Shimoga district

District of Karnataka in India
the district

Shimoga district, officially known as Shivamogga district, is a district in the Karnataka state of India. A major part of Shimoga district lies in the Malnad region or the Sahyadri. Shimoga city is its administrative centre. Jog Falls view point is a major tourist attraction. As of 2011 Shimoga district has a population of 17,52,753. There are legends about how the name Shivamogga has evolved. According to one, the name Shivamogga is related to the Hindu God Shiva. Shiva Mukha (Face of Shiva), Shivana Moogu (Nose of Shiva) or Shivana Mogge (Flowers to be offered to Shiva) can be the origins of the name "Shivamogga". Another legend indicates that the name Shimoga is derived from the word Sihi Moge which means sweet pot. According to this legend, Shivamogga once had the ashram of the sage Durvasa. He used to boil sweet herbs in an earthen pot. Some cowherds, found this pot and after tasting the sweet beverage named this place Sihi Moge.

During Treta Yuga, Lord Rama killed Maricha, who was in the disguise of a deer at Mrugavadhe near Thirthahalli. The district came into the control of Satavahanas. The Satakarni inscription has been found in the Shikaripur taluk. After the fall of the Shatavahana empire around 200 CE, the area came under the control of the Kadambas of Banavasi around 345 CE. The Kadambas were the earliest kingdom to give administrative status to the Kannada language. Later the Kadambas became feudatories of the Badami Chalukyas around 540 CE. In the 8th century Rashtrakutas ruled this district. The Kalyani Chalukyas overthrew the Rashtrakutas, and the district came into their rule. Balligavi was a prominent city during their rule. In the 12th century, with the weakening of the Kalyani Chalukyas, the Hoysalas annexed this area. After the fall of the Hoysalas, the entire region came under the Vijayanagar Empire. When the Vijayanagar empire was defeated in 1565 CE in the battle of Tallikota, the Keladi Nayakas who were originally feudatory of the Vijayanagar empire took control, declared sovereignty, and ruled as an independent kingdom for about two centuries. Shimoga lies between the latitudes 13°27' and 14°39' N and between the longitudes 74°38' and 76°04' E at a mean altitude of 640 metres above sea level. The average annual temperature of Shimoga district is around 26 °C. The average temperature has increased substantially over the years. In some regions of the district, the day temperature can reach 40 °C during summer. This has led to water crisis and other problems.

The major soil forms found in the Shimoga district are red gravelly clay soil; red clay soil; lateritic gravelly clay soil; lateritic clay soil; medium deep black soil; non saline and saline alluvio colluvial soil; brown forest soil. The major minerals found in the district are limestone; white quartz; kaolin; kyanite; manganese. The plain land of the district is suitable for agriculture.

Foundry, agriculture and animal husbandry are the major contributors to the economy of Shimoga district. The crops cultivated in this district are paddy, arecanut, cotton, maize, oil seeds, cashewnut, pepper, chili, ginger, Ragi. Spices like, clove, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom are grown along with areaca plants. This multi cropping can help in maximum utilisation of land space and improve soil fertility. As spices have high commercial value it provides additional income to farmers.

Ballegavi, also known as 'Dakshina kedara' was the capital of Banavasi rulers during the 12th century CE. There are many temples in Ballegavi, some constructed as per Late Chalukyan architecture: Kedareshvara temple, Tripurantakeshvara temple, and Prabhudeva temple. They are known for architecture and sculpture. Shivappa Naik palace is located in Shimoga on the banks of river Tunga; it was constructed by Shivappa nayaka of Keladi. The Lakshminarsimha temple in Bhadravathi was built as per Hoysala architecture. Keladi and Ikkeri were the capital cities during the time of Keladi Nayakas. There are three temples in Keldai: Rameshvara temple, Veerbhadreshvara temple, and Parvati temple. The Aghoreshvara temple is in Ikkeri. This was the third Kannada Sahiya Sammelana held at Shimoga: The first one was held in 1946 (president: Da. Ra. Bendre) and second one in 1976 (president: S. V. Ranganna).

Nilakanteshwara Natya Seva Sangha is located in a village called Heggodu in Sagara. It was established by K. V. Subbanna in 1958. Ninasam is a drama institute. The headquarters is in Heggodu. It has a library, rehearsal hall, guesthouse and theatre. Shivarama Karantha Rangamandira is an auditorium for Ninasam. It was opened in 1972. Ninasam started a Theatre in education project called Shalaranga with the help from the government of India during 1991–1993. Ford Foundation has volunteered in establishing a rural theatre and film culture project called Janaspandana. Ninasam conducts a summer workshop for youngsters. Ninasam chitrasamaja is an organisation to encourage film culture and to hold film festivals.

