CHAPTER IV

PANCHAYAT RAJ IN KARNATAKA

Its Evolution and Development

4.1 Introduction

The institution “Panchayat” is a traditional one in the Indian society. It

was a body of five elders in village whose functions pertained to all aspects of

village including judicial ones. This institution was revived in 1952 to serve as

an agent of Government of India to implement the rural development

programmes of the Federal Government. In the modern political situation, the

institution of Panchayat is re carved so as to fit into the modern political

structure and also to meet the principles of justice as enshrined in the

Constitution of India.

Karnataka has imbibed a rich heritage of self-governing institutions. In

ancient Karnataka, rural political bodies were very strong. Local bodies were

called Ooru (Town), Okkalu (resident), Praje samudaya (congregation of

subject), Oorahadinenti Jaati (18 castes of village) etc. In Agrahar villages, the

assembly of Mahajans (heads of scholarly Brahmin families) served as Village

Councils.

Panchayats were in existence during ancient and medieval period in

Karnataka during the rule of the Kadambas, the Gangas, the Satavahanas the

Chalukyas, the Rastrakutas and the Pallavas. The period from 10th

to 14th

centuries in Karnataka witnessed Local-self-government during the rule of the

Chalukyas and the Hoysalas. ‘Grama’, ‘Agrahara’ and ‘Nagar’ were the basic

units of local administration during this period. Agrahara enjoyed immunity

from soldier’s encroachment and tax collections. Each Grama had its own

assembly, a representative body of praja samudaya under the leadership of

village headman. Some Gramas and Agraharas had under their control the

hamlets, which were known as ‘Kuluvalis’. Each hamlet also had its own

assembly, headman and accountant. In the local administrative hierarchy above

the Grama, Agrahara and Nagara, there were ‘Nadu’ (region) and ‘Mahanadus’

(territorial assemblies), as political representative bodies.

The town assemblies consisted of ‘Uru’ and ‘Mahajanas’. They were in

existence even before the Vijayanagara Empire. M.B. Patil has pointed out that

the Venugrama (present Belgaum) inscription of 1204 A.D. indicated that

among other things, the main sources of income were house tax, shop tax and

tolls, with an exemption of payment of taxes on school matters, temple

managers and village watchman.ix

The records of Hukkeri province of the

Adilshahi period that the town assemblies were in existence in Karnataka during

the Muslim rule also.

4.2 Panchayat during British Rule in Karnataka

The advent of English rule in India led to numerous changes and

developments. The local government bodies having statutory character, created

under the Village Sanitation Act, 1863 came to be established in several

provinces. The genesis of local self-governance in Karnataka dates back to 1874

when the ‘Local Fund Committees in each district for taking up of roads and

subsidiary works were set up. The Mysore Local Boards Act of 1902 which was

passed to overcome these shortcomings provided for a three tier Local self-

government consisting of village panchayat with nominated Chairman, taluk

board with sub-division officer, and a president, and the district board with

Deputy Commissioner as President. The Municipal Committee, to look after the

municipal administration of urban areas in Karnataka, was set up under the

provisions of East India Company Act XXVI of 1850. The first of such

committees was constituted in Karnataka in 1851 for Belgaum town, and later

several others followed suit in the years to come.

For administration of rural areas, ‘Local Fund’ was established in 1862

by the British rulers. ‘Local Fund Committees’ were established in 1874. The

principal function of the committee was promoting health, sanitation and

comforts of the inhabitants of their respective districts.

As a result of the revolutionary recommendations of Royal Commission

on decentralization, the Mysore Local Boards and Village Panchayats

Regulation IV of 1918 came into force in 1919. Under the Act, a new three tier

local government structure with District Boards, Taluk Boards and Village

Panchayats, each having substantial powers, functions and resources was

constituted.

4.3 Panhayats after Independence

It was the Act of 1926 that was in force, in most of the areas in

Karnataka. On the basis of recommendations of Venkatappa Committee, the

Mysore Village Panchayats and District Boards Act, 1952 was passed. This

legislation brought into existence the Village Panchayats and District Boards as

statutory bodies.

Since independence, Panchayats in Karnataka have been structured and

functioned according to the principles enumerated in the three distinctive

panchayat Acts – the 1959 Act, the 1983 Act and the 1993 Act. After the

Reorganization of the State, a unified comprehensive Panchayat Raj Act known

as Karnataka Local Boards and Village Panchayat act 1959 came into being

from 1960. Under this Act, Village Panchayats at the village level, Taluk

Development Boards at the taluk level and District Development Councils for

each district were constituted. Under the above three tier system of

administration, only the village panchayat and Taluk Development Boards had

elected representatives.

The Features of 1959 Act

The 1959 Act provided a three-tier structure in the State: Village

Panchayat as the primary unit, taluk development board as the middle tier and

district development council as the non-executive co-coordinating body.

The Village Panchayats were constituted in a Village or a group of

revenue villages having a population of not less than 1,500 persons, but not

more than 10,000. The Panchayats consisted of a number of persons consisting

but not less than 11in number or more than 19 in number where all of them

were to be elected members. The Deputy Commissioner was given the

responsibility of determining the number of persons in each panchayat. Seats

were reserved for Scheduled castes and Scheduled Tribes depending on their

population. Seats were also reserved for women, and they were not to be less

than two. In 1983, an amendment to the Act was effected, and the reservation of

seats for women was increased to 20%. The elected members held office for a

period of 5 years, unless they were removed by a vote of no confidence passed

by no less than two-thirds of the total number of elected members of the

panchayat for any gross violation or for criminal act. The Chairman and Vice-

Chairman of the Panchayat were elected from among the elected members.

The Panchayats were entrusted with mainly two types of functions:

obligatory and discretionary. The former comprised the welfare of SCs and

STs, maintenance of roads, drains, bunds and bridges, lighting of villages and

health care etc. The latter included other functions such as relief to destitute and

the sick, construction and maintenance of slaughterhouses and improvement of

cattle etc.

The finances of the panchayats were collected in the form of Panchayat

fund. The fund was derived from various sources such as the allotment to the

panchayats from the state government, the proceeds of any tax imposed by the

panchayats, sums contributed by the taluk boards etc. The Deputy

Commissioner had power to direct the increase of taxation of the panchayats.

The Taluk Development Boards were constituted above the village

panchayats at the taluk level. They were the most significant institution of the

Panchayat Raj.

4.4 The Panchayati Raj - Post 1983 Act

The need for the restructuring of the PRI’s in Karnataka had been felt for

some time. But it was the Janata Party which came to power in 1983 that took

the initiative to formulate and enact the legislation for introducing the new

PRI’s.

In this connection, the role of Mr. Ramkrishna Hegde, the then Chief

Minister and Mr. Abdul Nazir Sab the then Minister for Rural Development

and Panchayati Raj was effective to stabilize the institutions of PRI’s in the

State.

Earlier in the mid-sixties, Mr. Ramakrishna Hegde, the then Panchayati

Raj Minister in the Nijalingappa Ministry (Congress) had proposed the

restructuring of the Panchayati Institutions to give them more power. A bill he

had introduced at that time fell through when his own party men did not support

it. However, after two decades, when he became the Chief Minister of

Karnataka, he initiated the new pattern of Panchayati Raj. The objective,

however, was not only to incorporate people’s participation in planning and

implementation of development programs but also the hope of building up a

grass-roots support for the Janata Party. Further, the enactment of the new

legislation also fulfilled the promise made in joint by the Janata Party and

Kranti Ranga party regarding the Panchayati Raj. The State Government also

decided to base the fresh legislation on the recommendations of the Ashok

Mehta Committee. Working swiftly, the draft legislation was prepared and

introduced in the legislature. This was then referred to a joint select committee

and later passed (1983) with some amendments. The President gave his assent

in July 1985. The first elections to the Zilla Parishad and Mandal Panchayats

were held in January 1987. The new Panchayati Raj in Karnataka envisaged

several innovations and changes form that of the earlier Panchayati Raj. The

legislation in its bill from had a two-tier structure: a district level Zilla Parishad

and a Mandal Panchayat above a village level. The assumption was that it was

only at the district level that co-ordination of development programmes would

be done. Considerable powers and authority as well as responsibilities were

entrusted with the Zilla Parishads. But fears had been expressed that the

concentration of powers and functions would lead to increasing

bureaucratization not only of the administration but also the representatives.

