Bellary

The Rock Country

The name ‘Bellary’ has been derived from the name ‘Balari’ which refers to none other than Goddess Durga herself.   Bellary is known mainly for its forts and rock formations. Rocks and hills of granite form a prominent feature of the landscape of Bellary. The town stands around two hills made of granite- the Ballari Gudda and the Kumbara Gudda. As a result, a number of quarries have been established here. Bellary is also the hometown of Hampi, the world-famous heritage site.    

Bellary actually has references in the Ramayana. Bellary also played a prominent part during the age of the Satavahanas, the Kadambas, the Sevunas, the Hoysalas etc. Following the defeat of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century, the city fell to ruin.  

Today, the town thrives mainly on agriculture - vast fields of cotton, jowar, groundnut, paddy and sunflower form an integral part of the landscape here.  The black cotton soil here is distinctive.