Bagalkot District - Origin

Origin

(www.nammabagalkot.in) Stone inscriptions identify Bagadige as the ancient name of Bagalkote. According to legend, the area was gifted by the mythological Rāvana, lord of Lanka to his musicians. Other taluks in Bagalkote also have mythological origins. Badami, formerly known as Vatapi, was named after an asura king who, according to the Mahābhārata, ruled the area along with his brother Ilvala. Legend has it that both asuras were vanquished by the sage Agasthya. The northwestern taluk of Jamkhandi derives its name from an old Chalukyan temple dedicated to Jambukeshwara, a form of the Hindu deity Shiva. The town of Aihole, formerly the capital of the Chalukyan Empire of Banavasi was previously known as Ayyavole and Aryapura meaning Noble city. The western taluk of Mudhol was traditionally known as Muduvollal — literally translating into lovely town. The ancient town of Pattadakal was previously known as Raktapura – red town and later as Pattadakal Kisuvoval.

The Greek astronomer Ptolemy previously identified many towns in the district of Bagalkote. Pattadakal was referred to as Petrigal, while Badami was known as Badiamaioi.

In inscriptions, the old name of the town was quoted as Bagadage under the Chalukyas. Between 1664 to 1755 this territory was under the Savanur Nawab from whom it was annexed by the Peshwa, Balajirao. During 1778, Haider Ali took possession of Bagalkote. Later held by Savnur Nawab. It fell into the hands of Marathas in 1792. In 1800, the provincial manager, Anandarao Bhikaji belonging to the Ratia family residing at Bagalkote built a palace. In 1810, Peshwa Bajirao II gave the area to Nilakantharao Sarsubedar who held Bagalkote Fort supported by a garrison till Gen. Munro occupied it in 1818. The place was a noted centre of freedom movement and also of unification movement. The place is on the banks of the Ghataprabha River. The place has a cement factory and is a centre of trade in cotton and groundnut.