Gudigars are a clan of craftsmen who are specialised in carving intricate designs on wood, mainly sandalwood. They are concentrated in the Sagara and Soraba taluks. The articles they make are sold at government emporiums. Ashok Gudigar is one of the sculptors from this clan. A 41 foot Bahubali statue is one of his works. He has won the Vishwakarma award for his Chalukyan style Ganesha sculpture. He has won the National award in 1992 for his Hoysala styled Venugopala sculpture.

Dollu Kunitha and Yakshagana are some of the dance forms which are prevalent in this district. Yakshagana has a long history in the district and Dr. Kota Shivarama Karantha suggests that origin of the 'badaguthittu' form of Yakshagana took place in the region between Ikkeri of Shimoga district and Udupi.

Dasara is celebrated every year in Shimoga. Many cultural programmes Marikamba festival is celebrated in Sagara once in 3 years.

Rice is the staple food for majority of the people in Shimoga district. The food in this district is somewhat similar to Udupi cuisine. However, exclusive dishes specified to Malenadu are a part of Shimoga District. The cooking in the Malnad region of Shimoga district includes items like midigayi uppinakai (tender mango pickle), sandige (similar to pappadum), avalakki (beaten rice) and akki rotti. Havyaka people have their own cuisine consisting of such varied items like genesale (sweet made of jaggery, rice and coconut), thotadevvu (sweet made of rice and sugarcane juice) and thambli (a curd preparation containing other ingredients like ginger, turmeric root, jasmine and rose sprouts).

The Malnad region is a biodiversity hotspot with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The region has protected areas classified as wildlife sanctuaries to ensure the protection of these species:

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary is in Sorab Taluk. The sanctuary is spread over an area of
There are many species of flora found here: Vitex leucoxylon, Phyllanthus polyphyllus, Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia paniculata, Terminalia chebula, Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Dalbergia latifolia, Haldina cordifolia, Xylia xylocarpa, Caryota urens, Ficus benghalensis, Ficus religiosa, Butea monosperma, Santalum album, Diospyros melanoxylon; Madhuca longifolia, Kirganelia reticulata. Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary lies adjacent to Shimoga city and has forests ranging from dry deciduous to semi evergreen and is spread over an area of Trees of the dry deciduous parts include Terminalia tomentosa, Terminalia bellerica, Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis, Anogeissus latifolia, Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Wrightia tinctoria, Cassia fistula; and Emblica officinalis. In the moist deciduous forest species like Adina cordifolia, Xylia xylocarpa, Grewia tilaefolia, Kydia calycina, bamboo Dendrocalamus strictus, Bambusa arundinacea. The semi evergreen forests are represented by Dipterocarpus, Michelia, Hopea, Schleichera, and Bambusa. Plants like Acacia auriculiformis, Tectona grandis, and Grevillea robusta also exist in the sanctuary. Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary is a sanctuary from Shimoga town on the way to Thirthahalli. This is a small island surrounded by Tunga river. The birds found here are median egret, cormorant, darter, snakebird. Sakrebailu Elephant Camp lies 14 km. from Shimoga town on the way to Thirthahalli. This is a training camp where elephants undergo training from mahouts. Tyavarekoppa Lion and Tiger Safari lies about from Shimoga town on the way to Sagar. The safari has lions, tigers and deer.

Shimoga district has a literacy rate of 80.2%. in the district out of which 51 government pre university colleges. There are 41 educational institutions managed by National education society. There are 1106 lower primary schools and 1185 higher primary schools.

There are 1106 lower primary schools, 1185 higher primary schools and 393 high schools in Shimoga district. There are 1323 anganawadis. National education society has 31 educational institutions including pre university and first grade colleges. including Jnanadeepa school. National Residential school is another CBSE school in Thirthalli. Hongirana School Of Excellence is a CBSE School in Sagar, Karnataka.

There are 8 Polytechnics in the district. Major polytechnics among them are Government Polytechnic Bhadravathi, Government Women's Polytechnic Gopala, Sahyadri Polytechnic, Sanjay Memorial Polytechnic Sagara, DVS Polytechnic.

There are 12 colleges affiliated to Kuvempu University, 5 B. Ed and B. P. Ed colleges It offers two undergraduate courses: BSc and B. C. A. There are two engineering colleges in the district: Jawaharlal Nehru national college of engineering and P. E. S. Institute of Technology and Management. Jawaharlal Nehru national college of engineering was established in 1980 by the National education society. PES institute of technology and management was established in 2007. The college offers 5 undergraduate programmes in B. E. National College of Pharmacy in the center of the city is one of the oldest college in Karnataka state and students across the nation has studied here. Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences was started in 2005. It is on the premises of the McGann Hospital in Shimoga, established in memory of British Surgeon Dr. T. G. McGann. The college is affiliated to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka. There are 21 departments in the college. Bapuji Ayurvedic Medical college, established in 1996, is in Shimoga, which offers B. A. M. S. Ayurvedacharya degree. which also offers B. A. M. S Ayuvedacharya degree. and has been approved by DCI. and MTA. Jawaharlal Nehru national college of engineering has 7 post graduate programmes: Master of computer applications; Master of business administration; M. Tech. in Computer Science and Engineering; M. Tech. in Network & Internet Engineering; M. Tech. in Design Engineering; M. Tech. in Transportation Engineering and Management; M. Tech. in Digital Electronics and Communication Systems. The Kuvempu University offers courses in Languages, Literature and Fine Arts; Social Sciences; Economic and Business studies; Physical Sciences; Chemical sciences; Bio Sciences; Earth and Environmental Science; Law; Education; M. Tech. in Nanoscience and Technology.

