Bidar district
Bidar district | ||
---|---|---|
UTC+5:30 (IST) | ||
Pin Code | 585XXX | |
Telephone Code | +91-(0)8482 XXXXXX | |
ISO 3166 code | IND-KA | |
Vehicle registration |
| |
Hobli(s) | 30 | |
Taluka(s) | Precipitation 847 millimetres (33.3 in) | |
No. of villages | 699 | |
Website | bidar |
Bidar district is the northernmost part of the Karnataka state in India. The administrative headquarters of district is Bidar city. Geographically, it resembles the "Crown of the State", occupying its northeastern end. It is bounded by Kamareddy and Sangareddy districts of Telangana state on the eastern side, Latur and Osmanabad districts of Maharashtra state on the western side, Nanded district of Maharashtra state on the northern side and Kalaburagi district on the southern side.
The Bidar district is constituted by eight
History
Traditional tales refer to the surrounding region of Bidar district as "Viduranagara" and also as the place where
Bidar district is well-known for its different religions, castes and cultures due to its historical developments through the ages.[5]
Early and medieval history
The first Rashtrakuta capital was Mayurkhandi (Morkhandi) in the present day Bidar district. The regal capital was later moved to
Kalyani (today called
Later, Bidar was ruled in succession by the vassals to
.The generals of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq who were nominated as viceroys of the newly conquered Deccan region broke up and formed the Bahmani Sultanate under
The Bahmani capital was shifted from
The
After Independence, Bidar district, along with Gulbarga, Bijapur and Raichur districts, became part of Karnataka.
Geography
The total geographical area of the district as per the provisional figures computed by the Survey of India is 5,451 km2 (2,105 sq mi), while the reporting area of the district for land-utilisation purposes, as worked out by the State Department of Survey Settlement and Land Records and local bodies, is 5,448 km2 (2,103 sq mi).[5]
Topography
The district extends from latitude 17.35'N to 18.25'N and from the longitudes
76.42'E to 77.39'E
Physiographically, the district can be divided into two regions, the northern low lands and southern high lands. The southern high lands are popularly known as Bidar plateau, which is made up of laterite. The ground altitudes are varying from 420 to 684 m (1,378 to 2,244 ft) above sea level. Bidar plateau has an elevation range from 640 to 684 m (2,100 to 2,244 ft) above sea level. The ground surface is flat, gently sloping forming broad valleys and flat topped hills. Flat topped hills with step-like sides exhibit the terraced landscape. The southern half of the district is a high plateau about 715 m (2,346 ft) above mean sea level and are well drained.
Laterite
Laterite is a peculiar type of residual porous clayey rock, full of worm-like tubes mainly made up of hydrated oxides of
Soil
The two important types of soils noticed in the district are
- Black soils: Major parts of the district are made up of black soils derived from Deccan traps. These are deep black in colour and their texture varies from loam to clay. Lime concentration in this soil is high, resulting in poor infiltration capacities. Their infiltration characteristics are poor to moderate. This type of soils covers mainly in areas lying below 610 m (2,000 ft) contour and along the valley portions.[9]
- Lateritic soils: A lateritic soil is confined to the central portion of the district. Lateritic soils are pale to bright red in colour and clay to clayey loam in nature. This soil has moderate to good infiltration characteristics. This type of soils covers mainly in areas lying above 610 metres (2,000 ft) contour.[9]
The entire district forms a part of the
The district is entirely covered by the Deccan trap flows of the tertiary period. The Deccan trap is composed of horizontal flows of
The surface of the plateau presents wide stretches of red plains, either waved over by light dry grasses alive with coveys of partridges and herds of deer, or mottled by every sort of cultivation for which artificial irrigation is not essential. The laterite must everywhere be pierced nearly to the subjacent trap to reach the perennial springs, so that the wells in the vicinity of the edges of the tableland (maidan) are of extraordinary depth. The stream-fed valleys and the tracts of mixed soil in the lowlands bear prodigally fruits and grains, sugarcanes and vines, and every variety of vegetable produce.[10]: 2
Minerals
The minerals found in the area are
Weather and climate
The district experiences
