The Eternal Charm of BALLIGAVE
Balligave , in Shivamogga District, Karnataka was one of the most celebrated focal points of religion, trade, education, art and architecture for many centuries. Mythologically, it is connected to Bali Chakravarthi and later to Pandavas . Legends apart, the 120plus inscriptions found around here provide a lot of historical inputs about the place , which has been called by various similar sounding names : Balligame , Belligavi , Baligrama etc etc. Though existing as a well known town from the seventh century , it reached its zenith of celebrity and prominence under the Chalukyas of Kalyana, between 11 th and 12 Cents. Administered by powerful Chiefs appointed by King Bijjala , the town received generous donations for development of many temples, mathas and allied instituitions . Its gradual decline came by, with the rising of the Hoysalas to prominence in the region, shifting the power centers to their chose...