Uttara Kannada

2021-08-25T17:16:23Z

2409:4071:2401:7A0C:0:0:2AB6:68B1:

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2016}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Uttara Kannada
| other_name =
| settlement_type = [[List of districts of Karnataka|District]] of [[Karnataka]]
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
|size = 250
|photo1a = Syke's point.jpg
|photo1b = Murudeshwar Temple Entrance.jpg
|photo2a = Yana peak.jpg
|photo2b = Bridge, Sadashivghad (1496158).jpg
|photo3a = Om Beach, Gokarna (Sunset).jpg
}}
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Clockwise from top-left: Syke's point, [[Murdeshwar|Murudeshwar Temple]], Kali River Bridge at [[Karwar]], Om Beach at [[Gokarna, Karnataka|Gokarna]], Yana Peak
| nickname = Kashmir of Karnataka
| image_map = Karnataka_UK_locator_map.svg
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
| coordinates = {{coord|14.6|N|74.7|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of regions of India|Region]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Karnataka]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Kanara]]
| established_title = 
| established_date =
| founder =
| named_for =
| seat_type = Headquarter
| seat = [[Karwar]]
| parts_type = [[Taluka]]s
| parts = [[Karwar]], [[Ankola]], [[Kumta]], [[Honnavar]], [[Bhatkal]], [[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]], [[Siddapura, Uttara Kannada|Siddapur]], [[Yellapur]], [[Mundgod]], [[Haliyal]], [[Joida]], [[Dandeli]]
| government_type =
| governing_body =
| leader_title1 = [[District Minister]]
| leader_name1 = Shri Shivram Hebbar
| leader_title2 = [[Zilla Panchayat President]]
| leader_name2 = Jayashri M.
| leader_title3 = [[Uttara Kannada (Lok Sabha constituency)|MP]]
| leader_name3 = [[Ananth kumara hegde]]
| leader_title4 = DC
| leader_name4 = Mullai Mugilan. IAS
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_footnotes =
| area_total_km2 = 10291
| area_rank = 5th
| elevation_footnotes = Average
| elevation_m = 600
| population_total = 1,437,169
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_footnotes = <ref name="census">{{cite web | url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/269-uttara-kannada.html | title=Uttara Kannada (North Canara) : Census 2011 | publisher=[[Government of India]] | accessdate=17 February 2012}}</ref>
| population_density_km2 = 140
| population_rank =
| population_demonym =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 581xxx
| area_code = +91 0(838x)
| area_code_type = Telephone code
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-KA]]
| registration_plate = * [[Karwar]] KA 30
* [[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]] KA 31
* [[Honnavar]] KA 47
* [[Dandeli]] KA 65
| blank1_name_sec1 = Coastline
| blank1_info_sec1 = {{Convert|142|km|mi}}
| blank1_name_sec2 = [[Climate of India|Climate]]
| blank1_info_sec2 = [[Climatic regions of India|Monsoon]] <small>([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]])</small>
| website = {{URL|uttarakannada.nic.in}}
| footnotes =
| demographics1_info1 = [[Kannada]]
| demographics1_title2
| blank2_info_sec1 = 979 <ref name="census"/> [[male|♂]]/[[female|♀]]
| blank3_name_sec1 = Literacy
| blank3_info_sec1 = 84.06%
| blank4_name_sec1 = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank4_info_sec1 = [[Uttara Kannada (Lok Sabha constituency)|Uttara Kannada Lok Sabha constituency]]
| blank2_name_sec2 = [[Precipitation (meteorology)|Precipitation]]
| blank2_info_sec2 = {{convert|2835|mm|in}}
| blank3_name_sec2 = Avg. summer temperature
| blank3_info_sec2 = {{convert|33|°C|°F}}
| blank4_name_sec2 = Avg. winter temperature
| blank4_info_sec2 = {{convert|20|°C|°F}}
| official_name =
}}

'''Uttara Kannada''', formerly known as '''North Canara''', is a district in the [[India]]n [[states and territories of India|state]] of [[Karnataka]]. It is bordered by the state of [[Goa]] and [[Belagavi District]] to the north, [[Dharwad District]] and [[Haveri District]] to the east, [[Shivamogga district|Shivamogga District]], and [[Udupi District]] to the south, and the [[Arabian Sea]] to the west. The city of [[Karwar]] is the administrative headquarters of the district. [[Karwar]] and [[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]] are the major cities of the district and Karwar is the largest city in District

[[Kumta]], [[Bhatkal]], [[Yallapur]] and [[Dandeli]] are other major towns in the district. The district is known for a number of beaches and water falls. Eighty percent of Uttara Kannada's area consists of forest.

