Chikkaballapur, Karnataka, India

🇮🇳 Chikkaballapur is the district headquarters of the newly created Chikkaballapur district in the state of Karnataka, India, which was carved out from Kolar district. 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 Chikkaballapur 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"

Etymology 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 centre for the region.

History 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 valour 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 Chickballapur. Baichegowda, King of Mysore later attacked the fort but had to withdraw due to the valiant efforts of the Chikkaballapur citizens 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 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 Chikkaballapur and other places and arrested Chikkappa Nayaka. Then with the interference of Lord Corn Wallis, Chikkaballapur was handed over to Narayanagowda. After knowing this, Tippu Sultan again acquired Chikkaballapur. In 1791, British occupied Nandi & left Narayanagowda to rule the town. Due to this treachery, a fight broke out between the Britishers and Tippu Sultan. Narayanagowda lost his administration. Later, the British defeated Tippu in a battle which led to tremendous loss of life on both sides. The citizens of Chikkaballapur, however, refused to be subjugated and maintained their warrior pride. Chikkaballapur later came under the administration of Wodeyars of Mysore, who later merged with the present state of Karnataka.

Demographics As of 2011 India census, Chikkaballapur had a population of 191,122. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Chikkaballapur 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 Chikkaballapur has a high elevation located in the centre of the Nandi Hills region. "Panchagiri" is a common descriptor of Chikkaballapur 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 trekking involved to reach the top of the hill. Nandi hills is also the birthplace of five rivers viz penneru chitravati south Paleru and other two.

Transport: Road The city of Chikkaballapur has well connected prominent highways. Four laned NH-44, National Highway 69 (India) and State Highway 74 (Karnataka) are the three major highways passing through the city. It is 65 km from both Bengaluru and Kolar.

The city's public transport is majorly handled by KSRTC. KSRTC also has a bus depot in Chikkaballapur under the same division.

Transport: Rail Chikballapur railway station (Station Code: CBP) belongs to Bengaluru division of South Western railway zone. It lies on Yelahanka-Bangarpet line. This line also connects the city to Kempegowda International Airport halt railway station.

Transport: Air The Kempegowda International Airport is the nearest international airport at 38 km.

Education 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, offering free education and hospital are about 3 km from Chikkaballapur.

Places to visit Nandi Hills is nearby and within the jurisdiction of Chikkaballapur district.

Chikkaballapur has the small, pristine Kandavara Lake. S. Gollahalli Village Sri Anjaneya Swami temple is an important place to visit. "Vidurashwattha" is in Gauribidanur taluk on the lands of river Pinakini. "Vidurashwattha" is famous for its temple. It is also called Mini Jaliyanwalabagh.

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