Vintage British Indian Postcard. The Western Fort Gate, Palm Tree, Belgaum.
Vintage B/W British Indian Postcard. The Fort Musjid, Belgaum with Double Bullock Cart and Street Scene.
The Fort Musjid, known as Safa Masjid which was once a Shiva Temple later was demolished and changed to Safa Masjid by King Adil Shah. Today this is within the premisis of Indian Army/Military Area and is highly secured. Read the blog below for Safa Masjid fof more details.
St. Mary's Church, Camp - Belgaum about 100 years ago.
Vintage B/W British Indian Postcard. Interior of St. Mary's Church, Camp - Belgaum.
In my endeavor to get you the past of Belgaum, with some nostalgic old photos, which have never been published in any local new paper until date, here is another one.This photo is of the Northern gate of the Fort taken in 1910. We can see British Army personals near the gate discussing and one fellow mate is ready to take a photo with a close type camera. Some Indians are watching them sitting below the tree
Many readers will say why is this site becoming historical then latest, Friends history is history and we have to learn from history. Uday K found it on Ebay. I am really thankful for his efforts he has taken to find the old photo.
[ Source : AllAboutBelgaum.com ]
by ROHIT R PHALGAONKAR
Posted on 2009-02-05
Goa is blessed to have examples of both; the early architectural styled monument of the Kadambs and a monument of the later period. The temple of Shri Mahadev which was shifted from Kurdi to the plateau near the Salauli Dam is an example of early architectural style of this dynasty; whereas the temple of Shri Mahadev at Tambdi Surla is a unique example of the later period. The historic monument of Tambdi Surla can be assigned to the 13th century. It incorporates Chalukyan, Hoysal and Yaadav architecture.Most of the temples built by them appear to have been carved out from schist stone. Same is the case with the temple at Tambdi Surla. Attempts were also made by the Kadambs to use local material for carving. This is evident from the Shri Mahadev temple of Kurdi. This 10th century temple is perhaps the only documented temple in which laterite stone was used for carving. This stone was perhaps avoided later on due its softness, which makes it unsuitable for carving. Moreover laterite is also not very durable as compared to schist stone.
Belgaum is an ideal shopping centre for many Goans. But a very few of us are oblivious of an architectural wonder of the Goa Kadamb Dynasty standing in the Fort of Belgaum. The temple of Jain Mahavir is a monument worth admiring. The area in which the temple stands is called Kamal Basti. There are many reasons given behind this name. Some opine that it was built by the 12th century Kadamb Queen Kamaladevi whereas some opine that it is because of the of the massive lotus ceiling in the temple which gave the area that name, as Kamal means a lotus.
Whatever may be the reason behind the name, the temple was definitely built by the Goa Kadamb dynasty during the 12th century. The temple is divided into four main parts. The Rang Mandap, the Maha Mandap, the Antraalai and the Garbgrih.
Temples normally have a front porch, which enters into the main hall. But in this case the front porch is combined with the Rang Mandap. The Rang Mandap has a star shaped plinth with a huge Rang Shilaa in the centre. The Rang Shilaa is a round stone platform which was used for performances and hence the name Rang Mandap. The pillars in this Mandap are highly polished. One cannot afford to miss massive stone lotus ceiling with stone lotuses hanging in the middle. The lotuses carved out from stone hang below as if they are screwed to the roof. Looking at this ceiling one begins to wonder so as to how these marvels were created in the absence of electricity and modern tools.
The Maha Mandap too is decorated by ornate stone massive pillars. The Maha Mandap enters into the Antraalai which has a lantern shaped ceiling with lotus motifs. A stone Jaali (perforated screen) separates the Maha Mandap from the Antraalai. The lantern shaped ceiling and the stone Jaali are replicas of the ones existing in the Tambdi Surla temple. A similar stone Jaali attached to a doorway is found in Old Goa, which is mistaken to be the Gateway of Adil Shah’s palace. Various Jain deities and their consorts like Padmavati, Parshavnath etc are worshipped in the small niches in the Maha Mandap. The temple has a Shukh Naasi on the top. The Shikhar of the temple does not exist today and is said to have been destroyed during the attacks of invaders like Malik Kafur or the Bahamani Kings.
Near this temple another temple of the same era also exists. A little away from these two temples yet another stone temple is found. It is not known to which deity these two stone temples belonged to, as both their Garbgrihs do not survive today. They were probably destroyed during the Bahamani or Malik Kafur’s invasion.
So next time you go to Belgaum try to visit this ancient wonder at Kamal Basti!
[Source : http://www.navhindtimes.com/story.php?story=200902057]
Karnataka Tourism comes in favor of Kamal Basti
A new display board/hording has been put up by the Karnataka Tourism at the
Kudos to the Karnataka Tourism that it has come with a new taught to highlight Kamal Basti as a Tourist Spot along with the Belgaum Fort and
I request the Karnataka Tourism Department to add few more boards/hoardings along the Highway Roads which connects
Image Source : http://belgaumblog.com
The Blog was viewed more then 1500 Times by our readers, since 15th Dec 2007 with in a span of 8 months. Your kind co-operation was really necessary for making my Blog a big success.
Temple Belgaum
No doubt India has different names, which we use them even today. India, Bharat and Hindustan all are the same. Similarly, Belgaum went through different name changes ever since the Ratta Dynasty started ruling this place. Below are the names it achieved in the past history.
