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Annigeri
Annigeri
from Wikipedia

Annigeri is a taluk of Dharwad district in the state of Karnataka, India, located 20 km west of Gadag en route to Hubli and 35 km from Hubli.

Key Information

Introduction

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Annigeri (Kannada: ಅಣ್ಣಿಗೇರಿ)is the place of birth of the famous Kannada poet Adikavi Pampa (Kannada: ಆದಿಕವಿ ಪಂಪ). It is well known for the black stone temple built by the Western Chalukya Empire.[1] known as Amruteshwara Temple.[2] A temple of mythological figures supported by 76 columns, located in the Dharwad district, and has a derasar dedicated to Parshva, the 23rd Tirthankara in Jainism. Annigeri also has temples dedicated to Banashankari, Basappa, Gajina Basappa and Hanuman. There is an ancient Lingayati temple near the railway station.

Annigeri has seven mosques and two Lingayati Mathas.

History

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Annigeri comes under core area of Western Chalukya
Amruteshwara Temple in Annigeri

Annigeri was an important political and cultural center in the past.[3] Various kings like the Chalukya dynasty, Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri and the Hoysala Empire annexed the town, which once formed part of the kingdoms of the Kalachuris of Kalyanis.

Annigeri was the last capital of the Chalukyas, Someshwara 4 (during 1184-89)[4] and it was headquarters of famous rich province of Belvola-300.[5]

Annigeri comes under the core area of Western Chalukya architectural activity in the modern Karnataka state. The Amrtesvara Temple is the finest examples produced by the Kalyani Chalukyas (Western Chalukya architecture).

In 1157 the Kalachuris under Bijjala II captured Basavakalyan and occupied it for the next twenty years, forcing the Chalukyas to move their capital city to Annigeri in the present-day Dharwad district.

To Provide education at the primary and Vedic levels, Annigeri had five Brahmapuris.[6]

Annigeri skulls

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In 2010, over 100 human skulls were found in a drain at Annigeri. According to the preliminary theories, the area may have been a mass grave around some 150–200 years ago, or it may have been a battle ground.[7] After the discovery, the Archaeological Survey of India officials visited the site, and the government of Karnataka ordered an excavation. After the excavation, 471 skulls were found on a stretch of 15.6 by 1.7 metres (51.2 by 5.6 ft). As of 2011, the archaeologists were searching for any mention of a massacre in the local folklore or history.[8]

Great personalities of Annigeri

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Adikavi Pampa

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Annigeri is the birthplace of the great Kannada poet, Adikavi Pampa.[9]

  • Benjamin Loirice first wrote about Pampa and published the Pampa Bharata in 1882.
  • Sri S G Narasimhachar brought out Adi Purana in 1900 and
  • Kannada Sahitya Parishat published the revised edition of Pampa Bharata In 1931.
  • Government of Karnataka established the Pampa Foundation at Annigeri and also

instituted Pampa award.

Tourist attractions

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Amruteshwara Temple in Annigeri
Amruteshwara Temple in Annigeri
Amruteshwara Temple in Annigeri

Amruteshwara Temple

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The Amruteshwara Temple[10] was built in the Dharwad District in 1050 CE with dravida articulation, and was the first temple made of soapstone.

The large and black stone Amruteshwar Temple is in the Kalyani Chalukyas style. The temple has a roof supported by 76 pillars and carvings of mythological figures on its walls.

The Amruteshwara Temple was to be the prototype for later, more articulated structures such as the Mahadeva Temple (Itagi) at Itagi. Based on the general plan of the Amrtesvara Temple, the Mahadeva Temple was built in 1112 CE and has the same architectural components as its predecessor. There are, however, differences in their articulation.

Car Festival

During December and January, Amruteshwara temple is the venue of a festival.

Other temples

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Many other temples are also seen at Annigeri, such as:

  • The Ramalinga Temple
  • The Banashankari Temple
  • The Gajina Basappa Temple
  • The Hire Hanuman Temple
  • Puradhireshwar Temple
  • Kambada Hanuman Temple

Geography

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Annigeri is located at 15°26′N 75°26′E / 15.43°N 75.43°E / 15.43; 75.43.[11] It has an average elevation of 624 metres (2047 feet).

