Gajendragarh
Encyclopedia
Gajendragad or Gajendragarh is a town in Ron Taluk Gadag District
Gadag District
Gadag District had a population of 971,952 of which 35.21% was urban as of 2001. Population increased 13.14% in the decade 1991-2001. The District is bounded on the north by Bagalkot District, on the east by Koppal District, on the southeast by Bellary District, on the southwest by Haveri...

, North Karnataka
North Karnataka
North Karnataka is an arid plateau from elevation in the Karnataka state of southwest India. It is drained by the Krishna River and its tributaries the Bhima, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, and Tungabhadra...

, in the state of Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...

, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...

.

Introduction

Gajendragad, Gad means Fort, local people generally call as Gada. It is about 54 km from Gadag and is one of the big town in the Gadag District
Gadag District
Gadag District had a population of 971,952 of which 35.21% was urban as of 2001. Population increased 13.14% in the decade 1991-2001. The District is bounded on the north by Bagalkot District, on the east by Koppal District, on the southeast by Bellary District, on the southwest by Haveri...

. Kannada movies shot here, for example Veera Madakari.

Gajendragad is a pilgrimage destination, due to its Kalakaleshwara temple. It is famous for the following
  • Beautiful very long Hill strip,
  • Historical Fort,
  • Kalakaleshwara temple,
  • Market for Javali / Dress Materials for marriage and festivals
  • Handloom, Gajendragad Kubusa Kana.

History

History of Gajendragad

Gajendragad is surrounded by the Historical places associated with Badami Chalukyas and Western Chalukya and the places are Badami
Badami
Badami , formerly known as Vatapi, is a town and headquarters of a taluk by the same name, in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. It was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD. It is famous for rock cut and other structural temples...

, Aihole
Aihole
Aihole is a temple complex in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. It is a very popular tourist spot in north Karnataka. It lies to the east of Pattadakal, along the Malaprabha River, while Badami is to the west of both....

, Pattadakal
Pattadakal
Pattadakal is a village in Karnataka. It lies on the banks of the Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district. It is 22 km from Badami and about 10 km from Aihole...

, Mahakuta, Banashankari, Sudi
Sudi
Sudi , is a panchayat town in the Gadag District of Karnataka, India. It is about 30 km from Badami, 12 km from Gajendragad and 3 km from Itagi Bhimambika temple. In the past it was a important town of the Kalyani Chalukyas during 1000 AD...

, Mahadeva Temple at Itagi and Kudalasangama
Kudalasangama
Kudalasangama in India is an important center of pilgrimage for people of the Lingayat faith. It is located about 15 km from the Almatti Dam in Bagalkot district of Karnataka state. The Krishna river and Ghataprabha river merge here and flow east towards Srisaila in state of Andhra Pradesh...

. Rastrakuta Monuments at Kuknur
Kuknur
Kuknur is in Yalaburga taluk in Koppal District, is a small town. is located about 40 km from Hospet and 7 km from Mahadeva Temple , Kuknur is renowned for its temples of the Rastrakutas and Chalukyas times, of these the Navalinga group of temples is famous.-History:Kuknur town was an...

. Gajendragad Fort was built and renewed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Ghorpade

Founder of the Ghorpade family was Shri Valabhasinh Cholaraj Ghorpade,
the second son of Raja Cholaraj Ghorpade of Mudhol
Mudhol
Mudhol is a town in the Bagalkot District in the Northern part of the state of Karnataka, India. It is about 60 km from the district headquarters of Bagalkot town on the left bank of the Ghataprabha River...

.

The Royal families of Kapsi and Gajendragad owe their origin to Vallabhasinha and the Chiefs of Sondur are descended from the third son of Cholraj.

Treaty of Gajendragad

After the 2nd Mysore War, Tippu Sultan had to engage in an armed conflict (during 1786–87) with the Marathas and the Nizam
Nizam
Nizam-ul-Mulk of Hyderabad popularly known as Nizams of Hyderabad was a former monarchy of the Hyderabad State, now in the states of Andhra Pradesh , Karnataka , and Maharashtra in India...

