Bellary : Origin Of The Name
Several theories have been put forward in respect of the origin of the name “BELLARY”. Tradition says that once there lived a demon (Rakshasa) by name “BALLA” in these parts. He was such a terror that the people prayed to God Indra to come and relieve them of their sufferings. Indra answered their prayers, fought with “BALLA” and finally killed him. Since then the place came to be called “BALLA-ARI” ( ARI – stands for enemy, BELLA- ARI means enemy of BALLA ).But time changed it to “BELLARY”.
Historical Flashback Of Bellary
Bellary is also the name derived from the old Kannada word “Vallari” and “Vallapuri”. An inscription during the Gangas of Thalakad in 725AD, speak of territory Sindha Vishaya, which today consists of Bellary and Dharwad districts. We hear of this place again during the Hoysala period when the dynasty “ BELLARIYA NAREDU” had its complete sway over Bellary. Bellary was once also known as Kuntala Desa. Later it came to be called Vallari-Vallapuri.
The Vijayanagar Kings ruled over the region consisting of present Bellary. Several monuments and temples representing their paramountacy confirm their authority.
Bellary was tossed between the Hoysalas and the Vijayanagar rulers. When Hyder Ali became the ruler of Mysore, he got the present Fort of Bellary constructed by a French engineer. Subsequently, Tippu Sultan made use of the Fort to launch military attack on his enemies.
Geographical Location
Bellary district is situated between 14º30' minutes and 15º50' North latitude and 77º40' East longitude. The district is situated in the semi arid zone of Karnataka. The altitude is 1512 feet above mean sea level. Bellary is located 304 kms from Bangalore . The area of Bellary district is 8420 sq.kms. The Western parts of the district are hilly with rich iron ore deposits.
Seasonal And Climatic Condition
The district is known for its hot summers and a dry weather which persists for major part of the year. Rainfall is scanty. The temperature ranges from minimum 13ºCelcius during December to a maximum 44ºCelcius in April and May. The relative humidity is much less in the eastern parts of Bellary.
Major Rivers
The important river in the district is Tungabhadra and its tributaries. It covers the taluks of Hadagali, Hagaribommanahalli, Hospet and Sirguppa in Bellary district. No navigation is possible as its bed is rocky. The length of the river in the district is around 300 kms. The other river, Hagari, enters Bellary district a few kilometers above Roopangudi in Bellary taluk. One more river Chikka Hagari flows through Kudligi, and Hadagali taluks and joins the back waters of the Tungabhadra reservoir.
Tourism And Commercial Activities
Bellary district is well known for tourist places like Hampi (Vijayanagar), a world heritage site, which attracts foreign tourists. Some other tourist attractions are :
- Tunga bhadra Dam, Hospet.
- Kenchana gudda, Siruguppa.
- Daroji Kere.
- Hampi University.
- Sloth Bear Sanctuary(The only Sloth Bear Sanctuary in India)
- Bellary Fort.
- Mary Matha Shrine.
- Narayan Swamy Park.
- Turkish Martyrs Memorial Park.
- Kumar Swamy temple, Sandur.
- Jindal Temple and township Near Tornagallu.
- Narihalla dam
- Tippu Sultan park
Bellary Fort
Two barren and rocky hills stand like guards protecting the inhabitants. One of them stands inside the fort which is known as FORT HILL. The other hill when viewed from the South- East looks like the profile of a human face and is popularly known as FACE ROCK. These two hills are conspicuous from every part of the city. The FORT HILL, which is about a mile and a half in circumference is 1976 feet above the sea level and 480 feet above the ground level. It is divided into the UPPER FORT and the LOWER FORT, built by Haider Ali after taking possession of the fort. The upper fort consists of the usual citadel on the summit of the rock guarded by outer lines of fortification, one below the other. There is only one way upto the fort, which is a winding rocky path amongst the boulders. On the top, outside the citadel is a small temple, the remains of some cells and several deep pools of water. Within the citadel are several strongly constructed buildings. It was here that MUZZAFFAR KHAN Nawab of Kurnool, was imprisoned from 1823 to 1864.
The lower fort, like all the other forts, contains dwellings of a large number of people who had flocked to it for protection. Now the lower fort contains a number of public buildings, offices, educational institutions, temples and churches.
The Bellary fort is an important historical monument which plays a very significant role in the history of the place.
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