Jirnasitapura - Old Belgaum and Shahpur, the then Sapur were together called Jirnasitapura in the 7th Century. [ Refrence Pg 138 of The Indian Antiquary ]
Vamsapura, it got this name when Queen Gunavati got a offspring from King Kuntamaraya. [ Refrence - Pg 140 of The Indian Antiquary ]
Venugrama or Velugrama or Ikshugrama was the name in 805 AD [ Refrence - Pg 862 of Karnataka State Gazetteer]
Venugram in 1199AD [ Refrence - Pg 862 of Karnataka State Gazetteer]
Azamnagar [ According to Mr. Strokes (Belgaum, 45), after the fall of bijapur, the fort of Belgaum remained for several years in possession of Aurangzeb's second son Azam and from him was called Azamnagar. This seems doubtful. According to Orme (Historical Fragments, 286-287) Belgaum was called Azamnagar under the Bijapur Kings. Refrence - Pg 547 Bombay of Gazzattee]
Mustafabad [ In memory of one of its Commandants or Killedars, who thoroughly repaired and strengthened the ramparts of the Belgaum Fort. Refrence - Pg 548 of Bombay Gazetteer ]
Belagugrama to Belugav to Belgavi [ Refrence - Pg 500 of Bombay Gazetteer ]
Mustafabad [ In memory of one of its Commandants or Killedars, who thoroughly repaired and strengthened the ramparts of the Belgaum Fort. Refrence - Pg 548 of Bombay Gazetteer ]
Belagugrama to Belugav to Belgavi [ Refrence - Pg 500 of Bombay Gazetteer ]
Belgaum - In 16 or 17th Century when the British East India Company were unable to pronounce the word Belgavi, they changes the name as per their accent and called it as Belgaum.
Till date, this is what we know today but not to worry as the JD(S) and BJP led coalition Govt forwarded a list of District Names of the Karnataka State to get changed and sent it to the Central Congress Govt in 2006 on the eve of 50th Year of Independence of Karnataka State. So belgaum is expecetd to get back its name from Belgaum to Belgavi.
Belgavi expected to get its name soon in near future.
Othere places name changes that were also related to Belgaum were :-
Yalur [ Refrence Book A Legend of Old Belgaum, May 1875 Pg - 139.]
Yellur as we know it today.
Sapur in 11th Century [ Refrence Pg 138 of The Indian Antiquary ]
Chapour in 1680 by the East India Company
Shahpur as we know it today.
Hrasvagiri in 11th Century [ Refrence Pg 138 of The Indian Antiquary ]
Anagola [ Refrence Pg 138 of The Indian Antiquary ]
Anagola [ Refrence Pg 138 of The Indian Antiquary ]
Angol as we know it today.
Kondanur in 11th Century.
Konnur as we know it today
People don't know there is an Original Story behind Old Belgaum. But this story below will clarify your doubts.
- How Belgaum was formed?
- Why the Jaina temples in Belgaum Fort were built?
- Who built the Belgaum Fort? Etc . . . .
It is hard to believe, but the truth was written long back with evidences by a British writer GILMOUR M’CORKELL in his book THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
He clearly tells that there were 108 Jain Temples in the premises of the present Belgaum Fort, which were demolished and overthrew by the then Musalman kings and ultimately with the same stone and pillars the Belgaum Fort as built.
He also clearly mentions in the Book:
He clearly tells that there were 108 Jain Temples in the premises of the present Belgaum Fort, which were demolished and overthrew by the then Musalman kings and ultimately with the same stone and pillars the Belgaum Fort as built.
He also clearly mentions in the Book:
but the earliest notice that we have of it is to be found in the Gulhalli inscription 1150 AD."
[ Reference Book A Legend of Old Belgaum, May 1875 Pg - 139 ].
[ Reference Book A Legend of Old Belgaum, May 1875 Pg - 139 ].
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A LEGEND OF OLD BELGAUM
By: GILMOUR M’CORKELL, Bo. C. S.
By: GILMOUR M’CORKELL, Bo. C. S.
The Legend
There was a poet by name Sarasijabhavanandana, belonging to the ancient Jaina cast, and an inhabitant of Belgaum. He has composed in Old Kanarese language a short history of kings. Having, by means of rhetorical and an ornate Sanskrit expressions, applied such epithets as ripen as if they were plentiful given in the Karnataka Country, he has complied an account of Belgaum. In it we obtain full information of those kings who formerly were, their names, their good qualities, their castes, and the virtuous deeds that they preformed. And memorials of the acts which were done by those same kings are to be met with, even in the present day, in Belgaum, and are as written below :-
Sapur and Belgaum were formerly collectively called Jirnasitapura, and there lived there governor of the city of Samantapattana, whose name was Kuntamaraya, a Jaina by caste, very religious and compassionate. So the people had great joy and happiness. One day (it happened that) one hundred and eight Jaina sages, -- who had come from the South Country into the forest of Anagola, of which the name was formerly Hrasvagiri -- remained there all night, because their rules did not permit them to advance a single footstep during the darkness. When this news reached Kuntamaraya, the King, with the expressed assent of his wife Gunavati, went out to the sages and, having preformed respectful obeisance, besought them as follows :- “ Oh mighty saints, take pity upon me and bestow your favour upon me, so that my region may become famous.” But, as their custom was never to say anything at night, they held no converse with the king. Accordingly the king returned home in great despondency, (and, as he was going) sparks of fire fell from the torches, and the dry forest was set on fire, and all those sages were burnt to ashes.
On the following day, in the early morning the king again went into the forest and saw all those Jaina sages had been consumed. When they saw this, both husband and wife were much terrified and began to consider. Accordingly there and then, he proposed a plan to Gunavati, where by these Jaina sages might attain the state of final emancipation, -- as follows: - “Let us bring stones and build 108 temples, and, when we have performed worship to them, I shall accomplish the propagation of offspring.” When he has so said, they returned home, and, and in accordance with the above plan, he caused to build 108 Jaina temples at that very place where are even at the present day some Jaina Temples in the Fort of Belgaum. After he had initiated into the mysteries of the Jaina faith and had reigned for some time, Gunavati at length became pregnant. And now, although he had been very anxious that his wife should have children, his dread of not having any offspring vanished. On this account he gave to Belgaum the name of Vamsapura. Now the word in Marathi for Vamsa is Bel. In this manner we arrive at the name Belgaum.
