Bagalkot

Bagalkot

District of North Karnataka

This culturally rich district of Karnataka was sculpted out of Vijayapura in 1997. The first documentation of Bagalkot dates back to 2nd century CE in the works of Ptolemy, a Greek astronomer. Stone inscriptions recognize Bagadige as Bagalkot’s ancient name. 

With around 200 Middle Palaeolithic localities in the district’s Kalagdi basin alone, Bagalkot is a historical goldmine. Quartzitic artefacts and megalithic habitations are among the many wonders of this place.

Bhutanatha Temple in Badami

The town of present day Aihole was the former capital of the great Chalukyan Empire in 6th century CE, which spanned modern day regions of Karnataka, Maharashtrq and Gujarat. In the 7th century CE, the Chines explorer Hieun-Tsang described the people of Badami as “tall, proud, brave and exceedingly chivalrous”. 

Durga temple at Aihole built By Chalukya Dynasty between 7th and 8th century CE
Ceiling of the faceted catenary dome of Durga temple at Aihole, Bagalokot

This district is nourished by three rivers: Ghataprabha, Malaprabha and Krishna. According to Hindu traditions, this land was gifted to musicians, and also has great significance to followers of Lord Shiva.

Bhutanatha Temple at Badamin, Bagalkot
Badami Caves (6th to 7th century CE), Bagalkot
7th to 8th century rock cut relief near Bhutanatha Temple, Bagalkot
Anantashayana Vishnu shrine, depicting Vishnu above Garuda (left), Shiva above Nandi (holy cow - centre), and Brahma above Hamsa (right) at Badami monuments in Bagalkot, Karnataka
7th to 8th century murals and paintings at Badami monuments
6th century carvings of Brahma on Cave ceiling at Badami Hindu cave Temple