Chikballapur district is a newly created district in the state of Karnataka, India. It was carved out of the existing Kolar district by moving the taluks of Gauribidanur, Gudibanda, Bagepalli, Chikballapur, Sidlaghatta and Chintamani into the new district.

Chikballapur is the District Headquarters of the newly created (2007 August) District of Chikballapur. The town is approximately 50 km (31 mi) north of Bangalore, the silicon plateau of India. The north-south National Highway NH 7 goes through the town. The town contains a bus headquarters, train station, and is the origin of several national Highways. As a result, it is a key transport link in North Bangalore. The town is within 3 km (1.9 mi) of Muddenahalli (the birthplace of eminent engineer and statesman Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya) and its nearby town, Kanivenarayanapura, the sites of the upcoming Sri Sathya Sai Baba University and College of Medicine, IIT Muddenhalli, 600 crore Visvesvaraya Institute of Advanced Technology, the 3500 crore Olympic Quality "Sports Village", 200-acre (0.81 km²) Special Economic Zone comprising commercial and residential zones, and a 70 crore "Silk City". As a result of this rapid development, land prices in this area are at an all time high, hovering well over 2 crores per acre.

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, its 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 ruler of Avathi Mallabiregowda's daughter 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 Chikballapur. Baichegowda, King of Mysore later attacked the fort but had to withdraw due to the valiant efforts of the Chikballapur 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 Chickballapur and other places and arrested Chikkappa Nayaka. Then with interfere of Lord Corn Wallis, Chikballapur was handed over to Narayanagowda. After knowing this, Tippu Sultan again acquired Chikballapur. 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 Chikballapur, however, refused to be subjugated and maintained their warrior pride. Chikballapur later came under the administration of Wodeyars of Mysore, who later merged with the present state of Karnataka.

Geography and Transportation

The town of Chickballapur is approximately 56 km north of Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), the silicon plateau of India. Chikballapur has a high elevation located in the center of the Nandi Hills region. "Panchagiri" is a common descriptor of Chikballapur 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 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 at Bengaluru International Airport at a distance of 20 kilometers.

Places to visit

Nandi Hills is situated nearby and within the jurisdiction of Chickballapur taluk. The nearby region of Muddenahalli-Kanivenarayanapura is the birthplace of legendary engineer Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya). Many historic temples are situated in and near Chikballapur. There are several reputed educational institutions situated in the region. SJCIT is a famous 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 Chickballapur. Chickballpur has a small, pristine lake called Kandavara Lake.

Courtesy: Wikipedia