Larger participation at higher levels would be required to counter this

anticipated tendency.

As a consequence of these fears a four-tier structure was recommended

and finally established in Karnataka: Zilla Parishad, Taluk Panchayat Samiti,

Mandal Panchayat and Gram Sabha. The Zilla Parishad is constituted at the

district level, Taluk Panchayat Samiti at taluk level, Mandal Panchayat at a level

below the taluk but above that of the village, and the Gram Sabha at the level of

a revenue village.The Zilla Parishad and Mandal Panchayat are the democratic

bodies and are also the institutions that have executive functions. The task of the

Taluk Samitis is to co-ordinate and supervises the activities of the Mandals,

while the Gram Sabhas are to assist the Mandal Panchayats to execute

development programs. Further, the Gram Sabhas are the only institution where

there is direct democracy and where people are directly involved in principle, in

the planning process and the implementation of development programs.

4.5 Zilla Parishad

This is the most powerful institution in the Panchayati Raj, around which

the new system moves. Its jurisdiction extends over the whole district except in

places where there are town municipalities and municipal corporations. There is

one member elected for every 28,000 people (except in Kodagu where a

member represents 12,000 people). Every Zilla Parishad has an Adhyaksha

(President) elected from amongst elected members. He has been conferred the

status equal to a Minister of State. The Zilla Parishad also has an Upadhyaksha

(Vice-President) elected amongst members, with a salary and status equal to

that of a deputy minister. Both hold office for five years, except in case they are

removed by a no-confidence motion passed by not less than two-thirds of Zilla

Parishad members.

The Zilla Parishad has a Chief Executive Officer a Government Official

(of the rank of Deputy Commissioner, who is designated as the Chief Secretary

of the Zilla Parishad. One of the main duties of the Zilla Parishad is to formulate

and execute the district plan. The development programs, which the Zilla

Parishad is to implement, are in the areas of agriculture, animal husbandry,

welfare of SCs and STs and Other Backward Classes, management of hospitals

and dispensaries, construction and maintenance of roads, minor irrigation

works, promotion of cottage industries etc. Every Zilla Parishad used to have

nine standing committees to specialize on different specific functions and areas

of responsibility. It also had the power to review the work of Mandal Panchayat

from time to time.

4.6 Mandal Panchayats

A Mandal Panchayat area comprises a revenue village or group of

villages having a population of not less than 8,000 and not more than 12,000.

One member for every 400 population (approximately 80 families) or part there

of is elected to the Mandal Panchayat. The Mandal Panchayat elects the Pradhan

and Upa-Pradhans.

The mandal has three different kinds of functions: obligatory,

discretionary and transferred. The obligatory functions include health and

sanitation which embodies construction and maintenance of wells, tanks and

water supply. The mandals also formulate agricultural production plans of the

area; establish stores of improved seeds and pesticides propagate improved

methods of cultivation and related activity. Promotion of educational, economic,

social, cultural and other interests of SCs and STs are also important

responsibilities of the mandals. The transferred functions include management

of forests, wasteland and cultivation of common lands.

4.7 Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993

The Constitution (73rd

Amendment) Act, 1992, made it compulsory for

every state to bring its Panchayat Raj legislation in conformity with the

mandatory provisions of the Amendment. Karnataka was the first state in

country to enact a new comprehensive Panchayat Raj Act, to incorporate all the

mandatory provisions of the 73rd

Amendment. Within a week of the coming into

force of the Constitution Amendment, Karnataka passed the Karnataka

Panchayat Raj Act 1993.x This Act 14 of 1993 however was brought into force

with effect from 10 May 1993.xi

It was first published in the Karnataka State

Gazettee Extra-Ordianry, on 30th April 1993.

Comprehensive Law

Karnataka has enacted a comprehensive and an exhaustive legislation

concerning the constitution, functioning, finances, administrative set up,

conduct of elections, maintenance of accounts, conduct of audit, keeping of

records, in respect of Panchayat Raj Institutions.

The Panchayat Raj Law that has been in force in Karnataka is made up of:

1. The Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 as up to date;

2. Karnataka Local Authorities Act, 1987;

3. Karnataka Taluk Panchayati (proceedings) Rules, 1998;

4. Karnataka Taluk Panchayati (Businesses) Rules, 1999;

5. Karnataka Panchayati raj (Time-Limits for Appeals) Rules, 1994

6. Karnatak Panchayat Raj (Removal of Disqualification) Rules 1994

7. Karnataka Panchayats Raj (Manner of Publication and Exchange of Bye Laws)

Rules, 1994;

8. Karnataka Panchayati Raj (control of Gram Panchayats over construction of

Buildings) Rules, 1994;

9. Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Application of Gram Panchayat funds) Rules, 1994;

10. Karnataka Panchayati Raj (Sub-questions and Rulings in Grama Panchayat

meetings)Rules, 1994;

11. Karnataka Panchayati Raj (Travelling allowance and Daily allowance of Grama

Panchayat Adhyakshas, Upadhyakshas and Members) Rules, 1994

12. Karnataka Panchayat Raj(Honorarium of Gram Panchayat Adhyakshas and

Upadhyakshas) Rules, 1994;

13. Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Accounts and Budget of Gram Panchayats) Rules,

1995;

14. Karnataka Panchayat Raj (procedures at Gram Panchayat meetings) Rules,

1994.

15. Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Reservation of Seats Rotation in Gram Panchayats)

Rules, 1998;

16. Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Determination of contribution to Gram Panchayats)

Rules, 1994;

17. Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Property claim by or against Gram Panchayat) Rules,

1994;

18. Karnataka Panchayat Raj (No confidence motion against Adhyakshas and

Upadhyakshas of Gram Panchayats) Rules, 1994;

19. Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Election of Adhyaksha and Upadhyaksha of Gram

Panchayats) Rules, 1995; and

20. Karnataka Panchayat Raj (Taxes and Fees of Gram Panchayat) Rules, 1994.

Salient features of the Act

The Karnataka Panchayat Raj act, 1993 has incorporated all the

mandatory provisions of the 73rd

Constitution Amendment. The following are

the important salient features of the Act.

1. Three-tier Structure: The Act has provided for establishment of Panchayats at

Grama, Taluk and District levels. All the three are elected bodies, with

executive functions and organic linkages between and among them.

2. Gram Sabha: Gram Sabha consisting of the all the voters of village is the

foundation of Panchayat Raj structure of the State.

3. Direct elections to all the three tiers: The members of all the three Panchayat

Raj Institutions are directly elected by the voters from the demarcated territorial

constituencies. To ensure organic linkages, adequate representation has been

provided in each higher tier to the chairpersons of immediate lower bodies.

4. Indirect elections of Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons: The President

and Vice-President of the Panchayats at all the levels are indirectly elected by

the directly elected members of the respective bodies from amongst them.

5. Five Years Term: The duration of Panchayats, all the levels, has been fixed as

five years, unless dissolved earlier as per the provisions of the Act, in which

case the elections should be completed within six months of the date of

dissolution.

6. State Election Commission: All the elections to all the three tiers of

Panchayats, are to be conducted by an autonomous the State Election

Commission constituted by the State. The period, qualifications, terms of office

of the State Election Commission have been laid down.