May is the hottest month with average daily maximum temperature of 38.8 °C while December is the coldest with average daily minimum of 16.4 °C, The highest temperature recorded at Bidar was 43.3 °C on 8 May 1931, and the lowest 3.9 °C on 5 January 1901.[11]
The average annual precipitation at Bidar is 847 mm (33.3 in), with most of the rainfall received during the monsoon season. The variation in rainfall from year to year is large and the district is prone to drought.[12]
River systems and drainage
The important rivers in the district are:
- Manjra
- Karanja (River)
- Chulki Nala
- Mullamari
- Gandrinala
The district has two river basins, the Godavari and the Krishna. Major parts of the district are covered by Godavari basin, drained by its two major tributaries the Manjra and the Karanja rivers. The Godavari basin extends to over 4,411 km2 (1,703 sq mi), of which Manjra covers up to 1,989 km2 (768 sq mi) and Karanja up to 2,422 km2 (935 sq mi). The Krishna basin covers 585 km2 (226 sq mi) of which Mullamari river basin covers 249 km2 (96 sq mi) and Gandarinala river basin covers 336 km2 (130 sq mi). The Manjra river is perennial river flows over a distance of 155 km (96 mi) in the central part of the district and flows in eastern direction with a meandering course. The Karanja river flows in northwestern direction for 74 km (46 mi) with Karanja reservoir being major water source. The river Mullamari takes its origin near Matala village of Basavakalyan taluk flows from west to east for a length of 38 km (24 mi) and then flows into Kalaburgi district and joins the river Kagna. The Kagna river is one of the main tributary of Bhima river. Besides, there are several streams, which are of ephemeral in nature. The drainage pattern in the district varies from sub-dendritic to dendritic and some streams have a sub parallel drainage to the main river.[9]
These rivers and their rivulets are not navigable.
Forests
Bidar Forest Division is the northernmost division of Karnataka, encompassing the whole of Bidar district and 31 villages of the adjoining Gulbarga district. Classified under
The forests are mainly
Teak is found mixed with dry deciduous species. Ground cover is scanty and seedlings regeneration is practically absent. Thorny plants occur and tend to increase in proportion with heavy grazing, to which most of the area is subjected. Ground cover is scanty and seedlings regeneration is practically absent. Grazing incidence is heavy. This type of forest is found in Changlair, Karpakpalli and Karakanalli forests.
Out of the total forest area of 435 km2 (168 sq mi) in the division, more than 50 percent of the area is concentrated in Humnabad range, followed by Bidar range (20%) and Basavakalyan range. Aurad range is having the smallest area under the forest.[13]
Viewed from the point of area under forests, the out-turn of forest produce and the revenue from forests Bidar division is not endowed with quality forest wealth. Out of the total geographical area of 5,448 km2 (2,103 sq mi) in Bidar division, an extent of 435.9 km2 (168.3 sq mi) under forests. In other words, this accounts for about 8.5 percent of the total geographical area. Area under forests in the division is very much below the state average.
Medicinal Plant Conservation Area
In Karpakpalli village of Humnabad taluk, a Medicinal Plant Conservation Area (MPCA) has been established. It is a part of Saidapur Reserve forest. Situated at an altitude of 600–700 meters, the MPCA is spread over about 150 hectares (370 acres). The terrain is undulating and the vegetation is the dry deciduous scrub type. It is the northernmost member of the Medicinal Plants Conservation Network established by the Karnataka forest department and the Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT) jointly. The uniqueness of the MPCA is characterized by representation of the medicinal flora of the driest regions of southern India.
The vegetation is the dry deciduous scrub type, with most of it being stunted due to harsh climatic and edaphic factors. The terrain is criss-crossed by a few small seasonal streams, which go dry soon after the monsoon. The MPCA offers a tapestry of about 289 species of flowering plants. Common tree species in the drier parts are
Overall about 193 medicinal plant species area found in the MPCA. It is home to highly endangered species Pterocarpus santalinus the Rakta chandana and Gloriosa superba. The most important are Hollorhina antidyssentrica and Santalum album. The presence of large number of medicinal plant species has helped the locals to take the advice of Nati vaidyas in the surrounding villages in case of any health problem. It is home to highly endangered species of Pterocarpus santalinus, the Rakta chandana and Gloriosa superba.
