< CHAPTER - IV SETTING Belgaum is one of the oldest cities among the cities of Karnataka state. In the history of Karnataka and South India, Belgaum has its unique and commanding position, because Belgaum was a part of the ancient Kuntal province. Belgaum city is referred to as Venugram (Bamboo village) in the inscriptions of 12th and 13th centuries. Belgaum might have been called Bidira Male in Kannada language, which means a place having a group of bamboo groves. Belgaum city was ruled by many rulers viz - Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Dehli emperors, Vijayanagara rulars, Bijapur Sultans, Marathas, Mughals, Peshwas and the Britishers. In 1818, Belgaum town was captured by the British forces from the Peshwas. During the British regime, the town increased greatly in size. It was chosen as a military station of Poona Western command and was usually garrisoned by the British and native infantry. Later in 1956, during the states reorganization Belgaum city was integrated with Kanrnataka State and bacame District Head Quarters and Divisional Headquarters of Belgaum District and Belgaum Division respectively. 123
LO CATIO N MAP BELGAUM CITY N A SCALE 0 OJ l i J U I Oft* >* \ a t "mti IS I i f INSEX Talks River Roads Railway Defence area Ward Boundary 1 M. FIG. NO. 4.1
Belgaum is the place from where national leader Balagangadhar Tilak had launched his Home Rule League in 1916. The city has the honour of hosting 39th All India Congress Session in 1924, which was the only session in Karnataka, it was presided over by Mahatma Gandhi. Today, Belgaum city ranks fifth among the cities of Karnataka State having a population of 4.8 lakh according to 2001, census. Location: The area under study is located in southwestern part of Belgaum districts and falls within the transitional belt where Malnad (wet zone) and Maidan (Dry zone) Zones meet. The Belgaum city stands on the Bank of the Markandeya River a tributary of Ghataprabha River. The river Markandeya 5 kms North of Belgaum city and Bellary Nala 3 kms south of the city also flows in the same direction. Belgaum city is extended in between 15 511 North latitudes and 74 511 East longitudes at a height of 710 meters above the sea level. The city is bordered by Kolhapur city in the west, North by Hukkeri town, East by Gokak and Bailhongal towns and South by Khanapur town. The Poona - Bangalore National Highway No. 4, Vengurla - Bagalkot State Highways 125
I I passes through the city. Te city is at a distance of 350 kms from Poona, 510 kms from Bangalore, 146 kms from Panaji and 96 kms from Hubli. The location of Belgaum city in North Karnataka has increased its importance in terms of Secondary and territory activities. Belgaum is surrounded by Five Class IV towns Gokak Falls (10042) Kudachi (19852) Konnur (17978) Hukkeri (19906), Raibag (154924) and Khanapur (16563) within a radius of 60 kms there are seven class III town Sadalaga (20207), Chikkodi (32822), Mudalagi (29894), Sankeshwar (32511) and Ramdurg (31822), Athani (39200), bailhongal (43215) and Three class II cities like Gokak (67166), Nippani (58061) and Gadahinglaj (78500). Further within a radius of 90 kms three class three cities Dharwad - Hubli (786018), Kolhapur (485183) and Panjim (58785) Belgaum is well connected to Bangalore, Bombay, Panjim and many other leading cities of India. It is also connected with the Karwar and Margaon ports and Belgaum airport. Topography: Topography plays an important role in the land use pattern of an area. Relief slope, drainage, soil, vegetation, climate are the most important aspects of physical features and exercise 126
««enormous amount of influence on the growth of the city. The city is surrounded by Shayadri Hills on the South, Musketry Hills to West and Turakamatti to the North gives general slope to the South East. The city has the maximum height of 2775 feet at North - East (M.M. Extension Area) and 2400 feet as minimum height towards the South (Angol). The Lendi-Nala separates the Cantonment and the civil area of the city, which flows in South-East direction and joins the Bellary Nala. Geology: Belgaum city is underlained by Deccan Basalts, Kaladgi series and laterite. Belgaum city is drained by the river Markandeya and its tributary viz. Bellary Nala and Lendi Nala. Climate: The climatic condition of Belgaum city is healthy, pleasant and characterized by a general dryness except during the rainy season. The pleasant and colourful climate is noticed between the Western Ghats and eastern treeless tracks of Belgaum. In summer season, the eastern treeless tracks of Belgaum city experiences hot climate, whereas rest of the city experiences 127