7. State Finance Commission: The Law provides for constitution of the State

Finance Commission, once in every five years. The State Finance Commission

determines the principles governing the sharing of funds between State

Government and Panchayat Raj Institutions and also recommended the

measures for improving the finances of these bodies.

8. Maintenance of Accounts and Conduct of Audit: Elaborate rules and

procedures have been framed and enforced by the Government regarding the

maintenance of books of accounts by all the three tier of Panchayat bodies. The

accounts of every Gram Panchayat are to be audited, every year, by such

officer, as may be authorized by the Controller of State Accounts.

9. Reservation of Seats and Officers of Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons:

Seats in and offices of Chair persons and Vice Chairpersons of Panchayat

bodies, at every level, have been reserved for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled

Tribes, Women and Other Backward Classes.

Period of office of Adhyksha and Upadhyaksha:

Gram Panchayat: 30 months from the date of election

Taluk Panchayat: 2o months from the date of election

Zilla Panchayat: 20 months from the date of election or termination of his/her

membership of the respective Panchayat, whichever is earlier. There is also

provision of providing reservatgion to these officers an rotational basis to the

fixed size to the categories – SC, ST and OBC A and B and Women as shown in

table 2.5.

Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat Adhyaksha to be executive heads:

The Chairperson (Adhyksha) of Zilla Panchayat is the Executive head of the

Zilla Panchayat. Similarly, Adhyaksha of Taluk Panchayat is the Executive

head of Taluk Panchyat. The Law has not given the status of executive head to

the Adhyksha of Gram Panchayat.

Reservation of Constituencies (Membership) in PRIs

The intended empowerment of weaker sections of the society is the vital

characteristic feature of Panchayat Raj system in the entire country. The

following affirmative action has been taken by the Government of Karnataka to

make reservation in all the local – self - Governments.

(i) Reservation to SCs and STs in proportion to their population

(ii) Reservation for Other Backward Classes

(iii) 1/3rd

reservation for women in all categories.

Table No.2.6 shows the data regarding the the regulated the composition

of membership of Zilla, Taluk and Gram Panchayats in the State.

Table-4.1: Reservation of Offices of Adhyaksha and

Upadhyaksha in PRI's in Karanatak State

Categories

Gram Panchayats Taluk Panchayats Zilla Panchayat

Adhyaksha Upadhyaksha Adhyaksha Upadhyaksha Adhyaksha Upadhyaksha Total Women Total Women Total Women Total Women Total Women Total Women

SC’s 33 407 1033 407 32 11 32 11 5 2 5 2

ST’s 296 173 296 173 9 3 9 3 1 - 1 -

Backward Classes

Cat-A 1516 529 1516 529 46 15 46 15 7 2 7 2

Cat- B 370 161 161 161 12 4 12 4 2 1 2 1

Genral 244 874 244 874 76 26 76 26 12 4 12 4

Total 5659 2144 5659 2144 175 59 175 59 27 9 27 9

Sources:

1 Order of the Karnataka State Election Commission, No. SEC 54 EGP 99, Dated 16.2.2000.

2. Karanataka Governament Order No GRAP 106 TPS 2000.dated 24.06.2000.

3. Karnataka Government Order No.GRAP 216 ZPS 2000, Dated 24.06.2000.

Table No.4.2 PRIs Members by category in Karnataka -2007-2008

Category Gram Panchayat Taluk Panchayat Zilla Panchayats Total

SCs 16907 (19%) 678 (27%) 184 (18%) 17,769

STs 9880 (11%) 347 (9%) 84 (8%) 10,311

BCs 30344 (33%) 1162 (34%) 334 (38%) 31,840

General 34181 (37%) 1426 (39%) 403 (36%) 36,010

Total 91312 (100%) 3613 (100/%) 1005 (100%) 95,930

Note: The figures in parenthesis are the percentages

Source: Government of Karnataka, Report of the Third Finance

Commission, December, 2008, Pp. 19-23.

Table 4.3 Number of PRIs and the number of members in

Karnataka 1997-2006

Name of PRI No. of PRI No. of members of PRIs

1997 2006 1997 2006

Gram Panchayat 5659 5652 80,627 91,402

Taluk Panchayat 175 176 3,340 3,683

Zilla Panchayat 27 29 919 1,005

Total 5861 5857 84,886 96,090 Source: (1) Karnataka Vikas, November 2000, Rajyotsava Issue, p-24.

(2) Government of Karnataka, Report of Third Finance

Commission, December, 2008 p-23.

It is found from the data presented in the table-2.7 that the number of

seats reserved for different categories is per the provisions of the Amendment

Act.

3.4 Status of Dalits in Karnataka:

Scheduled Castes are pan-Karnataka social categories and they are found

in all the districts of the State. They are backward, socially, politically,

economically and educationally and some of them are categorized as ‘out

castes’ or ‘Untouchables’ whose touch believed to be defiling by the ritually

pure castes and again some of them who have been included in the Scheduled

Caste list mid 1970’s and 80’s are socially deprived, economically poor,

educationally backward and politically unorganized. The castes that have been

categorized as Scheduled Castes mid 1970’s and 80’s are not pollutant castes as

their touch is not defiling as in case of the ‘Panchama’ castes i.e. Untouchables

in the Hindu social hierarchical system. They are deprived of opportunities,

which ultimately resulted in the social exclusion.

In Karnataka, at present, 101 castes have been enlisted under the

Constitutional Provisions as Scheduled Castes. Majority of these castes are

small in number and they are categorized as minority classes and even some of

them are micro communities. They are largest single group in Karnataka in

terms of their percentage to the total population but they are weakest social

groups in terms of political, economic, educational, social and cultural

resources. Additionally they are weakened by suicidal internal fissions and

politically debilitating spatial desperation and de-concentration. They are

heterogeneous social categories whose disunity is a major cause for

disintegration. The untouchability is practiced among the so-called Scheduled

Castes and social hierarchy is also a marked characteristic. There are also non-

untouchables among Scheduled Castes who have the history of deprivations and

discriminations leading to marginalization and subjected to the social exclusion.

The population of Scheduled Castes in Karnataka has increased from 3.12

million in 1961 to 8.56 million in 2001, registering an increase of 174.3 per cent

as compared to an increase of 158.5 per cent in the SC population at the national

level. The share of the SC population to the total population of India in 2001 is

about 16.26 percent, which is almost equal to that of Karnataka. The SC

population of Karnataka State increased mid 1970’s and 80’s is due to the

inclusion of new castes in the SC list (Karnataka, HDR, 2005, p-211).xii

According to 2001 Census, Bangalore Urban district has the highest SC

population in the State (8, 51,047) followed by Gulbarga (7,17,595) and Kolar

(6,71,692). Districts with lowest SC population are Kodagu (67,422), Udupi

(67,689) and Uttar Kannada (1, 01,896). In terms of the percentage of the SC

population to the total population of district however, Kolar (26.6 percent) takes

first place, followed by Chamaraj Nagar (24.6 percent) and Gulbarga (23.01

percent). The lowest percentage is in Udupi (06.01).

The majority of the SC population resides in rural areas, but its share of

the rural population has been declining from Census to Census. Out of an 8.56

million SC population (2001) about 75 per cent live in rural areas.

The Scheduled Castes comprise 101 castes and sub-castes, the majority of

whom were formerly classified as ‘untouchables and generally lived in a

segregated area or separate colony on the outskirts of villages, a practice that is

outlawed in the present day. The predominant castes among SC’s are

Adikarnataka, Holeya, Chalavadi, Mahar, Mala, Madiga, Mang, Mochi, Adi

Dravida, Samagara, Dhor, Banjara and Bhovi. The Adi Karnatakas from the

largest segment, (34.31 per cent) followed by Banjaras (11.85) and Bhovis

(10.04 per cent) and Adi Dravidas (6.98 per cent).