The district's agroclimatic divisions include the [[coastal plain]] (consisting of [[Karwar]], [[Ankola]], [[Kumta]], [[Honnavar]] and [[Bhatkal]] taluks) and [[Malenadu]] (consisting of [[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]], [[Siddapura, Uttara Kannada|Siddapur]], [[Yellapur]], [[Haliyal]], [[Joida]], and [[Mundgod]] taluks).

== History ==
[[File:Kodlamane Vishnumurthy Temple.jpg|thumb|Kodlamane Shree Vishnumurthy Temple]]
[[File:Sadashivgad Fort & Kali Bridge as seen from Nandangadda Village.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Kali River (Karnataka)|Kali River]] & [[Sadashivgad]] Fort as seen from [[Nandangadda]] Village]]
The first known dynasty from Uttar [[Kannada]] District are [[Chutu dynasty|Chutus]] of Banavasi. Uttara [[Kannada]] was the home of the [[Kadamba Dynasty|Kadamba]] kingdom from the 350 to 525. They ruled from [[Banavasi]]. After the subjugation of the [[Kadambas]] by the [[Chalukyas]], the district came under successive rule of [[empire]]s like [[Chalukyas]], [[Rashtrakutas]], [[Hoysalas]] and [[Vijayanagar empire]]. [[Morocco|Moroccan]] traveler [[Ibn Battuta]] is said to have stayed for a time in the district under the protection of [[Nawayath]] Sultan Jamal Al-Din at Hunnur.<ref name="DunnDunn2005">{{cite book|author1=Ross E. Dunn|author2=University Ross E Dunn|title=The Adventures of Ibn Battuta: A Muslim Traveler of the Fourteenth Century|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h7IwDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA241|year=2005|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=978-0-520-24385-9|pages=221–222}}</ref> This place is presently known as Hosapattana and is located in the town of [[Honnavar]]. Ruins of an old mosque and its minaret can still be seen in the village. The district came under the rule of [[Maratha Empire]] in the 1750s and later part of [[Mysore Kingdom]], who ceded it to the [[United Kingdom|British]] at the conclusion of the [[Fourth Mysore War]] in 1799. It was initilally part of Kanara district in [[Madras Presidency]]. The district was divided to North and South Kanara districts in 1859. The British finally transferred Uttara Kannada district to [[Bombay Presidency]] in 1862.

After India's independence in 1947, [[Bombay Presidency]] was reconstituted as [[Bombay State]]. In 1956, the southern portion of [[Bombay State]] was added to [[Mysore State]], which was renamed [[Karnataka]] in 1972.

Significant and picturesque, the [[Sadashivgad]] fort of historical importance is now a tourist destination located by the [[Kali River (Karnataka)|Kali river]] bridge, which has been built at the confluence of the river and the [[Arabian Sea]]. The renowned [[Bengali poetry|Bengali poet]] and Nobel laureate [[Rabindranath Tagore]], who visited Uttara Kannada in 1882, dedicated an entire chapter of his memoirs to this town.<ref name="Uttara Kannada in Tagore's memoirs">[http://www.online-literature.com/tagore-rabindranath/my-reminiscences/37/ Uttara Kannada in Tagore's memoirs]</ref> The 22-year-old Rabindranath Tagore stayed with his brother, Satyendranath Tagore, who was the district judge in Uttara Kannada. There is a substantial amount of Chardo families in this area as they had migrated due to the persecution of the Portuguese in [[Goa]].

===Portuguese===
Cintacora, also known as Chitrakul (Chittakula) and Sindpur, was known to the [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] as a very old port. When [[Sadashivgad]] was built in this area, the village also came to be known by that name. Pir fort, named for the [[Dargah]] of Shahkaramuddin, was captured and burnt by the Portuguese in 1510. The creek at the [[mouth]] of the [[Kali River (Karnataka)|Kali River]] was a [[trading]] center which came into greater prominence after [[Sadashivgad]] was built and the Portuguese realised the advantages of its sheltered [[harbour]].