Afterwards they lived in Old Belgaum, Santa the son of Kuntam the king of Savantavadi, famous, deeply learned in the mysterious of the Jaina religion, thoroughly skilled in the worship of the gods of forefather, very brave, and lauded by prince who are born in the races of the Sun and Moon, a supporter of the rules of the faith of the Kshatriyas, a protector of Jaina sages, very skilful in bestowing on the temples of Jinendra that wealth which consists in courtesans, &c. He had fourteen wives. The chief of there wives, by name Padmavati, was very famous. She had a son by Santa named Anantavirya. One day, attended by his retinue of maid-servants, &c. he (Santa) went to the river Sundarsana near Yalur for the purpose of playing in the water, and in the lake of Nagasarovara he met his death by a thunderbolt. Then three ministers of state came from Savantavadi and crowned Anantavirya King. He also reigned according to the customs of his fathers. One day, many sages, along whom Sudarsana was the chief, arrived. When he has made respectful obeisance to them, Anantavirya inquired concerning his ancestors, and those sages recounted from their Puranas the above story in which has been related to fate of King Santa.
Afterwards there was a king of his race and lineage by name Mallikarjuna. During his reign a famous Musalman by name Asta Khan (Asad Khan) came from Bengal, and, Asta Khan acquired the kingdom of treachery, he deposed him (Mallikarjuna), overthrew those one hundred and eight Jaina temples, and built a fort. Even at the present time we find stones (belonging to those in the fort).
Sapur and Belgaum were formerly collectively called Jirnasitapura, and there lived there governor of the city of Samantapattana, whose name was Kuntamaraya, a Jaina by caste, very religious and compassionate. So the people had great joy and happiness. One day (it happened that) one hundred and eight Jaina sages, -- who had come from the South Country into the forest of Anagola, of which the name was formerly Hrasvagiri -- remained there all night, because their rules did not permit them to advance a single footstep during the darkness. When this news reached Kuntamaraya, the King, with the expressed assent of his wife Gunavati, went out to the sages and, having preformed respectful obeisance, besought them as follows :- “ Oh mighty saints, take pity upon me and bestow your favour upon me, so that my region may become famous.” But, as their custom was never to say anything at night, they held no converse with the king. Accordingly the king returned home in great despondency, (and, as he was going) sparks of fire fell from the torches, and the dry forest was set on fire, and all those sages were burnt to ashes.
On the following day, in the early morning the king again went into the forest and saw all those Jaina sages had been consumed. When they saw this, both husband and wife were much terrified and began to consider. Accordingly there and then, he proposed a plan to Gunavati, where by these Jaina sages might attain the state of final emancipation, -- as follows: - “Let us bring stones and build 108 temples, and, when we have performed worship to them, I shall accomplish the propagation of offspring.” When he has so said, they returned home, and, and in accordance with the above plan, he caused to build 108 Jaina temples at that very place where are even at the present day some Jaina Temples in the Fort of Belgaum. After he had initiated into the mysteries of the Jaina faith and had reigned for some time, Gunavati at length became pregnant. And now, although he had been very anxious that his wife should have children, his dread of not having any offspring vanished. On this account he gave to Belgaum the name of Vamsapura. Now the word in Marathi for Vamsa is Bel. In this manner we arrive at the name Belgaum.
Afterwards they lived in Old Belgaum, Santa the son of Kuntam the king of Savantavadi, famous, deeply learned in the mysterious of the Jaina religion, thoroughly skilled in the worship of the gods of forefather, very brave, and lauded by prince who are born in the races of the Sun and Moon, a supporter of the rules of the faith of the Kshatriyas, a protector of Jaina sages, very skilful in bestowing on the temples of Jinendra that wealth which consists in courtesans, &c. He had fourteen wives. The chief of there wives, by name Padmavati, was very famous. She had a son by Santa named Anantavirya. One day, attended by his retinue of maid-servants, &c. he (Santa) went to the river Sundarsana near Yalur for the purpose of playing in the water, and in the lake of Nagasarovara he met his death by a thunderbolt. Then three ministers of state came from Savantavadi and crowned Anantavirya King. He also reigned according to the customs of his fathers. One day, many sages, along whom Sudarsana was the chief, arrived. When he has made respectful obeisance to them, Anantavirya inquired concerning his ancestors, and those sages recounted from their Puranas the above story in which has been related to fate of King Santa.
Afterwards there was a king of his race and lineage by name Mallikarjuna. During his reign a famous Musalman by name Asta Khan (Asad Khan) came from Bengal, and, Asta Khan acquired the kingdom of treachery, he deposed him (Mallikarjuna), overthrew those one hundred and eight Jaina temples, and built a fort. Even at the present time we find stones (belonging to those in the fort).
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Koohoondi Nadu
ಕೂಹೂಂಡಿ ನಾಡು - Dr. ಎಸ್. ಬಿ. ಪಾಟೀಲ್
This is a exclusive report on Kamal Basadi and Raata Dynasty. A book that completely covers all the details of the Ratta Dynasty and Jain's during that era. About the Belgaum fort who built it and also about Kamal Basti and Chikka Basti.
Its about a book written by Dr. Shivangowda. B. Patil, M.A., Ph D. of Sankeshwar who is a State and National Award winner for his contribution to Research and Literature. In every step of life, he was supported by his wife Smt. Shantadevi. S. Patil.
Considering his service towards Education and Literature, the Govt of India honored him with a National Award in the year 1988, in Delhi. Also Mr. Shivangowda. Patil was awarded a honorary Doctorate by the Karnataka University in Bangalore for his outstanding work and contribution towards research on Savadatti's Ratta Dynasty.
The Koohoondi Nadu book was published by Kamal Basti Pooja Committee, Belgaum on 10-10-1989 on the eve of Vijayadashami.
