Gudibande
Gudibande is a city in Chikkaballapur District in the Indian State of Karnataka.
Gudibande | |
|---|---|
city | |
  Gudibande Location in Karnataka, India  Gudibande Gudibande (India) | |
| Coordinates: 13.67°N 77.7°E | |
| Country |  |
| State | Karnataka |
| District | Chikkaballapur |
| Elevation | 826 m (2,710 ft) |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 8,794 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Kannada |
| Time zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
Gudibande Fort was built by a yogi and a local chieftain called Byre Gowda some 400 odd years ago in the 17th century. It was believed that he belonged to the Tuluva dynasty of the Vijayanagar empire. It can be said as a concise replica of the Madhugiri fort. The fort has seven levels with interconnecting escape routes which would help soldiers to flee in case of emergency. On the top of the fort is a Shiva temple known as "Sir Rameshwara Temple", established by Sage Vishwamitra and Lord Rama which is believed to be one of the 108 Jyotirlingas . The strong pillar with a square base has well sculpted images. One can also have a good view of the Byrasagara reservoir. The fort’s main feature, is the rain water harvesting. It is said that there were around 19 rock ponds at different levels of the fort.However, the water channel system devised by Byre Gowda was said to be unique.Linking nineteen water bodies and tanks called dhones they could in all hold nearly 3 lakhs litres of rain water.
Byre Gowda
Byre Gowda was known as the “Havali” or menace among the rich. He was a yogi and a Palegar but popularly known has the Robin Hood of India, He robbed the rich to help the poor and his generosity was legendary.It is believed that he belonged to the Tuluva dynasty of the Vijayanagar empire. Though he ruled for a very short time, he is credited with having built the Gudibande fort with many tanks with water harvesting techniques way back in the 16th century.The fort lies on a conical hill which rises to more than 1100 feet and there is huge lake below which looks like a map of India when seen from above.
Byre Gowda's Battles
The Robin Hood became so notorious over a period of time, he came to be known among the rich as “Havali” Byre Gowda . He constantly attacked the rich and had become very dominant in the region. But his most significant face off was with Muhammad Azam Shah also known as Azam khan who was the eldest son of the sixth Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
The Mughals after being victorious in capturing the Bijapur Fort, led by Muhammad Azam Shah advanced down south and captured util the Doddaballapura fort. But unable to withstand the torture of Byre Gowda, Muhammad Azam Shah and his troops fled form the region unable to withstand the terror of The Robin Hood.
Death
Byre Gowda's power, dominance and popularity grew in the region over the period of time. Terrorised by this, the Rich conspired against him and got him killed when he was asleep. He ruled for a very short period of time but he left his mark behind, the fort and the town stand a mute witness to the bygone era when the fort as a citadel of impregnable symbol.
Aftermath
Byre Gowda's family after his death fled from the region and moved towards Bangalore and settled in a town currently called has gottigere near Bannargatta.
Geography
Gudibande is located at 13.67°N 77.7°E.[1] It has an average elevation of 826 metres (2709 feet).
Demographics
As of 2001 India census,[2] Gudibande had a population of 8794. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Gudibande has an average literacy rate of 62%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 69%, and female literacy is 56%. In Gudibande, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Places to visit in Gudibande
The Lakshmivenkataramanaswamy temple is one of the popular temples in Gudibande which was constructed by Cholas.
Narasimhaswamy Temple is sort of a cave temple hewn out a huge rock [the name Gudibande to the town came this: gudi = temple, Banda = rock]
Surasadmagiri Hill is the second highest hill in the District. The hill contains thirteen Ponds and two Temples of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.
Amani Byrasagara Lake was constructed by Byre Gowda in the 16th Century.
Gudibande fort - The fort dating back to the middle of the 17th century was built by a small-time chieftain Byregowda who was Robinhood of those times, known to loot the rich and help the poor.[3]
Directions
Gudibande is 100 km from Bengaluru (30 km from AP border). One can reach Gudibande by taking the Airport road. There are clear sign boards after Chikkaballapur towards both left and right side of the road. The roads to the place throughout are in good condition and can be accessed with minor difficulty. It is a less known place for trekkies out there and slowly becoming popular over the past few years. The hill can be ascended in less than one hour. All climbers are advised to carry their food and replenishments as none is available on top.
Bloglinks
1. Gudibande Trek - Loapers 2.http://ramubangalore.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-indian-robin-hood-and-his-fort.html
Nearby villages
1.Nicchanabandahalli. 2.Beechaganahalli . 3.Appireddyhalli .
References
- Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Gudibande
- "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 16 June 2004. Retrieved 1 November 2008.
- http://www.deccanherald.com/content/55589/legacy-gudibandes-robinhood.html