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Shimoga

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Shivamogga, formerly known as Shimoga, is a major city in the Karnataka state of India. It serves as the district headquarters for the Shimoga district. The city is situated on the banks of the Tunga River. Because it sits near the hilly Western Ghats, people often call it the "Gateway of Malnad." The Western Ghats is a region famous for its lush greenery and heavy rainfall. In 2012, this mountain range was declared a World Heritage site.

City centre mall shimoga
City centre mall shimoga

The geography of the city is defined by its relationship with water and hills. The city sits at an elevation of 569 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by green landscapes, including coconut groves and arecanut groves. The Tunga River is a vital resource for the local population. It acts as the primary source of drinking water for the city. This water is managed through the Tunga dam, which is also called the Gajanuru dam. Within the city area, about 7% of the land is covered by water. Another 11.28% of the area consists of green belts and open spaces.

The climate in Shivamogga is classified as tropical wet and dry. This means the city experiences distinct seasons. The winter and the early part of summer are usually dry periods. Most of the annual rainfall occurs between June and early October. July is typically the wettest month of the year. April is the warmest month, with average high temperatures reaching 35.5 degrees Celsius. In the peak of summer, temperatures can cross 36 degrees Celsius. The coolest months are July, August, November, and December. The average annual rainfall for the city is 731.1mm.

History in this region spans thousands of years. In the third century BC, the district formed the southern tip of the Mauryan Empire. Many different dynasties ruled the area over the centuries. These included the Kadambas, the Chalukyas, and the Hoysalas. Later, the Vijayanagara rulers held power in the 15th century. The Nayakas of Keladi were also an important dynasty in the late medieval period. They initially ruled as vassals of the Vijayanagar Empire. After that empire fell in 1565, the Nayakas gained independence. They ruled much of the Malnad region and parts of the coastal areas. In 1763, the region was absorbed into the Kingdom of Mysore after a defeat by Hyder Ali.

The city has seen many changes in its identity and governance. During the Satyagraha movement, Mahatma Gandhi visited the area to support the fight for national freedom. After India gained independence in 1947, the Mysore state merged into the Republic of India. The name of the city was officially changed from Shimoga to Shivamogga in 2014. This followed a request by the Karnataka government in 2006. The name may come from "Shiva-Mukha," meaning the "face of Shiva." Another theory suggests it comes from "Sihi-Mogge," which means "sweet pot."

R M C Yard, Shimoga
R M C Yard, Shimoga

Today, Shivamogga is a significant economic and educational hub. The city has a population of 322,650 people, according to the 2011 census. It is a major center for agriculture, especially for the arecanut crop. The city hosts the largest arecanut market in the region.

R M C Yard, Shimoga
R M C Yard, Shimoga

Other crops like rice, maize, and chili are also traded here. Beyond farming, the city is developing a modern economy. The Shimoga IT Park is located near the airport. This hub provides space for industries like robotics, aerospace, and data centers. The city is also part of the national Smart Cities Mission. It ranked 25th in India for this program as of November 2020.

Transportation and education connect the city to the rest of the country. The city is well-connected by major roads, including National Highways 69 and 169. There are two railway stations, with the main one being Shivamogga Town. For air travel, the Shimoga Airport is located near Sogane. The city is also a vital center for learning in Karnataka. It hosts several important institutions, such as Kuvempu University. There are also medical and engineering colleges located in and around the city.

Ksrtcshimoga
Ksrtcshimoga
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File:R M C Yard, Shimoga.JPG
R M C Yard, Shimoga.JPG
File:City centre mall shimoga.jpg
City centre mall shimoga.jpg
File:Ksrtcshimoga.jpg
Ksrtcshimoga.jpg
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