Table 4.4 District-Wise percentage of Important SC castes

population to total SC population in Karnataka: 1991

Source: Human Development Report, 2005, Government of Karnataka.

Table 4.5 Rural - Urban Distribution of SC/ST Population in

Karnataka:

Area Scheduled Castes Scheduled Tribes Others Total

1991 2001 1991 2001 1991 2001 1991 2001

SL

NO Districts

Adi

Dravid

a

Adi

Karnatak

a

Banjara

Lambini

Bhambi,

Bhambhi,

Asadru,

Asodi,

Chamadi

Bhovi

Chalavadi,

Chalvadi,

Channaya

Holeyaru

,

Holer,

Holeya

Korama Madig

a Others Total

1 Bangalore

Urban 37.01 12.83 0.57 0.39 9.25 0.20 0.39 8.48 0.98 5.66 9.66

2 Bangalore

Rural 6.04 8.28 2.06 0.05 5.04 0.02 0.27 4.38 0.76 1.34 4.43

3 Belgaum 0.03 0.12 2.32 19.93 2.95 6.95 19.91 9.77 5.56 12.34 5.52

4 Bellary 1.69 5.50 9.18 0.78 6.13 13.04 0.07 3.23 2.15 5.97 4.96

5 Bidar 0.01 0.00 4.48 1.09 1.22 0.01 16.67 1.01 13.23 7.07 3.53

6 Bijapura 0.02 0.06 15.42 27.46 4.58 9.44 20.04 14.23 1.90 7.54 6.92

7 Chikkamagalur 1.93 3.91 3.70 0.35 2.92 1.22 0.18 4.12 0.13 2.27 2.66

8 Chitradurga 3.92 8.76 7.95 0.34 10.70 1.62 0.00 4.59 0.07 2.82 5.87

9 Dakhina

Kannada 5.91 0.08 0.05 0.12 0.33 0.04 4.96 0.10 0.08 10.71 2.38

10 Dharawad 0.42 0.06 9.25 26.91 7.60 28.48 0.26 11.74 4.41 7.70 5.57

11 Gulbarga 0.25 0.02 20.22 5.25 4.34 0.91 35.75 4.94 32.26 6.79 8.29

12 Hassan 3.14 7.76 1.90 0.10 2.71 0.18 0.10 2.82 0.20 1.61 3.71

13 Kodagu 0.42 1.17 0.02 0.06 0.16 0.01 0.34 0.24 0.15 2.30 0.80

14 Kolar 20.38 11.79 0.86 0.04 12.95 0.05 0.07 1.33 0.33 2.96 7.74

15 Mandya 2.01 6.48 0.12 0.18 2.18 0.01 0.09 3.84 2.06 2.00 3.08

16 Mysore 3.55 19.36 0.93 0.42 3.63 0.04 0.05 5.88 4.55 2.73 8.11

17 Raichur 0.29 0.02 6.72 13.18 5.30 25.19 0.15 6.54 30.12 8.67 5.40

18 Shimoga 2.76 4.28 10.07 1.06 9.82 5.04 0.09 6.52 0.39 3.12 4.59

19 Tumkur 10.13 9.49 3.47 0.18 6.81 0.29 0.30 5.62 0.30 1.21 5.54

20 Uttar Kannada 0.09 0.02 0.71 2.11 1.40 7.37 0.29 0.62 0.26 5.20 1.25

Karanataka 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

Rural 76.60 74.93 85.06 84.72 66.67 62.56 69.08 66.01

Urban 23.40 25.07 14.94 15.28 33.33 37.44 30.92 33.99

State 100.00 100.00 100.0

0 100.00 100.00

100.0

0 100.00 100.00

Source: Registrar General of India, Census 1991 and 2001 (Karnataka, HDR

2005)

The sex ratio of the SC population (973) is better than that of ST’s (972)

and much better than that of the total population (965). It is also higher than the

sex ratio of SCs at the all India level. (9.36). Birth rate and death rate among the

SC’s in Karnataka is 21.82 and 9.12 per thousand respectively. Infant mortality

is 64.74 per thousand. The longevity of SC population is 62 years. The literacy

rate of SC’s has been constantly lower than that of the general population. The

literacy rate among the Scheduled Castes was 27.62 percent in 1981; it

increased to 38.10 per cent in 1991 and further increased to 52.87 percent in

2001. The literacy rate of urban SC’s in 2001 is 69.27 percent, which is above

the state average. The female literacy rate is 41.72 percent in 2001.

Table 4.6 Scheduled Castes in Karnataka: Key indicators S.No Item Units Results

I. General

1. Population** Lakh 85.64

2. Percentage to total state population Percent 16.23

3. Percentage to total Hindu Population Percent 19.32

II. Education and Literacy

4. Literacy rate** Percent 52.87

5. Literacy rate** Percent 50.91

6. Level of Education Percent

a. High School* Percent 6.96

b. PUC* Percent 2.30

c. Graduation* Percent 0.86

d. Post-Graduation* Percent 0.13

7. Out of School Children (7-14 Age Group)*** Percent 2.22

8. Dropout rates

a. Primary Level (7-14 Age Group)* Percent 5.03

b. Higher Primary/High School Level* Percent 17.12

III. Health Status

9. Sex ratio** Per 1000 males 973

10. Estimated Birth rate* Per1000 males 21.82

11. Estimated Death rate* Per1000 males 9.12

12. Estimated infant mortality rate* Per1000live births 64.74

13. Life expectancy at birth* Years 62

14. Type of Birth Assistance

a. Institutional* Percent 41.28

b. Health Staff* Percent 26.65

c. Trained Dais* Percent 17.13

15. Access to nutrition programs

a. Boys* Percent 86.73

b. Girls* Percent 80.09

c. Pregnant Women* Percent 68.67

d. Nursing Mothers* Percent 58.84

IV. Housing Profile

16. Households by ownership

a. Owned** Percent 86.2

b. Rented** Percent 10.6

c. Any Other** Percent 3.2

17. Households by type of Structure

a. Permanent** Percent 51.1

b. Semi-Permanent** Percent 36.6

c. Temporary** Percent 12.2

18. Toilet Facility

a. Within House Premises* Percent 6.94

b. Outside house premises* Percent 15.61

c. Public Latrine* Percent 5.45

d. Pit Latrine* Percent 9.2

e. Water Closet* Percent 8.2

f. Other Latrine* Percent 3.8

g. No Latrine* Percent 78.8

19. Type of fuel used for cooking

a. Firewood** Percent 78.7

b. Cow dung** Percent 0.2

c. Kerosene** Percent 7.8

d. LPG** Percent 5.6

20. Lighting

a. Access to electricity** Percent 68.5

b. Kerosene** Percent 30.6

c. Any other** Percent 0.4

d. No lighting** Percent 0.5

21. Access to drinking water Percent 89.60

V. Economic Scenario

22. Type of Occupation

a. Cultivator* Percent 5.74

b. Agricultural labor* Percent 19.59

c. Other labor* Percent 10.50

d. Government services* Percent 1.31

23. Per Capita Income Rupees 6945

24. Per Capita Expenditure Rupees 496

25. Proportion of BPL Households* Rupees 34

Sources:1 Sample Survey, Directorate of Economics and statistics,

Karnataka, 2004A.*

2 Registrar General of India, Census 2001.**

3 Children’s Census, Department of Public Instruction,

2005.***

Some of the predominant Schedule Castes who have politically mobile

and been getting elected to the Grama Panchayats almost regularly in the study

area i.e. Koppal District are presented in the following paragraphs in terms of

certain descriptive details.

