Shimoga
Shimoga is a district in the State of Karnataka in India. Ir is situated in the Malnad region bounded by Sahyadri ghats at an mean elevation of 640 AMSL in the western part of karnataka. The district is spread over an area of 8477 Sq.Kms with an forest area of 2.27 Lakh Hectares. The total population of shimoga district as per 1991 census is around 1642545. The eastern part of district comes under the semi-malnad zone with plain topography and occasional chains of hills covered with semi-deciduous vegetation.Shimoga is origin of rivers Kali, Gangavathi, Sharavathi and tadadi. Shimoga district is rich in flora and fauna , the dense forest and green shrub jungles are main producers of sandalwood, rosewood, teak and other exotic timber. Mango, Jackfruit, Tamarind etc.. are the other important trees found around the district with rich yields. The dense forests of the district is home for wild animals like Elephant, Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Wild boar, Bear, Antelope, Bison, Porcupine, Monkeys, wolves and many other animals. Birds migrate here from all over the world.
History
Shimoga, as per traditional derivations, means the mouth of Lord Shiva ( 'Shiva - Mukha' - Face of shiva , 'Shivana - Mogu' - Nose of shiva, 'Shivana - Mogge' - Buds of flowers meant for shiva ) . According to the legend, the place had the ashram of the famous sage 'Durvasa' who was noted for his sharpness of temper. He used to keep on the oven a pot boiling with sweet herbs. Once, some cowherds, who chanced upon it, tasted the beverage out of curiosity and called the place 'Sihi- Moge' (Sweet Pot) , Which was later called as 'SHIMOGA' .Remains found in the district disclose that man was resident in the area in those early times. In 1881, two early stone-age tools were discovered in a 'Shingle bed' at Nyamati, at a short distance from the Tungabhadra river. They were bifacial pebble tools made of quartzite, one with a rounded working edge and the other with a pointed working edge. Some Neolithic sites were noticed and uncovered at
- Guddemaradi on the bank of Tunga river near Shimoga city
- Nilaskal near Nagar in Hosanagar taluk
- Kunda hill near Agumbe in Thirthahalli taluk
- Yeddegudde near Thirthahalli
- Ashoka nagar, Anaveri and Nagasamudra in Bhadravati taluk
Three iron age megalithic sites, with different megaliths, have also been found in the district, at Nilaskal in Hosanagar taluk and Shimoga, which have menhirs, and at Arehalli in Thirthahalli taluk, which has portholed burial chambers.
This part was the dominions of the Maurayas in the third century. Later a branch of Satavahanas held sway over.
The Kadambas of banavasi ruled the western part during fourth century while the Gangas of Talakad administered the eastern part.
Chalukyas of badami subdued both the Kadambas and the Gangas in sixth century, who however continued as feudatories of the former. Later the Gangas lost a major portion .
Prinicipality was established in seventh century at Humcha by Santara Deva, a jain chieftain.
The Rastrakutas of Malakhed establised their suzerainty in the eighth century.
The Banavasi, in 10th century, along with some other parts were added to Ganga kingdom by the Rastrakutas in recognition of help rendered by the Gangas in defeating the Cholas.
The Hoysalas became powerful during 11th century . As a result of several wars between the Hoysalas and the Sevunas(Yadavas) of Devagiri, the northern parts were held by the latter for some time.
In the 12th century, Kalachuris were in power for only a short period . Belagutti was the capital of a principality during this time and also later.
Hoysala power came to an end in 14th century and the district became part of Vijayanagar Empire. Araga was the capital of a province under Vijayanagar.
At the beginning of the 16th century the house of Keladi Nayakas ( also called Ikkeri or Bidnur Nayakas)established themselves in this area.There was also a small principality of Basavapatna in the east of the district.
In 1763 , Haider Ali captured Bidnur, capital of Keladi nayakas, and as a result, this district along with other areas of thier kingdom was annexed to Mysore. After 1799 ,during the early period of Wodeyars of Mysore, the Nagar Naujdari included the shimoga & Kadur(now Chickmagalur).
Politics
Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) constituencies and their areas after delimitation order of 2008111 Shimoga Rural Vidhan Sabha Constituency (SC) - 7 Bhadravati Taluk (Part) 4 Holehonnur I and 5 Holehonnur II Circles HOLEHONNUR III HOBLI (Part) Agradahalli, Hanchinasiddapura, Timlapura, Kallihalu, Bommanakatte, Dombarabyranahalli, Marashettihalli, Yedehalli, Bhadrapura, Harogundi, Chandanakere, Kenganalu, Basavapura, Arabilachi, Arakere, Danavadi, Kallapura, Nagoli, Rangapura, Hosur and Tattehalli villages. 6 Shimoga Taluk (Part) 1 Kasaba I, 2 Kasaba II, 3 Nidige I, 5 Holalur I , 6 Holalur II, 7 Harnahalli and 8 Kumsi Circles Shimoga CMC (Part) Shimoga CMC Ward No. 13 to 15.
112 Bhadravati Vidhan Sabha Constituency - 7 Bhadravati Taluk (Part) 1 Kasaba I, 2 Kasaba II and 3 Kudligere Circles, HOLEHONNUR III HOBLI (Part), Belligere and Badanehalu Villages. Bhadravati CMC
113 Shimoga Vidhan Sabha Constituency - 6 Shimoga Taluk (Part), Shimoga CMC (Part) Shimoga CMC Ward No. 1 to 3, 4, 5 to 12 and 16 to 35.
114 Tirthahalli Vidhan Sabha Constituency - 5 Tirthahalli Taluk Hosanagara Taluk (Part) Humcha Circle and Nagara circle 6 Shimoga Taluk (Part) 4 Nidige II Circle
115 Shikaripura Vidhan Sabha Constituency - 3 Shikaripura Taluk
116 Sorab Vidhan Sabha Constituency - 2 Sorab Taluk 1 Sagar Taluk (Part) 4 Talaguppa Circle.
117 Sagar Vidhan Sabha Constituency in Karnataka - 4 Hosanagara Taluk (Part) Kasaba and Kerehalli circles, Hosanagara TP 1 Sagar Taluk (Part) 1 Anandapuram, 2 Kasaba., 3 Avinahalli , 5 Bharangi and 6 Karur Circles. Sagar CMC , Jog Kargal TP