Belagavi history

The city of Belagavi, also known as Belgaum, possesses a rich and centuries-old history rooted in the medieval period. Its development was defined by its strategic position and the succession of powerful dynasties.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first significant mentions of a settlement on the site of modern Belagavi date back to the 12th century. It is believed that the city was founded by the Ratta dynasty, which ruled this region from the 9th to the 13th century. Initially, the capital was located in Saundatti, but it was later moved to Belagavi, which was known at that time as Venugrama, translating to "Bamboo Village." A key structure of that period was the Belgaum Fort, established around 1204 by one of the vassals of the Ratta dynasty.

Key Factors of Formation

The history of Belagavi is inextricably linked to its geography. Located at the foothills of the Western Ghats, the city controlled important trade routes connecting the Deccan Plateau with coastal areas. This made it a coveted strategic objective for many rulers. Over the centuries, the following powers fought for control of the city and its fortress:

• The Ratta Dynasty
• The Vijayanagara Empire
• The Bahmani Sultanate
• The Maratha Empire

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Thanks to its location, Belagavi flourished as a commercial hub. Trade in cotton and textiles was actively conducted here. The change of rulers led to a unique cultural synthesis. In the architecture and traditions of the city, one can trace the influence of Jainism, Hinduism, and Islam. For example, inside the Belgaum Fort, Jain temples built in the Chalukya architectural style and later mosques erected during the rule of the Sultanate have been preserved to this day.

Major Historical Dates

The history of the city of Belagavi is saturated with events reflecting the change of eras and rulers, from ancient dynasties to modern democracy.

• 1204 — Bichiraja, a commander of the Ratta dynasty, builds a stone fort, laying the foundation for a fortified settlement.
• 1474 — The city is conquered by Mahmud Gawan and annexed to the domains of the Bahmani Sultanate.
• 1490 — After the disintegration of the Bahmani state, the city passes under the control of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, who significantly strengthen the fortress.
• 1686 — Emperor Aurangzeb captures the city, incorporating it into the vast Mughal Empire.
• 1776 — Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore, takes the city under his control during the expansion of his kingdom.
• 1818 — The British East India Company overthrows the Peshwas and annexes the city to its territories following the Third Anglo-Maratha War.
• 1832 — The British military Cantonment is founded, becoming an important logistical and administrative centre for the region.
• 1924 — The city hosts the 39th session of the Indian National Congress, the only one presided over by Mahatma Gandhi.
• 1947 — Following the independence of India, the city becomes part of Bombay State.
• 1956 — As a result of the States Reorganisation Act, the city is included in Mysore State (later renamed Karnataka).
• 1961 — The airfield and infrastructure of the city are used as a key base for the operation to liberate Goa from Portuguese rule.
• 2006 — The Government of Karnataka holds the winter session of the legislature in the city for the first time, elevating its political status.
• 2012 — The opening of the monumental Suvarna Vidhana Soudha building takes place, becoming the second seat of the state government.
• 2014 — The central government officially approves the change of the city's name from the anglicised "Belgaum" to the historical "Belagavi".

The evolution of Belagavi is a journey from a small agrarian community to a major industrial and administrative centre of India. The city developed non-linearly, experiencing the influence of trade routes, military strategies, and cultural exchange. Below are the key stages that defined the modern appearance and significance of the city.

• Transformation into a Trade Hub (12th–15th Centuries). Thanks to its strategic position between the Goa coast and the Deccan Plateau, the city, initially known as the "Bamboo Village" (Venugrama), turned into an important logistical centre. Caravans carrying precious stones, timber, and spices passed through here, laying the economic foundation for future prosperity.
• The Fortress as the Urban Core (13th–16th Centuries). The construction and subsequent modernisations of the fort not only provided protection but also formed the structure of the old city. Artisans and merchants of various faiths settled around the citadel, creating a unique multicultural environment where Jain, Hindu, and Islamic traditions intertwined in daily life and architecture.
• Foundation of the British Cantonment (1832). The British decision to station a military garrison here radically changed the urban landscape. To the west of the old, chaotic city, an orderly district (Camp) grew with wide streets, parks, and bungalows. This created a dual structure of the city that persists to this day, influencing the distribution of commercial and residential zones.
• Industrial Breakthrough and Foundry Production (Mid-20th Century). In the post-colonial period, the city found its economic niche, becoming one of the centres for the foundry industry and hydraulics. The development of specialised industrial zones turned it into an important manufacturing hub, supplying parts to automotive and engineering plants across the country.
• Establishment of an Educational Cluster (Late 20th Century). The opening of the Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), which united hundreds of engineering colleges in the state under its wing, changed the demographic and cultural face of the city. The influx of students and academics stimulated the development of the service sector and residential real estate, turning the city into an intellectual centre of the region.
• Acquisition of "Second Capital" Status (2012). The construction of the monumental Suvarna Vidhana Soudha building and the commencement of holding winter sessions of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly here gave the city new political weight. This event stimulated large-scale infrastructure projects, the expansion of the road network, and the development of the hospitality business to service official delegations.