===British===
In 1638, a rival English trading body, the Courteen Association, established a factory at Uttara Kannada (actually the village named Kadwad, situated {{convert|6|km}} eastwards on the banks of the Kali river). It was a trade port frequented by traders from [[Arabia]] and [[Africa]]. Baitkhol port (the current civil port of Uttara Kannada) was known for its natural harbour. The name Baithkhol is [[Arabic]] term, Bait-e-kol, meaning bay of safety. [[Muslin]] was the chief commodity purchased but Uttara Kannada was also a source for [[black pepper|pepper]], [[cardamom]], [[cinnamomum cassia|cassia]] and coarse blue cotton cloth. Situated on India's west coast, 50 miles south-east of [[Goa]], Uttara Kannada was noted for its safe harbour. In 1649, the Courteen Association united with the [[East India Company|British East India Company]] and Uttara Kannada became a company factory.
[[File:North Kanara 1896.jpg|thumb|right|North Kanara, 1896]]

===Kingdom of Mysore===
In the Treaty of [[Mangalore]] signed in 1784, between [[Tipu Sultan]] and the [[East India Company]], one finds reference to Uttara Kannada and [[Sadashivgad]] written as Karwar and Sadasewgude respectively.<ref name="Treaty of Mangalore">{{Cite web |url=http://projectsouthasia.sdstate.edu/docs/history/primarydocs/Tipu_Sultan/TreatyofMangalore1784.htm |title=Project South Asia |access-date=11 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720142515/http://projectsouthasia.sdstate.edu/docs/history/primarydocs/Tipu_Sultan/TreatyofMangalore1784.htm |archive-date=20 July 2008 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

Bhatkal and Honnavar were the chief ports of Tippu Sultan in the district.

===The British Empire===
The [[British India|British]] made [[Carwar]] the district headquarters of [[North Canara]] in 1862. Since 1862, the time from which it came under [[Bombay presidency]], Uttara Kannada was described as a first rate [[harbour]] between [[Bombay]] and [[Colombo]].

===Maratha Empire===
It became a part of [[Maratha]] territory. It was a part of the [[Bombay Presidency]] until 1950.

==Geography and climate==
[[File:Karwar Evening.jpg|thumb|250px|Karwar evening]]
The main geographic feature of the district is the [[Western Ghats]] or Sahyadri range, which runs from north to south through the district. Between the [[Sahyadris]] and the sea is a narrow coastal strip, known as the Payanghat, which varies from {{convert|8|to|24|km}} in width. Behind the coastal plain are flat-topped hills from 60 to 100 meters in height, and behind the hills are the ridges and peaks of the [[Sahyadris]]. East of the [[Sahyadris]] is the [[Balaghat]] upland, part of the vast [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan plateau]]. Moisture-bearing winds come from the west, and yearly rainfall averages {{convert|3000|mm}} on the coast, and as high as {{convert|5000|mm}} on the west-facing slopes of the [[Sahyadris]]. East of the crest is the [[rain shadow]] of the [[Sahyadris]], which receive as little as {{convert|1000|mm}} annually. Much of the rain falls in the June–September [[monsoon]]. Five major rivers drain westwards from the crest of the [[Sahyadris]] to the sea; from north to south, they are the [[Kali]], [[Gangawali]], [[Aghanashini]], [[Sharavati]] and [[Venkatapur]]. These rivers form numerous waterfalls, The river [[Aghanashini]] drops 116 meters, [[Magod Falls]], where the Bedti river plunges 180 meters in two leaps, [[Shivganga falls]], where the river Sonda (Shalmali) drops 74 meters, and [[Lalguli falls]] and Mailmane falls on the river Kali. In the lowlands, these rivers form wide [[estuary|estuaries]], extending several kilometers inland from the coast.

==Ecology==
[[File:Wagatea spicata.jpg|thumb|250px|Candy corn plant in the Anshi National Park]]
The district's high rainfall supports lush forests, which cover approximately 70% of the district. The [[Malabar Coast moist forests]] ecoregion lies in a narrow strip between the [[Arabian Sea]] and the foothills of the Western Ghats up to 250 meters elevation. These forests have been almost completely converted to agriculture and teak plantations. The [[North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests]] cover the [[Sahyadris]] from 250 to 1000 meters elevation. Many trees shed leaves in the drier months. Above 1000 meters elevation lie the [[evergreen]] [[North Western Ghats montane rain forests]]. [[Anshi National Park]] near [[Dandeli]], preserves approximately {{convert|250|km2}} of semi-evergreen forest, which is home to the [[tiger]], [[black panther]], [[leopard cat]], [[gaur]], [[Asian elephant]], [[sambar deer|sambar]] and a range of [[bird]]s and [[reptile]]s. [[Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary]] protects {{convert|834|km2}} of semi-evergreen and [[bamboo]] forest in the watershed of the [[Kali]] river and its tributaries, the Kaneri and Nagajhari. [[Wroughton's free-tailed bat]] (''Otomops wroughtoni'') is endemic to the forests of [[Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary]].