Shimoga district has three cricket stadiums: Nehru stadium, Jawaharlal Nehru college of engineering cricket ground and PES Institute of Technology Cricket ground. The first match played on the Nehru stadium was in 1974. out of which 3 are Ranji matches. Sagara has a very good cricket stadium called Gopalagowda Stadium, It is the only best leather pitch stadium in the district. The work on an international cricket stadium has started near Navule. The VISL cricket stadium is located in Bhadravathi. Shivamogga Lions represents the Shimoga zone in the KPL. Shimoga, Hassan and Chickmagalur districts come under the Shimoga zone in the Karnataka premier league. Gundappa Viswanath is a cricketer from Bhadravathi. He has played test cricket for India from 1969 to 1983 making 91 appearances. Bharat Chipli is a cricketer from Sagar who plays for Deccan Chargers. The 18th Junior National Athletic Championship was held in Shimoga. State level kho kho and volleyball competitions are held in the district. The volleyball tournaments are held on the Kuvempu University campus and Nehru stadium. VTU inter collegiate cricket, football, volleyball and handball tournaments are held in the districts. The district football team has won inter district football tournaments. Shimoga was the host for the CBSE National Handball Championship in 2009. City level basketball tournaments are conducted in Sahyadri College premises. Other sports tournaments held in Shimoga are table tennis; badminton; kabaddi; chess. There are proposals to upgrade the Nehru stadium in Shimoga. The upgraded stadium would contain a swimming pool of international standards, an indoor stadium, basketball court and a synthetic track. There are proposals to build sports stadium at Thirthahalli, Shikaripura and Soraba.

Jog Falls is the highest waterfall in India and second highest in Asia. The river Sharavathi falls into the gorge in four distinct flows which are termed Raja, Rani, Rover, and Rocket. Jog falls lies in Sagar taluk and is 30 km. from the city of Sagar. Kunchikal Falls is the 11th highest waterfall in India and 313th highest in the world with a height of 455 meters and ranks 116 in the list of highest waterfalls in the world. Vanake Abbey Falls is in the heart of Malnad forests, 4 km from Agumbe.

Linganamakki dam is built across the Sharavathi river in Sagar taluk and is 6 km from Jog Falls. It is the biggest dam in Karnataka of 151.75 Tmcft. Bhadra river dam is built across Bhadra river at Lakkavalli at distance of 20 km from Bhadravathi city. Koodli is 16 km from Shimoga city and the Smartha monastery in Koodli was founded in 1576 CE by Jagadguru Narsimha Bharathi swami of Sringeri. Ambuteertha is located 10 km from Thirthahalli on the Thirthahalli Hosanagara road. River Sharavathi originates at this place. Varadamoola is 6 km from Sagar town. River Varada originates at this place. Varada flows through the town of Banavasi before joining Tungabhadra.

Agumbe is 90 km west of Shimoga city. It is known as the Cherrapunji of South India. Agumbe is 650 meters above sea level. The place is famous for its sunset view. Kavaledurga is a fort on a hill above sea level. Kodachadri hills are 115 km from Shimoga city. The hills are 1343 m above sea level. Kundadri is a hill near Thirthahalli. It is famous for its rock formations.

Shivappa Nayaka palace and museum is in the city of Shimoga. The palace was built by Shivappa Nayaka during the 17th century CE. Kote Seetharamanjaneya temple is beside it. Sacred Heart church, built in the 1990s and second largest church of Asia, is in the city of Shimoga. It has features of Roman and Ghothic styles of architecture. Humcha is a Jain pilgrimage place with a Panchakuta Basadi, Humcha which was built during 10th and 11th century CE. The Kedareshvara temple is located in Kubetoor. It has been built in the Chalukyan style. Nagara, which was earlier called Bidarur, was the last capital of the Keladi kings and later taken by Hyder Ali during 1763. The Hyder Ali tank, Neelakanteshwara temple and Venkataramana temple are located in this city. Keladi and Ikkeri were the capitals of Keladi Nayakas. The places are near Sagar.