A. Holeyas:

Holeyas are another major untouchable Scheduled Caste and they are also

found in all the districts of Karnataka State. In some districts, they are found in

large number and in some other they are a minority. Holeyas are known by

different synonyms such as Chalawadis, Mahars, Parayans, Malas etc,. Holeyas

are found in different states and known by different names such as Mahars in

Maharashtra, Malas in Andhra Pradesh, Paswans in North India, Parayans or

Paraiahs in Tamil Nadu and Pulayans in Kerala States. They share common

features as village servants, mainly engaged in agriculture as landless

agricultural labourers, menial jobs, carrying death message, digging the

graveyard and attending to funeral pyres etc.

In the Manual of the South Canara district, it is noted that ‘Holeyas are

the field labourers, and former agrestic serfs of South Canara, Pulayan being the

Malayalam and Paraiyan the Tamil form of the same word. The name is

derived by Brahmins from hole, pollution, and by others from hola, land or soil,

in recognition of the fact that, as in the case of Paraiyan, these are customs

remaining which seem to indicate that the Holeyas were once masters of the

land; but, whatever the derivation may be, it is no doubt the same as that of

Paraiyan and Pulayan. The Holeyas are divided into many sub-divisions, but the

most important are Mari, Mora and Mundala or Bakuda.

In Coorg, the Rev.G.Richter writes (Manual of Coorg) ‘the Holeyas are

found in the Coorg houses all over the country, and do all the menial work for

the Coorgs.xiii

The Holeyas dress indifferently, are of dirty habits, and eat whatever they

can get, beef included. Of the Holeyas of the Mysore province, the following

account is given in the Mysore Census Reports, 1891 and 1901. ‘The Holeyas

are chiefly employed as labourers in connection with agriculture, and

manufacture with handlooms various kinds of course cloth and homespun. The

caste has numerous sub-divisions, among which is Kannada, Gangadikara,

Maggada (loom) and Morasu’.

The Holeyas are also known as the ‘Panchama (fifth) caste. Though the

Parayans and Palayans occupy low and despicable position in the places where

they live, they have preserved and skill cherish the memory of their former

greatness and regard themselves as the original owners of the soil.

At Melkotta and in the Aiyengar Vaishnav temple at Belur, the Holeyas

or Canarese Parayans have the right of entering temple three days in the year,

specially set apart for them, and in the great Saiva festival at Tiruvallur of the

Tanjore District, the headman of the Parayans mounted on the elephant with the

god and carries his chouri (yak-tail, fly fan). At Sri Perumbuthur in the

Chingleput District they possess a similar privilege for having sheltered an

image of the incarnation of Vishnu during a Mussalaman raid. Even now, a

Parayan annually becomes the husband of Egathal, the tutelary deity of George

Town in Madras, and actually ties the tali or marriage badge round the neck of

the image. They are also allowed to take part in pulling the cars of the idols

along with the Brahmanas in the car festivals at Canjeevaram, Kumbakona, and

Srivilliputur.

Many among them have become famous as poets and saints.

Thiruvalluvar Nayanar, the author of the Kural and his so called sister the

famous poetess Avvai, theVaishnavar Alvar, were the most famous of them.

The great saivite saint Nanda is well known to the Hindus of all castes.

The Holeyas are by and large practice monogamy. Though polyandry is

permitted they generally contend with one wife. Widow marriage is freely

allowed but in no case she is allowed to marry his brother-in-law. A Parayan or

Holeya may marry his deceased wife’s sister.

The Holeyas worship Siva and Vishnu. Goddesses like Parvati Kali and

the Goddesses known by other numerous names are also worshipped. In

Mysore, a Holeya is a priest for every village goddess.

The Holeyas are landless agricultural labourers and engaged in menial

jobs. They have also engaged as cheap labourers in unorganized sectors in urban

areas. They are also known as Mulada Holeyas and Salada Holeyas, the former

being the hereditary serfs attached to Muliwargs (estates), and the latter

labourers bound to their masters’ service by being indebt to them. They belong

to Harischandra, Kali, Yekke and Karadi gotras. In the Census Report, 1901,

Balagai, Bakuda, Begara, Byagara, Kusa (or Uppara) Maila, and Ranivaya

(belong to a queen) are recorded as sub-sects of the Holeyas.

Of these, Balagai is a synonym, indicating that the Holeyas belong to the

right-hand section. Begara or Byagara is a synonym, applied to the Holeyas by

Kanarese Lingayats.

The Holeyas are also called as Chalawadis or Kulawadis, who carries a

brass ladle bearing the figure of a couchant bull (Basava) and a lingam under a

many-headed cobra canopy. This ladle is carried round, and filled with rice,

money and betel, on the occasion of marriages in those cases, of which the

insignia are engraved on the handle.

B. Madigas:

Madiga, a major Scheduled Caste spread all over the State and as per

Mysore Census Report 1891 ‘according to a tradition, the Madiga derive their

name from that of a sage called Matanga Muni, and it is that a dynasty belong to

the caste once ruled in the Canarese country.xiv

Madigas are found in

Maharashtra as ‘Mangs’, Andhra Pradesh by the same name, Tamil Nadu State

and Central India. In the North Indian states, they are known as Chamars.

The following legend of their origin comes from Mysore.xv

In former

times the sage Jambhava Rishi was habitually late in attending at Siva’s court.

Siva asked him why this happened, and he replied that he was occupied in

tending his children. On this Siva took pity on him and gave him the sacred

cow, Kamadhenu, from which all the needs of the children could be satisfied.

But one day while Jambhava was absent at Siva’s court, another sage, Sankhya,

visited his hermitage and was hospitably entertained by his son, Yagamuni. The

cream which Sankhya was given was so good that he desired to kill the cow,

Kamadhenu, thinking her flesh would taste even better. In spite of Yagamuni’s

objections, Sankhya killed the cow and distributed the meat to various persons.

While this was in progress Jambhava returned, and, on hearing what had been

done, dragged Sankhya and Yagamuni before Siva’s judgment seat. The two

offenders did not enter the court but stood outside the doorway, Sankhya on the

right side and Yugamuni on the left. Siva condemned them to become

Chandalas and outcastes, and the descendents of Sankhya have become the right

hand, Holias, while those of Yugamuni and his wife Matangi are the left-hand

caste of Madigas. The latter were set to make shoes to expiate the sin

committed by their ancestors in killing a cow.

In Chanda, the following six sub-castes of Madigas are reported: The

Nulka Chandraiah or caste priests; the Anapa or leather dealers; Sindhi who are

supposed to have been performers of dramas; the Masti or dancers; the Kommu

or tellers of stories; and the Dekkala or genealogists of the caste. It is said that

Komma really means a horn and Dekka a hoof. These last two are the lowest

sub-divisions, and occupy a most degraded position. The Nulka Chandaiah or

priests are the highest sub division and will not take food or water from any of

the others, while the four remaining sub castes eat and drink together, but do not

intermarry. There are also a number of exogamous groups, most of which have

territorial names. They are impure castes and eat all kinds of food, and the

leavings of others, though the higher sub-divisions refuse to accept these. They

live outside the village and their touch is considered to convey pollution.

Madigas are also known as Adi Karnataka in Bellary district and other

districts bordering Andhra Pradesh state. In Mysore region, they are known as

Adi Dravidas and Holeyas are Adi Karnataka. Adi Dravida (AD’s) and Adi

Karnataka (AK’s) are used in different parts for Madigas as synonyms and this

overlapping is a fact. But, by and large, Madigas spread all over the state and it

is one of the main Scheduled Caste.