Its about a book written by Dr. Shivangowda. B. Patil, M.A., Ph D. of Sankeshwar who is a State and National Award winner for his contribution to Research and Literature. In every step of life, he was supported by his wife Smt. Shantadevi. S. Patil.Considering his service towards Education and Literature, the Govt of India honored him with a National Award in the year 1988, in Delhi. Also Mr. Shivangowda. Patil was awarded a honorary Doctorate by the Karnataka University in Bangalore for his outstanding work and contribution towards research on Savadatti's Ratta Dynasty.
The Koohoondi Nadu book was published by Kamal Basti Pooja Committee, Belgaum on 10-10-1989 on the eve of Vijayadashami.
Exclusive photo of Kamal Basti Architecture Plan dated 1204 CE by AIIS [American Institute of Indian Studies], Varanasi
Varanasi
Source : http://gazetteer.kar.nic.in/
Historical Kamal Basti and Ruined Chikki Basti - 1987
Historical Kamal Basti and Ruined Chikki Basti - 1987Complete History of Belgaum as with Karnataka Government Records.
Instruction : Click on images below to read full text.
Man behind Kamal Basadi Pooja and Maintenance
He is Mahaveer Upadhye who is the main person who takes care of the Maintenance and daily pooja and rituals Kamal Basadi. His father Late. Shrikant Upadhye was also a dedicated poojari of this temple in his time. People respect and take suggestion from him and his family even today and he is a well known, honored and a respected person in the Digambar Jain Samaj.
He can be reached at :
Shri Mahaveer Sharikant Upadhye,
H.NO. 43/9, Tanaji Galli, Belgaum - 590 004
Phone : 0831 2487887
[ Kamal Basti and Chikki Basti ]
Here is treat for your eyes. These pictures, I doubt no body has seen till date. All these pictures are from the Kamal Basti and Chikki Basti, Fort Belgaum.
All pictures taken by me based on Inputs from Past & Years of Hard Work .
In 1855 the Image below shows that it was unused and unpreserved and so no one bothered to make a change. But in the second photo of 2007 below u can imagine the changes taken with Garden around, Rebuilt and Preserved Basti.
Kamal Basti - British Library, 1855 AD.
Kamal Basdi, 2007 AD
But we forgot to make a difference for the other Ruined Chikki Basti. So cant we make a difference now for this Chikki Basti, so that it can be rebuilt and preserved, and Re-Create History ?
Chikki Basadi [Jain Temple] near Kamal Basdi, 1733 AD
Ruined, Unpreserved and Unused Chikki Basti [Jain Temple], 2007 AD
Note : The color image looks beautiful from outside, but what lies inside can be seen in the Slideshow above.
Act now or never !
Act now or never !
Days are not far when we will explain our childern and/or grand children with photo slides describing the past history of Belgaum which unfortunatly we could not Save and Preseve it. ! Think over again ! Yes, we can make a difference and we need to act now or never. Together we can save our Culture, Heritage and Beauty of Belgaum. Come join hands together.
Since Belgaum is famous for many other reasons Kamal Basadi is part of it and today is the day when we all will have to stand forward to re-construct the Ruined Chikki Basadi which is under the protection of Archeological Department. We can see that the Ramakrishna Mission is developed and brought in Belgaum and is well maintained. So why not we make Kamal Basadi too a place of tourist spot and help our Belgaum be famous for its Rich Heritage.
To save and rebuild the Old 10th Century AD temple we need about 8-10 Lakh Rupees and so we all need to come together and Save our Belgaum for its beauty.
Note : Mr.Brahmanand Chipre can be contacted directly on his email bchipre@gmail.com or else you can drop in your comments here. If anyone is interested in making Monetary donations you can contact Mr. Brahmanand Chipre.
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GoogleMap Arieal view of Kamal Basti in Belgaum Fort Premises :
Click here for the Map or see below
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Other Exclusive sites about Kamal Basti :
1. Belgaum Blog [ Latest News about Belgaum City ]
2. Mahiuk
Master Piece Jain Navagraha Idol :
This is the only Jain Navagraha Idol in the whole world, which clearly points out that during the 10th century Jains believed in the Navagraha puja. This idol was found in the premises of the temple with 9 Tirthankars inscribed on it.
Now the recent 2006 Jain Navagraha Temple has been newly built in Varur near Hubli which is just opposite to VRL [Vijayanand Road Lines] on Pune - Bangalore NH4 Highway. The Nine Tirthankars are standing on nine Planets with Bhagwan Parswanath being in the Centre.
This photo describes the state of the Kamal Basadi during 10Th A.D.
This photo describes the state of another Ruined Jain Temple / Basadi called Chikki Basadi during 10Th A.D.
Click here to know more about History of Kamal Basadi and Chikki Basadi
Kamal Basadi [ The Lotus Jain Temple ]
Kamal Basti is one of the two bastis situated within the walls of Belgaum Fort which is encircled by a Moat. There are two Jinalayas in later Chalukya style. One of them is Kamal Basti. This Jain Temple was built in 1204 AD by Bichirja, a minister of Kartavirya IV of the Ralta Dynasty. Two of its pillars have Kannada inscriptions in Nagari scripts, one of 1199 of Ratta King Kartaveerya IV and another of 1261 of Sevuna (Yadava) Krishna. The temple has Kadamba Nagara Shikara. The other Jinalaya is almost a ruined one. This 10th Century AD Basti is under the protection of Archeological Dept. This temple is nearby to Belgaum Main Bus Stand. The two temples in the fort are known as Kamal Basadi (Mandir) and Chikki Basadi.
Kamal Basadi is so called because of the Gumbaj of the temple as the masterpiece here is the "Mukhamantapa" with a well-executed in the form of the Lotus of 72 Petals on the ceiling. Outside the Kamala Basti is another ruined Jain temple called the Chikki Basti. The Belgaum Fort is the ancient architectural pre-Muslim monument is one of the best and shining examples of communal harmony with both mosques and temples co-exist in perfect harmony, though not much of the original structure remains.