The district is also home to patches of [[savanna]] and degraded scrub jungles, which are often the result of overuse for logging or grazing. Much of the lowland has been cleared for agriculture. [[Mangrove]] forests can be found in the river estuaries, and the sandy beaches are home to groves of ''[[Calophyllum inophyllum]]'', [[coconut]] and [[screw pine]] (''[[Pandanus]]''). The rocky beaches at Binaga, [[Arga, Karnataka|Arga]], [[Belekeri]], [[Tadadi]], Gokarna, [[Ankola]], [[Kumta]], [[Dhareshwar]], [[Kasarkod]], [[Murdeshwara]], [[Bhatkal]] and Belke of the district are rich with marine fauna diversity. The beaches at Bhatkal include American Jali Beach, Bahrain Jali Beach, NaStar Beach, Nakhuda Beach, Lighthouse Beach and the rocky Udmudey Beach. The rocky beaches of Uttara Kannada District harbor the invertebrates belonging to the phyla [[Porifera]], [[Coelenterata]], [[Annelida]], [[Arthropoda]], [[Mollusca]] and [[Echinodermata]].
Attiveri bird sanctuary is home to 79 species of birds including migratory birds from 22 countries.

[[Dandeli]] Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for the elusive black panther among other animals like [[gaur]], [[tiger]] and [[leopards]].
The Kavala caves with their {{convert|5|ft}}. High natural Shiva linga, Synthery rocks is a {{convert|500|ft}} high rock flanked by natural caves and waterfalls, Vincholi rapids, Sykes point which offers a view of [[Kali River (Karnataka)|Kali river]], and a suspension bridge are places worth visiting in this sanctuary. [[Yana, India|Yana]] is an enchanting place that can be reached by trekking about {{convert|10|km}} through lush forest. There is also a shrine of Bhairaveshvara here.
[[Anshi National Park]] located some distance from [[Dandeli]] is undisturbed. Burude Falls is about {{convert|20|km}} from [[Siddapura, Uttara Kannada|Siddapur]], [[Unchalli Falls]], Shivagangae, BeeneHolae Fall is about {{convert|25|km}} from [[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]], [[Magod Falls]] and [[Sathodi Falls]] near [[Yellapura]] are some of the best natural falls in Uttara Kannada District. There are many dams in this district namely [[Supa Dam]], [[Kodasalli Dam]] and [[Kadra Dam]]. The atomic energy station at [[Kaiga]] is on the banks of [[Kali River (Karnataka)]].

==Economy==
Uttara Kannada has a Gross Domestic District Product of 530297 Lakh Crores with Karwar and Sirsi being major contributors. Karwar has the highest per capita income in the district at 54850 followed by Sirsi at 44326, while Bhatkal and Haliyal have the lowest.<ref name="des.kar.nic.in">Karntaka Directorate of Economics and Statistics https://des.kar.nic.in/sites/Conference%20Files/3%20Consolidated%20-%20All%20Articles%20-%20GDDP.pdf</ref>{{Pie chart
| radius = 100
| thumb =
| caption = GDP of all Taluks 2013<ref name="des.kar.nic.in">Karntaka Directorate of Economics and Statistics https://des.kar.nic.in/sites/Conference%20Files/3%20Consolidated%20-%20All%20Articles%20-%20GDDP.pdf</ref>
| label8 =Ankola
| value8 =6.24
| color8 =Red
| label7 =Bhatkal
| value7 =8.40
| color7 =Green
| label5 =Haliyal
| value5 =9.15
| color5 =Orange
| label3 =Honnavar
| value3 =10.27
| color3 =Purple
| label1 =Karwar
| value1 =16.77
| color1 =#89CFF0
| label6 =Kumta
| value6 =9.07
| color6 =Yellow
| label11 =Mundgod
| value11 =5.03
| color11 =#800000
| label4 =Siddapur
| value4 =9.36
| color4 = #40826D
| label2 =Sirsi
| value2 =16
| color2 =Grey
| label9 =Supa
| value9 =5.27
| color9 = #7FFF00
| label10 =Yellapur
| value10 =5.16
| color10 =#FFE5B4
}}