. The war concluded
with the treaty of Gajendragad. And Tippu proved superior. Tippu Sultan pleaded in vain with the Marathas and the Nizam
Nizam
Nizam-ul-Mulk of Hyderabad popularly known as Nizams of Hyderabad was a former monarchy of the Hyderabad State, now in the states of Andhra Pradesh , Karnataka , and Maharashtra in India...

 that they should all ally against the British
British people
The British are citizens of the United Kingdom, of the Isle of Man, any of the Channel Islands, or of any of the British overseas territories, and their descendants...

.

The fort and Taluka of Gajendragad which was taken by Fate Alikhan was retaken by Government. Half the province was surrendered to the Nawab (Nizam
Nizam
Nizam-ul-Mulk of Hyderabad popularly known as Nizams of Hyderabad was a former monarchy of the Hyderabad State, now in the states of Andhra Pradesh , Karnataka , and Maharashtra in India...

 A. D. 1786–87) according to Treaty of Gajendragad. Remaining was made over to Dawalatrao Ghorpade (Rs, 50,001 was taken from him).

Related articles :
  • Maratha-Mysore War
    Maratha-Mysore War
    The Maratha-Mysore War was a conflict on the Indian subcontinent between the Kingdom of Mysore and the Maratha Empire. Begun in February 1785, it ended with the signing of the Treaty of Gajendragad in April 1787...

  • Battles involving the Maratha Empire, Battle of Gajendragad
  • Battle of Gajendragad
    Battle of Gajendragad
    The Battle of Gajendragad was fought in June 1786, during the Maratha-Mysore War. An army of the Maratha Empire led by Haripant Phadke captured the town and fortress at Gajendragad....


Tourism

The pilgrim Kalakaleshwara temple, proper is a huge mountain with the temple carved into it. This is a weekend destination which could be wound up in a day’s time. One can see many windmills lined on the hill opposite the hill on which the temple is located. Besides a beautiful view awaits you after the visit to the temple from the hill.

Kalakaleshwara temple

A little known pilgrim of North Karnataka
North Karnataka
North Karnataka is an arid plateau from elevation in the Karnataka state of southwest India. It is drained by the Krishna River and its tributaries the Bhima, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, and Tungabhadra...

. Gajendragad is a small town lying amidst hills, in one of which is encapsulated Kalakaleshwara temple of Lord Shiva (known as Dakshina Kashi), who is worshipped in the form of Kalakaleswara. There are some large steps that lead you up to the temple. It is a traditional temple with Udhbhava Lingu. There we can find God Virabhadra temple also in the same premises. But one would definitely be amazed at the story in which the significance of the destination lies. Just outside the temple exit is a small square water reservoir called AtharaGange. It is an evergreen water resource that constantly falls along the roots of Peepal tree into the pond all throughout the year. It is said to be flowing even in the peaks of summer season and has an unknown root.

Mythology

More amazing is the story attached to this destination that has taken a few lives too. These were the daring people who wanted to try and learn more about a miracle that happens on the previous night of Ugadi
Ugadi
Yugadi or Ugadi or "Samvatsradi" , Konkani/Marathi: युगादी yugādi, , formed by sandhi of yuga "age" and ādi "beginning": the beginning of an age) is the New Year's Day for the people of the Deccan region of India. It falls on the different day every year because the Hindu calendar is a lunisolar...

, New Year of Kannadigas
Kannadigas
Kannadiga , or Kannadati is a reference to the people who natively speak the Kannada language. Kannadigas are mainly located in the state of Karnataka in India and in the neighboring states of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra...

. The pandit/pujari of the temple prepares a solution of limestone
Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate . Many limestones are composed from skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral or foraminifera....