Madigas and Mangs are landless agricultural labourers, shoe making,

leather tanning are the other basic occupations. Majority of them belongs to the

below poverty line (BPL) families. They worship the goddesses and have also

some animistic beliefs. Madigas attracted by the social revolution led by

Basaveshwar, joined Veerashivism and despite change of their faith they

continue to be treated as untouchables. Madar Channiah is a Vachanakar who

composed Vachanas and he was contemporary saint poet of Basaveshwar.

Madigas are also known as ‘Edagai’, the left hand untouchable caste, and

they have demanded separte quota within the reserved categories proportionate

to their population in the state on a par with the Andhra Pradesh model.

C. Samagara:

The Samagaras have been described (Manual of South Canara district) as

‘the principle class of leather workers in the South Kanara district. They are

divided into two endogamous groups, the Canerese Samagaras and the Arya

Samagaras. The latter speak Marathi. Though the Samagaras are in general

estimation as low a caste as the Holeyas, and do not materially differ from them

in their religious and other ceremonies and customs, they are, as a rule, of much

fairer complexion, and the women are very often handsome. The tanning

industry is chiefly carried on by the Samagaras. They are basically urban

oriented castes and they are also known as Mochis, Machagars, Chamar,

Chammadikaras etc. They are socially inferior, economically poor and

politically unorganized categories who have been subjected to the social

exclusion. The hereditary occupation is leather tanning and shoe making and in

villages they also make various leather items required for agriculture operations.

D. Vaddar or Bhovi:

The Vaddar or Bhovis are basically known as ex-criminal tribes or

denotified Tribes or tribal communities in Karnataka state. Prior to the inclusion

of the Vaddara community in the SC list by the Karnataka Backward Classes

Commission, they were in the tribes list in the Bombay Presidency and Mysore

State had already put them in the Scheduled Caste list. Though, this community

does not suffer from the stigma of the untouchability, due to the reasons well-

known that they are socially, economically, politically and educationally

backward.

They are also found in every part of the State and it is a homogeneous

group. The original occupation of the Vaddara community is excavation of

stone from querries, stone cutting and working in earth.

They have these endogamous sub-divisions, namely, Kallu Vaddar,

Mannu Vaddar and Uppu Vaddar and several exogamous sections. Many of

them are also engaged in masonry work, well sinking, agiruclture and allied

pursuits. They have ample employment opportunities in the various

development works. They worship Venkatramana, Kanakaraya, Huligemma,

Malleshwari and other deities. Widow Remarriage and divorce are permitted

among them. They have also caste panchayats.xvi

E. Lambani, Banjara:

The Lambadis are also called Lambani or Banjari, Boipari, Sugali or

sukali. The Banjaras, Mr. G.A. Grierson writes (Linguistic Survey of India, IX,

1907) ‘are the well-known tribe of carriers who are found all over Western and

Southern India (from Kashmir to Madras Presidency). One of their principal

sub-castes is known under the name of Lambhani, and this name (or some

related one) is often applied to the whole tribe. The two names appear each

under many variations, such as Banjari, Vanjari, Banjari, Labhani, Labani,

Labana, Lambadi and Lamban.xvii

The Rev. J. Cain, Mr. W.Fancis, Orme, Mr.

F.S. Mullaly and Mr. H.A. Stuart have written about Lambani or Banjara that

they were traders of salt and foodgrains and traveled great distance, some of

them indulged in criminal activites hence they were known as ex-criminal tribes

or denotified tribes. Lambanis are a nomadic tribe and are always mobile and

later stage they have settled in small hamlets outside the village which were

called as Tandas and they speak a dialect which is said to be based partly on

Morawari and partly on Northern Gujarati. It is noted by Mr. Grierson that the

Banjara dialect of Southern India is mixed with the surrounding Dravidian

languages. In Karnataka too they speak a dialect which they call it as

‘Gouramati’.

The women dress gaudily and wear ornaments, which are peculiar to

them and based on that it is easy to recognize them as Banjaris.

They dress in peculiar, and their ornaments are so singularly chosen that

we have, we are confident, seen women who (not to mention a child at their

backs) have had eight or ten pounds weight in metal or ivory round their arms

and legs. The favorite ornaments appear to be rings of ivory from the wrist to

the shoulder, regularly increasing in size, so that the ring near the shoulder will

be immoderately large, sixteen or eighteen inches, or more perhaps in

circumference. These rings are sometime dyed red. Silver, lead, copper or brass

in ponderous bars, encircles their shins, sometimes round, others in the form of

festoons, and truly we have seen some so circumstanced that a criminal in irons

would not have much more to incommode him than these damsels deem

ornamental and agreeable trappings on long march, for they are never dispensed

within the hottest weather. A kind of stomacher, with the holes for the arms and

tied behind at the bottom covers their breast, and ha some strings of cowries,

depending behind, dangling at their backs. The stomacher is curiously studded

with cowries, and their hair is also bedecked with them. They wear likewise ear

rings, necklaces, rings on the fingers and toes and we think the nut or nose

jewel.

The Lambadis of Bellary ‘have a tradition among them of having first

come to the Deccan from the north with Moghul camps as commissariat

carriers’.

The common occupation of the Lambdis of Mysore is said (Mysore

Census Report, 1901) to be ‘the transport, especially in the hill and forest tracts

difficult of access, or grain and other produce on pack bullocks, of which they

keep large herds. They live in detached clusters of rude huts, called Thandas, at

some distance from established villages. Though some of them have taken of

late to agriculture, they have as yet been only partially reclaimed from criminal

habits’.

Each Thanda, Mr. Natesh Shastri writes has ‘a headman called the

Nayaka, whose word is law, and whose office hereditary. Each settlement has

also a priest, whose office is likewise hereditary.

Concerning marriage ceremonies among Lambadis, the monogamy is

practiced. Among the Lambadis of Mysore (Mysore Census Report, 1901),

widow remarriage and polygamy are said to freely prevail, ‘and it is customary

for divorced women to marry again during lifetime of the husband under the

‘Sire udike’, (tying of new cloth) form of remarriage’.

Concerning the religion of Lambadis, it is noted in Mysore Census

Report, 1891, that they are ‘Vishnavites, and their principal object of worship is

Krishna. Bana Sankari, the goddess of forests, is also worshipped, and they pay

homage to Basava on grounds dissimilar to those professed by the Lingayats.

They worship Durgamma. They worship Balaji, whose temple is at Tirupati.

They worship Hanuman, Poleramma, Mallalamma, Ankalamma, Peddamma

and Maremma. They observe the Holi festival.

Lambani women often have elaborate tattooed patterns on the backs of

the hands; tattooed dot on the left side of the nose may be accepted as

distinguishing character of the tribe in some parts.

F. Dhor:

It is low caste of Marati leather workers and also known as Dher. As per,

Bombay Gazetteer, Dhors or tanners who dwell in various parts of the Bombay

Presidency, and whose home speech, names and surnames seem to show that

they have come from Maratha country.

G. Dombara or Domb or Dom:

The name Domb or Dombo is said to be derived from the word dumba,

meaning devil, in reference to the thieving properties of the tribe. The Dembas,

Mr. H.A. Stuart writes (Madras Census Report 1891) ‘are a Dravidian caste of

weavers and manilas found in hill tracts of Vijagapatam. This caste appears to

be an offshoot of the Dom caste of Bengal, Behar and North Western Provinces.

Like the Doms, the Dombas are regarded with disgust, because they eat

beef, pork, horse flesh, rats and the flesh of animals which have died a natural

death and both are considered to be Chandalas or Pariahs by the Bonglis and the

Uriyas. The Domb weave cloths and blankets worn by the hill people, but like

the Pariahs of the palins, they are also labourers, scavengers, etc. They are

employed as horse-keepers, tom-tom beaters, scavengers and in other menial

duties. Most likely they are, for most of the Dombs are arrant thieves.

