. It has a core area of 14.87 km and a buffer zone of 104.13 km wherein the tourists are allowed. The vegetation here comprises mainly of scrub forests and extensive eucalyptus plantations. The fauna here comprises the wild pig, fox, jackal, wolf, blackbuck, etc.
- Attiveri Bird Sanctuary
Attiveri Bird Sanctuary is around 15 km from Mundgod in Uttara Kannada (Karwar) District of Karnataka. Spread over an area of about 2.23 km2, the sanctuary is located in and around the Attiveri reservoir.
The agricultural fields surrounding the sanctuary attract a variety of aquatic creatures. The part of the sanctuary surrounding the reservoir has riverine and deciduous forests. Birds that inhabit this area include Indian shag, cattle egret, little cormorant, spoonbill, pied kingfisher, white ibis, white-breasted kingfisher, common grey hornbill and common swallow.
- Deva Raya Wildlife Sanctuary
Deva Raya Wildlife Sanctuary in Bellary District (private sanctuary) The sanctuary is named after kings of the Vijayanagar Empire. An eco-tourism area due to its unique terrain, flora and fauna is near to Hampi. Sanctuary protects leopards, bears, hyenas, wolves, pythons, deer, peacocks, monkeys like langur and rhesus, crocodiles, anteaters, porcupines, wild bear and variety of plants and other animals.
- The peacock sanctuary in Bankapura
The peacock sanctuary in Bankapura is the only second sanctuary in the country that is exclusively engaged in the conservation and breeding of peacocks. Bankapur Fort, situated in Bankapur village of Shiggon taluk, is just 2.5 km from the Pune-Bangalore national highway NH4, 22 km from Haveri town towards Hubli. An historical site, Bankapura is famous for the temples of Ranganatha Nagareshwara and Siddheshwara. Bankpur Fort is home for not only for peafowl, but also a number of other birds like wood pecker, great-horned owl, babbler, magpie, robin, green bee eater, nightjar, spotted maina, paradise flycatcher, Indian robin, spotted dove, parakeets, kingfisher, grey hornbill, blue tailed bee eater, blacked winged kite, tailor bird etc. There are more than 50 popular archaeological monuments like Siddeshwar temple and Galaganatheswar temple in Haveri taluk, Shiva temple in Chowdayyadanpur of Ranebennur, Tarakeshwar temple at Hangal, etc, in the district.
Waterfalls in North Karnataka
Near to Hubli-Dharwad and Sirsi
50 feet. About 32 km away from Yellapur in Uttara Kannada district close to Sirsi , several unknown streams converge near Kallaramane Ghat
650 feet . The mesmerising Magod Falls are located 80km from Karwar.
located about 15km north of Yellapur in Uttara Kannada District.
Shivagange Falls
It is in a unique point of Western Ghats, on the border of three taluqs of North Kanara district (Sirsi, Yellapur, Ankola). At about 45km away from Sirsi.
Benne Hole Falls
A tributary of the river Aghanashini by name beNNe hoLe flowing through the dense forests of the Devimane Ghats region of the Western Ghats falling from a height of about 200 feet (61 m) forms a spectacular visual treat.
Waate Halla Falls
This beautiful waterfall is at few kilometers distance from Unchalli Falls. A tributary to the Aghanashini River makes this wonderful falls some 30km away from the Sirsi Town falling from a height of around 100+feet.
It is 50km from Sirsi in North Kanara district and is around 8km away from the Yana.
Burudu Falls
This wonderful waterfall is around 22 km from Siddapur and 57 km from Sirsi, on Siddapur-Kumta road. The way to get down to the river is through a small creek which is dry in summer.
Unchalli Falls (Lushington Falls)
116 metres - About 35 km from Jog Falls. Go to Bilgi, 10 km from Siddapur, then trek down 4km or via Heggarne, a dreamy hamlet in Uttara Kannada district, is just 35km from Siddapur. A further 5km trek from Heggarne through dense forests brings you to the picturesque Unchalli Falls.
Gokak Falls
Located 65 km from Belgaum, Gokak gets its name due to the Goki trees found in abundance in these areas. Close to the town is the Gokak Falls
Godachinamalki Falls
20 km from Gokak. You could carry on your encounter with nature at the Godachinamalki falls. Be prepared for a brisk trek through a picturesque forest before you see the river Markendeya jump 25 mts.
Situated amidst enchanting hilly surroundings of the Jamboti forest is a fine spot. To reach it one has to travel from Jamboti up to a point four km beyond Chapoli and then cross the river (only in December and January) Mahadayi twice (in between is a small hill) finally leading to an elevated flat hillock.
It’s exactly on the border between Karnataka and Goa on the Konkan Railway.
Places Around Karwar
Make your Tour to Karwar memorable by visiting these famous tourist places near Karwar
Karwar Harbour : The Karwar bay, apart from its scenic beauty, also boasts of an excellent harbour which is fit for use during all seasons. Devbagh beach is the most attractive beach in Karwar. Other beaches are Binaga (3km) and Arga (5km) south of the town.
River Kalinadi : The river Kalinadi, flows through the town into the Arabian sea. Motor launches are available for boating up the river Kali.