===Agriculture===
The chief crops of the district are [[rice]] and [[areca nut]], along with a great diversity of other crops. Tree crops include [[coconut]], [[sugarcane]], [[Cocoa bean|cocoa]], [[cashew]], [[mango]], [[banana]], [[pineapple]], [[garcinia]], [[jack fruit]],and [[sapota]]; vegetables include [[onion]], [[radish]], [[cucumber]], [[cauliflower]], [[sweet potato]], [[eggplant]] (brinjal), and [[amaranth]]; spices include [[black pepper|pepper]], [[cardamom]], [[ginger]] and [[nutmeg]]. [[Millet]] and [[cotton]] are grown in the drier portion of the district east of the Western Ghats.

Bhatkal is known for its imported goods markets,{{citation needed|date=October 2019}} which existed even before India's liberalisation.

==Demographics==
According to the [[2011 census of India|2011 census]], Uttara Kannada has a [[Demographics of India|population]] of 1,437,169,<ref name=census/> roughly equal to the nation of [[Swaziland]]<ref name="cia">{{cite web | author = US Directorate of Intelligence | title = Country Comparison:Population | url = https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html | accessdate = 2011-10-01 | quote = Swaziland 1,436,847}}</ref> or the US state of [[Hawaii]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://2011.census.gov/2011census/data/apportionment-pop-text.php|title=2011 Resident Population Data|publisher=U. S. Census Bureau|accessdate=2011-09-30| quote = Hawaii 1,436,847}}</ref> This gives it a ranking of 346th in India (out of a total of [[Districts of India|640]]).<ref name=census/>
The district has a population density of {{convert|140|PD/sqkm|PD/sqmi}}. Its [[Family planning in India|population growth rate]] over the decade 2001-2011 was 6.15%. Uttara Kannada has a [[sex ratio]] of 975 [[Women in India|females]] for every 1000 males. 8.1% of the population belongs to Scheduled Castes, 2.4% Scheduled Tribes.{{historical populations|11=1901|12=4,54,722|13=1911|14=4,30,755|15=1921|16=4,01,928|17=1931|18=4,18,048|19=1941|20=4,41,388|21=1951|22=5,18,062|23=1961|24=6,89,862|25=1971|26=8,49,453|27=1981|28=10,73,561|29=1991|30=12,20,260|31=2001|32=13,53,644|33=2011|34=14,37,169|percentages=pagr|footnote=source:<ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/A2_Data_Table.html Decadal Variation In Population Since 1901]</ref>|align=middle}}

===Language===
The main language spoken in this district is [[Kannada]], spoken by 55.34%. Other major languages include [[Konkani language|Konkani]] at 18.21%, 11.83% [[Urdu]], 9.52% [[Marathi language|Marathi]] and 1.36% [[Telugu language|Telugu]]. Marathi speakers are majority in Joida and Haliyal taluks in the north and Konkani is in majority in Karwar taluk, although it is spoken throughout the district. [[Nawayathi dialect|Nawayathi]] is a Konkani dialect spoken by [[Nawayath|Nawayath Muslims]] in [[Bhatkal]] and surrounding areas.<ref>[http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16.html 2011 Census of India, Population By Mother Tongue]</ref>

===Religion===
{{bar box
|title=Religion in Uttara Kannada district<ref name="Religion">{{cite web |title=C-1 Population By Religious Community |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW29C-01%20MDDS.XLS|publisher=Census of India|access-date=2 August 2021}}</ref>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hinduism]]|darkorange|82.61}}
{{bar percent|Islam|green|13.08}}
{{bar percent|Christianity|dodgerblue|3.10}}
{{bar percent|Buddhism|yellow|0.89}}
{{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.32}}
|left1=Religion}}
The population is predominantly [[Hindu]], although a [[Karwari Catholics|Catholic community]] has existed here since the 1500s. Muslims are a sizeable minority in [[Bhatkal]] Taluk and are majority in Bhatkal City.

===Literacy===
Total about 10.8 lakh [[people]] in the district are [[literate]], among them about 5.8 lakh are [[male]] and about 5 lakh are [[female]]. Literacy rate ([[children]] under 6 are excluded) of Uttara Kannada is 84%. 90% of [[male]] and 78% of [[female]] [[population]] are literate here. Overall [[literacy]] rate in the district has increased by 7%. [[Male]] literacy has gone up by 5% and [[female]] [[literacy]] rate has gone up by 10%.

