Vijayanagara district

Encyclopedia

Vijayanagara district

 is a district in the Indian state of Karnataka, located in the Kalyana Karnataka region. This district was carved out of Bellary district in 2020 to become the 31st district of the state with Hosapete as district headquarters. On 2 October 2021, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai officially announced the new district

It is the home of the former capital of the famous Vijayanagara Empire and it’s capital Hampi, which is now one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

History

The region was ruled by the Vijayanagara Empire and is home to several historical places.

During British India rule it was part of the Madras presidency. After Indian independence, during the formation of Indian states, with the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1953, this region became part of Bellary district of the Mysore state. Presently, this district comes under the Kalyana Karnataka region, that is, the Northeast part of Karnataka state.

In 2020, six taluks from Bellary district were carved out to form this district making it the 31st district of Karnataka. The B. S. Yediyurappa Government gave approval and notified the formation of this district on 18 November 2020.

Administration

The district comprises 6 Taluks and 18 hoblis. Hosapete is the administrative headquarters of Vijayanagara district. Anand Singh, MLA, Vijayanagara was appointed as District In-charge Minister of Vijayanagara district.

Parliament and Assembly Seats

The district is part of the Bellary Constituency, (reserved for STs) and has 5 assembly seats:

88. Hadagalli (SC)

89. Hagaribommanahalli (SC)

90. Vijayanagar

96. Kudligi (ST)

104. Harapanahalli

The Assembly constituency of Harpanahalli is part of the parliamentary constituency of Davanagere.

Tourism

  • Hampi: known for the ruins of Vijayanagara. A world heritage site, which attracts hundreds of thousands of people from across the world every year, is situated in this district. It is home to several ruined structures.
  • Mylara: Mylara Lingeshwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to God Mylara, who is believed to be a form of Lord Krishna. Located at the center of Karnataka, it is in the extreme south-western corner of Hoovina Hadagali, of Vijayanagara District.
  • Tungabhadra River Viewing Point.
  • Kotturu: Sri Guru Kotturubasaveshwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to God Sri Guru Basaveshwara. Located at the town of Kotturu, of Vijayanagara District.
  • Bagali, Harapanahalli: Bagali Basaveshwara is a Hindu temple from ancient times. It is a very attractive place. Located near SH-25, Hospet Main Road, 8 km away from Harapanahalli City of Vijayanagara District.
  • Koolahalli, Harapanahalli: Koolahalli Basaveshwara
  • Neelagunda, Harapanahalli

Education

  • Kannada University, a research-oriented public university in Hampi, founded with the aim to develop the Kannada language and to promote its literature and traditions.