Gadagbetageri.com

Gadag Betageri is an important segment of North Karnataka, situated to the east of Dharwad district, bounded by Kappatagiri in the South-West and is placed about 2120 feet above sea level. The city averages a rainfall of 663.7 mm an year, having a dry climate, with temperatures ranging from 13 to 40°Celsius.

According to the inscriptions the name was derived from Galadug , Kaladurga , Karedurga , Karthuka, Kritapur , whereas Betageri from Battakeri and Bettagere . The Rastrakuta , Chalukya and Vijayanagara dynasty ruled the city. Gadag Betageri developed as a separate political and commercial centre since the period of Rashtrakuta .

The twin city existed as a separate entity till 1873 . The railway line demarcates the two . The famous Veeranarayana , Trikuteshwara , Saraswathi and Someshwar temples , the victory stone of Martyrs in Betageri were built and developed during the 11th and 16th century under their reign . Gadag was an important educational centre during the Vijayanagar rule . Kumaravyasa and Chamarasa the celebrated poets lived during this period . Gadag was used as an important military base during the Aurangazeb’s reign . The chief , Diwar Khan during his stay in Gadag , built the famous Jamia Masjid . Gadag came under the town municipal status in 1859 and a taluka headquarters in 1869 . In 1873 , the twin city united and was later converted into municipal bureau in 1925 . It was declared as district headquarters in 1997.

The population of the city was around 17,000 in 1859 and is roughly about 2 lakhs now. The city faced successive drought and famine between 1897 and 1904 . This is the period when the Christian missionaries opened the CSI hospital in Betageri to provide the medical assistance and charity service to the citizens . Agriculture is the primary occupation followed by handloom . Weaving is a predominant occupation in the city , especially in Betageri . Handloom sector is a source of livelihood to the bulk of population . The city emerged as an important trading and industrial centre for cotton since 1870 . Cotton , oil seeds , jowar and wheat are the main crops .

The twin city kept alive the tempo and momentum of a secular image since medieval period . People belonging to the Hindu , Muslim and Christianity are living in a peaceful and cordial atmosphere . Communal harmony is ingrained quality and essence of the citizens of Gadag Betageri . The twin cities social fabric is so unique and united that it is operated under single trust , comprising of Hindu and Muslim brotherhood. The city also played an important role during Indian freedom movement and unification of Karnataka . It was regarded as the cradle of cooperative movement . The historic visit of Lokamanya Balagangadhar Tilak to the city in 1916 was the launching pad for political activities . The visit of Mahatma Gandhi on 11/11/1920 to the twin city prior to the starting of non cooperative movement gave an opportunity and impetus for the people to take part in the movement . Bapuji’s visit broadened the base of freedom movement . Gadag became the head quarters and centre of attraction for provincial committee activities with the establishment of Karnataka Provincial Congress Committee at Gadag in 1920 . Many national leaders visited the city during the freedom movement . The patriotic song ‘ UDAYAVAGALI NAMMA CHALUVA KANNADANADU’ composed by Sri Narayanarao Huilgol of Gadag was recited during the AICC session in 1924 . It subsequently became the Rastriya geethe which evoked the spirit of nationalism in entire Karnataka . The city has produced many national talents in various fields. Pandit Puttaraj Gavai and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi have contributed in the field of Hindustani music . Narayanarao and Achutarao Huilgol , Garud Sadashivrao and others have contributed in the field of literary and fine arts . Late Shri K.H.Patil is regarded as the doyen of cooperative movement . Gadag is also noted for the famous Jagadguru Tontadarya Math . Jagadaguru Dr. Siddalinga Swamiji of Tontadarya math is known for his Sarvadharma Samanvayethe and was honored with Koma Souhardhate National Award . Sunil Joshi and Gregory D’monte in cricket and Raju Bagade in hockey have donned the national colours .

Today after resuming the district status the city is fast developing in various sectors . The glimpse of the city is of communal harmony which is continuing since centuries . People are virtually living on the cardinal virtue of LIVE AND LET OTHERS LIVE.