{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Rank!!Taluk!!Literacy
|-
|1||[[Karwar]] || 90%
|-
|2||[[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]] || 88%
|-
|3||[[Kumta]] || 87%
|-
|4||[[Ankola]] || 85%
|-
|5||[[Siddapura, Uttara Kannada|Siddapur]] || 85%
|-
|6||[[Honnavar]] || 84%
|-
|7||[[Dandeli]] || 83%
|-
|8||[[Bhatkal]] || 83%
|-
|9||[[Yellapur]] || 81%
|-
|10||[[Mundgod]] || 80%
|-
|11||[[Joida]] || 76%
|-
|12||[[Haliyal]] || 74%
|}

==Culture==
[[File:FullPagadeYakshagana.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Costume of yakshaghana]]
[[Yakshagana]] is a classical dance drama popular in the state of [[Karnataka]] in [[India]] mostly popular in the districts of Uttara Kannada. Shimoga, [[Udupi]], Dakshina [[Kannada]] and [[Kasaragod]] district of [[Kerala]]. This theater art involves [[music]], [[songs]], [[dance]], [[acting]], [[dialogue]], [[Narrative|story]] and unique costumes. While songs and dance adhere to well established talas very similar to [[Indian classical dance]] forms, acting and dialogues are created spontaneously on stage depending on ability of artists. This combination of classical and folk elements makes [[yakshagana]] unique from any other [[Indian art]]. This would be considered to be a form of opera in western eyes. Traditionally, [[yakshagana]]s use to start late in the night and run entire night. [[Bhagavata Purana|Bagavatha]], the background singer is also the directory of the story and controls the entire proceedings on stage. Bagavatha along with background musicians who play [[chande]] and [[maddale]] forms himmela. The actors who wear colorful costumes and enact various roles in the story forms mummela. There are many professional troops in Karnataka. In spite of competition from modern movie industry and TV, these troops are arranging ticketed shows and making profit. Apart from this individuals arrange shows in their village inviting well known professional artists like Sri [[Chittani Ramachandra Hegde]],Kondadakuli Ramachandra Hegde,Gopal Achari Theerthahalli and Ramesh Bhandari Murur, providing an opportunity for local talents to act with legends. Yakshagana is sometimes simply called as aataā in both Kannada and Khela(Karwari Konkani) Konkani (meaning play).<ref name="enduring">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/06/10/stories/2004061000340300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040830023954/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/06/10/stories/2004061000340300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2004-08-30|title= Enduring art|accessdate=2007-09-06|location=Chennai, India|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2004-06-10}}</ref> Yaksha-gana literally means the song (gana) of a [[yaksha]]. Yakshas were an [[Exotic tribes of ancient India|exotic]] tribe mentioned in the [[Sanskrit]] literature of ancient India.<ref name=eb>{{cite encyclopedia|url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9077732/yaksha|title=yaksha|encyclopedia=Encyclopædia Britannica|accessdate=2007-09-06}}</ref> The Nawayath men wears lungis unique to them.

'''Literature'''

The literary field is represented by Karki Venkataramanasastri Suri, GR Pandeshwar, Gaurisha Kaikini, Yashwant Chittala, B.H. Sridhara, Shantinath Desai, Surankamundi, Arvind Nadakarni, CP Gangawkar, Krishnananda Kamath, PC Bhatt, Sundara Nadakarni, VG Bhatta, Dinakara Desai, VG Shahnag, Sham. .Krishna Raya, Gangadhar Chitta, GG Hegde, GS Bhatta, Jayantha Kaikini, Niranjana Vanalli, Rajeeva Ajjibala, [[Vishnu Naik]], [[Shantaram Nayak Hichakada]], Ramakrishna Gundi have been enriched. Many new poets and authors are promising. Newspapers in this district include Havayaka Subodha (1885), Karvara Chandrika (1885), Children's Newspaper Hitopadesh (1888), Saraswati (1900) and Vinodini (1904). First published in 1919 by Kumata from Kanada Dhurina (1922) and Nandini (1925) by Gokarna. Surrender Message (1931), Navachethana (1941), Device (1949) were published from Honnavar. Malayawani (1955) Annual Newspaper. In 1956, Bhama Masa was published by Shirazi. In 1957, Sirisena was…

==Cuisine==
[[File:Batata Vada.jpg|thumb|right|212x212px|Batata Vada]]
Uttara Kannada is famous for a variety of [[seafood]] delicacies. Fish curry and rice is the staple diet of the locals. [[Cashews]] and [[coconut]] are also extensively used.

