Hassan

State: Karnataka

Main languages: Kannada

 

History:

 

The city of Hassan is the district headquarters of Hassan district in the Indian state of Karnataka. The city is the 4th largest city of the state. The history of Hassan goes back to the 11th century, during the Hoysala dynasty which ruled the region from the eleventh to the fourteenth century. The capital of this dynasty was at Dwarasamundra or Dwaravati-pura. The ruins of this capital are still seen scattered round the town of Halebidu. It is said that the earlier kings were of the Jain faith but dedicated their finest temples to Shiva. The Hoysalas were at the zenith of their and a lot of southern India remained under their influence. The city has been named Hassan after the Goddess "Haasanamba", the goddess and presiding deity of the town. The city is the home to some of the best architectural sites in Karnataka. 

 

 

Geography and demographics:

 

The city has mixed with malnad or mountainous region to the west and south west called Bisle Ghat along with the plains in the north, south and east. Forests also surround the area. The Hemavathi River from the western ghat ranges towards the bed of Cauvery River near Hampapura. Hassan is situated about 3,150 feet above the sea level. As per the 2001 India census, Hassan had a population of 117,386 with the literacy average of 79%.

 

Climate:

 

The city experiences a pleasant climate through out the year though summer days are warmer.

 

Education:

 

Hassan is the home for the Master Control Facility of the Indian Space Research Organization also known as the ISRO. The Malnad College of Engineering MCE is located here. This college had been founded in the 11th century by Channa Krishnappa Naik, a Palegar or chieftain. The place is called It can be called as the temple-architectural capital of Karnataka. Other institutes here are the Malnad College of Engineering, Sri Hasanamba Dental College & Hospital, Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, Sri Dharmasthala Ayurvedic college, N. D. R. K. College and the Govt Science College. 

 

Economy:

 

The main sources of economy are tourism, large scale industry and railways along with service industry.

 

Tourism:

 

The main attraction of the city is the Hassan the Hasanamba temple, which opens only for about a week in the Ashvija month. There is also the Siddeshvara temple constructed by Nayaka ruler Venkatappa Nayaka. The nearby Shravanabelagola city is in Channarayapatna taluk which has the great single stone Bahubali statue. This statue is 58 feet tall is situated on top of a hill. Channaryapatna chandra mouleshwara temple is also the second standing Shiva temple in India. The famous Chenna Keshava temples in Belur are of Hoysala times. The Hoysaleswara temple is located in Halebidu, Lakshmi temple and the forts are popular tourist attractions. This fort is hidden under natural cliffs and was a primarily hideout for Tippu sultan from British rulers. The Dam Hemavathi is also visited by tourists.

 

Transportation:

 

The city is the hub of Broad gauge railways to Birur, Bangalore and Mysore. The nearest airport is located in Bangalore although the city is well connected from roads also.