Sira Taluk

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Sira| type = taluk and town| latd = 13.745 | longd = 76.909
locator_position = right | state_name = Karnataka
district = Tumkur district
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population_as_of = 2001
population_total = | population_density =
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postal_code = 572 137
vehicle_code_range = KA-06
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Sira is a town and taluk headquarters of Sira Taluk of Tumkur district in the state of Karnataka, India. It lies on the National Highway NH-4 (Mumbai - Chennai).

History

Sira Town was a strategically important place prior to the British Raj. It still has many historic structures. In late 1600s Sira became a major province or 'Suba' of the Mughals.

Historical places in Sira Taluk

Like most other places of historical importance in India, Sira also has religious structures built by its erstwhile rulers. Among them are:
* Kasturi Rangappa Nayaka Fort: This beautiful fort is named after the 'Nayaka' ruler. It is symbolic of the hold the Nayaka community rulers once had on Sira.
* Mallik Rehan 'dargah' : This is mausoleum over the erstwhile Sira province's governor Mallik Rehan's grave. Mallik Rehan overlooked the dying Mughal Empire's south Indian domain under Emperor Aurangazeb. Some locals revere Mallik Rehan as a pious man and call him "Hazrath Mallik Rehan Rahmatullah Alai"
* Juma or Jamia Masjid: This was constructed during the period of Mallik Rehan. This monument is protected by Archeological Society of India (ASI)
*Bada (the big) Eidgah

Other places of interest in Sira Taluk

* The Big Banyan Tree ("Dodda Alada Mara" in Kannada): Located just beyond Togarugunte village, north of Sira Town, this is one of the largest Banyan trees in south India. The tree is revered by Hindus as a sacred tree and is protected by the locals.

* Kaggaladu heronry: Located on the Sira - Chengavara main road, this is one of Karnataka's largest nesting sites for Painted Stork and Grey Herons. The birds here nest on Tamarind and Peepal trees on both private as well as Government land. The villagers are fond of these winged wonders and make sure these are protected from hunters. The site was made known to the outside world by members of a local NGO Wildlife Aware Nature Club.

Pictures

See also

* Tumkur
* Tumkur District
* Taluks of Karnataka

References

* [http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_alphalist_karnataka_bangalore.asp] Archeological Survey of India, Bangalore circle, List showing protected monuments (For Sira, see Sl. No: 198 & 199)

* "Large nesting colony of Painted storks identified near Sira (Karnataka)" Ameen Ahmed, Myforest (Quarterly Journal of Karnataka Forest Department), March 1999

* [http://www.deccanherald.com/CONTENT/May192008/district2008051868733.asp] "Plea to protect fort in Sira" (Story in Deccan Herald, Bangalore, May 19, 2008)

External links

* [http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/Mar162006/metrothurs1539312006315.asp 'Lost in wilderness' A story on Kaggaladu in Deccan Herald]

* [http://tumkurameen.blogspot.com/2007/04/kaggaladu-home-to-colourful-birds.html Information and pictures on Kaggaladu Heronry]

* [http://www.flickr.com/search/?w=all&q=kaggaladu&m=text Some images of Kaggaladu]