, and keeps it ready for application along with a brush, inside the temple. The next morning, the jobs done. But the temple is painted on its own and this happens without fail every year. A hookah that is also kept along with it seems to be used when seen the next morning.

Legend has it and so do elderly people that there used to be a bell equivalent to the size of soaked kidney beans that fit into 22 gunny bags. In the 1970s, it so happened that the bell vanished all of a sudden towards the heavens, ringing and sounds of the bell echoing and resonating in into the blue skies. And then there was an epidemic of plague that spread across the place, which people blame was due the bells act of vanishing.

Sudi
Sudi
Sudi , is a panchayat town in the Gadag District of Karnataka, India. It is about 30 km from Badami, 12 km from Gajendragad and 3 km from Itagi Bhimambika temple. In the past it was a important town of the Kalyani Chalukyas during 1000 AD...

Mallikarjuna Temple, Twin Towered Temple, Ishwara in a stone made shelter and Naga Kunda are prime attractions of Sudi

Badami
Badami
Badami , formerly known as Vatapi, is a town and headquarters of a taluk by the same name, in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. It was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD. It is famous for rock cut and other structural temples...

, Aihole
Aihole
Aihole is a temple complex in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. It is a very popular tourist spot in north Karnataka. It lies to the east of Pattadakal, along the Malaprabha River, while Badami is to the west of both....

, Pattadakal
Pattadakal
Pattadakal is a village in Karnataka. It lies on the banks of the Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district. It is 22 km from Badami and about 10 km from Aihole...

, Mahakuta

Mahakuta is the source of an important Badami
Badami
Badami , formerly known as Vatapi, is a town and headquarters of a taluk by the same name, in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. It was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD. It is famous for rock cut and other structural temples...

 Chalukya inscription called Mahakuta Pillar
Mahakuta Pillar
Mahakuta Pillar in the town of Mahakuta in present day Bagalkot district of India's Karnataka state is the source of an important Badami Chalukya inscription called Mahakuta pillar inscription ascribed to king Mangalesa, second son of Pulakesi I. It is made of fine grained sandstone...

 inscription.

Kudalasangama
Kudalasangama
Kudalasangama in India is an important center of pilgrimage for people of the Lingayat faith. It is located about 15 km from the Almatti Dam in Bagalkot district of Karnataka state. The Krishna river and Ghataprabha river merge here and flow east towards Srisaila in state of Andhra Pradesh...

The famous rivers Krishna and Ghataprabha merge (sangama) here, This place is closely associated with the 12th century poet and social reformer Basavanna. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Sangameswara, worshipped in the form of a linga. The temple is an ancient monument built in the Chalukya style architecture. This place is well developed as one of the great tourism place.

MMTC's wind farm

Minerals & Metals Trading Corporation (MMTC) Limited under the ministry of commerce and industry. MMTC's Gajendragad plant Started in 2007, the plant has delivered electricity power of over 102 million units to Hubli Electricity Supply Company (HESCOM) Limited. The plant generate a total capacity of 15 MW of power, with 25 wind energy generators, can each generate 600 KV.

Windmills and poachers drive wolves away

Windmills set up to generate wind energy, are posing a threat to the very existence of rare hyenas and wolves at Gajendragad. Earlier Gajendragad was recognised as a safe haven for highly endangered species like the Indian grey wolf and striped hyenas, but then came wind farming and windmills with huge noisy fans and human traffic to maintain these machines. It drove away these species from their habitat.

Vedanta, Nyaya, Vyakaran

  • Raghavendra Acharya. (19 century)


Gajendragadkars of Satara
Satara
Satara is a city located in the Satara District of Maharashtra state of India. The town is 2320 ft. above sea-level, near the confluence of the Krishna and its tributary river Venna. The city was the capital of the Maratha empire in the 17th century, hence one of the the historical cities of...

