About Uttara Kannada
Kashmir of Karnataka - Discover the rich history and heritage
Overview
Uttara Kannada is the fifth largest district in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is bordered by the state of Goa and Belagavi districts to the north, Dharwad District and Haveri District to the east, Shivamogga District, and Udupi District to the south, and the Laccadive Sea (Arabian Sea) to the west.
District Headquarters: Karwar
Major Commercial Center: Sirsi
Nickname: Kashmir of Karnataka
Established: 1 November 1956
Area: 10,291 km² (3,973 sq mi)
Population: 1,437,169 (2011 census)
Coastline: 142 kilometres (88 mi)
Literacy Rate: 84.06%
History
The first known dynasty from Uttara Kannada District are the Chutus of Banavasi. Uttara Kannada was the home of the Kadamba kingdom from 350 to 525 CE, ruling from Banavasi. After the subjugation of the Kadambas by the Chalukyas, the district came under successive rule of empires like Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagar empire.
The district came under the rule of the Maratha Empire in the 1750s and later part of Mysore Kingdom, who ceded it to the British at the conclusion of the Fourth Mysore War in 1799. It was initially part of Kanara district in Madras Presidency. The district was divided into North and South Kanara districts in 1859. The British finally transferred Uttara Kannada district to Bombay Presidency in 1862.
After India's independence in 1947, Bombay Presidency was reconstituted as Bombay State. In 1956, the southern portion of Bombay State was added to Mysore State, which was renamed Karnataka in 1972.
The renowned Bengali poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore visited Uttara Kannada in 1882 and dedicated an entire chapter of his memoirs to this town. He stayed with his brother, Satyendranath Tagore, who was the district judge in Uttara Kannada.
Geography & Climate
The main geographic feature of the district is the Western Ghats or Sahyadri range, which runs from north to south through the district. Between the Sahyadris and the sea is a narrow coastal strip, known as the Payanghat, which varies from 8 to 24 kilometres in width.
Rainfall: Yearly rainfall averages 3,000 mm on the coast, and as high as 5,000 mm on the west-facing slopes of the Sahyadris. Much of the rain falls in the June–September monsoon.
Major Rivers: Four major rivers drain westwards from the crest of the Sahyadris to the sea: Kali, Gangawali, Aghanashini, and Sharavati. These rivers form numerous waterfalls including the famous Jog Falls, Magod Falls, Unchalli Falls, and Sathodi Falls.
Ecology & Wildlife
The district's high rainfall supports lush forests, which cover approximately 70% of the district. The region is home to several protected areas:
- Anshi National Park: Preserves approximately 250 km² of semi-evergreen forest, home to tiger, black panther, leopard cat, gaur, Asian elephant, and sambar
- Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary: Protects 834 km² of semi-evergreen and bamboo forest, famous for the elusive black panther
- Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to Wroughton's free-tailed bat, endemic to the region
- Attiveri Bird Sanctuary: Home to 79 species of birds including migratory birds from 22 countries
Demographics & Language
The main language spoken in this district is Kannada (55.34%), followed by Konkani (18.21%), Urdu (11.83%), Marathi (9.52%), and Telugu (1.36%). The population is predominantly Hindu (82.61%), with significant Muslim (13.08%) and Christian (3.10%) communities.
Literacy by Taluk:
Culture & Traditions
Yakshagana: A classical dance drama popular in Uttara Kannada, this theater art involves music, songs, dance, acting, dialogue, story and unique costumes. Traditionally, yakshaganas start late in the night and run the entire night. This combination of classical and folk elements makes yakshagana unique from any other Indian art form.
Cuisine: Uttara Kannada is famous for a variety of seafood delicacies. Fish curry and rice is the staple diet. Popular dishes include Kotte Kadubu, Neer Dose, Patrode, Bhatkal Biryani, and various coastal preparations using coconut and local spices.
Economy & Tourism
The chief crops of the district are rice and areca nut, along with coconut, sugarcane, cocoa, cashew, mango, banana, pepper, cardamom, and ginger. The district has a Gross Domestic District Product of 530,297 Lakh Crores with Karwar and Sirsi being major contributors.
Major Industries: Kaiga Atomic Power Station, West Coast Paper Mill, INS Kadamba (Naval Base), and various ports including Karwar Port.
Tourism Highlights: Pristine beaches (Om Beach, Gokarna), waterfalls (Jog Falls, Unchalli Falls), wildlife sanctuaries (Dandeli, Anshi), historical sites (Murudeshwar Temple, Banavasi), and adventure sports opportunities.
Administrative Divisions
Uttara Kannada district is divided into 12 taluks:
- Karwar
- Ankola
- Kumta
- Honnavar
- Bhatkal
- Sirsi
- Siddapur
- Yellapur
- Mundgod
- Haliyal
- Dandeli
- Joida
The district's agroclimatic divisions include the coastal plain (Karwar, Ankola, Kumta, Honnavar, Bhatkal) and Malenadu (Sirsi, Siddapur, Yellapur, Haliyal, Dandeli, Joida, Mundgod).