AnkuMalik at 22:52, 13 March 2026

2026-03-13T22:52:51Z

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{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2018}}

{{Infobox settlement
| name = Annigeri
| native_name =
| native_name_lang = kn
| other_name =
| nickname =
| settlement_type = Town
| image_skyline = Amrtesvara Temple at Annigeri.JPG
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Amruteshwara Temple at Annigeri
| pushpin_map = India#India Karnataka
| pushpin_label_position = right
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Karnataka, India
| coordinates = {{coord|15.43|N|75.43|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Karnataka]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Dharwar district|Dharwad]]
| established_title = 
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_rank =
| area_total_km2 = 11.1
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 624
| population_total = 25709
| population_as_of = 2001
| population_rank =
| population_density_km2 = 2316.13
| population_demonym =
| population_footnotes =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Kannada]]
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 582 201
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| area_code = 08380
| registration_plate = KA-25
| website =
| footnotes =
}}
'''Annigeri''' is a taluk of [[Dharwad district]] in the state of [[Karnataka]], [[India]], located 20 km west of [[Gadag]] en route to [[Hubli]] and 35 km from [[Hubli]].

==Introduction==
Annigeri ({{Langx|kn| ಅಣ್ಣಿಗೇರಿ}})is the [[place of birth]] of the famous [[Kannada]] poet [[Adikavi Pampa]] ({{Langx|kn| ಆದಿಕವಿ ಪಂಪ }}). It is well known for the black stone temple built by the [[Western Chalukya Empire]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2201/stories/20050114000106500.htm |title=The Chalukyan magnificence |access-date=2008-08-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080717210433/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2201/stories/20050114000106500.htm |archive-date=17 July 2008 |url-status=usurped }}</ref> known as Amruteshwara Temple.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.templenet.com/Karnataka/kalyani_chalukya.html
|title=Kalyani Chalukyan temples
|access-date=2008-08-30
}}</ref> A temple of mythological figures supported by 76 columns, located in the [[Dharwad district]], and has a [[derasar]] dedicated to [[Parshva]], the 23rd [[Tirthankara]] in [[Jainism]].
Annigeri also has temples dedicated to '''Banashankari, Basappa, Gajina Basappa and Hanuman'''.
There is an ancient Lingayati temple near the railway station.

Annigeri has seven [[mosque]]s and two [[Lingayatism|Lingayati]] [[Matha]]s.

==History==
[[File:Western Chalukya Monuments.svg|thumb|left|Annigeri comes under core area of Western Chalukya]]
[[File:View from the rear of Amritesvara temple at Annigeri.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Amruteshwara Temple in Annigeri]]
Annigeri was an important political and cultural center in the past.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.travelchacha.com/cities/karnataka/dharwad.html
|title=Dharwad (Annigeri) Travel
|access-date=2009-01-16
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081218224239/http://www.travelchacha.com/cities/karnataka/dharwad.html| archive-date= 18 December 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> Various kings like the Chalukya dynasty, [[Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri]] and the [[Hoysala Empire]] annexed the town, which once formed part of the kingdoms of the [[Kalachuris of Kalyani]]s.

Annigeri was the last capital of the Chalukyas, Someshwara 4 (during 1184-89)<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.indnav.com/servlet/Browse?mt=goToName&name=Dharwad
|title=Places Around Dharwad
|access-date=2009-01-16
}}</ref> and it was headquarters of famous rich province of ''Belvola-300''.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://gazetteer.kar.nic.in/data/gazetteer/postind/Kar_Handbook_2005_Chapter14.Pdf
|title=Chapter XIV, Karnataka, The Tourist Paradise
|access-date=2008-08-30
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304232130/http://www.gazetteer.kar.nic.in/data/gazetteer/postind/Kar_Handbook_2005_Chapter14.Pdf
|archive-date=2009-03-04
}}</ref>

Annigeri comes under the core area of Western Chalukya architectural activity in the modern Karnataka state. The Amrtesvara Temple is the finest examples produced by the Kalyani Chalukyas ([[Western Chalukya architecture]]).

