BELLARY, Karnataka

Main Attraction: GROUP OF MONUMENTS AT HAMPI

Traditionally known as Pampakshetra of Kishkindha, Hampi is situated on the southern bank of the river Tungabhadra,in Hospet taluk . It is 13 km. away from Hospet. Once it was the seat of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire.

The monuments of Vijayanagara city, also known as Vidyanagara in honour of the sage Vidyaranya were built between 1336-1570 A.D., from the times of Harihara-I to Sadasiva Raya. A large number of royal buildings were raised by Krishnadeva Raya (1509-1530 A.D.), the greatest ruler of the Dynasty. 

The period witnessed resurgence of Hindu religion, art, architecture in an unprecedented scale. The contemporary chroniclers who came from far off countries such as Arabia, Italy, Portugal and Russia visited the empire, have left graphic and glowing accounts of the city. It covers an area of nearly 26 sq. km. and is stated to be enclosed by seven lines of fortifications.

Brief History

Bellary district takes its name from the word 'Balari', which refers to Goddess Durugamma as this Goddess had manifested herself in the town. Some of the events in the great epic Ramayana are related to this historical place. It is said that Rama while searching for Sita met Sugreeva and Hanuman at a place which is very near to Hampi, the celebrated capital of Vijayanagara kingdom. The history speaks volumes about significant role it acquired during Satavahanas, Kadambas, Chalukyas of Kalyana, Kalachuryas, Sevunas and Hoysalas period. 

Thereupon the Vijayanagara rulers built the 'City of Victory' on the bank of Tungabhadra river at Hampi in Hospet taluk. (This area which had witnessed the prosperity to its peak fell into political turmoil after the fall of Vijayanagara in 1565A.D.). This place grew up to be the capital of an empire of unsurpassed glory which held at bay the advancing forces of the Muslim invaders from the north for more than two centuries. The wealth and prosperity of the famous Hindu empire of South India assumed legendary proportions. The attack mounted by the confederate forces of the Deccan Sultans in 1565 A.D., which led to the battle at Rakkasa Tangadgi, known in historical records as the battle of Talikote, spelt the doom of this glorious empire and culminated in the complete ruin of the capital city of Vijayanagara. 

Following the collapse of the empire, for several decades, confusion reigned supreme in this region and several Palegars (local chieftains) established petty principalities under the overlordship of various Sultans. Later when Aurangzeb annexed the Deccan, Bellary district became part of the Moghul empire. Subsequently, these areas came under the sway of the Marathas who were in turn over-run by Hyder Ali of Mysore. In 1799, Tippu Sultan, the successor of Hyder Ali was defeated at the hands of the British and most parts of Tippu's kingdom were made over to the Wodeyars of Mysore. However, Bellary and its adjoining areas were given away to the Nizam of Hyderabad in consideration of the services rendered to the British. 

In 1800 A.D. Nizam ceded both Bellary and its adjoining areas to the British. Subsequently, Bellary collectorate became a part of the Madras Presidency and at first consisted of 15 taluks. In 1883 this area was bifurcated into the districts of Ananthapura and Bellary with 7 and 8 taluks respectively. All the while, however, the Palegars reigned supreme and laid waste the farm lands with their rapacious exaction from the riots. Sir Thomas Munro, then known as Major Munro, was the first Collector of Bellary district as well as of the other ceded districts of Cuddappah, Ananthapur and Kurnool. His first task was to do away with Palegars and their methods which had resulted in impoverishing the cultivating classes. The Ryotwari Settlement was brought in and a general reduction in assessment helped to bring in a measure of peace and contentment in the region.

During the British period, Bellary - the district headquarters town - was a cantonment and was held to be of considerable strategic importance. It was developed into a centre of trade and commerce despite the constraints posed by the lack of drinking water facility. Further, from about the year 1826, the area of about 400 Sq.kms around Sandur town enjoyed the status of an independent state under the suzerainty of the British. After the attainement of Independence in 1947, the ruler of Sandur signed the merger agreement on April 1, 1949, transferring the administration of Sandur state to the government of India.