Kurmagad Island : The Kurmagad Island nearby has an old fort and a Narasimha shrine, worth a visit.
Ankola : Located 37km south of Karwar, is a small town with 15th century ruined walls of king Sarpamalika's fort and the ancient Shri Venketaraman Temple. Near the temple there are two giant wooden chariots carved with scenes from the 'Ramayana'.
Gokarna : The Coastal town of Gokarna is a famous pilgrimage centre as well as a centre of Sanskrit learning, 56km from Karwar. It is famous for the Mahabaleswar Temple with the 'Atmalinga' (a revered Shiva lingam) dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is an enormous chariot, which is taken out in a procession on Shiva's birthday in February. The Tambraparni Teertha (River) here is considered sacred to perform obsequies of the dead. Gokarna is also famous for its beautiful deserted beaches like Kutle, Om, Half moon, Paradise etc.. which rival Goan Beaches.
Yana : Situated 60km from Karwar, Yana or Bhairavakshetra is a deserted town ship and an important pilgrim centre with unique rock formations. Located in a beautiful valley, one has to trek a distance of about 10km by foot amidst thick forest to reach Yana. It is a popular rock climbing haunt. There is a shrine of Bhairaveswara on a hillock 100metres high. A fair is held here during Shivaratri.
Ulavi : Ulavi, a famous pilgrim centre is located 75 km from Karwar (via Kumbarawada). Thousands come here to pay homage to the samadhi of Veera Shiva Saint Channabasavanna, who took refuge here from the army of 'Kalachurias'. Ulavi 'Jatras' attracts devotees from all over.
Honnavar : Honnavar, situated 90 km from Karwar, has a Portuguese fort. There is also a fort in Basavaraja Durga Island, amidst the sea which can be reached by a sail upstream on river Sharavathi. Geresoppa the old capital of the Queen Chanabhairavi, 30 km from here has a beautiful 14th century Chaturmukha Basti. The boat trip to Gerosoppa with coconut groves and lush greenery covering the banks, is memorable
Dandeli : Located 93 km from Karwar, Dandeli is a popular holiday resort and an industrial township. The wildlife sanctuary here in an area of 207 km2 abounds with a variety of rare animals. The watch tower inside the sanctuary are inaccessible during the monsoon months of June to October. This forest region is famous for its paper, plywood, teakwood and Ferro-manganese factories. The cave with Shivalinga-like laterite formations is also worth a visit
Lushington Falls : 110 km from Karwar, the famous Lushington Falls or Keppa falls is located in Siddhapur Taluk on the Shimoga border. The falls where the river Aghanashini thunders down from the height of 116 meters is named after a District Collector who discovered it in 1845.
Magod Falls : The Magod is 125 km from Karwar. The river Gangavathi emerging from the Western ghats takes a leap into a chasm of 183metre (600 ft) down, in a series of cascades over the cliffs presenting an enchanting sight.
Rabindranath Tagore beach : Situated about 3 km away from Karwar is Devbagh, a hub for diving and snorkeling. This beach, the most attractive one in Karwar, is said to have motivated Rabindranath Tagore to write his first play.
Kurumgad Island : Karwar's beauty lies in the three islands visible from the coast. Kurumgad is one among the three known for its flora and founa. The island is 10 km inside the sea and has great resorts for the visitors. Boats are available from Karwar shore to go here for the tourists and is a very exciting ride.
Naval Base : Karwar has one of the important naval base in the country. The naval base in Karwar is towards south of the karwar coast and will serve as one of the primary naval bases based on its strategic location. Lot of developments are happening in the Karwar City because of the newly built Naval Base
Murudeshwar : Murudeshwar is around 60km from Karwar towards the southern direction. The place carries mythological history and has famous temple. Hindus all over the country visit the place to have Darshan. The place has also a lovely beach
The famous Forts in North Karnataka
No tourist survey is complete without mentioning about North Karnataka's historical forts. The whole range of ancient capitals of Bidar, Gulbarga, Bijapur, Vijayanagara, Badami, Basava Kalyan, etc. had their forts.
Gulbarga Fort
Gulbarga fort, originally built by Raja Gulchand was later strengthened by Ala-ud-din Bahmani. The fort contained 15 towers and 26 guns of which one was 8 metres long. Within the ramparts of the fort, there is an imposing mosque, which resembles the great mosque of Cordova in Spain.
Bidar Fort
The imposing fort of Bidar is a magnificent fort, the main gateway of which was originally built by Bahamani Sultan Ahmad Shah Wali in 1429 AD. Further improvements to the citadel were carried out by the Barid Shahi Sultans. Ahmad Shah Wali (1422 - 35) the ninth Bahamani Sultan decided to shift his capital from Gulbarga to Bidar for reasons of health.
Hill forts
- Saundatti fort About 2 km from Saundatti stands a wonderful hill fort which was expanded by Chatrapathi Shivaji.
- Gajendragad Fort A wonderful hill fort which was Built and renovated by Chatrapathi Shivaji.
- Ucchangi near Davanagere (Bellary District)
- Shorapur (