Dharwad district General information
Dharwad District is an administrative district of the state of Karnataka in southern India. The administrative headquarers of the district is the town of Dharwad.
Dharwad, also known as Dharwar, is a town in India's Karnataka state. Dharwad is famous for its Dharwad Peda - a milk based sweetmeat. Dharwad is the administrative seat of the district of the same name. The municipality (resulting from a merger with neighbouring Hubli in 1961) covers 191 sq. km. Dharwad is located 425km northwest of Bangalore, on the main highway between Bangalore and Pune in Maharashtra. KREIS North Unit of National Projects Construction Corporation is Head Quartered here.
Before 1997 the district had an area of 13738 sq. km. In 1997, the new districts of Gadag and Haveri were created out of Dharwad's former territory, and a portion of Dharwad district was combined with lands formerly part of three other districts to create the new district of Davanagere.
The twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad are located at a distance of around 420 KM north of Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka state and 550 KM south of Mumbai. The city of Dharwad is just east of the famous Western Ghats and is surrounded by hills and lakes.
The word "Dharwad" means a place of rest in a long travel or a small habitation. For centuries, Dharwad acted as a gateway between Malenaadu(western mountains) and Bayalu seeme (plains) and it became a resting place for the travelers. Another theory is, during VijayaNagara rule of Dharwad, there was a ruler by name "Dharav" (1403 AD) and Dharwad got its name from him. There are some inscriptions that refer to Dharwad as KampaNa Sthana.
Historical Background
Historical studies show that people from early Paleolithic age inhabited Dharwad district. A few places of antiquarian interest and several sites of historical importance are found in the district. The district was ruled by various dynasties from the 5th century onwards. Important among them are Badami and Kalyan Chalukyas, Rastrakutas, Vijayanagar, Adilshahi, Mysore kingdom and Peshawas of Pune. Due to the rule of Peshwas, influence of Marathi is seen in the early decades of the 19th century. During the British rule, Dharwad became the divisional headquarter of educational administration and Kannada the vernacular language of the people gained prominence
The major religions in the district are Hinduism, Islam, Jainism and Christianity. The majority of Hindus are found in both urban and rural areas. The population of the district is divided mainly into 3 categories, viz., main workers, marginal workers and non-workers. In the district, dry farming is the backbone of the agricultural economy. Agriculture is even now labour-intensive enterprise. Hence the district has an above average proportion of workers in its population and offers opportunities to seasonal workers.
In 1962 the erstwhile towns of Dharwad and Hubli were amalgamated to constitute the Hubli Dharwad Municipal Corporation. Thus strictly speaking, the district takes its name from a portion of the pre-eminent town of the district. In 1830, the southern Maratha country was brought under Regulation VII and the territories were formed into one Collectorate called Dharwad District or Zilla. Before trifurcation of the district into Gadag and Haveri, the district consisted of 17 talukas.
Geographical Features
Dharwad district is situated in the Western sector of the northern half of Karnataka State. The District encompasses an area of 4263 sq. kms lying between the latitudinal parallels of 15002’ and 15051’ North and longitudes of 73043’ and 75035’ East. The district is bounded on the North by the District of Belgaum, on the East by the district of Gadag, on the South Haveri and on the West by Uttara Kannada district. All these districts, which surround Dharwad district, belong to Karnataka State itself.
The District lies approximately about 800 mts above the sea level, which is why it enjoys a moderate and healthy climate. The District may be divided into 3 natural regions, viz., the Malnad, Semi-Malnad and Maidan. These regions, on an average, receive moderate to heavy rainfall and have dense vegetation. Kalghatagi and Alnavar area in Dharwad taluka in particular receive more rainfall than other talukas of the District.
On the agricultural front, the presence of black soil helps in raising crops like Cotton, Wheat, Ragi, Jowar and Oil seeds and that of red soil is more suitable for paddy
Socio-Economic and Cultural Characteristics
The district is a place for people belonging to various religions like Hinduism, Islam, Jainism and Christianity. Hindus, in particular, are spread across rural and urban areas. The widely spoken language in the district is Kannada, while a thin population is found using languages like Urdu, Marathi, Hindi, Telugu, Gujarati and Malayalam.
Economy
The district falls in Tropical Region, which is largely affected by monsoons. This explains that the district is an agro-based economy, and also that agriculture is the main occupation in the whole of rural area of the district. The prestigious University of Agricultural Sciences at Dharwad has discovered new species of cotton and chilies, which is the first of its kind in the world. The existence of this prestigious institution has boosted the agro-based industries in the district.
