![]() ![]() On a fort here, stands an old temple dedicated to Lord Shambhulinga which is believed to be the oldest temple here. The name Siruguppa means "pile/ heap of wealth". The area also offers the opportunity to view rock art, ancient burial mounds, and unique ringing stones. Archaeologists have discovered that the area was a large center for the production of stone tools and implements as well as etched stone seals and inscriptions. The excavations are cantered around four hills that have shown evidence of inhabitation during the Neolithic period. The Sanganakallu-Kupgal area is the location of one of the oldest village settlements discovered in Asia. Sanganakallu: The Sanganakallu-Kupgal area is an ancient archaeological site and the excavations here have been dated to the Neolithic period, between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago.Visit the illuminated fort in the evenings and watch the past come alive. His grave is believed to be located near the East Gate of the fort, though some locals believe it to be the grave of a Muslim holy man. Legend has it that the engineer was hanged, for overlooking the fact that the neighbouring Kumbara Gudda was taller than Ballari Gudda, thus compromising the secrecy and command of the fort. Hyder Ali took possession of the fort from the Nayakas in 1769 and got it renovated and modified with the help of a French engineer. The fort is believed to have been built during Vijayanagara times by the Palegar chief Hanumappa Nayaka. Bellary Fort: Situated in the historic city of Ballari, the Ballari Fort is built on top of Ballari Gudda or Fort Hill.This district is endowed with rich mineral resources especially iron ore and hence is aptly called “The Iron City”.įor further information, visit the official district website click here! Today, Ballari is popular for cotton, one of their major crops, and the city is known to have a thriving cotton industry. This was a city whose merchants traded in diamonds, pearls, horses, fine silks, and brocades. There were opulent palaces, marvelous temples, massive fortifications, baths, markets, aqua-ducts, pavilions, stables for royal elephants, and elegantly carved pillars. Vijayanagara Empire at its peak was very prosperous and was believed to be larger than Rome with palaces grander than Lisbon. But perhaps, the most important chapter in Ballari’s history has been the Vijayanagara Empire with the UNESCO World Heritage site Hampi. In terms of archaeology, Ballari is one of those regions where the existence of man has been found with excavations here dating to the Neolithic period in places like Ballari, Sanganakallu-Kupgal, etc. The marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Pampadevi is still recreated annually here. Another legend associated with is Goddess Pampadevi, who is believed to have done penance on the bank of the River Pampa (Tungabhadra) and as the result of which she was able to marry Lord Shiva, who was also called Virupaksha to whom the celebrated ancient temple in Hampi is dedicated. There are many more incidents of Ramayana associated with this place. Anjaneya Hill, located across the river Tungabhadra, is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. Mythologically, Ballari was closely associated with the epic Ramayana with the mythical kingdom of Kishkinda, the famed monkey kingdom which was inhabited by Vanaras (monkeys). Ballari has been a meeting place for people from Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh hence offering a tradition and culture mix of both the states.īallari has a very diverse and rich past. Ballari is situated on the eastern side of Karnataka and is surrounded by Raichur and Koppal on the north, Haveri and Gadag on the west, Chitradurga and Davanagere on the south, and Anantapur and Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh) on the east. ![]()
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