Banavasi

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Banavasi | skyline = Madhukeshwara_Temple.jpg
skyline_caption = Madhukeshwara Temple at Banavasi
type = village| latd = 14.5341 | longd = 75.0177
locator_position = right | state_name = Karnataka
district = Uttara Kannada district
leader_title =
leader_name =
altitude =
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = | population_density =
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total =
area_telephone = 08384
postal_code = 581 318
vehicle_code_range =
sex_ratio =
unlocode =
website =
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Banavasi ( _kn. ಬನವಾಸಿ) is an ancient temple town on the border of Uttara Kannada District and Shivamogga district in the south Indian state of Karnataka.

History

Banavasi is one of the oldest towns in the Karnataka state. [cite web
last =Kamat
first =Jyotsna
year=2006
month= August 5
url=http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/archaeology/banavasi.htm
title=Ancient City of Banavasi
publisher=
accessdate=2006-08-17 ] It has grown up around the Madhukeshwara Temple built in the 9th century and dedicated to Lord Shiva [cite web
url=http://www.bangalorebest.com/discoverbangalore/sightseeing/banvasi.asp
title=Banavasi- 'Kadambothsav'
publisher=BangaloreBest.com
accessdate=2006-08-17 ] the supreme God in Shaivism, a major branch of Hinduism.

Recently a 5th century copper coin was discovered here with an inscription in the Kannada script, one of the oldest such coins ever discovered. [cite web
year=2006
month=February 5
url=http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/feb72006/state171017200626.asp
title=5th century copper coin discovered at Banavasi
publisher=Deccan Herald
accessdate=2006-08-17] The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums said that the coin's inscription in archaic Kannada proves beyond doubt that Banavasi had a mint in the 5th century. [cite web
url=http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/06/stories/2006020609090400.htm
title= 5th Century copper coin found at Banavasi
publisher=TheHindu.com
accessdate=2006-08-17 ] The coin's discovery supports those seeking classical status for the Kannada language.

Adikavi Pampa, the first poet of Kannada, wrote his epic poems in Banavasi. The town once was the capital of the Kadamba rulers, an ancient royal dynasty of Karnataka. [cite web
last =Kamat
first = Jyotsna
year = 2006
month = August 5
url =http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/deccan/kadamba.htm
title =Kadambas of Banavasi
format =
publisher =
accessdate =2006-08-17] They established themselves there in A.D. 345 and ruled for at least two centuries. [cite web
url=http://www.med.unc.edu/~nupam/postg1.html
title=South Indian Coins - The Kadambas of Hangal
publisher=
accessdate=2006-08-17 ]

Location

Banavasi lies deep in the rain forests of Western Ghats with the Varadha river flowing around it on three sides. It is located 374 km from Bangalore. The nearest railway station is 112 km away in Shimoga. Sirsi, 18 km away, is the nearest town. Banavasi has no lodging.

Agriculture

The soil is fertile around Banavasi and rice, sugarcane, arecanut, spices and pineapple are grown there.

Attractions

The annual December cultural festival, Kadambothsav, is a huge gathering, organized by the state government, and featuring folk dancers, drama troupes, classical musicians, art exhibitions, while drawing together performers, artists, and writers from all of south India.

Banavasi has long been a cultural centre, especially the Yakshagana art form. Today local artisans craft and sell the classical folk art Yakshagana masks here.

References

External links

* [http://www.bangalorebest.com/discoverbangalore/sightseeing/banvasi.asp Banavasi- 'Kadambothsav']
* [http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/archaeology/banavasi.htm Ancient City of Banavasi ]
* [http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/feb72006/state171017200626.asp 5th century copper coin discovered at Banavasi]
* [http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/sep42005/sundayherald102257200592.asp Bouncing off to Banavasi]