In this temple, the past present and future Tirthankars 24 for each period are shown on the 72 petals of the lotus flower. The Sanctum Hill has the stone carved Sinhasan with seated Idol of Bhagwan Neminath and is very artistic. The pillars of the temple are decorated with carvings and brightly polished. The Idol of Bhagwan Neminath was found in the Jungle about 200 years ago. The Idol and other statues are of 11CAD.
There are Idols of Bhagwan Sumatinath in standing posture, Idol of Bhagwan Adinath in Padamasan, Idol of Bhagwan Parsvanath under the shade of 7 hooded Nagraj.
Also the only single Masterpiece in the world is the Idol of Navgraha which is also worth seeing. This temple is under active puja.
Click here to know more about what Britishers told about Kamal Basti.
Click here to know more about Belagum City and Belgaum District.
[ General view of Jain temple in front of the fort, Belgaum. ]
Photograph of the second Jaina temple in front of the fort at Belgaum in Karnataka, taken by Thomas Biggs in 1855, from 'Architecture in Dharwar and Mysore'. In northern Karnataka: now the districts of Belgaum, Bijapur, Bidar, Raichur, Dharwar and Gulbarga, temple construction proliferated during the period of the Chalukyas of Kalyana who were the chief power in the Deccan from the 10th to the 12th century. Innovative builders, their influence continued to inspire dynasties such the Hoysalas who took over their territory and were also avid builders. Jainism always remained a significant force in this region and the various dynasties of the Deccan such as the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Gangas, Kadambas and Rattas also patronised the Jaina religion. With the result that there are many Jaina temples at numerous medieval sites of Karnataka. In the Bombay List of 1874, Henry Cousens wrote, 'Within the fort of Belgaum there are three old Jaina temples, built, as indicated by the style, about the year 1200 A.D.' The temple in this view consists of a shrine, a closed hall and an open hall. The shrine of the temple has walls with plain, horizontal mouldings and a stepped, pyramidal roof. The open hall or mandapa has a low parapet-wall and a pyramidal roof supported by lathe-turned pillars.Courtesy : British Library [ http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/ ]
[ Also known as "Venugrama" / "Bamboo Village" / "Sugar Bowl of South" / "Malenadu" ]
Location : 15°50'39"N 74°30'28"E [Coordinates]
Altitude : 400 - 900 above sea level
Area : 1346382 hectors
Population : 5.42 million people
Rainfall : 80 - 100 cm Average
Temperature : Min 12 °C in Winter and Max 38 °C in Summer
Belgaum 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. Step out of the forts and you have a wide choice of temples and churches to visit. Belgaum has an enviable heritage and offers much to be discovered. It lies in the zone of cultural transition between Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa with a known antiquity clearly traceable upto 2nd Century A.D. Due to its proximity with 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. Well, centuries have passed and today it is an entirely different story. Belgaum has now become one of the important and considered district in the state of Karnataka. Belgaum is now marching with a tag of fast growing, redeveloping district with a population of approximately over 42,07,264. The nearest well-developed cities to Belgaum are Hubli and Dharwad from Karnataka, Panaji from Goa and Kolhapur and Sangli from Maharashtra.
Belgaum city has been the divisional as well as district headquarters since long the city is located at a distance of 502 kms. from Bangalore. The place is almost equidistance from Mumbai and Bangalore. The city is on National Highway No. 4 and directly approachable from Bangalore by Rails it is important station between Bangalore and Miraj. There is also an Airport at Sambra about 12 kms. east of Belgaum.
The name Belgaum is originated from "Velugrama" or "Ikhsugrama". The earliest mention of this is made in the Nesari Plates of 805 AD. The archaeological inscriptions under A Sunder in the Vadgaon - Madhavapura area reveal a properous town of the Satavanhana times. Chalukyas and Rastrakutas administrated the territory. Later on Kadambas of Goa and Rattas ruled Belgaum. It was made the capital city under the Rattas. Afterwards Yadavas of Devagiri and Vijayanagar rulers governed the city.
In 1472 AD Bahamani's conquered Belgaum. The Adilshahis of Bijapur captured it in 1489. Asad khan a noble of Bijapur, who ruled Belgaum from 1511 to 1540. His tomb is in the city area. In about 1550, Sherkhan a Bijapur coommander built the present town Shahapur, originally called shahpet. Shivaji, the Maratha ruler in 1673 invaded Belgaum.
When the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb defeated the kingdom of Bijapur. He transferred Belgaum to the Nawab of Savanur. In 1756, Belgaum was conquered by the Marathas. It was under the Maratha until it was occupied by the British in March-April 1818. The British made it the headquarters of a Sarkar (District) with 15 paraganas (Talukas) in 1838. The British experienced the heat and chill of the 1875 Revolt in Belgaum also. A leaders of the Revolt was sentenced to death at the Military Dairy. He was Nargund Baskar Rao alias Babasaheb. His ' Samadhi' is located at the Military Dairy. Foreigners have left behind their indelible impressions of Belgaum. Ralf Fitch(1583) calls the place " The first town between Bijapur and Goa ". Geographer Ogliby (1680) remarks as one of the four eminent castles in Konkan. Italian traveller (1695) calls it a populous city and a place of much trade with a large market.
Belgaum was one of the five military stations that were established in the Old Bombay Presidency. In 1878, it was made the headquarters of the Southern Division under the Bombay Presidency.
During the national movement Belgaum hosted the 1924 annual Congress section. Presided over by Mahatma Gandhi. It assumes greater importance. It was the one and only congress session held in Karnataka as well as presided by Mahatma Gandhi.
Interesting Monuments and Places :
From the Attraction point of view Belgaum is an attractive destination with proximity to the Picnic spots, the historic attractions such as the Belgaum Fort and the natural beauty of Jamboti Falls & Gokak Falls.