Demographics

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As of 2001 India census,[12] Annigeri had a population of 25,709. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Annigeri has an average literacy rate of 55%, lower than the national average of 59.5%; with 61% of the males and 39% of females literate. 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Annigeri is a historic town and taluk headquarters in , , , situated approximately 30 km northwest of Hubballi along the Hubballi-Gadag Road. Renowned for its cultural and architectural heritage, it is the birthplace of (c. 902–975 CE), the pioneering poet considered the father of for his epic works like and Vikramārjuna Vijaya. The town gained prominence as the final capital of the under King Someshwara IV (r. 1184–1189 CE) and served as the administrative hub of the affluent Belvola-300 province, a key economic region during medieval Deccan rule. As of the 2011 census, Annigeri had a of 28,267, with a literacy rate of 76.2% and a demographic composition where males constituted approximately 50% of residents; the town functions as a municipal council overseeing local governance and development. Its historical significance is epitomized by the Amruteshwara Temple, constructed in 1050 CE during the reign of Western Chalukya king Someshwara I, marking it as the earliest known temple built entirely from and exemplifying the transitional Vesara (Karnata-Dravida) architectural style that blends Dravidian and Nagara elements. The temple features intricate carvings on its walls depicting mythological scenes, a stellate superstructure over the sanctum, and a pillared hall () supported by 76 lathe-turned columns, reflecting the empire's mastery in stone craftsmanship; it remains protected by the . Annigeri's past also includes notable archaeological findings, such as the 2010 excavations by the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, which uncovered 471 human skulls in a burial site, possibly related to historical events like conflicts or epidemics. Beyond the temple, the town features other Chalukya-era structures, contributing to its status as a center of early medieval Deccan heritage, though modern Annigeri primarily thrives on , , and proximity to industrial hubs in .

Overview and Administration

Introduction

Annigeri is a taluk headquarters in the Dharwad district of Karnataka, India, situated approximately 20 km west of Gadag and 35 km from Hubballi (Hubli). The town lies in the northern part of the state, serving as an important administrative and cultural center in the region. It is governed by the Annigeri Town Municipal Council, which manages local urban services and development. Historically, Annigeri holds prominence as the birthplace of , the 10th-century poet revered as the father of for his epic works. The town is renowned for its Chalukya-era architecture, exemplified by ancient temples constructed during the Western Chalukya period, and it briefly functioned as the capital of the Kalyani Chalukyas under King Someshwara IV between 1184 and 1189. These attributes underscore Annigeri's role as a cultural and literary hub in Karnataka's heritage landscape. As of the 2011 census, Annigeri had a of 28,267.

Administrative Status

Annigeri is governed by the Annigeri Municipal Council (TMC), the local body responsible for managing urban administration, development, and essential services within the . The TMC handles key functions including collection, issuance of building permissions, maintenance of public infrastructure, solid , and provision of street lighting and . The council comprises elected members from 23 wards, with elections conducted every five years to ensure representative governance. As the headquarters of Annigeri taluk in , the town serves as the administrative center for the taluk, overseeing 20 villages and coordinating regional activities such as land revenue administration, services, and schemes under the district collectorate. The taluk office facilitates implementation of state and central government programs, including those related to and infrastructure. Annigeri forms part of the (No. 69) in the and the (No. 11). The Navalgund seat is represented by Ningaraddi Hanamaraddi Konaraddi of the , who won the 2023 election with 86,081 votes. At the national level, the is held by of the , securing re-election in 2024. Post-2011 developments have seen the TMC prioritize upgrades, including the ongoing Supa-Annigeri Road upgradation to enhance connectivity and the continuation of initiatives funded by infrastructure cess collections. These efforts address growing demands from the town's population of 28,267 as of the 2011 , focusing on improved drainage, road widening, and digital service portals for citizen applications.

Geography and Demographics

Geography

Annigeri is situated at coordinates 15°25′N 75°26′E in the northern part of , within the region. The town encompasses an area of approximately 17 square kilometers. The topography of Annigeri features flat to gently undulating terrain typical of northern , with modest elevation variations and an average height of about 625 meters above . It lies near the Varada , which flows through adjacent districts in the central Karnataka river basin. The climate is semi-arid, characterized by hot summers, moderate winters, and rains primarily from to . Average annual rainfall ranges from 720 to 750 mm, while temperatures typically vary between 20°C and 35°C throughout the year. Annigeri is well-connected by road to nearby cities, including Gadag (20 km east), (35 km southeast), and (about 40 km southeast), via state highways. The nearest station is in Gadag, facilitating access to broader rail networks.