 (A Tradition of Scholarship in Vedanta
Vedanta
Vedānta was originally a word used in Hindu philosophy as a synonym for that part of the Veda texts known also as the Upanishads. The name is a morphophonological form of Veda-anta = "Veda-end" = "the appendix to the Vedic hymns." It is also speculated that "Vedānta" means "the purpose or goal...

, Nyaya
Nyaya
' is the name given to one of the six orthodox or astika schools of Hindu philosophy—specifically the school of logic...

 and Vyakaran)

The Raghavendra Acharya (Gajendragadkar) family belongs to the Madhav School. Sudhindhra Swami, a latter day head of the Madhav Peeth, is the oldest known member of this family. The seat of the family was the town of Gajendragad. Raghavendra Acharya was a grandson of Sudhindra Swami.

Raghavendra Acharya was a profound scholar in Vedanta
Vedanta
Vedānta was originally a word used in Hindu philosophy as a synonym for that part of the Veda texts known also as the Upanishads. The name is a morphophonological form of Veda-anta = "Veda-end" = "the appendix to the Vedic hymns." It is also speculated that "Vedānta" means "the purpose or goal...

, Vyakaran (Grammar), Nyaya (Law), Mimamsa and Alankar. Raghavendra Acharya lived in Gajendragad, Karnatak, South India. His house was in effect a pathashala or school
for students. Pratapsimha Emperor of Satara
Satara
Satara is a city located in the Satara District of Maharashtra state of India. The town is 2320 ft. above sea-level, near the confluence of the Krishna and its tributary river Venna. The city was the capital of the Maratha empire in the 17th century, hence one of the the historical cities of...

 of Maratha Empire
Maratha Empire
The Maratha Empire or the Maratha Confederacy was an Indian imperial power that existed from 1674 to 1818. At its peak, the empire covered much of South Asia, encompassing a territory of over 2.8 million km²....

 sent messenger with royal request that Raghavendra Acharya to shift to Satara
Satara
Satara is a city located in the Satara District of Maharashtra state of India. The town is 2320 ft. above sea-level, near the confluence of the Krishna and its tributary river Venna. The city was the capital of the Maratha empire in the 17th century, hence one of the the historical cities of...

 with his family to become the Raj Pandit. He accepted the offer of the Emperor. Since the family shifted from Gajendragad to Satara
Satara
Satara is a city located in the Satara District of Maharashtra state of India. The town is 2320 ft. above sea-level, near the confluence of the Krishna and its tributary river Venna. The city was the capital of the Maratha empire in the 17th century, hence one of the the historical cities of...

, hence the family name GajendragadKar.

Law and Justice

  • P. B. Gajendragadkar

Pralhad Balacharya Gajendragadkar was Chief Justice of India
Chief Justice of India
The Chief Justice of India is the highest-ranking judge in the Supreme Court of India, and thus holds the highest judicial position in India. As well as presiding in the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice also head its administrative functions....

, during Feb. 1964 to March 1966.

Freedom fighters, politicians

Even in the freedom fighting this small town was proudly involved, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru & Vallabh Patel Visited this town. The Photos Of their Visit was displayed in L C Patted (Tobacco Merchant) shop.
The very near village called Rajur also was the centre of political power in the freedom fight, The Lady Called Late.Siddamma Patil(Daughter of Revadi Family, Gajendragad) was close to Nehru family, And very close associate of Andanappa Doddameti (In whose house Mahatha Gandhi stayed for a night – in Village called Jakkali).
After Independence Gajendragad supported National Congress, Late Andanappa Kundaragi from Gajendragad became the president of Dharawad Dist.Congress Committee, He was called by nickname DAJIKAKA -(Dharawada Jillaa Conress Caryakarani).

