Chikkaballapur

Chikkaballapura Chikkaballapura ಚಿಕ್ಕಬಳ್ಳಾಪುರ
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Chikkaballapura Location in Karnataka, India
Coordinates:
Country	India
State	Karnataka
Elevation	915 m (3,002 ft)
Population	191,122
Languages
• Official	Kannada
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Vehicle registration	KA-40
Lok Sabha constituency	Chikkaballapura

Chikkaballapura is the district headquarters of the newly created Chikkaballapura district in the state of Karnataka, India. It is located within 3 km of Muddenahalli (the birthplace of eminent engineer and statesman Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya). A $400 million Pharmaceutical SEZ is coming up in Chikkaballapura on 325 acres (1.32 km²), the first of its kind in India. Furthermore, the noted Traveler Bunglow is being converted into a state of the art Bus terminus. A new District Government Headquarters and police headquarters is being constructed at a cost of $5 million. In addition, the state government is releasing over $10 million to develop the city and expand underground sanitary systems. It is a regional transport and educational hub, and is a major site for grape, grain, and silk cultivation. With recent development, it is widely believed that Chikkaballapura will become part of "Greater Bangalore."

The name

In the regional language, Kannada, the city is pronounced Chikkaballapura. "Chikka" in Kannada means "small", while "balla" means the measure to quantify food grains, and "pura" means "town". Thus, it is a place where people used to use small measures to quantify the food grains in ancient times. The place has always been known as an agricultural center for the region.

History

The name of this town was originally Chinna Ballaporum. Originating from the Telugu word for Chinna meaning small while "balla" means the measure to quantify food grains, and "porum" means "town". The ruler of Avathi Mallabiregowda's son Marigowda was hunting one day in Kodimanchanahalli forest. A rabbit stood in front of the fierce hunting dogs without fear. Seeing this, ruler was elated and told his son that the strength of the rabbit is due to the valor of the region's citizenry. As such the ruler took permission from King of Vijaynagar and built an elaborate fort and formed a city which is now known as Chikkaballapura. Baichegowda, King of Mysore later attacked the fort but had to withdraw due to the valiant efforts of the Chikkaballapura citizenry and aid from the 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 restore his powers. He was hiding at Nandi Hills along with Chikkappa Nayaka. Immediately, Hyder Ali acquired Chikkaballapura and other places and arrested Chikkappa Nayaka. Then with interfere of Lord Corn Wallis, Chikkaballapura was handed over to Narayanagowda. After knowing this, Tippu Sultan again acquired Chikkaballapura . In 1791 British occupied Nandi & left Narayanagowda to rule the town. Due to this trechery, a fight broke out between the Britishers and Tippu Sultan. Narayanagowda lost his administration. Later, the British defeated Tippu in a bitter battle which led to tremendous loss of life on both sides. The citizens of Chikkaballapura, however, refused to be subjugated and maintained their warrior pride. Chikkaballapura later came under the administration of Wodeyars of Mysore, who later merged with the present state of Karnataka.

Demographics

As of 2011 India census, Chikkaballapura had a population of 191,122. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Chikkaballapura has an average literacy rate of 64%, higher than the national average of 59.5%. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Geography and Transportation

The town of Chikkaballapura is approximately 56 km north of Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), the silicon plateau of India. Chikkaballapura has a high elevation located in the center of the Nandi Hills region. "Panchagiri" is a common descriptor of Chikkaballapura as it is surrounded by 5 picturesque hills among which Nandi Hills is the famous one (The five hills are known as Nandi Giri, Chandra Giri, Skandagiri, Brahma Giri, and Hema Giri). The Kalavara Halli hill Kalavaara betta, is becoming famous because of the trecking involved to reach the top of the hill. The north-south Six-lane National Highway NH-7 as well as the East-West NH 234 (previously state highway 58) goes through the city. The city is also a transportation hub comprising a new major bus terminus and train station headquarters. It is well connected to important towns by the state run buses as well as private taxis and autos. The nearest airport is Bengaluru International Airport at a distance of 20 kilometers.

Places to visit

Nandi Hills is nearby and within the jurisdiction of Chikkaballapura district. The nearby region of Muddenahalli is the birthplace of legendary engineer Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya. Hossur is the birthplace of Dr. Hosur Narasimhaiah, the great educationalist and thinker.

There are several reputed educational institutions in the region. SJCIT is an engineering institute established in 1986 and imparts degree and graduate education. Sri Bhagavan Sathya Sai Baba's school, university, and hospital are about 3 km from Chikkaballapura.

Chikkaballapura has the small, pristine Kandavara Lake.

Many historic temples are in and near Chikkaballapura. S. Gollahalli Village Sri Anjaneya Wwami temple is an important place to visit. "Vidurashwattha" is in Gauribidanur taluk on the lands of river Pinakini. It is also called as Mini Jaliyanwalabagh. "Vidurashwattha" is famous for Temple.

Taluks in Chikkaballapura District

The Chikkaballapura District includes the taluks (townships) of: Chikkaballapura, Gauribidanur, Bagepalli, Sidlaghatta, Gudibanda, and Chintamani.

External links

• official Website by District Administration
• Chikkaballapura Official Municipal Website
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