Places in Belgaum City :
Belgaum Fort :
The Belgaum Fort is located near NWKRTC Bus stand. AT the entrance, there are two shrines, Ganapati and Durga. The fort is encircled by a moat. There are two Jinalayas in later Chalukya style.One of them is Kamal Basti. This Jain Temple was built in 1204 AD by Bichirja, a minister of Kartavirya IV of the Ralta Dynasty. The Sanctum Hill has the seated idol of Neminath. The temple has Kadamba Nagara Shikara. The other Jinalaya is almost a ruined one.Kamal Basti (Belgaum) :
It is one of the two Bastis within the walls of the fort, built in the late Chalukyan style in 1204 with the Neminatha idol in bkack stone. The master piece here is the "Mukhamantapa" with a well-executed lotus on the ceiling. Outside the Kamala Basti is another ruined Jain temple.
Kapileshwar Temple :
Safa Masjid :
The Moqsue is located inside the Fort. It is built in typical Mughal and Deccani styles with minars, domes and arches. Outside the mosque, to the right is an underground passage believed to lead to Yellurgad. This mosque in all has three entrances to the Jamia Hall with arches having floral and calligraphic designs.
St. Mary's Church :
St. Mary's Church :
The church in the camp was built in 1869. Reverend Francis Gell designed the building. This imposing stone church of the Anglicans has fine pillars in the prayer hall and gorgeous stained glasses at its doors and windows. The paintings on the inner walls have pleasant colour combinations and reflect biblical episodes. In front of the West Porch almost at the meeting of the four chief cantonment roads, stands a lofty memorial cross raised in memory of the 64th Regiment coldies who fell in the 1857 Revolt.
Sri Naganuru Math :
The math was setup in 17th century AD The Belgaum math is a branch of it. It is located at Nehru nagar. The Veerasaiva Lingayat Library founded by Sri Siddharam Swamiji has very rare collections of manuscrpts. The Library is indespinsible for Research Scholars in Veerashiva Studies.
KLES Hospital [ now Prabhakar Kore Hospital ]:
Karnataka Lingayat Education Society has setup a full-fledged Hospital. The hospital is a 1000 bedded multi-speciality teaching hospital with high-tech facilities. The hospital also has Mobile ICU. The excellent maternity services with a dedicated Child Development Unit is another feature.
Education Centres : The city has many reputed educational institutions. Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Gogte Insitute of Technology, KLE's College of Engineering and Technology, Raja Lakhamgouda College of Law, Lingaraj College for Arts and Commerce are major centres of Higher Education. Belgaum school for the Blind and KLE's School of Agriculture are very special institutes with a rare noble cause. the city has a large well built stadium.
Kittur Rani Channamma and Sangoli Rayanna The attractive Icons of freedom fighters Kittur Channamma who was the first women of India to fight against British Govt. and her listinent Sagoli Rayanna are located at the Prime places of cities.
Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre :
Belgaum also has a number of training centers of the Indian Armed Forces, and an air base of the Indian Air Force. The British ad a sizable Infantry post here, having realized the military importance of its geographical location. Perhaps that is one of the reasons for Belgaum's sobriquet. The Cradle of Infantry. Belgaum houses the Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre(MLIRC). Belgaum also houses the Commando Training Wing which is a part of the Infantry School, MHOW, where the country's valiant infantry commandos are trained in endurance, escape and evasion, guerilla and commando war fare techniques.
Belgaum's Watchtower and sunset point should not be missed if one wants to savor the scenic beauty surrounding this town.
Places within Belgaum District :
Kasamalgi (Khanapur) :
Kasamalgi is a remote village which is about 14 Km away from the Kittur with very thin population and maximum of the people as farmers who depend their daily life on agriculture. Hardly 2 families of Jains stay here. On 25 April 2005 an Idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath dating 11th Century AD was recovered while digging in a Govt Kannada School premises. People were shocked to find a idol dating 11th century in their village which created a great news in and around Belgaum. The idol is so beautifuly carved that our nacked eyes are not enough to have a glimpse of the three time color changing idol of Bhagwan Parshwanath with seven serpents protecting the head of parshwanath. Iit is fully black in the early morning, gray colour in the evening and green in color in the night. Beneath the idol is an inscription in ancient Kannada [ Halegannada ], that reads "This Statue has been carved by Hamashetty, discpline of Chandrabhatta of Tribhuvan Basadi ( Jain temple ), in Kesharmenage ( now Kasamalgi )". >
Gokak Falls (Gokak) :
Gokak Falls is a waterfall known for its beauty. It is at a distance of 60 Kms from Belgaum and 10kms from Gokak town. Located right on the main road is a celebrated tourist centre in the district. This falls has a height of about 170 feet. The River Ghataprapha after winding a course of a long route takes a leap of 52 meters, over a rocky bed 170 feet down. The falls is famous for its spread and shape. The rugged valley and the picturesque is what inspires poetry. The dull roar of the falls can be heard much before you reach it. "Except in width and colour of the water, the general features of the fall, its height, shape and rapidity above are much like those of Niagara". The falls are horse-shoe shaped at the crest, with a flood breadth of 177 metres. June to September is the best season to visit Gokak as it bees in full bloom. Electricity was generated here for the first time in the Indian History in 1887. This generating station can be reached on the rope way.
Yellamma Temple (Saundatti) :
Saundatti reminds us of the beautiful and ancient temple of Goddesss Renuka (also known as the Yellamma Temple). It is at a distance of 70 Kms from Belgaum and the place can be reached from all the other places by road. At a distance of 5 Kms from the city, there is a big Mountain on which the temple is situated. The mounatain was earlier known as Siddhachal Parvat. The temple is built in the Chalukyan and Rashtrakuta Style and the Carvings reflect the Jain architecture. The temple was constructed by Bomappa Naik of Raybag in the year 1514. There are temples of Lord Ganesh, Mallikarjun, Parshuram, Eknath, Siddeshwar etc in the temple premises. Devotees from Maharastra, Goa and Andhra Pradesh also come here especially during the time of Jatras which are held twice in a year. The management of the temple has been handed over to the Government in 1975 and the government has made provisions such as Dharmashalas, Health Centres and other facilities to make the devotees feel at home.