3.3.1 The Study Area-Koppal District - A Profile

The present study is conducted in Koppal district of Karnataka State.

Koppal District comes into existence on 1 April 1998. Kopal District was part

of erstwhile Raichur District and it consists of four taluks viz., Koppal,

Yelaburga, Kushtagi and Gangavati. This area was ruled by famous dynasties

like the Shatavahanas, the Gangas, the Hoysalas and the Chalukyas. This district

was also famous for the propagation of religions – Jainism and Buddhism. This

was part of the Hydrabad Kingdom ruled by Nizam Dynasty and this area is

known as Hyderabad Karnataka area. Though India attained the Freedom on

15th

August 1947, but this area was continued to be with the erstwhile Nizam

rule and the erstwhile Raichur District was annexed into the Union of India on

18th

September 1948. 18th

September 1948 is observed as the ‘Liberation Day of

Hyderabad Karnataka’. Several freedom fighters have shed their blood for the

liberation of Koppal District from the clutches of Hyderabad Nizam’s rule.

Koppal Duistrict is surrounded by the east Raichur and Bellary, to the north

Bagalkote and to the west Gadag Districts.

Table 4.7: The Study Area and Population

Source : Census - 2001

Area and Administrative units

Total area of the district is 7189 sq.kms and administratively the district

is divided into 4 Talukas and 20 Hoblis. As per 2001 Census total numbers of

Taluka Area in

Sq.kms Male Female Total Rural Urban Total

Density

(per

sq.kms

Sex Ratio

per 1000

Men

Gangavati 1311.21 204356 201978 406334 304942 101392 406334 310 988

Koppal 1364.25 159071 154980 314051 249776 64275 314051 230 974

Kustagi 1370.38 120621 118710 239331 218148 21183 239331 175 984

Yelburga 1489.66 119264 117109 236373 224931 11442 236373 159 982

Total 7189 603312 592777 1196089 997797 198292 1196089 166 983

inhabited villages are 594 and 35 uninhabited villages. There are two – Koppal

and Gangavati, Town Municipalities, 01 Town Municipal Council (Kushtagi)

and 01 Pattana Panchayat (Yalaburga) are in the district.

Table 4.8 Comparative picture of India, Karnataka and Kopal

District as per 2001 Census

Details India Karnataka Koppal

Total extent (sq.km) 30650127 191791 7189.00

Population Male

Female

532223090

496514346

26898918

25951644

603312

592777

Total 1028737436 52850562 116089

Rural Area Male

Female

381668992

360948755

17648958

17240075

502732

495065

Total 742617747 34889033 997707

Urban Area Male

Female

150554098

135565591

9249960

8711569

100580

97712

Total 286119689 17961529 198292

Decennial Growth Rate (%) 21.34 17.25 13.03

Density (per sq.km) 324 275 166

Sex Ratio (1000 male Rural

to female in numbers) Urban

946

901

978

940

-

-

Total 933 964 983

Literacy rate percentage 566714995

(65.38)

30774988

(67.04)

534547

(54.01)

Male (Literacy) Percentage 339969048

(75.85)

17817382

(76.29)

339944

(68.04)

Female (Literacy) Percentage 226745947

(54.16)

12957306

(57.45)

194603

(39.6)

Number of Taluks 3298 176 04

Source: Kopal District At A Glance – 2008-09 (Pp.71-72).

3.3.2 Brief History and Demographic Profile

The history of Koppal can be traced back to the Kingdoms of the

Shatvahanas, the Gangas, the Hoysalas and the Chalukya Dynasties. The name

of the district i.e., Koppal is found in the poetic works of the great poet

‘Kaviraja Marga’ (During King Nrupathunga’s time of 814-878 A.D) as

‘Viditha Maha Kopana Nagara’. During Ashoka’s period, the Jainism gained

greater momentum in this region. Therefore, it was called ‘Jain Kashi’. In twelth

century A.D. Veerashaivism, which was popularized as a sect by Basaveshwar,

came to be a mainstream religion. The present ‘Gavimath’ was established on

the main principles of the Veerashaivism propagated by Basaveshwar and other

Vachanakaras.

It is situated on the left bank of Hirehall, a tributary of Tungabhadra

River and is on the Guntakalla-Hubli Railway line and NH-63 is a lifeline

connecting the town with other towns. It is an important commercial, industrial

and educational centre in the district. It is also known for handloom weaving

and handicrafts of Kinnal art. Until 1948, it was the chief town of ‘Jagir’ of

Nawab Salar Jung of Hyderabad. The place must have been very important in

ancient times as can be seen from the numerous Sanskrit, Prakrit and Kannada

inscriptions dating from the times of Ashoka onwards found here. The fort is

another important place of attraction, which was later acquired by Tipu Sultan

in 1786 A.D. The fortifications consist of two forts. The annual ‘Jatra’ or Car

Festival of Gavisiddheshwarmath held in the month of January, every year,

which attracts large number of devotees. Anegundi of Gangavati Taluka was the

first capital of the Great Vijaynagar Dynasty. The old fort and palace still exist

and ‘Aanegundi Utsav’, festival of music, drama and dance, is being organized

every year.

Koppal district is endowed with the historical monuments, which are of

tourist attractions such as “Mahadeva temple of Itagi, which is an example of

‘dravida’ articulation with a ‘nagara’ superstructure. ‘Navalinga Temple’ at

Kukanur, richest traditions of Indian architecture and historians calls it as

‘Karnataka Dravadi’ style as opposed to traditional Dravida style. Other places

of historical importance are Indrakeela Parvata, Kanakagiri’s Kanakachal

Temple,. Pura, Huligi, Medinur etc. Kushtagi is a Taluka headquarters north of

Koppal known for horticultural products and Pomegranate grown here is

exported to the East and Middle East Countries. Kinnal in Koppal Taluka is

noted for manufacture of toys and images by Chitragaras. Weaving, preparing

combs from horns and pottery are well known. Gangavati is a Taluka

headquarter and it is commercial, industrial, educational and cultural centre. It is

known as a rice bowl of Karnataka, which produces fine quality of ‘Sona

Massorie Rice’. There is an Agricultural Research Station, which cater to the

needs of the farmers in the region. ‘Pura’ in Kushtagi Taluka about five miles

from Tawargera, a hobli headquarter, is noted for its fine and spacious temple of

Someshwar, which has ‘Koti Lingas’.

Table 4.9 Political Administration of Koppal

Taluka

Hoblies

Grama

anchayats

G.P

Members

T.P

Members

Z.P

Members

Grama Details as per 2001

Census

Inhabited

villages

Un-inha

bited

villages

Total

Gangavati 8 38 802 36 8 148 9 157

Koppal 4 35 662 26 7 144 7 151

Kushatigi 4 28 559 22 6 164 13 177

Yelburga 4 33 581 23 6 138 6 144

District

Total 20 134 2604 107 27 594 35 629

Source: Census,2001

Koppal district is industrially backward, but commercially and

economically sound due to major contributions of rice mills at Gangavati and

Karatagi. Gangavati contribute 80% of districts economy and Yelabura and

Kushtagi Talukas are backward industrially.