The staple diet includes a portion of steamed [[rice]] with a vegetable and/or [[seafood]] accompaniment. [[Seafood]] is immensely popular due to its ease of availability, and is prepared with a lot of local spices. [[Tea]] is the most popular beverage and is sometimes supplemented with [[cardamom]] or [[Spearmint (flavour)|mint]] to give a distinct flavour.
* '''Kotte Kadubu''': The main ingredients in Kotte Kadubu are [[jackfruit]] pulp and [[jaggery]]. The batter which is prepared with additional ingredients is put into a container and steamed. This dessert is a local delicacy and is served hot with ghee.
* '''Holge''': These are similar to the sweet equivalents of [[tortillas]]. One variant is made with gram flour and [[jaggery]], while the other is made with [[coconuts]].
* '''Todadevu''' is a special kind of thin-crust dosa made out of [[jaggery]] or [[sugarcane]] juice. (Most local desserts of Sirsi have [[jaggery]] rather than [[sugar]].)
* '''Kesaribath:''' is rice cooked in [[sugar]], ghee, and kesari.
* '''Karakali''': is a special kind of spicy chutney prepared from [[colocasia]] leaves.
* '''Kotte Roti:''' A form of idli-like preparation, steam cooked in a conical shaped container constructed using [[jackfruit]] leaves.
* '''Patrode''' : a special dish prepared by steaming stuffed [[colocasia]] leaves.
* '''Neer Dose''': A soft thin pancake made of batter of boiled [[rice]], [[coconut]] milk and [[salt]].
* '''Kajmiji'''
* '''Koli Kajjaya''' and '''Hosagere Kajjaya''' are made of [[rice]] flour and fried in [[oil]] is a famous dish often using roti. Often served with thick [[potato]] sambar or Nati [[chicken]] curry, it is a delicacy among the non-vegetarian communities in [[Siddapura, Uttara Kannada|Siddapura]].
* '''Banana Buns'''
* '''Ankola Koli Saaru'''
* '''Appe Huli'''
* '''Patholi'''
* '''Kalali Masala'''
* '''Genasle'''

==Transport==

===Public transport===
North West Karnataka Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) is the state transport agency in the district. The NWKRTC covers all towns & villages of the district. There is a good network of public transport which connects the villages to the towns of the district. There are regular intra state services to major cities & towns of the state like [[Bangalore]], [[Mangalore]], [[Mysore]], [[Hubli]]-[[Dharwad]] & [[Belgaum]]. The Kadama Transport buses of neighboring [[Goa]] state provides regular service from [[Karwar]] to [[Mangalore]] and all part of [[Goa]] state. [[Kumta]], [[Bhatkal]] and [[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]] are the main hubs for public transport which provides services to intra-district & intrastate round the clock.

Many private transport buses also provide services for inter / intra state from the district. [[Bhatkal]] is the main sector for private transport in the district. The NH-66 which passes through the district which connects [[Panvel]] near [[Mumbai]] to [[Kerala]] state, many private buses are plying on this Highway which provides inter-intra state services to places like B[[Mumbai|ombay]], [[Pune|Poona]], [[Kolhapur|Kolhapore]], [[Belgaum]], [[Panaji]], [[Margao]], [[Udupi]], [[Mangalore]], [[Bhatkal|Bangalore, Mysore, Bhatkal]], [[Kasaragod]], Cannanore, Calicut etc.

===Railways===
The following Railways pass through the district:
* [[Konkan Railway]] which connects [[Mangalore]] and [[Mumbai]] via [[Kumta]], [[Bhatkal]], [[Karwar]], [[Ratnagiri]] and [[Panvel]].
* [[Londa, Karnataka|Londa]] to 'Vasco Railway line which passes through Castle Rock
* Castle rock to [[Dandeli]] Railway line.
* [[Hubli]] -[[Ankola]] railway line is proposed to link Karwar port and the northern Karnataka.
* [[Honnavar]] -[[Talaguppa]] railway line is proposed to link Karwar port and the central part of Karnataka.
* [[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]] -[[Haveri]] railway line is proposed to link Malnad region .
*[[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]]- [[Siddapura, Uttara Kannada|Siddapur]]-[[Talaguppa]] railway line is proposed to link Shivamogga .
* RO-RO (Roll on/Roll off) services is provided by [[Konkan Railway]] to / from Ankola railway station to Suratkal Railway station. Many truckers use this facility between [[Ankola]] to [[Mangalore]].