Demographics

As of the Indian , Annigeri had a total of 25,710, with 13,070 males and 12,640 females. By the 2011 , the grew to 28,267, including 14,170 males and 14,097 females, reflecting a decadal growth rate of approximately 9.95 percent. This increase highlights steady urban expansion in the town, though recent estimates beyond 2011 are limited due to the absence of a subsequent national , with the next expected to commence in 2025. The rate in Annigeri stood at 68.42 percent in 2001, improving to 76.23 percent in 2011, with males at 84.02 percent and females at 68.49 percent, indicating a in that has improved from earlier decades. No updated literacy surveys post-2011 were identified in official records, but the town's education levels contribute to its local , particularly in agriculture and small-scale industries. Religiously, the 2011 census recorded as the majority at 18,608 individuals (65.8 percent), followed by at 9,241 (32.7 percent), with other groups (including and Jains) comprising the remaining 418 persons (1.5 percent). serves as the primary language, spoken by the vast majority as their mother tongue, aligning with the linguistic profile of . In terms of , the average household size in Annigeri was about 4.9 persons in , based on 5,761 households. As a designated urban municipal council and headquarters of Annigeri taluk, Annigeri is fully urban, contrasting with the taluk's broader rural-urban mix where surrounding villages support agricultural livelihoods.
Demographic Indicator2001 Census2011 Census
Total Population25,71028,267
Males13,07014,170
Females12,64014,097
Literacy Rate (Overall)68.42%76.23%
(Females per 1,000 Males)967995

History

Early and Medieval History

Annigeri's ancient origins are evidenced by inscriptions dating back to the 8th century CE, with the earliest known record from the reign of Badami Chalukya king Kirtivarman II (746–753 CE), indicating direct Chalukya administration over the region. By the 9th century, the town came under Rashtrakuta control following their overthrow of the Chalukyas around 753 CE, with a hero-stone inscription from this period attributing a cattle-raid commemoration to the reign of (Akalavarsha, 878–914 CE). Another damaged inscription from the same dynasty further confirms Rashtrakuta patronage in Annigeri, marking its integration into the Deccan empire centered at Manyakheta. During the Western Chalukya (Kalyani Chalukya) period from the 10th to 12th centuries, Annigeri flourished as a key administrative and cultural hub within the Belvola-300 province, as noted in multiple inscriptions recording royal oversight. The town briefly served as the capital under Someshvara IV (1184–1189 CE), during which it was described as the "crest jewel of Eradunuru" in a 1186–1188 CE slab inscription detailing tax remissions on Brahmana lands by officials like Dandanayaka Kesirajayya. Key temple constructions, including the Amruteshwara Temple around 1050 CE under Someshvara I, exemplify this era's architectural patronage, with soapstone Dravida-style structures supported by grants for worship and maintenance. Annigeri emerged as a center for and royal patronage between the 10th and 12th centuries, evidenced by over 100 inscriptions documenting land grants, toll incomes, and endowments to temples like Somesvara and Virabhadreshvara for perpetual lamps, feeding Brahmins, and festivals. These records, such as a 1142 CE grant of toll income by Mahapradhana Kesirajayya to the Somesvara Temple and a 1059 CE endowment for a feeding house under , highlight the town's economic vitality and support for Shaivite institutions. It was also the birthplace of the poet during the Rashtrakuta era. The transition to later medieval dynasties saw Annigeri under Kalachuri influence from 1157 CE, when Bijjala seized control, followed by Yadava dominance after 1190 CE under , with inscriptions like a 1248 CE land grant by Yadava king Kannara to Brahmins. Hoysala rule briefly extended to the area around 1197 CE under Vira Ballala II, as recorded in grants for the Amriteshvara Temple by officials like Singayya-dannayaka. By the post-13th century, the town's prominence waned amid shifting powers toward the , though it retained cultural significance through ongoing temple endowments.