Table 4.10 Koppal District Profile in a nutshell

1. General Features:

S.No. A. General Features Number

1. Total Geographical Area 5524

2. No. of Sub-divisions 02

3. No. of Talukas 04

4. No. of Villages – Inhabited 596

5. No. of villages – Electrified 539

6. No. of villa ges with Pucca Roads 404

7. All weather Roads 1454

8. Rail Network 55

B. Soil and Climate

1. Agro Climatic zone Southern Plateau and Hills Region – Northern Dry Region of Karnataka

(Zone 10)

2. Climatic Semi arid and arid

3. Soil Type Latenite, Medium black, deep black, red

loamy

4. Normal Rainfall 572 mm

5. Actual Last year Rain fall 506 Year before last year 316

2 years before bit year 539

C. Demographic Profile

1 Total Population (in ‘000) 1195

2 Male Population (in ‘000) 603

3 Female Population (in ‘000) 592

4 Rural Population (in ‘000) 997

5 Urban Population (in ‘000) 198

6 SC Population (in ‘000) 185

7 ST Population (in ‘000) 138

Total Literacy % 55

Literate Males % 69

Literate Females % 40

BPL House holds (Nos) 77802

D. Workers Profile (in ‘000)

1 Cultivators 168

2 Of the above small & marginal forms 93

3 Agricultural laborers 234

4 Artisans/Household/Cottage Industry 147

5 Engaged in Allied Agro-activities 18

E. Irrigation Coverage (HA) 04-05

1 Canals/Channels 54816

2 Wells/Tube wells 60294

3 Tanks 729

4 Other Sources 4175

5 Net Irrigated Area 120014

6 Gross Irrigated Area 163356

7 Cropping Intensity 114

F. Land Utilization (HA) 04-05

1 Total Area 55495

2 Net Sown Area 355399

3 Forest Land 29451

4 Fallow Land 94695

5 Area not suitable for Cultivation 55497

6 Posture Land 11675

7 Other Land 2988

8 Area under HYV Seeds 128321

G. Distribution of Land Holding

Classification of Holding Holdings Area

Nos. %to

Total

Ha % to Total

< = q Ha 57358 28% 33885 7%

> 1 to < = 2 Ha 71046 34% 102698 23%

> 2 Ha 80074 38% 318921 70%

Total 208478 100% 455504 100%

H.Agriculture Inputs–2003

1 Total N/P/K Consumption (MT) 06-07 82747

2 No. of Agriculture Tractors (Nos.) 2003

3 Agriculture Pump sets (Nos.) 11717

4 Agro-engines/Threshers/Cultures (Nos.) 2313

I. Animal Population (in ‘000) -2003

1 Plough animals 86

2 Male Population (in ‘000) 603

3 Buffaloes 88

4 Sheep 250

5 Goat 135

6 Poultry 2097

J. Milk, Fish and Egg Production

1 Fish Production (MT) 3324

2 Egg Production (Lakhs) 6036

3 Milk Production (‘000 MT/01-02) 85

K . Area, Production and Average Yield of Major Crops

Sl.No Crop

2003-04 2004-05 Average

Yield

Area (Ha) Prod.(MT) Area (Ha) Prod.

(MT Kg/ha

1 Rice 43233 180145 62457 239496 3970

2 Bajra 76298 48592 73307 33577 549

3 Maize 15634 38416 16583 45103 2592

4 Ground nut 43437 28696 41830 22498 600

5 Sun flower 82325 20194 93507 38483 313

6 Jowar 53896 13931 63929 34240 409

7 Small Millets 7487 9887 7425 1446 760

8 Sesamum 10867 5131 14641 5244 407

9 Cotton (lint) 12569 5093 29156 26932 768

10 Onion 593 4323 960 7733 7763

L . Infrastructure Related to Agriculture and Allied Activities

1 Number of Wholesale Markets 04

2 Number of Godowns 163

3 Number of Milk Chilling Plants 02

4 Total Chilling Capacity (LPD) 15000

5 Number of Veterinary hospitals/Dispensaries 66

6 Number of artificial Insemination Centres 04

Sources: Potential Linked Credit Plan, Koppal District, 2009-10,

NABARD, Bangalore @www.nabard.org

Cereals mainly bajra, jowar, paddy and maize are grown in about 50% of

the GCA, followed by oil seeds like ground nut and sunflower which accounted

for around 34% of GCA. Mango, coconut, banana, pomegranate, grapes and

lime are the major horticultural crops grown in the district. According to High

Power Committee for Redressal of Regional Imbalances under the

Chairmanship Dr.D.M. Nanjundappa has recommended Kushtagi, and

Yelaburga Taluks as ‘Most Backward Taluks’, Kopal Taluk as ‘More Backward

Taluk’ and Gangavati Taluk as ‘Backward Taluk’ on the basis of various 35

indicators adopted by the committee to measure or qualify the imbalances.xviii

It

means the entire Koppal district has been considered as backward district in

NKR.

Koppal district is having 04 taluks, 20 hoblis, 594 inhabited villages and

35 uninhabited villages as against 176 Taluks, 745 hoblis, 27481 inhabited

villages and 1925 uninhabited villages in the Karnataka state. Karnataka State

has 5705 Grama Panchayats and 270 Towns/urban agglomerations out of which

Koppal district is having 134 Grama Panchayats and 05 Towns/Urban

agglomerations.

Table 4.11 Area and Population

District

Area in sq.

km. (2001

Census)

Population (2001) Numbers Growth

Rate

Percentage

2001 Total Male Female

Koppal 7189 1196089 603312 592777 25

Northern rnataka 98652 22568449 11493520 11074929 218

State 191791 52850562 26898918 25951664 17

Source: Census,2001

Note: Table shows that Koppal district decennial growth rate is

25 percentages which higher against state growth rate of

17 percentage.

Table 4.12 Urban Population

District Population Census 200%

Urban Male Female

Koppal 198292 100580 97712

Karnataka 17961529 9249960 8711569

Rural Male Female

Koppal 997797 5022732 495065

State 34889033 17648958 17240075

Total 54046651 32022230 26544421

Source: Census,2001

Table 4.13 Scheduled Caste Populations

District Population 2001 Percentage of SC

Population to Total

Scheduled Castes Male Female

Koppal 185209 92736 92473 15.48

State 8563930 4339745 424185 16.20

Scheduled Tribes Male Female Percentage of ST

Population to Total

Koppal 138588 70063 68525 11.59

State 3463986 1756238 1707748 6.55

Source: Census, 2001

Table 4.14 Taluk-wise Sex Ratio

Sl. Taluka Sex Ratio

No

1 Gangavati 988

2 Koppal 974

3 Kushtagi 984

4 Yelburga 982

District average 983

Source: Census,2001

In Karnataka State Scheduled Caste population growth (15.48) is lower

than the State average growth (16.20) whereas Scheduled Tribe population

growth (11.59) higher than the State growth (6.55) mainly due to concentration

of ST population in the district.

Table 4.15: Scheduled Caste Population in Koppal District Source: Census,2001

As regards literacy, percentage of literacy in the district is 55.02% against

State average of 67.04%. As much as 12.02% literacy percentage is lower in the

district than the state average. Even disparities exist between the literacy

Sl.

No TALUKA

Rural Urban

Male Female Total Male Female Total

1 Gangavati 26608 26837 53445 6540 6726 13266

2 Koppal 21900 21843 43743 4020 3913 7933

3 Kushtagi 14349 14152 28501 1806 1771 3577

4 Yelburga 16736 16496 33232 777 735 1512

District average 79593 79328 158921 13143 13145 26288

percentage among male and female. Female literacy and even state average of

female literacy is much higher (57.45%) than the district.

Table 4.16 Religionwise Population

District

Hindu Muslim Christians Jain Others

Numbers Percent Numbers Percent Numbers Percent Numbers Percent Numbers Percent

Koppal 1042294 87.14 137174 11.47 4083 0.34 26.49 0.22 9889 0.83

Karnataka 44321279 83.86 6463127 12.23 10099164 1.91 412659 0.78 644333 1.22

Source: Census, 2001

In terms of religions composition Hindus constitute 83.86 percentages in

the state and Koppal district represents 87.14 much above the state average.

Muslims, which has a significant numerical strength of 12.23% in the State and

Kopal district, has 11.47%, which is lower than the state average. Christians,

Jains and others have meager percentage in the state as well as Koppal district.