The area being highly valuable to the locals for medicinal plants a, local initiative to protect the highly valuable plant species in Karpakpally MPCA with active participation of the local villagers is also underway. An NGO, Kriyasheela Geleyaru, is involved in organizing local children and women disseminating knowledge about the locally available medicinal plants and the need to protect the ecosystem.[13]
Red sanders
The southern and eastern parts of Bidar district support the growth of red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus), which is highly valued. Owing to its dark red to almost black wood it is largely used for carving and ornamental work. The wood is in much demand for carved house posts. It is used in making musical instruments in Japan. Red sanders timber is a very good foreign exchange earner.
Red sanders has a very restricted natural range extending over an area of only 6000 sq. milies in south eastern portion of the Indian Peninsula. Its principal home is in the Sheshachalam hills of Cuddapah district of Andhra Pradesh and North Arcot district of Tamil Nandu besides southern and eastern parts of Bidar district.[13]
Wildlife
The northern part of the state is generally considered to be a dry belt, devoid of water bodies, vegetation and wildlife. The surroundings of Bidar, the northernmost district, seem to be an exception.
There are no wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the Bidar Forest Division. However,
The existing natural water holes have to be developed by desilting. Herds of spotted deer and peafowl are found in Kamathana, Chitta, Shahapur and Godepalli forest areas.
- Narayanapur reserved forest in Basavakalyan range
- Dubalgundi and Benchincholi forest blocks in Humnabad range
- Kosam, Khanapur and Dhanura forests in Bhalki range
In addition to commonly found birds, varied species like
Winter sees the arrival of aquatic
Demographics
Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
---|---|---|
1901 | 357,593 | — |
1911 | 425,339 | +1.75% |
1921 | 400,606 | −0.60% |
1931 | 438,695 | +0.91% |
1941 | 512,826 | +1.57% |
1951 | 551,048 | +0.72% |
1961 | 663,172 | +1.87% |
1971 | 824,059 | +2.20% |
1981 | 995,691 | +1.91% |
1991 | 1,255,799 | +2.35% |
2001 | 1,502,373 | +1.81% |
2011 | 1,703,300 | +1.26% |
source:[16] |
According to the
Languages
According to the 2011 census, 52.97% of the population spoke Kannada, 18.41% Marathi, 17.16% Urdu, 4.25% Telugu, 3.60% Lambadi and 3.14% Hindi as their first language.[22] Kannada is official and the most spoken language in the district. Marathi is spoken in villages and towns bordered with Maharashtra. Urdu and Hindi are spoken mainly in urban areas. Telugu is spoken by Telugu people who live in the areas of the district bordering Telangana. Lambadi is spoken by Banjara people.[21]
Sandalwood carving
A locally less-known but globally renowned sandalwood carving at Bakchodi village in the district produces woodworks of
Attractions / amenities
Religious places
- Anubhava Mantapa, Basavakalyan
- Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib
- Narasimha Jharni Cave Temple
- Bidar taluka)
- Shri Manik Prabhu Devasthanam, Manik Nagar (Humnabad taluka)
Hospitals
- Gudge Hospital, Bidar
- Mulge Multispeciality Hospital, Bidar
- Guru Nanak Hospital Bidar
- Dr Gurupadappa Nagamarpalli Hospital, Bidar
Economy
In 2006 the
Agriculture
Agriculture is the main occupation in rural parts of the district. Greengram, bengalgram, blackgram, paddy, groundnut, wheat, redgram, sugarcane and chillies are other agricultural crops.
Agriculture in Bidar had its own specific form. Drawing on the specification of the local
However, the agriculture of Bidar, like that of many other
In 1966–67, high-yielding varieties of seeds for sorghum, paddy, wheat and sugarcane were introduced. Gradually between the late 1960s and mid-1970s hybrid varieties of seeds for other crops such as
The introduction and promotion of modern agriculture resulted in the development of two key and striking contradictions in the region. Perhaps the most significant contradiction of this is that while there is an alteration in the very foundations and orientations of agricultural cultivation (in the type of crops cultivated, in the new seed varieties, new inputs, etc.), there is little or no change in the social bases of the agrarian society. That is, though there is an alteration in the physical conduct of agriculture (in the types of crops grown, the cultivation patterns etc.), it is not matched by any alteration in the ownership patterns of the agrarian society in which the new agriculture is introduced. Though it is largely a dry cultivation belt with a predominance of small cultivators, there is a schism in the patterns of land ownership.[26]
Given the declining size of landholdings, many small and marginal cultivators resort to renting or sharecropping.