Rakaskop (Belgaum) :
Rakaskop (Belgaum) :
16 Kms from Belgaum, literally means a Hamlet of a Rakkasa (Giant), who is stated to have lived on a hillrock near the village. A cavern in laterite on the hillrock resembling a huge seated human figure is shown by the people to remind his past existance. Here is a Dam across the River Markandeya, supplying drinking water to Belgaum.
10 Kms from Saundatti, a low valley situated in between the 2 hills, in an enchanting place is Naviltirtha. Formerly, it was full of Peacocks, frequently flocking round the pond, and thus the place was named Naviltirtha. The Malaprabha Dam near Renukasagar is situated here. It is also a good picnic spot.
Godachinmalki Falls (Gokak) :
16 Kms from Gokak, it is at a fine spot located to the west of the Gokak-Konnur road in a deep green valley. Markandeya River takes the first jump from a height of about 25 Metres and flows into a rocky valley and after a short distance from here it takes a second jump at a height of about 18 Metres.Old History about Belgaum :
General view of the gateway of the fort, Belgaum
Photograph of the gateway of the fort of Belgaum, taken by James Burgess around 1874. Belgaum is a large city in northern Karnataka. Inside its fort there are three Jain temples built in a Nagara or northern style of architecture. This view shows the arched entrance gateway.
General view of Belgaum High School building [ Belgaum ]
Photograph of the High School building at Belgaum in Karnataka from the Archaeological Survey of India Collections: India Office Series (Volume 46), taken by an unknown photographer in c. 1870. The Imperial Gazetteer of India states, "There are three classes of secondary schools - the vernacular and English middle schools, and the high schools...The English secondary school stage is divided into middle and high school sections, which really form portions of the same course...the English school education should ordinarily be completed by the time the pupil attained the age of sixteen...In English secondary schools the main course has hitherto led up to the matriculation or entrance examination of one or other of the Universities. There are other courses of a more practical character leading up to different examinations...A purely literary education has been more popular among both parents and students, as being in itself more attractive to them and as affording a better opening for remunerative employment. The matriculation has generally been accepted as a qualifying test by Government and private employers as well as by the Universities, and has been regarded as the common goal of the school career."
Group of pupils of the Belgaum Girls' School, with master and assistants.
Photograph of the Girls' School at Belgaum in Karnataka from the Archaeological Survey of India Collections: India Office Series (Volume 46), taken by an unknown photographer in c. 1870. Female education in India grew dramatically in the latter part of the nineteenth century. The Imperial Gazetteer of India states regarding female education, "The Government did not take up the subject until 1849, when Lord Dalhousie informed the Bengal Council of Education that henceforth its functions were to embrace female education, and the first girls' school recognized by Government was founded shortly afterwards by a committee of native gentlemen. The despatch of of 1854 directed that female education should receive the frank and cordial support of Government...The Education Commission of 1882 advised that female education should receive special encouragement and special liberality...The adoption of this attitude has resulted in a considerable development of the public instruction of girls, although it still lags far behind that of their brothers. In 1871 there were 134 secondary and 1,760 primary girls' schools; in 1901-2 the numbers were 461 and 5,628 respectively."
Group portrait of pupils of Belgaum High School, gathered in front of the school buildings
Photograph of pupils in front of the High School building at Belgaum in Karnataka from the Archaeological Survey of India Collections: India Office Series (Volume 46), taken by an unknown photographer in c. 1870. The Imperial Gazetteer of India states, "There are three classes of secondary schools - the vernacular and English middle schools, and the high schools...The English secondary school stage is divided into middle and high school sections, which really form portions of the same course...the English school education should ordinarily be completed by the time the pupil attained the age of sixteen...In English secondary schools the main course has hitherto led up to the matriculation or entrance examination of one or other of the Universities. There are other courses of a more practical character leading up to different examinations...A purely literary education has been more popular among both parents and students, as being in itself more attractive to them and as affording a better opening for remunerative employment. The matriculation has generally been accepted as a qualifying test by Government and private employers as well as by the Universities, and has been regarded as the common goal of the school career."
Tateshwara Temple near the Gokak Falls [ Gokak ]
Photograph of the Tateshwara Temple near the Gokak Falls in Karnataka, taken by Thomas Biggs around 1855, from 'Architecture in Dharwar and Mysore'. The Gokak Falls, near Belgaum, are created by the Ghataprabha river which takes a 170-ft leap over a sandstone cliff in a picturesque gorge with a horse-shoe shape. On the sides of the river are several temples dating from the period of the Later Chalukyas of Kalyana who ruled portions of the Deccan from the 10th to the 12th centuries. The Tateshwara temple is a Shiva temple on the south side of the falls. It faces north, an unusual orientation for Shiva temples. It has a sanctuary with a mandapa or hall. The outside walls of the closed hall are from recent times.Sonduttee - Jain Stone with inscription [ Saundatti ]
Photograph of an Jain inscribed stone slab from Saundatti in Karnataka, taken by William Henry Pigou in 1856, from Taylor and Fergusson's 'Architecture in Dharwar and Mysore'. Saundatti, near Belgaum in Karnataka, was once The capital of the Rattas, before they shifted to Belgaum in the 12th century. The town is one of Karnataka's most famous pilgrimage sites because of its temple to the powerful goddess Yellamma. A form of Devi, the mother goddess, Yellamma is particularly known for the cult of the devadasi associated with her temples. Devadasis, 'female servants of the god', were young girls dedicated to temples in India, the custom being particularly prevalent in the south. The custom led to many practices which devalued the girls until they were reduced to the role of prostitute to the devotees, and efforts are being made in modern India to eradicate it. The image is described as 'the Sanskrit and Kanarese inscription slab of Krishna Rastrakuta, Shaka 797(c. 875), and Vikramaditya, Shaka 1017 (c. 1095 A.D).'Industries :
The city has a multinational Jindal Aluminum Factory. The factory has recently been taken over by the Aditya Birla Group of Industries. Gogte Textile is another major Industry. Few minor industries like knitting, forging are functioning.
