Kolar

Karnataka > Kolar

Someswara Temple in Kurudumale

Kolar, the district headquarters, 72 km away from Bangalore is on the Bangalore-Madras Road, called as "Kuvalalapura", the first capital of the Gangas, has the famous Kolaramma temple, originally of the Gangas, later renovated by the Cholas. Kolaramma is Mahishamardini and she is one among the seven Mothers (Sapta Matrikas) Installed there. In another shrine next to it are attractive individual stucco figures of Sapta Matrikas. The Someshwara, Venkataramana and Kodandarama are other major temples in the town. Someshwara Temple built in early Hoysala period is a State protected monument now in bad shape. The 'Makbara' here has the graves of Haider All's relations. Kolar is known for its local product, the country blanket (Kambli). Antaragange three km away from Kolar, on the Kolar hills has a perennial stream emanating from the mouth of a bull. It is considered as a holy spot. The hill top has several places like Teruhalli (old pre-Vijayanagara temple), Paparajanahalli and many other seven villages. This hillock overlooking the Kolar town is a fine trekking track for the Adventure Tourism.

History of Kolar

On tracing back the history of the district, the usual legends are encountered. These are associated principally with Avani in the Mulbagal Taluk, which is identified with Avantika kshetra, one of the ten chief sacred places in India. Here Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana, it is said, lived and here Rama remained for some time on his way back to Ayodhya after the conquest of Lanka. Here too Sita retired on being rejected by her Husband, and , under the protection of the sage Valmiki, gave birth to her twin sons Kusa and Lava, to whom he became the preceptor.

The hills to the west of Kolar, called Satasringa parvata or hundred peaked mountains and also made the scene of the story of Ranuka and Parasu-Rama, and there the latter is said to have revenged upon Kartaviryarjuna the murderer of his father Jamdagni commited in order to obtain possession of Surabhi, the cow of plenty. The kolahala or "shouting" consequent on this feat is represented to have given the town its name, since shortened into kolara.

Kolar is a place of great antiquity , but has passed through so many vicissitudes and was so much devasted by warfare and what little now remains in it is ancient. The Cholas and pallavas have contributed their builders. Later, the city was ruled by the Vijayanagara Kings. The fell of Vijayanagara empire has made room for several feudal lords and subsequently it came under the rule of Mysore Rajas. Hyder Ali Khan and Tippusultan effected several improvements since they were the last rulers before the IV Mysore war, when Tippusultan was defeated and Kingdom was shared by Mysore Rajas, Hyderabad Nijam, Marathas & Britishers ultimately. This town came under the rule of Maharaja of Mysore and since then several improvements have taken place and with a result that it became the district Head quarters. It was Krishnaraja Wodeyar who was responsible for connecting the road and Railways. As seen from study of above facts, the town has got a glorious and rich cultural heritage. The Makbara or Tomb of Hyder Ali's father is one of the Principal old buildings in Kolar and it is still maintained by Endowments. The major and important temples in the town are Kolaramma Temple and Someswara Temple.

Kolar district has many ancient temples and mutts.

• Kotilingeshwara
• Avani kshetra near Mulbagal
• Chikka Tirupathi
• Bangaru Tirupathi
• Anjaneya temple, Mulbagal
• Kolaramma, Someshwara temples in Kolar city
• Someshwara and Ganesha temple, Kurudumale
• Kaivara
• Markandeshwara temple in Vokkaleri on Kolar-Malur road

Statistics of Kolar

• Area 3969 Sq. Kms
• LocationSituated between 20 46^o & 130 58^o North Latitude and 770 21^o and 780 35^o East Longitude
• Population 13,87,062
  Male 7,01,677
  Female 6,85,385
• Total rural population 9,82,561
• Total urban population 4,04,501
• Child Population( age 0-6) 1,85,954
• Literates 7,90,771
  Male 4,61,304
  Female 3,29,467
• Nearest Airport Bangalore International Airport
• Nearest Railway Station Kolar
• Road Kolar is well connected with almost all the major Towns and Cities in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh

Budget of Kolar

The Opening balance of the Budget 2007-08 is Rs. 34,153,150/- Receipts is 3,73,611,000/- and expenditure is 5,02,637,000/- and closing balance is 5,126,650/-

How to reach Kolar

Kolar is well connected by rail and road with almost all the important towns and cities in the State. The nearest airport is at Bangalore.