Annigeri Skulls Discovery

In August 2010, during the desilting of a stormwater drain near Annigeri town in Navalgund taluk, Dharwad district, Karnataka, workers unearthed over 600 human skulls and skeletons arranged in neat rows, spanning an area of approximately 15.6 meters by 1.7 meters. The discovery, first reported on August 28, initially involved around 50 to 100 skulls, with further excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and state archaeology department revealing the full extent by early 2011, including additional skeletons recovered in February-March. The remains were predominantly those of adults, though some female skulls were noted, with no evident signs of violence such as weapon marks on the bones. Scientific analysis, including dating, produced conflicting results that fueled debate. Initial tests by the Institute of Physics in dated the samples to approximately 638 years old (±60 years), placing the burials around 1373 AD in the late medieval period. A subsequent analysis by Beta Analytic Laboratory in , using a larger 10-gram sample, estimated the age at 180-200 years, corresponding to around 1810-1830 AD during early colonial rule. The state archaeology department, led by Director R. Gopal, favored the later dating, attributing the remains to victims of the severe of 1791–1792 (with impacts extending to 1796 in northern ), during which bodies were reportedly exposed to scavengers before being buried by returning villagers. Early theories speculated on violent causes, including massacres during medieval conflicts under the Adil Shahi or Vijayanagara dynasties, plague outbreaks, or ritual burials by tantriks or secret societies. Scholar M.M. Kalburgi proposed a link to ritual suicides by Veera Maheshwaras, a Shaivite sect considered predecessors to a Lingayat sub-sect, tying it to 14th-century Jaina-Shaiva clashes, but this drew sharp rebuttals from the Lingayat community, who emphasized the famine explanation to avoid communal implications. The conflicting datings and interpretations sparked political and communal controversies, with Lingayats—Karnataka's largest community—protesting any association with violence or heresy, leading to calls for re-testing and heightened scrutiny by local historians and the ASI. The site represents a rare mass burial in , offering insights into regional mortality events possibly exacerbated by medieval conflicts or colonial-era , though no final consensus has emerged beyond the famine attribution. Post-discovery, the skulls were carefully reburied after analysis, and the state archaeology department proposed site development and protection to the government, but by , the location had fallen into neglect, becoming overgrown and used for , with no further preservation actions reported. As of 2025, no additional excavations or conservation efforts have been documented. Historians continue to advocate for additional excavations to resolve lingering questions.

Notable Figures

Adikavi Pampa

, born around 902 CE in Annigeri, a town in present-day of , spent his early childhood on the banks of the nearby Varada River. His family belonged to the Srivatsa and followed , with his mother Abbanabbe being the granddaughter of a local Jain scholar named Joyisa ; his ancestors had migrated from the Vengi region between the Krishna and Godavari rivers to areas including Dharwar. Pampa later served as a court poet to the Vemulavada Chalukya king Arikesari II, a feudatory under the Rashtrakuta emperor , where he composed his seminal works under royal patronage. Pampa's major literary contributions include the , completed around 940 CE, and the Vikramārjuna Vijaya (also known as Pampa Bhārata), composed shortly thereafter in 941 CE. The , spanning 16 cantos and over 1,600 verses, narrates the life of the first Jain , , emphasizing themes of renunciation, karma, and the path to in a mixed prose-verse format. In the Vikramārjuna Vijaya, a 14-chapter epic adaptation of the , Pampa parallels the hero with his patron Arikesari II, infusing the narrative with Jain ethical interpretations while vividly depicting battles, devotion, and moral dilemmas. He pioneered the style in —a sophisticated blend of ornate prose (gadya) for descriptive depth and metrical (padya) for rhythmic storytelling—that became a standard for subsequent epics. Regarded as the Adikavi or "father of Kannada poetry," Pampa's works mark the beginning of the classical era in Kannada literature, often termed the "Pampayuga," and elevated the language to a medium capable of philosophical and epic expression. His integration of Jain doctrines with adaptations of Hindu epics like the Mahabharata not only promoted religious harmony but also influenced later poets such as Ponna and Ranna, who formed the "three gems" (Ratnatraya) of medieval Kannada writing, by setting benchmarks for linguistic richness, vivid natural descriptions, and cultural portrayal. Pampa's legacy endures through his role in standardizing Kannada as a literary language during the Rashtrakuta-Chalukya period. In modern times, Pampa's contributions are commemorated through initiatives like the Post's issuance of a picture in 2022 on Rajyotsava, sponsored by the Hombuja Jain Math, highlighting his birthplace in Annigeri. His works gained wider accessibility in the 19th and 20th centuries through scholarly publications, including editions of the Pampa Bhārata edited by B. L. , the pioneering British archaeologist and epigraphist, first released around 1898 by the Government Oriental Library. These efforts, building on earlier transcriptions, have preserved and disseminated Pampa's masterpieces for contemporary study and appreciation.