- Social scenario - The introduction of economic activity there are problems in the dissemination of knowledge, in the conduct of actual agricultural activities and in the understanding and management of situations such as crop loss.[26]
Irrigation
In geo-physical terms Bidar district is part of the
The two major irrigation projects, Karanja, which started in 1963, and Chulkinala, which started in 1972, are yet to be completed. Only 2,097 hectares (8.10 sq mi) are irrigated by canals and tanks, while the rest, of about 30,892 hectares (119.27 sq mi), are irrigated by wells and tube wells. The state of incompletion and disrepair (of the little that has been completed) of the two large irrigation projects are reflect the extent of state support for the region.[26]
Government
Administration
The district has eight
Legislative Assembly seats
In the Karnataka
- Rahim Khan (Congress)
- Bidar South - Shailendra beldale(BJP)
- Bhalki - Eshwara Khandre(Congress)
- Basavakalyan- Sharanu Salagar (BJP)
- Prabhu Chavhan(BJP)
- Humnabad - Siddu Patil(BJP)
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "Bidar District : Census 2011 data". Census2011.co.in. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
- ^ average elevation of the district
- ^ Directorate of Economics and Statistics, B'luru, 2013
- ^ Karnataka Gazetteer (Second ed.). Govt. of Karnataka. 1 January 1983.
- ^ ISSN 2230-7850.
- ^ "Travel Blog". 5 January 2008. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
- ^ "A BASELINE SURVEY OF MINORITY CONCENTRATION DISTRICTS OF INDIA - Bidar (Karnataka)" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 22 February 2015.
- ^ a b c d e Karnataka Gazetteer. Govt. of Karnataka. 1 January 1982.
- ^ a b c Ground Water Information Booklet - Bidar District, Karnataka. Ministry of Water Resources, Govt. of India. July 2008.
- ^ Ghulam Yazdani (10 June 1944). Bidar - Its History and Monuments. Oxford University Press, London.
- ^ "Bidar district official website". Archived from the original on 29 September 2007.
- ^ "Bidar district official website". Archived from the original on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Bidar Forests". Bidar District Official Website. Archived from the original on 9 March 2015. Retrieved 14 March 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Bidar abounds in wildlife". Deccan Herald. 8 April 2014.
- ^ "Bidar to be abode of migratory birds again". The Hindu. 11 October 2007. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
- ^ "Census of India Website : Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India". www.censusindia.gov.in. Retrieved 29 December 2019.
- ^ "Table C-01 Population by Religion: Karnataka". censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2011.
- ^ a b c d e "District Census Handbook: Bidar" (PDF). censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 2011.
- ^ US Directorate of Intelligence. "Country Comparison:Population". Archived from the original on 13 June 2007. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
Gambia, The 1,797,860 July 2011 est.
- ^ "2010 Resident Population Data". U. S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 1 January 2011. Retrieved 30 September 2011.
Nebraska 1,826,341
- ^ a b "Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Karnataka". Census of India. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
- ^ "Table C-16 Population by Mother Tongue: Karnataka". www.censusindia.gov.in. Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
- ^ "Bidar brothers become global sandalwood artisans". The Hindu. 27 August 2014. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
- ^ a b Ministry of Panchayati Raj (8 September 2009). "A Note on the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme" (PDF). National Institute of Rural Development. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 April 2012. Retrieved 27 September 2011.
- ^ Sann hemp is called pundi in the local language and is a versatile green bush/shrub the leaves of which make for a nutritious vegetable and the dried stems make good rope.
- ^ a b c d e f g Agrarian Distress in Bidar, A R Vasavi, 1999, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science Campus, Bengaluru