About District

Hassan District, located in southwestern Karnataka, India, has a rich history spanning over two millennia, shaped by its strategic location, cultural heritage, and the rule of several prominent dynasties. Named after the Hindu goddess Haasanamba, meaning “smiling mother,” the district is renowned for its Hoysala architecture, Jain heritage, and natural beauty, earning it the nickname “Poor Man’s Ooty.” Below is a detailed overview of its history, organized chronologically:

Ancient History (Before Common Era to 10th Century CE)

Mauryan Empire (3rd Century BCE): Hassan was part of the Mauryan Empire, a major power in ancient India. During this period, Jainism was introduced to the region by sage Bhadrabahu, who, according to tradition, migrated to Shravanabelagola with his disciple, Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. Chandragupta is believed to have spent his final days in Shravanabelagola, where the Chandragupta Basadi still stands as a testament to this era. This marked the beginning of Jainism’s significant influence in the regio.
Western Ganga Dynasty (350–999 CE): The Western Gangas of Talkad ruled Hassan, establishing it as a key region. Shravanabelagola emerged as a major Jain religious center during this period, with numerous inscriptions in languages like Kannada, Sanskrit, and Tamil documenting their patronage. The Gangas initially ruled as a sovereign power but later became feudatories under the Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas, contributing to the region’s cultural and administrative development.

Medieval History: The Hoysala Empire (1000–1334 CE)

Rise of the Hoysalas: The Hoysala Empire, originating from Angadi in Chikmagalur District, rose to prominence in the 11th century, defeating the Western Gangas. Hassan District became the heart of their empire, with Belur as the early capital and Halebidu (Dwarasamudra) as the later capital. The Hoysalas ruled large parts of South India from 1000 to 1334 CE, reaching their zenith under kings like Vishnuvardhana.
Architectural and Cultural Contributions: The Hoysalas are celebrated for their distinctive temple architecture, characterized by intricate stone carvings. Notable examples include the Chennakesava Temple in Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu, and the Someshvara Temple at Haranhalli, built in 1235 CE by King Vira Someshwara. Over 50 Hoysala temples and inscriptions in Hassan reflect their advanced administration, land reforms, taxation systems, and patronage of Kannada literature. The period from 1173 to 1220 CE was a golden age for Kannada literary and cultural activities in the region.
Jain Influence: Shravanabelagola continued to thrive as a Jain pilgrimage center, with the Gommateshwara (Bahubali) statue, erected in 981 CE, becoming a global symbol of Jainism. Over 800 inscriptions, including 80 from the Hoysala period, provide insights into the region’s history.

Post-Hoysala Period (14th–18th Century CE)

Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1648 CE): The Hoysala Empire declined in the 14th century due to invasions by the Delhi Sultanate, and Hassan came under the Vijayanagara Empire. The Vijayanagara kings, particularly Harihara, patronized the Chennakesava Temple in Belur as their family deity, reinforcing its cultural significance. The empire prevented Muslim invasions in South India for nearly two centuries.
Adilshahis and Mughals: After the decline of Vijayanagara, Hassan was briefly ruled by the Adilshahis of Bijapur and the Mughal Empire, marking a period of transition.
Mysore Kingdom and Keladi Nayakas: In the 17th and 18th centuries, Hassan became a contested region between the Keladi Nayakas of Shimoga and the Mysore Kingdom. In 1648, the Mysore rulers built the Channarayapatna fort through a treaty with the Bijapur sultans. A peace treaty in 1694 resolved conflicts between Mysore and Keladi, integrating Hassan into the Mysore Kingdom.

Modern History (18th Century–Present)

Mysore Kingdom and British Rule: After the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799, Hassan remained part of the Mysore Kingdom, which became a princely state under British rule. The Wodeyars of Mysore consolidated the region, and during Tipu Sultan’s reign, Hassan reached a peak of prominence. The district’s modern boundaries were established in the 1860s when the Mysore Kingdom was organized into eight districts, with Hassan divided into eight taluks: Hassan, Arsikere, Channarayapatna, Belur, Holenarasipura, Sakleshpur, Alur and Arkalgud.
Famine and Population Changes: A famine from 1876 to 1878 reduced the district’s population from 518,987 in 1871 to 428,344 by 1881. By 1901, the population recovered to 568,919, with 541,531 Hindus, 16,668 Muslims, 5,035 Animists, 3,795 Christians, 1,874 Jains, and 16 others. The district had 14 towns and 2,546 villages.
Post-Independence: After India’s independence in 1947, the Mysore Kingdom became Mysore State, renamed Karnataka in 1973. Hassan continued to develop as a cultural and agricultural hub, with major crops like coffee, black pepper, potato, paddy, and sugarcane. The Hemavati Dam, completed in 1981 near Gorur, transformed irrigation and agriculture in the region but submerged sites like the Shettihalli Rosary Church, now known as the “Floating Church”.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

Etymology and Local Legends: The district is named after Goddess Haasanamba, whose temple in Hassan city is a major pilgrimage site. According to legend, the name “Hassan” derives from “Simhasanapuri,” linked to Janamejaya, the great-grandson of the Pandava hero Arjuna. Another tale describes seven sister goddesses (Saptamatrikas) settling in Hassan, with three becoming Haasanamba and one settling as Kenchamba in Alur taluk.
Architectural Legacy: Hassan is a treasure trove of Hoysala architecture, with temples like the Chennakesava Temple (Belur), Hoysaleswara Temple (Halebidu), and the 12th-century Lakshmi Devi Temple in Doddagaddavalli showcasing Kadamba-style architecture. The Kalleshwara Temple, built around 1042–1068 CE by Demarasa under the Western Chalukya Empire, is another significant site.
Jain Heritage: Shravanabelagola, with its iconic Gommateshwara statue, remains a global Jain pilgrimage center, attracting devotees and historians alike.

Administrative and Demographic Evolution:

Colonial Administration: Between 1832 and 1881, Hassan was part of the Manjarabad Faujdari under the Commissioner’s Rule of Mysore. In 1882, it was reduced to a sub-division under Kadur district but was restored as a full district in 1886.
Modern Demographics: As of the 2011 census, Hassan had a population of 1,776,421, with a density of 261 per square kilometer and a literacy rate of 75.89%. The population is predominantly Hindu (91.80%), with Muslims (6.76%), Christians (0.88%), and others (0.56%). Kannada is the dominant language (87.04%), followed by Urdu (6.16%), Telugu (1.96%), Tulu (1.22%), and Tamil (0.91%).