In 1157 the Kalachuris under [[Bijjala II]] captured [[Basavakalyan]] and occupied it for the next twenty years, forcing the Chalukyas to move their [[capital city]] to Annigeri in the present-day Dharwad district.

To Provide education at the primary and Vedic levels, Annigeri had five Brahmapuris.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.kamat.com/database/books/kareducation/community_education.htm
|title=Education in Karnataka through the ages
|publisher= Jyotsna Kamat
|access-date=2009-03-05
}}</ref>

==Annigeri skulls==
In 2010, over 100 human skulls were found in a drain at Annigeri. According to the preliminary theories, the area may have been a mass grave around some 150–200 years ago, or it may have been a battle ground.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_theories-galore-as-skulls-are-found-in-annigeri-drain_1432415
| title = Theories galore as skulls are found in Annigeri drain
| publisher = [[DNA (newspaper)|DNA]]
| author = Srikant Hunasvadi
| date = 2 September 2010
| access-date = 2010-09-03
| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100907072436/http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_theories-galore-as-skulls-are-found-in-annigeri-drain_1432415| archive-date= 7 September 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> After the discovery, the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] officials visited the site, and the government of Karnataka ordered an excavation. After the excavation, 471 skulls were found on a stretch of {{convert|15.6|by|1.7|m}}. As of 2011, the archaeologists were searching for any mention of a massacre in the local folklore or history.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article1517734.ece
| title = At Annigeri, a rare find of human skulls
| author = Girish Pattanashetti
| work = [[The Hindu]]
| date = 2011-03-08
| access-date = 2011-03-08
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110310050254/http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article1517734.ece
| archive-date = 10 March 2011
| url-status = dead
}}</ref>

==Great personalities of Annigeri==

===Adikavi Pampa===

Annigeri is the birthplace of the great [[Kannada]] [[poet]], [[Adikavi Pampa]].<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.indiadivine.org/audarya/indology/172843-re-y-indology-fwd-jainlist-kannada-nighantu.html
|title=Poet Pampa
|date=17 March 2002
|access-date=2009-01-16
}}</ref>

* '''Benjamin Loirice''' first wrote about [[Pampa]] and published the '''Pampa Bharata''' in 1882.
* Sri S G Narasimhachar brought out Adi Purana in 1900 and
* [[Kannada Sahitya Parishat]] published the revised edition of Pampa Bharata In 1931.
* [[Government of Karnataka]] established the '''Pampa Foundation''' at Annigeri and also
instituted '''Pampa award'''.
* The [[Kannada University]] [[Hampi]] instituted '''Nadoja''' award in memory of Pampa.

==Tourist attractions==
[[File:Profile of Amritesvara temple at Annigeri.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Amruteshwara Temple in Annigeri]]
[[File:Shrine outer wall at Amritesvara temple at Annigeri.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Amruteshwara Temple in Annigeri]]
[[File:Turret and pilaster work where the shrine wall meets the tower in Amritesvara temple at Annigeri.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Amruteshwara Temple in Annigeri]]

===Amruteshwara Temple===
The Amruteshwara Temple<ref>{{cite book
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aU0hCAS2-08C&q=The+Amrtesvara+Temple+at+Annigeri+&pg=RA1-PA178
|title=The Amrtesvara Temple at Annigeri
|isbn=9788170173120
|access-date=2008-08-30
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812145730/http://books.google.co.in/books?id=aU0hCAS2-08C&pg=RA1-PA178&lpg=RA1-PA178&dq=The+Amrtesvara+Temple+at+Annigeri+&source=web&ots=2iihqHIyhY&sig=sYU2-mmwjm1vBybMMwsxo3zm_qc&hl=en
|archive-date=2011-08-12
|last1=Hardy
|first1=Adam
|year=1995
|publisher=Abhinav Publications
}}</ref> was built in the [[Dharwad District]] in 1050 [[common era|CE]] with [[dravidian architecture|dravida]] articulation, and was the first temple made of [[soapstone]].

The large and black stone Amruteshwar Temple is in the [[Kalyani Chalukyas]] style. The temple has a roof supported by 76 pillars and carvings of
mythological figures on its walls.

The Amruteshwara Temple was to be the prototype for later, more articulated structures such as the [[Mahadeva Temple (Itagi)]] at [[Itagi]]. Based on the general plan of the Amrtesvara Temple, the Mahadeva Temple was built in 1112 CE and has the same architectural components as its predecessor. There are, however, differences in their articulation.

'''Car Festival'''

During December and January, Amruteshwara temple is the venue of a festival.

==Other temples==
Many other temples are also seen at Annigeri, such as:

* The Ramalinga Temple
* The Banashankari Temple
* The Gajina Basappa Temple
* The Hire Hanuman Temple
* Puradhireshwar Temple
* Kambada Hanuman Temple

==Geography==
Annigeri is located at {{Coord|15.43|N|75.43|E|}}.<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/19/Annigeri.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Annigeri]</ref> It has an average elevation of 624 metres (2047 feet).

==Demographics==
{{As of|2001}} India [[census]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040616075334/http://www.censusindia.net/results/town.php?stad=A&state5=999|archive-date=2004-06-16|title= Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)|access-date=2008-11-01|publisher= Census Commission of India}}</ref> Annigeri had a population of 25,709. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Annigeri has an average literacy rate of 55%, lower than the national average of 59.5%; with 61% of the males and 39% of females literate. 14% of the population is under 6 years of age.

==See also==
{{div col|colwidth=28em}}
* [http://www.kamat.com/database/pictures/3095.htm Hero-stone of Rashrakuta period at Annigeri]
* [http://www.deccanherald.com/content/160424/historian-unearths-sacrificial-sect-theory.html Historian unearths sacrificial sect theory on Annigeri skulls]
* [[Western Chalukya temples]]
* [[Western Chalukya architecture]]
* [[Western Chalukya Empire]]
* [[North Karnataka]]
* [[Tourism in North Karnataka]]
* [[Gadag]]
* [[Lakshmeshwar]]
* [[Lakkundi]]
* [[Mahadeva Temple (Itagi)]]
* [[Dambal]]
* [[Kundgol]]
* [[Kuknur]]
* [[Sudi, India|Sudi]]
* [[Gajendragad]]
{{div col end}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|33em}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Annigeri}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080206232926/http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Oct232007/spectrum2007102231808.asp The Chalukyan Magnificance] from the Deccan-Herald
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110812145730/http://books.google.co.in/books?id=aU0hCAS2-08C&pg=RA1-PA178&lpg=RA1-PA178&dq=The+Amrtesvara+Temple+at+Annigeri+&source=web&ots=2iihqHIyhY&sig=sYU2-mmwjm1vBybMMwsxo3zm_qc&hl=en Indian Temple Architecture: Form and Transformation]
* Kalyani Chalukyan temples [http://www.templenet.com/Karnataka/kalyani_chalukya.html]
* [http://www.deccanherald.com/content/160889/in-studying-annigeri-skulls-collision.html Annigeri skulls]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140112214931/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-21/hubli/33302147_1_annigeri-skulls-state-archeology-department-famine Annigeri skulls]
* [http://www.deccanherald.com/content/160889/in-studying-annigeri-skulls-collision.html In studying Annigeri skulls, a collision of histories]
* [http://www.deccanherald.com/content/204610/annigeri-skulls-find-support-history.html Annigeri skulls find support in history pages]
* [http://archive.asianage.com/bengaluru/annigeri-skulls-archaeologists-approach-mysore-agency-484 Annigeri skulls]
* [http://www.deccanherald.com/content/160424/historian-unearths-sacrificial-sect-theory.html Historian unearths sacrificial sect theory on Annigeri skulls]

{{Hindu temples in Karnataka}}

[[Category:Chalukya dynasty]]
[[Category:Western Chalukya Empire]]
[[Category:Shiva temples in Karnataka]]
[[Category:Former capitals in India]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Dharwad district]]
[[Category:Archaeology of death]]

Annigeri - Revision history

AnkuMalik at 22:52, 13 March 2026