Chikkaballapur

Karnataka > Chikkaballapur

Chikkaballapur Temple

Chikballapur is the district headquarters of the newly created district of Chikballapur in the southern state of Karnataka. Situated about 57 km. north of Bangalore the north -south National Highway NH-7 passes through this town. There is a passenger rail connection between Bangalore and Chikballapur.

Chikballapur is an ideal tourist destination. The Nandi Hill is a popular tourist destination and is situated 22km. south of Chikballapur. Many historic temples are situated in and around this town. The Ranganatha Swamy Temple is a temple worth visiting for the stone statue of Lord Vishnu. Trekking, mountaineering and rock climbing are other activities that the place also offers to the visitors. Pandava and the Kaurava hills are very Temple of Chikballapurgood for mountaineering. The scenic beauty of the five hills known as Pancha Giris is a treat for eyes.

According to the 2001 census report, Chikballapur had a population of 54,938. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49% of the population. 11% of the population is less than six years of age. Chikballapur has an average literacy rate of 57%, which is lower than the national standard of 59.5%. The male literacy rate is 61% and female literacy rate is 52%. The rate of literacy is high due to school facilities available here and awareness in the people. There are many educational institutions situated in Chikballapur. A well-known school of the area is the Sri Bhagavan Sathya Saibaba School and college situated 3 km. from Chikballapur.

The famous hill station of Nandi Hills is situated nearby and within the jurisdiction of Chickballapur taluk. The eminent engineer and statesman Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya was born in Muddenahalli, about 3 km. from Chickballapur.

History of Chikkaballapur

The ruler of Avathi Mallabiregowda's son Marigowda was hunting one day at Kodimanchanahalli forest. A rabbit was standing in front of the dogs without fear. Seeing this, ruler was very happy and told his son that is due to the boldness of the people of this place. As such the ruler took permission from king of Vijaynagar and built a fort and formed a town. This in future becomes chickballapur. During the ruling of Baichegowda king of Mysore attacked the fort but had to withdraw due to the interference of Marathas. Sri Dodda Byregowda who came to power after baichegowda acquired the land, which was taken by Mysore king. In 1762 during the ruling of Chikkappanayaka, Hyder Ali captured the town for a period of 3 months. Then Chikkappanayaka agreed to pay 5-lakhs pagodas, and then the army was taken back.

After this, Chikkappa Nayaka with the help of Murariraya of Guthy tried to get back his powers. He was hiding at Nandi hills along with Chikkappa Nayaka. Immediately Hyder Ali acquired Chickballapur and other places and arrested Chikkappa Nayaka. Then with interfere of Lord Corn Wallis, Chickballapur was handed over to Narayanagowda. After knowing this, Tippu Sultan again acquired Chickballpaur. In 1791 British occupied Nandi & left Narayanagowda to rule the town. Due to this fight between Britishers and Tippu Sultan again started. Narayanagowda lost his administration. Later on British defeated Tippu. Chickballapur also came under the administration of Wodeyars of Mysore, which is now a part of Karnataka.

Statistics of Chikkaballapur

As of 2001 India census, Chickballapur had a population of 54,938. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Chikballapur has an average literacy rate of 57%, lower than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 61% and female literacy of 52%. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.