Educational institutions

  • Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Ayurvedic Medical College, Gajendragad
  • S M Bhoomaraddi Pu College Gajendragad, Aided P.U.College
  • K S S Comp Pu College Gajendragad
  • Govt First Grade Degree College Gajendragad
  • R G V PU College Gajendragad
  • B M J PU College Gajendragad
  • SVVS PU College Gajendragad
  • Govt PU College Gajendragad, Government P.U.College
  • Annadaneshwar I.T.I College
  • Govt Diploma College Gajendragad
  • Govt Composit High School Gajendragad


In Education, there was a Highschool called Kalakaleswara Highschool (later merged with SMBhoomaraddi Highschool). Was run by Halakere Swamiji, Purely for poor students, there was free hostel & boarding, Now It is called Hale Highschool (Old High school)- Where Now Anganawadi Training school.

The great scholars felt the importance of fully equipped high school, Under Presidentship of Late. Sangappa Bhoomaraddi, The Vidyavardhaka Sangh Established with the help of donors new high school was built and named SMBhoomaraddi High school.

Computer Centres at Gajendragad

  • Keonics Franchisee Center
  • CSEC Computers
  • Tally Academy Gajendragad (CSEC)
  • Zero Gravity Computers
  • Sri chowdeshwari Computer Centre

Kannada Sahitya Sammelana

Gadag district Kannada sahitya sammelana (Literature meet) on 11th,12th and 13th Feb 2011 at Gajendragad.

Geography

Gajendragarh is located at 15.73°N 75.98°E. It has an average elevation of 643 metres (2109 feet).

Demographics

India census
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...

, Gajendragarh had a population of 28,227. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Gajendragarh has an average literacy rate of 62%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 74%, and female literacy is 51%. In Gajendragarh, 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.

See also

  • North Karnataka
    North Karnataka
    North Karnataka is an arid plateau from elevation in the Karnataka state of southwest India. It is drained by the Krishna River and its tributaries the Bhima, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, and Tungabhadra...

  • Tourism in North Karnataka
  • Badami
    Badami
    Badami , formerly known as Vatapi, is a town and headquarters of a taluk by the same name, in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. It was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from 540 to 757 AD. It is famous for rock cut and other structural temples...

    , Pattadakal
    Pattadakal
    Pattadakal is a village in Karnataka. It lies on the banks of the Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district. It is 22 km from Badami and about 10 km from Aihole...

    , Aihole
    Aihole
    Aihole is a temple complex in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. It is a very popular tourist spot in north Karnataka. It lies to the east of Pattadakal, along the Malaprabha River, while Badami is to the west of both....

    , Mahakuta
  • Kuknur
    Kuknur
    Kuknur is in Yalaburga taluk in Koppal District, is a small town. is located about 40 km from Hospet and 7 km from Mahadeva Temple , Kuknur is renowned for its temples of the Rastrakutas and Chalukyas times, of these the Navalinga group of temples is famous.-History:Kuknur town was an...

  • Mahadeva Temple (Itagi)
    Mahadeva Temple (Itagi)
    Itagi is in Yalburga Taluk, Koppal District, in North Karnataka, Karnataka, India. It is about 7 km from Kuknur. It is near to Lakkundi about 20 km.Itagi is famous for the Chalukya style Mahadeva Temple...

  • Sudi
    Sudi
    Sudi , is a panchayat town in the Gadag District of Karnataka, India. It is about 30 km from Badami, 12 km from Gajendragad and 3 km from Itagi Bhimambika temple. In the past it was a important town of the Kalyani Chalukyas during 1000 AD...

  • Gadag District
    Gadag District
    Gadag District had a population of 971,952 of which 35.21% was urban as of 2001. Population increased 13.14% in the decade 1991-2001. The District is bounded on the north by Bagalkot District, on the east by Koppal District, on the southeast by Bellary District, on the southwest by Haveri...

  • Mudhol Hound
    Mudhol Hound
    The Mudhol Hound is an Indian breed of dog of the sight hound type. The breed is also known as Caravan Hound and the feathered variety is commonly referred to as a Pashmi. In the villages he is known as the Karwani...


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