Bellary District is situated on the eastern side of
Karnataka. It takes the name from the word 'balari' which refers to the
Goddess Durga, as this goddess had manifested herself in the town. Some events in the great epic
Ramayana are related to this historic place. Bellary acquired significant role in the period of
Satavahanas,
Kadambas,
Chalukyas of Kalyana,
Kalachurias, Sevunas, and
Hoysalas.
The geographical area is 8,447 sq km. The major occupation is agriculture and the important crops grown are cotton, jowar, groundnut, paddy, sunflower, and cereals. Bellary is rich in natural resources such as metallic and non-metallic minerals. The important rivers are Tungabhadra and Hagari.