Other Personalities

In the early , scholar Sri S. G. Narasimhachar played a key role in preserving Annigeri's literary heritage by editing and publishing Pampa's Adi Purana through the Government Oriental Library Series in . His work made the 10th-century Jain epic accessible to modern readers, highlighting Annigeri's connection to classical . British Indologist Benjamin Lewis Rice also contributed significantly by editing and publishing Pampa's Vikramarjunavijaya (Pampa Bharata) in 1898 as part of the Bibliotheca Carnatica series, the first printed edition of the text that elevated Annigeri's status as the poet's birthplace. Chalukya-era inscriptions in Annigeri reference local feudatories and officials, such as those under King Satyashraya Irive Bedanda, who administered the town as part of the Belvola-300 province and supported cultural and religious activities. In contemporary times, Abdul Khadar Nadakattin, a native of Annigeri, has emerged as a prominent community leader and innovator, earning the in 2022 for developing 24 low-cost agricultural tools that aid small farmers and promote sustainable practices in the region. His efforts through the Vishwashanthi Agriculture Research Centre have enhanced local economic resilience and environmental conservation.

Cultural and Religious Sites

Amruteshwara Temple

The Amruteshwara Temple in Annigeri, dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of the Amruteshwara linga, was constructed in 1050 CE during the reign of Western Chalukya king Someshwara I as part of the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty. This structure marks the first known use of in temple construction, a material that allowed for intricate detailing and became a hallmark of subsequent Chalukya architecture. Exemplifying the Kalyani Chalukya style, which draws from Dravida traditions, the temple features a compact layout with a sanctum (), an antechamber (ardhamandapa), and a pillared hall (navaranga or sabhamandapa) that emphasizes verticality and sculptural ornamentation. The temple's architecture is distinguished by its soapstone facade, polished to a sheen that highlights elaborate carvings of mythological scenes from Hindu epics, including depictions of deities, celestial beings, and narrative friezes on the walls and pillars. The navaranga hall is supported by 76 lathe-turned pillars, many bell-shaped and adorned with floral motifs, creating a rhythmic interior space divided into nine bays for ritual circumambulation. Above the square sanctum rises a three-tiered shikhara (tower), capped by a kalasha finial, with miniature shrines and pilasters enhancing the pyramidal form typical of Chalukya vimanas. These elements collectively demonstrate the temple's role as a prototype for later Chalukya temples, blending structural innovation with artistic precision. Historical inscriptions etched on slabs within the temple complex, dating from the 11th to 12th centuries, document various endowments that underscore its enduring religious importance. These epigraphs record land grants to the deity, such as one by Dandanayaka Sridharayya for temple maintenance and purana recitations, as well as donations of for daily during the reigns of Chalukya and Kalachuri rulers. Additional records detail gifts from local feudatories and officials, reflecting the temple's integration into the regional patronage network without explicit mentions of royal visits. Today, the Amruteshwara Temple stands as a protected monument under the circle of the , preserving its Chalukya heritage amid ongoing restoration to address weathering on lateral walls and structural reinforcements. It remains a vibrant center for devotion, hosting annual festivals including processions and the Rathotsava chariot festival in December-January, drawing pilgrims to celebrate Shiva's transformative aspects.

Other Temples

Annigeri hosts several other historical temples that reflect the town's Chalukya-era heritage and religious diversity. The , constructed during the 12th century under the Kalyana Chalukya dynasty, is dedicated to Goddess Banashankari and Lord Shankarlinga; it showcases fine architectural elements typical of the period but remains partly ruined today. The Veerabhadra Temple stands as another key shrine in the town, contributing to Annigeri's cluster of medieval religious sites. Similarly, the Hire Temple honors Lord and forms part of the local devotional landscape. The Mailara and Uma- Temple complex, dedicated to Mailara (a form of ) alongside Uma and , further enriches the area's spiritual traditions. In addition to Hindu temples, Annigeri features an ancient Jain Basadi, which bears Chalukya-era inscriptions and is surrounded by historical wells, highlighting the town's multicultural past. Other notable Shiva temples include the Parvatha Mallikarjuna Temple and the Umapathy Temple, both recognized as significant local heritage structures.

References

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