Therefore other activities of economy, i.e., trade and commerce are completely dependent on agriculture. As monsoon is highly uncertain in nature and as there is no major irrigation project or any hydel power generating station in the district, there is high degree of dry-land farming.
The mineral wealth is not quite impressive and forest wealth is equally unattractive. Manufacturing industry, particularly agro-based industry makes a significant contribution to the economy. Hubli-Dharwad are two of the major commercial centres in the State.
Of the total population, 39% makes up for working class. This consists of 26% of those engaged in agriculture sector. Till today, agriculture is a labour intensive enterprise. Many labourers largely depend on seasonal employment. The per capita income at current prices is Rs.14861 and at constant prices [93-94] it is Rs.10462. The State level per capita income at current prices is Rs.14909. The main kharif crops are cotton, chilies, sugarcane and groundnuts, and the main rabi crops are jowar, wheat, rice etc. Out of total cultivated land, only 12.10% is irrigated [as per the 4th Economic Survey – 1998]. On the industrial side, it is seen that there are 50602 industrial units existing in the district. The district has as many as 216 banks and 535 ration shops.
Transportation and Communication
Dharwad District has 156 kms of National, 163 kms of State and 599 kms of District Highways. Apart from this it has 777 village roads, 437 TDB roads, 32 Forest Roads and 189 other roads. There are 12 big bridges in the district.
There are 151 kms of railway line, which has been converted into broad gauge. There are 21 railway stations on this line. There are 216 post offices, 167 telegraph and 73 telephone exchanges as means of communication for the general public.
Public Health and Family Welfare
The public health infrastructure of Dharwad District consists of 26 Primary Health Centres, 3 Sub-Health Units, 5 Govt. Hospitals, 27 Private Nursing Homes and Hospitals and 6 Family Welfare Centres with 185 sub-Family Welfare Units.
Cultural Characteristics
The district receives a special recognition on the cultural map of the state. It has enriched the cultural fields like music, literature and art by producing famous and memorable names. The prestigious Jnanapeetha awardee Dr. D. R. Bendre of Dharwad, has contributed to the field of literature, to the extent of infinity. Renowned classical Hindustani singers like Kumar Gandaharva, Smt Gangubai Hangal, Mallikarjun Mansur, Pt. Bhimasen Joshi, Basavaraj Rajguru and Sangeeta Katti, have not only contributed to the field of music but have also made the district proud. The well known artist Halbhavi also belongs to Dharwad.
On the religious front, the district being secular, has no. of holy places, like Muraghamath of Dharwad, Siddaroodhamatha and Moorsaviramath of Hubli, Amminbhavi Hiremath and Holy the Christ Church of Dharwad, which has celebrated its 150th year.
Food and cuisine
Dharwad produces milk products. Dharwad pedha is made from milk and khoa. Mishra's Line Bazar and Babu Singh's Thakur pedhas are among the better known.
A dish typical of Dharwad is Jolada Rotti made of jowar flour. It is made in two forms -- crisp and soft, and is usually eaten with spicy brinjal (eggplant) pallya, kalu pallya (beans), "agasi" or "guryellu" chutney powder and curds. The now-closed Dharwad Restaurant run by Kidiyoor Sarvothama Rao and Janardhan Rao was popular for masala dosa and was a popular hang-out place for college students. Other restaurants in Dharwad include LEA Canteen, Basappa Khanavali, Megha Darshini, Kamat Hotels, Maitri Paradise, Bombay Restaurant, Hoysala, Brindavana, Mandar Regency, Travel Inn, Ozone, etc. Phadd made of rice flour is also a good dish, eaten with Sambhar and coconut or groundnut chutney. It is available at Paul Canteen near JSS college and Bombay Restaurant in Gandhi chowk.
Agriculture
Dharwad cultivates a variety of food products. The Dharwad Cotton Hybrid (DCH), a popular variety of cotton a few years back, was basically invented in University of Agricultural Sciences[citation needed]. In addition to this, Dharwad produces varieties of channa, kardi, soya and groundnut seeds. Also, farmers grow sugarcane, paddy, jowar, wheat, green gram, bengal gram, munge and many other food products. Dharwad Alphonso mangoes and Navalur gauvas are also produced.
