Gulbarga district is situated in the northeastern part of Karnataka. Spread over an area of 16224 sq. km. the district is geographically located between 17ø19 minutes and 60 seconds North latitude and 76 degree and 49 minutes 60 second East longitude.
History of Gulbarga District
The district dates back to the 6th century A.D. Historical accounts say that Gulbarga was earlier called `Kalburgt` which in Kannada means stony land. It was a part of the Chalukyan kingdom of Badami. Gulbarga, the district headquarters was the capital of the Bahamani rulers from 1347 until its transfer to Bidar in 1428.
Geography of Gulbarga district
Situated entirely on the Deccan Plateau, it is positioned at a height of 300 to 750 meters above mean sea level. Gulbarga is strategically located 613 km. from Bangalore, the state capital and is well connected by road to important cities like Bijapur, Hyderabad and Bidar. The Krishna and the Bhima are the main rivers flowing through the district.
Economy of Gulbarga district
The district has a dry climate with an annual rainfall of about 750 mm. The district is dominantly agrarian supported by few industries. The main soil found in the district is black soil, which facilitates the cultivation of crops like jowar, groundnut, rice, sugarcane, sunflower, wheat, cotton, linseed and pulses. The Upper Krishna Project in the district is a major irrigational venture. Some of the major industries in the region are textile, leather and chemical industries.
Tourism in Gulbarga district
The district is a major tourist destination, which generates revenue for the district. The main attractions in the district are Gulbarga Fort, Sharana Basveshwara Temple, and Sri Ram Mandir. Sri Kshetra Gangapur is a famous pilgrimage center of God Sri Sadguru Dattarya, situated very close to Gulbarga. Thousands of pilgrims visit Gulbarga during the annual festival held at the tomb of Khwaja Bande Nawaz Darga to commemorate his death anniversary. On the banks of the River Bhima, Jevargi is an important religious place. The Bonal Lake, Nazarapur Falls, Gottam Gotta Forests and the Uplloan Hills are exciting excursion sites in the district.
