Krishnagiri

Author:Laxman Burdak, IFS (R)

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Krishnagiri District Map

Kuppam-Krishnagiri-Dharmapuri

Krishnagiri (कृष्णगिरि) is a city and district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. It is located on Ram Van Gaman Path.

Variants

• Krishnagiri Fort

Location

Krishnagiri is located at the bottom of Krishnadevaraya Hills, and the town is fully surrounded by hill rocks. It is located 250 km from Chennai, 45 km from Dharmapuri, and 90 km from Bengaluru.

Krishnagiri is well connected to various parts of India through several National Highways that include Krishnagiri–Chennai NH 48, Tindivanam–Krishnagiri NH 77, Krishnagiri–Madanapalli NH 42 and Srinagar–Kanyakumari via Krishnagiri NH 44.

Krishnagiri connects 3 different states i.e. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

The National Highway from Hosur to Krishnagiri is currently undergoing expansion from four-lanes to six-lanes.[11][12]

History

The Krishnagiri district has a prehistoric importance. Archeological sources confirm human habitation during Paleolithic, Neolithic and Mesolithic Ages. Various rock paintings and rock carvings of Indus Valley civilization and Iron Age seen in this district support the historical significance of this district.

Krishnagiri region is a part of the ancient Kongu Nadu and Chera country. Historically it was ruled by Chera rulers. Later the region came under Cholas, Pallavas, Gangas, Nulambas, Hoysalas, Vijaya Nagar and Bijapur emperors, Wodeyars of Mysore and Nayaks of Madurai. This region of Krishnagiri served as "Gateway of Tamil Nadu" and the protective barrier for the southern region defending onslaughts from invaders with motives of imperialism and exploitation. Krishnagiri Fort become the first and foremost defensive place. The majestic fortress, built on Krishnagiri hill by the Vijaya Nagar emperors, stands as testimony still now.

During Mysore war I, the British troops passed through Krishnagiri to attack Hyder Ali's Forces at Kaveripattinam. British army was defeated here. In Mysore war II after the "Treaty of Srirangapattinam" entire region of Salem and Barah Mahal were surrendered to the British. In 1792 CE, Captain Alexander Reed became the first District Collector of this region. Under the diplomacy of Robert Clive, the then Governor of Madras Presidency, Krishnagiri became the headquarters of Bara Mahal.

A mint was established at Krishnagiri in 1794 CE. Gold, silver and copper coins were forged here. Many soldiers from Krishnagiri region took part in the world war and were killed. The historical importance and potential growth in education, economy and tourism of present Krishnagiri made it necessary to create a separate district. Krishnagiri was formed as 30th district by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Krishnagiri district was carved out of Dharmapuri district on 9 February 2004 with five taluks and ten blocks.

Economy

Krishnagiri is known as "Mango Capital of India" as mangoes are cultivated as the main crop, and the land here is extremely fertile with rich access to fresh water making it amenable to growing crops. Krishnagiri is the site of significant business and residential development. The Krishnagiri Dam was built in 1967.

Tourism

Most visitors come from Hosur, Bangalore, Dharmapuri, Vaniyambadi, Ambur and Chennai. The Krishnagiri Dam (Krishnagiri Reservoir Project Dam) was constructed in 1958 during the rule of the then Chief Minister Kamarajar and is near the town. Nearby, Krishnagiri hill has the fortress of the ruler, Krishnadevarayar. It is possible to treks to nearby hills and mountains as well as farm houses. The boat house is 8 km from the central bus stand, which also houses a children's park. There is a variety of ancient temples in the vicinity of Krishnagiri. Nearby Ramapuram is the site of a 500-year-old Rama Temple that draws many visitors.

The museum in this District is known for traditional culture, art and architecture, heritage and historical background is a blessing in disguise, to spread the traditional and heritage, culture and art of Tamil Nadu and Krishnagiri District in particular. This museum has operated since 1993 AD, and is on Gandhi Salai in Krishnagiri. Historical monuments are preserved and exhibited here. It is not only a place of tourism but also a center of education. This museum collects the monuments, classifies and preserves them to conduct research on their historical worthiness. The Krishnagiri Mountain is famous for its well preserved fortress of Vijayanagar emperors, which later came under the rule of British empire.

कृष्णगिरि

कृष्णगिरि भारत के तमिल नाडु राज्य के कृष्णगिरि ज़िले में एक नगर है। यह ज़िले का मुख्यालय भी है। अल्‍फांसो आमों के लिए प्रसिद्ध कृष्णागिरि तमिल नाडु का एक प्रमुख शहर है। प्राचीन काल में यह तमिलनाडु के कोंगू नाडु क्षेत्र का हिस्‍सा था। उस समय यह पश्‍चिमी गंगा साम्राज्‍य का एक भाग था। आम यहां का मुख्‍य फसल है। माना जाता है कि आम की सर्वप्रथम पैदावार यहीं हुई थी। कृष्णागिरी हसूर से लगभग 25 किलोमीटर की दूरी पर स्थित है। यह कई पर्वतों से घिरा हुआ है। कृष्णागिरी विशेष रूप से कृष्णागिरी बांध व सरकारी संग्रहालय के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। कृष्‍णागिरी दो शब्‍दों कृष्‍ण और गिरी से मिलकर बना है। कृष्‍ण का अर्थ काला होता है जबकि गिरी का मतलब पहाड़ होता है। इस प्रकार कृष्‍णागिरी का शाब्दिक अर्थ काला पहाड़ होता है। यहां काले ग्रेनाइट चट्टानों का पहाड़ है। इसी कारण इसका नाम कृष्‍णागिरी पड़ा। इसके नाम के पीछे एक अन्‍य कहानी भी प्रचलित है। यह क्षेत्र एक समय विजयनगर के शासक कृष्‍णदेव राय के साम्राज्‍य का हिस्‍सा था। इसीलिए इस स्‍थान का नाम उनके नाम पर कृष्‍णागिरी पड़ा।