Places of Interest
Someshwara Temple: is one of the oldest temples just outskirts of Dharwad built in 12th century by Chalukyas, near SDM college.The temple has statues of MahishaMardini , Chaturbhuja Ganapati .Da Ra Bendre in one of poems said "Banthanna sanna somavara kanabekanna Someshwara ". River Shalmala takes birth near by but she flows under ground. Someshwara is a beautiful place with surrounding hills and trees and pond.
Murugha Math: This is situated on Savadatti Road. The great Sant Mrityunjaya who was the head the math, fed hundreds of students who came from villages to study @ schools and colleges of Dharwad. Lord Mahantappa passed away in 1994 and now lord Shivayogiappa has taken over the deeksha of the math. Every Monday there will be lectures / music conducted in the premises of the math.
Shankara Matha: is located near JSS college off of NH4. Its architecture is new comprising tiles and ceramic statues, grass lawns. It has big peaceful meditation hall ,between the two "gopuras" as you can see in the picture.
Dattatreya Temple: The God with four heads representing 4 vedas.Usually called as Dattana Gidu,Situated in Gandhi Chawk.
The Vittal Mandir: Also known as 'Vithoba devara gudi'. Constructed in 1796 by the Maratha rulers. Vanavasi Rama Mandira: It is Temple of famous God Sri Rama Along with Sita,Laxmana & Hanuman,
Temple of Milaralinga: This temple is situated behind J.S.S College. It is one of famous temple in Dharwad built in 12th century. The building was built in style of Chalukya's architecture. However its been renovated. There is a saying that long ago Adilshahi's converted it as a mosque and again Pashwe's reconverted as Temple (The Persian stone writing, which said so is missing now). Is also called as "Milaralinga Gudda" because it's up on Hill. Out side of this temple there is a damaged Chlukya's "Shivalinga". Inside the temple there are beautifully carved stone pillars and 'garbha gudi' has idol of Chaturbhuja (having four arms) Milara holding Dhamaru, Trishul, Khadga and Kapala. Besides this idol there are sculptures of dog, Horse etc. AT the center of four pillars, there is statue of Nandi and roof has beautiful design of lotus ( Kamala).The statue of temple is so situated that first sunrays touch the statue , before daylight breaks over rest of Dharwad.
There are Dargas right infront of temple, Peer Anwarsha and Moonawarsha ,and every year in the month of Rajjab , Uruus takes place.
Ulavi Basappana temple: Chennabasavanna and his team (desciples of Lord Basaveshwara) fled from the hostile Kalyana. On their way to the forests of ulavi they rested here. It is a big stone temple with 63 mantaps constructed by the saints of Shaiva cult. A Mela (Jatri) in August every year (Shravana Masa) celebrates the occasion. A group of people wearing colorful dresses dance in the streets of Dharwad every Monday during 'Shravana Masa'
Ganapati Temple: A small temple of Ganapati or vighneshwara situated in KCD circle
Durgadevi Temple: A temple of the Goddess Durga. Situated near the Corporation building.There is a heavy round stone in the temple. A belief among young svhool going kids "if you lift the stone and place it back without making sound, you will pass in the exam". Its true , it worked for me Laxmi-
Narayana Temple: Situated in Javali Peth in the center of Dharwad. Two beautiful marbal idols of Laxmi and Narayana are decorated everyday and even more specially during the month of the Dasera festival for 10 days. These idols are dressed according to the various mythological stories. A big mela for 10 days.
Shri Shri Kumar Swami Tapovan: This is the temple near University. A great learned Saint callled Kumaraswami established it. People from all over the country came here to listen to his lectures. Since his death last year his follwers are maintaining it. Formarly this math was called Navakalyana math in the city and then it got shifted to Tapovan. The Photographs are provided by Josip-Akshay Valcicak -from Croatia.
Renuka (Yellamma) Devi-Temple: This is a well-known temple in North Karnataka visited by pilgrims mainly from Karnataka, Maharashtra & AndhraPradesh. Yellamma temple is situated atop hill, near Soundatti in Belgaum district. The number of devotees visiting the temple is estimated to be around 30 lakhs, their number is the highest on Bharat Hunnime day. Several other famous temples situated at this holy place include Sri Jamadhagnishwar Temple, Sri Parashuram Temple, Yekhanath Joghinath temple, Ganesh temple & Sri Aanjaneya temple.