Local System of Governance :
The city has been administered by an elected corporation. Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti, Congress, Janata Dal, B.J.P. and Shivsena are the major political parties. The election for the corporation is held after every five years.
Literature :
Famous research scholar Dr. Shamba Joshi was from Belgaum district. His works Karnataka Veera Shatrij Karnataka Nudiya Halter. Won him Kendra Sahitya Academy Award. Dr. Bitagiri Krishna Sharma, Dr. Basvaraj Katimani, Dr.D.S. Karke, Dr. S.D. Inchal, Dr. A.N.Upadhya, Dr. C. Nadimatt, Dr. Mirgi Annary where few among the very famous laureates.
The District Headquarters, Belgaum is picture of contrasts. One side is the old town area where the cotton and silk weavers still create magic with their fingers. And on the other - the modern, bustling, tree-lined Cantonment built by the British.
The city has a multinational Jindal Aluminum Factory. The factory has recently been taken over by the Aditya Birla Group of Industries. Gogte Textile is another major Industry. Few minor industries like knitting, forging are functioning.
Local System of Governance :
The city has been administered by an elected corporation. Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti, Congress, Janata Dal, B.J.P. and Shivsena are the major political parties. The election for the corporation is held after every five years.
Literature :
Famous research scholar Dr. Shamba Joshi was from Belgaum district. His works Karnataka Veera Shatrij Karnataka Nudiya Halter. Won him Kendra Sahitya Academy Award. Dr. Bitagiri Krishna Sharma, Dr. Basvaraj Katimani, Dr.D.S. Karke, Dr. S.D. Inchal, Dr. A.N.Upadhya, Dr. C. Nadimatt, Dr. Mirgi Annary where few among the very famous laureates.
The District Headquarters, Belgaum is picture of contrasts. One side is the old town area where the cotton and silk weavers still create magic with their fingers. And on the other - the modern, bustling, tree-lined Cantonment built by the British.
In the heart of Belgaum, near the bus terminus is the Belgaum Fort. At the entrance are two shrines. One devoted to Ganapathi and another to Durga. Inside the Fort are two basts in the Late Chalukyan styles. Of these, the more famous us the Kamala Basti, built in 1204. Come out of the Kamala basti and you will find another ruined Jain Temple to its right. Co-existing harmoniously with these temples are two ancient mosques the Safa Masjid and the Jamia Masjid.
Near the 16th century Jamia Masjid is a dargah of Khanjar wali. Step out of the Fort and you have a wide choice of temples and churches to visit. The Kapileshwar Temple - said to be the oldest, the Anathashayana Temple, the Maruti Temple and the temples of Shiva, Vithoba, Dyamavva aand Military Mahadeva. Belgaum also has some very impressive churches. St. Mary's Church, St. Xavier's Church (the oldest), St. Anthony's Church, the Cathedral of Our lady and the Methodist church.
No story of Belgaum is complete without a mention of Kittur Rani Chennamma. One of India's first freedom fighters, the queen's heroic resistance is still commemorated locally in song and story. Her statue stands sentinel over Belgaum at prominent square. Another historical site is the Pampa Sarovara. Built specially for the 1924 All India Congres Session which was presided by Mahatma Gandhi.
Belgaum also has some well laid-out parks. The Sambhaji Udyan, The Nath Pai Park and The Shivaji Udyan. Perfect places to relax. Put your feet up. And let your imagination soar free.
Languages Spoken : Kannada, Hindi, English, Marathi.
Local Food Speciality : "Kunda" a delicious sweet.
When To go there : Belgaum enjoys a pleasant and agreeable climate almost all through the year. If you're visiting Belgaum between November and February, carry some light woolens.
How to go there :
By Air : Belgaum has an airport at Sambra.
By Rail : Belgaum is connected by rail to Bangalore (via Londa), Bombay (via Miraj), Vasco da Gama.
By Road : Belgaum is connected by road to most places in south and west.
Near the 16th century Jamia Masjid is a dargah of Khanjar wali. Step out of the Fort and you have a wide choice of temples and churches to visit. The Kapileshwar Temple - said to be the oldest, the Anathashayana Temple, the Maruti Temple and the temples of Shiva, Vithoba, Dyamavva aand Military Mahadeva. Belgaum also has some very impressive churches. St. Mary's Church, St. Xavier's Church (the oldest), St. Anthony's Church, the Cathedral of Our lady and the Methodist church.
No story of Belgaum is complete without a mention of Kittur Rani Chennamma. One of India's first freedom fighters, the queen's heroic resistance is still commemorated locally in song and story. Her statue stands sentinel over Belgaum at prominent square. Another historical site is the Pampa Sarovara. Built specially for the 1924 All India Congres Session which was presided by Mahatma Gandhi.
Belgaum also has some well laid-out parks. The Sambhaji Udyan, The Nath Pai Park and The Shivaji Udyan. Perfect places to relax. Put your feet up. And let your imagination soar free.
Languages Spoken : Kannada, Hindi, English, Marathi.
Local Food Speciality : "Kunda" a delicious sweet.
When To go there : Belgaum enjoys a pleasant and agreeable climate almost all through the year. If you're visiting Belgaum between November and February, carry some light woolens.
How to go there :
By Air : Belgaum has an airport at Sambra.
By Rail : Belgaum is connected by rail to Bangalore (via Londa), Bombay (via Miraj), Vasco da Gama.
By Road : Belgaum is connected by road to most places in south and west.
Spying
Belgaum Weather Check !
Who all Saw ?