The architectural landscape of Belagavi represents a unique mosaic where ancient temple traditions sit alongside Islamic architecture and strict British colonial development. The urban planning structure of the city is clearly divided into the historical centre with a chaotic network of streets and the orderly zone of the military township (Cantonment).

The Era of Dynasties and the Chalukya Style (12th–13th Centuries)

The earliest surviving monuments date back to the period of the Ratta dynasty's rule and the height of the Western Chalukya style. The epicentre of this heritage is the territory of the city fortress.

• Style: Chalukya Architecture (Vesara).
• Characteristic Features: The use of fine-grained stone (schist or soapstone), lathe-turned polished pillars, complex geometric patterns, and famous "stepped" domes.
• Iconic Building: The Jain Temple Kamal Basti (1204). Its main feature is the ceiling with a giant inverted lotus carved from stone, consisting of 72 petals.

Influence of Sultanates and Indo-Islamic Style (14th–17th Centuries)

With the arrival of the Bahmani and Bijapur Sultanates, the city acquired features characteristic of Deccan architecture. During this period, the fortress was significantly rebuilt, with massive bastions and a moat added.

• Style: Indo-Islamic (Deccani).
• Characteristic Features: Pointed arches, spherical domes, minarets, and exquisite stone carving with floral and calligraphic motifs.
• Iconic Building: Safa Masjid (16th Century) — one of the most elegant mosques in the region, known for its harmonious proportions and decor.

British Period and European Classicism (19th – Early 20th Century)

After 1818, with the establishment of British control, the architectural vector shifted towards European styles. The Camp area (Cantonment) became a model of colonial urban planning with wide straight streets and parks.

• Styles: Neo-Gothic, Colonial style.
• Characteristic Features: The use of local pink stone, high spires, stained glass, arched windows, and verandas.
• Iconic Buildings:
  • St. Mary's Church (1869) — a striking example of Neo-Gothic architecture with stained glass windows and masonry made of Deccan basalt and sandstone.
  • Colonial bungalows with tiled roofs, which still form the cosy appearance of the city's green zone.

Modernity and Neo-Dravidian Style (21st Century)

In modern India, the city continues to develop, creating new architectural landmarks that emphasise its administrative status.

• Style: Neo-Dravidian (Historicism/Postmodernism).
• Iconic Building: Suvarna Vidhana Soudha (2012). This monumental legislative building intentionally references traditional palace forms, combining them with modern scales of construction, symbolising the power and continuity of traditions of the state of Karnataka.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Belagavi

The city of Belagavi and its surroundings have gifted India and the world with many talented and courageous people. Their contributions span politics, arts, sports, and the struggle for independence. Here are some of the most famous personalities whose history is inextricably linked with this region.

• Kittur Rani Chennamma (1778–1829) — The ruler of the princely state of Kittur, located within the modern Belagavi district. She became one of the first Indian female rulers to lead an armed rebellion against the British East India Company in 1824. Rani Chennamma is revered in Karnataka as a folk heroine and a symbol of the struggle for independence.
• Sangolli Rayanna (1798–1831) — The commander-in-chief of the Kittur princely state's army and a loyal associate of Rani Chennamma. After the queen's capture, he continued a guerrilla war against the British, becoming a legendary figure and folk hero of Karnataka.
• Gangadharrao Deshpande (1871–1960) — A prominent figure in the Indian national liberation movement, known as the "Lion of Karnataka". He was a key organiser of the historic 39th session of the Indian National Congress in Belagavi in 1924 — the only one presided over by Mahatma Gandhi.
• Phadeppa Dareppa Chaugule (1902–1958) — The first Indian athlete to participate in the Olympic marathon. A native of Belagavi, he represented India at the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp, where he finished 19th, inscribing his name in the history of Indian sports.
• Kumar Gandharva (1924–1992) — A legendary performer of Indian classical music in the Hindustani style. Born in the village of Sulebhavi near Belagavi, he was known for his unique vocal style and innovative approach to music, rejecting the strict confines of traditional schools (Gharanas).
• Chandrashekhara Kambara (born 1937) — A distinguished poet, playwright, folklorist, and film director writing in the Kannada language. A native of a village in the Belagavi district, he is a laureate of India's highest literary award — the Jnanpith Award, as well as the prestigious Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards.