Hassan, India

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Hassan | type = city | latd = 13.06 | longd = 76.1
locator_position = right | state_name = Karnataka
district = Hassan
leader_title =
leader_name =
altitude = 972
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 117,386| population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone =
postal_code =
vehicle_code_range =
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
website =
footnotes =

Hassan ( _kn. ಹಾಸನ) is a city and district headquarters of Hassan district in the Indian state of Karnataka. The town is situated 934 mts above sea level with fine weather similar to Bangalore. The town is home to the Master Control Facility of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and also to the Malnad College of Engineering MCE, one of the best colleges in the region.It was founded in the 11th century, by Channa Krishnappa Naik, a Palegar (chieften). The place is called Hassan after the Goddess "Haasanamba", the goddess and presiding deity of the town. It can be called as the temple-architectural capital of Karnataka.

History

Hassan the 4th largest city of the state, dates back to the 11th century, during the Hoysala dynasty, which lasted from the eleventh to the fourteenth century. Their capital was at Dwarasamundra (Dwaravati-pura), the ruins of which are still to be seen scattered round the town of Halebidu(ಹಳೆಬೀಡು).

The earlier kings were of the Jain faith, but the finest temples were dedicated to Shiva by the later monarchs in the dynasty. While the Hoysalas were at the zenith of their power much of southern India was under their influence.

Education

Hassan is home to various educational institutions in various disciplines notably
* Malnad College of Engineering.
* Sri Hasanamba Dental College & Hospital.
* Hassan Institute Of Medical Sciences.
* Sri Dharmasthala Ayurvedic college.
* N. D. R. K. First Grade College.
* Govt Science College.
* Govt Jr. College, RC Road ( Formerly, GOVT. BOYS High School ).
* Saint Joseph School & College
* Saint Philominas School & College
* Smt. L.V. Polytechnic
* Govt. Engineering College
* Govt. ITI College
* NDRK Nursing College

Transport

Hassan is the hub of Broad gauge railways to Birur, Bangalore and Mysore. The line to Mangalore is fully converted under Project Unigauge. [ Railway Gazette International December 2007 Supplement p7 ] . It also has a full-fledged bus terminus operated by Karnataka State Bus Transport Service, besides this it is also well connected by private bus services to all the major cities across south and west India. The nearest airport is located in Bangalore (117 Miles/187 K.M) followed by the one in Mangalore.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Hassan had a population of 117,386. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Hassan has an average literacy rate of 79%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 82%, and female literacy is 75%. In Hassan, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

External links

* [http://www.hoysalatourism.com Hoysala Tourism]
* [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/19/Hassan.html FallingRain Map - elevation = 971m (Red dots are railways)]

References