I moderate temperature. The relative humidity in Belgaum is generally as high as 85 percent in the monsoon season. The average rainfall of Belgaum city is about 1417.5mms Growth of Belgaum City: In the records found in Belgaum fort, written about 1820, Belgaum is described as centre of fort and patta. The country rose gradually surrounded by the fort in almost all direction. The town was located to the west of the fort protected by a high and impenetrable bamboo hedge. In 1820 Belgaum town and fort were visited by Sir John Malcon, a Governor General of Bombay. He described Belgaum as an old town with most of its merchants and bankers residing at Shahapur. Belgaum town was captured by the British forces from the Peshwas during 1830s. During the British regime, the town increased greatly in size. In 1841, leading citizens of Belgaum under the guidance of the collector formed a committee, raised voluntary substations in the city and constructed new roads, repaired old streets and lanes. Later, the government enacted the Municipal Act, 1850 and thus Belgaum Municipality came into existence on 1st of December 1850. Earlier Belgaum was a part of Bombay presidency, but due to States Reorganization Act, 1956 Belgaum was awarded to Karnataka. 128
1 For quick military movements and speedy transport of commodities to the nearest ports, highways like Poona- Bangalore and Vengurla-Bangalore roads were constructed in 1871. The west Deccan railway connected Belgaum to Poona and Londa, which was opened for the public in 1881. In 1961 the total area of the Belgaum was 21.32 Sq.kms. It rose to 28.62 sq.kms during 1971. During 1981 the total area of Belgaum was 52.82 sq.kms. It has increased to 83.93 sq.kms during 1991, which was 37.06 percent growth over the 198l s area. During the year 2001, the total area of the Belgaum was 94.08 sq.kms, which was 10.78 percent growth over the 199l s area. Growth of the town or the city area is controlled by both the natural and cultural factors in southwestern part of the city and there was no scope for expansion, because of the topography. Socio-Economic Setup: The geographical area of the city according to central statistical organization of the government of India is about 94.08 sq.kms. The population size of Belgaum city including cantonment and outgrowth (OG) was about 4,78,778 lakhs according to 2001 census. Out of which 2,47,152 (51.62%) male 129
and 2,31,626 (48.37%) female. The literacy rate of the city was about 77.18 percent, which is more than literacy rate of Karnataka (68.00%). The population density of the city was about 4180 persons per sq.kms. The city is a mixture of religious groups namely Hindus (71.91%), Muslims (16.93%), Jains (5.05%), Christians (4.50%) and others (1.50%) Marathi and 22.23% of people speak other languages (Hindi, Konkani etc.). The city enjoys high educational facilities with large number of banks, industries, government offices, recreational facilities, which have supported the growth of Belgaum city. Primary School 270 High School 52 Junior College 19 Degree College 12 D.Ed. 07 B.Ed. -> 09 Technical 08 Medical 07 M.B.A. 05 130
«i ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS OF BELGAUM CITY Belgaum Municipal Corporation (MC) Belgaum is a district and a Divisional Headquarter of Karnataka state and it is fifth biggest city among the cities of the State. The city Municipality came into existence on the 1st December 1851. The city seems to have developed in the areas of, the Cantonment on the west NH4 on the East and between commissioner s office on the North and the Railway line on south. Poona - Bangalore and Vengurla, Belgaum, Bagalkot highways were constructed in 1871. The west deccan railways connecting Belgaum to Poona and Londa was opened for the public in 1881. Belgaum the class III CITY in 1901 emerged as class II city in 1931 and class I city in 2001. The geographical area of the city according to central Statistical organization of India was about 94.08 sq. kms. At present the city has 58 administrative wards situated in the different environmental settings. Municipal corporation council consists of 58 elected members from different wards, which governs the entire city. Belgaum Cantonment (CB) Belgaum Cantonment is controlled and administered by Defense Authority of India. Belgaum Cantonment is first class 131
* I cantonment and is the headquarters of the Maratha Light Infantry and a center of military training school where India's tough commandos undergo rigorous training. It also has military offices, military hospital etc. Vast area in the Cantonment is lying vacant. On the north of the city near Aluminum Factory has a vast area to the extent of about 400 hectare is under defense use as a grazing ground. Belgaum Fort is situated in the central part of the city, which is also controlled by Defence Authorities. The Fort is encircled by a moat and which is used for government office and educational institutions. The total geographical area of cantonment is 7.20 Sq. kms presently it has 7 administrative wards governed by C.E.O. of Belgaum. Outgrowth (OG) The villages like Hindalga, Kanbargi, Kangrali (BK) Sindholi Mutaga, Kakati, Goundawad, Peeranwadi, Mache have been included in the conurbation area. These villages are incorporated in the out growth of the city. But they are not included in the corporation limit. The total population size of outgrowth of Belgaum is about 85,212. These villages have been proposed to be incorporated within the city corporation limits. 132