===Ports===
Uttara Kannada being one of the coastal district of the [[Karnataka]] state has a coast of {{convert|120|km}} has many ports which are used for sea trade, naval base, [[fishing]] and other maritime activities.
* '''Karwar Port''' is an intermediate sea port the main activities of this port are berthing of ocean going ships, coastal shipping, and fishing jetty. Ship bunkering facility is also available at [[Karwar]] port.
* '''[[Karwar Airport]]''' will be built by the Indian Navy at Alageri village. Naval air base which is part of the Navy's Rs 10,000 crore Phase 2 of [[INS Kadamba|Project Seabird]]
* '''INS Kadamba''' is a naval base at Arga village of [[Karwar]] which is used exclusively for berthing of naval vessels. A naval ship repair yard (dry docks) is also attached to it.
* '''Belkeri Port''' is an anchorage port.
* '''Tadri Port''' is a fishing port.
* '''Kumta Port''' is a fishing port.
* '''Honnavar Port''' is a fishing port.
* '''Bhatkal Port''' is a fishing port. It was actually Project Seabird which is now in Karwar, people protest and proposal for withdrawn. There is another fishing port called Tengingundy Port.

The Proposed [[Hubli]]-[[Ankola]] railway line can be feasible venture for the future developments of the ports in the district, for movement of the cargo, at present roads are only major mode of cargo movement which leads to congestion of the National Highways of the district.

===Nearby airports===
* [[Dabolim Airport|Goa International Airport]]
* [[Mangalore Airport (India)|Mangalore International Airport]]
* [[Hubli Airport]]
* [[Belgaum Airport]]

===Tourist places===
Uttara Kannada (North Kanara) has many tourist places which cater to different likes of the people. There are many religious places like [[Gokarna, Karnataka|Gokarna]], [[Murudeshwar]], Idagunji and Ulavi. The district(Jilla) has many beaches at Karwar, Gokarna, Bhavikeri near Ankola, Murdeshwar, Harawada, Kadle beach near Kumta, Handigon.[[Anshi National Park]](Kali Tiger Reserve) is located in Uttara Kannada Jille. The backwaters of dams built across river Kali at Kadra,Thattihalla,Kodasalli,Supa and Bommanahalli provide splendid views in rainy season. There are many waterfalls in Uttar Kannada district Sathodi, Devkar, Emme shirle, Arebail, Benne Hole,U nchalli, Burude, Balepatte to name a few.

==Notable personalities==
* [[Ramakrishna Hegde]], 2 times Chief Minister of Karnataka
* [[N. K. Naik]], Professor Emeritus at IIT Bombay
* [[Anant Nag]]
* [[Shankar Nag]]
* [[Yashwant Chittal]]
* [[Shantinath Desai]]
* [[Chittani Ramachandra Hegde]], Yakshagana artist
* [[Gurudas Kamat]]
* [[Ramakrishna Hegde]]
* [[Rama Raghoba Rane|Major Rama Raghoba Rane]], Param Veer Chakra Awardee
* [[Jayshree Gadkar]], Marathi movie actress
* [[Dinakara Desai]]
* [[Inayatullah Shabandri]]
* [[Gourish Kaikini]]
* [[Narayan Hosmane]]
* [[Jayant Kaikini]]
* [[Leena Chandavarkar]]
* [[Nandan Nilekani]]
* [[Pandari Bai]]
* [[Pandit Ramesh Nadkarni]]
* [[Sundar Nadkarni]]
* [[Vilas Sarang]]
* [[Venkanna H. Naik]], barrister
* [[Sannappa Parameshwar Gaonkar]]
* [[Keremane Shivarama Hegde]], yakshagana artist
* [[Mynavathi]], Kannada Actress
* [[R N Shetty]], Industrialist
* [[Anuradha Paudwal]], Singer
* [[Radhika Pandit]]
* [[Vishveshwara Hegade Kageri]]
R v deshpande

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Uttara Kannada district}}
* {{Official website|http://uttarakannada.nic.in/}}

{{Uttara Kannada}}
{{Karnataka topics}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Districts of Karnataka]]
[[Category:Uttara Kannada district]]
[[Category:Belgaum division]]

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Uttara Kannada