The district of Kasargod carries a long historical background which dates back to 9th century when the travelers from Arab countries visited this region of Kerala as it served as major trade centre. At that time it was called as Harkwillia. According to a Portuguese traveler Mr. Barbose, who visited Kumbla near Kasargod in 1514 had stated in his records that rice from this region was exported to Male Island where as coir was imported from other regions.
The area of Kasargod came under the kingdom of Kumbala rulers and consisted of 64 Tulu and Malayalam villages.
When Kasargod was under the dominance of Kolathiri kingdom the Vijayanagar empire attacked the kingdom of Kasargod who had established his headquarters at Nileswar. As the Kolathiri ruler lost his kingdom in this attack the administration of this region was handed over in the hands of Ikkeri Naikans. Their dominance on this region continued till the end of Vijayanagar empire in 16th century.
In 1645 Sivappa Naik took over the control of Vijayanagar under his dominance and transferred the capital to Bednoor and as the result of this they were known as Bendoor Naiks. It is believed that forts of Chandragiri and Bekkal were the part of the chain of forts constructed by Sivappa Naik to protect his kingdom from the external attacks.
In 1763 Muslim Sultanate Hyder Ali of Mysore captured the area of Bednoor and had planned to capture the whole region of Kerala. Unfortunately his desire came to an end with a defeat in the war of Thalassery fort. After which he returned back to Mysore and died there in 1782. After him his son Tippu Sultan continued his attacks and captured the area of Malabar. According to the Treaty of Sreerangapattanam in 1792 with the British Government Tippu Sultan surrendered Malabar region to the British government except the region of Tulunadu (Canara).
The British army captured the area of Canara after the death of Tippu Sultan in 1799. Kasargod constituted as a part of Bekal taluk in South Canara district of Bombay Presidency. Kasargod taluk came into as separate taluk after Bekal Taluk was included in the Madras Presidency on April 16, 1882.
1913 Vengayil Kunhiraman Nayanar passed a resolution in the meeting of Council of Madras Governor asking for the merger of Kasargod taluk with the Malabar district, however he could not succeed in his efforts due to opposition of the members from Karnataka. In 1927,a political convention held at Kozhikode, passed a resolution stressing the above demand.
Kasargod’s Contribution to the National MovementThe people of Kasargod played an important role in the National Movement for the freedom of the country. Mohammed Sherul Sahib and Kandige Krishna Bhat were the frontline leaders of the independence movement. Umesh Rao, K.M.Krishnan Nambiar, Shreesankarji, Naranthatta Raman Nair, A.C.Kannan Nair, T.Gopalan Nair, and Meloth Narayanan Nambair were prominent freedom fighters.
The agrarian struggles to end the exploitation and oppression by landlords and chieftains were part of the National Movement.
Statistical Facts about Kasargod
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Area (in sq.Km)
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1,992
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Population
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1,203,342
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Males
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587,763
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Females
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615,579
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Sex ratio : Females/1000
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1042
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Density of Population
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604 sq.km.
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Per Capita Income (in Rs)
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16121
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Literacy rate
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85.17%; Male 90.84%; Female 79.80%
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Coastal line in km.
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70
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Water bodied area in ha.
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3,467
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Forest area in ha.
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5625
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Assembly Constituencies
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1. Manjeswaram
2. Kasaragod
3. Uduma
4. Hosdurg
5. Thrikkaripur
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Geography: Kasaragod district lies between 11° 18' and 12° 48' north latitudes and between 74° 52' and 75° 26' east longitudes. The district is adjoined by the areas outside the State by the Western Ghats which run parallel to the sea and constitute almost continuous mountain wall on the eastern side.
The eastern boundary is bounded by the Western Ghats in the east and by Arabian Sea in the West, in the north by Canara district of Karantaka and in south by the Kannur district.
On the basis of physical features, the district can be divided into three natural divisions - the lowland bordering the sea, the midland consisting of the undulating country and the forest-clad highland on the extreme east.
Tourist Destinations: The major tourist destinations are briefed as follows:
Adoor: It is famous for ancient temple of lord Shiva located towards 45 kms to east. According to historical records this place is known for the battle of Kiratha Yuddham was fought between Lord Shiva and Arjun of Mahabharratta. The forest close to the place is considered as the residence of Lord Shiva.
Ajanoor: Located almost five kilometers from kanhangad the headquarter of Hosdurg Taluk this place is known for famous Madiyan Kulom temple in Ajanur village. The supreme deity adored in the temple is Bhadrakali, apart from this there are other deities also namely Kshetrapalan, Bhagayathi and Bhairavan. The point of consideration in this temple is that the Brahmin priest performs the pooja only in the afternoon, where as the morning and evening pooja is performed by another section known as Manyanis.
Anandashram & Nityanandasramam: These are two famous Ashrams (holy places) in Kanhangad.
Anandashram is located about five kilometers in the east of Kanhangad railway station. It was founded by Swami Ramdas in 1939. The Ashram is beautifully designed and located in the middle of shady mango, coconut and other groves.
Nityanandasramam was founded by Swami Nityananda. Located about half a kilometer in the south of the Hosdurg Taluk, this place earlier came under the forest area. The place is famous for 45 caves (Guffas) constructed by Swami Nityananda. There is a temple in this Ashram which was constructed in 1963 it is designed similar to the Somanatha Temple of Gujarat. A full size statue of Swami Nityananda in sitting posture made of panchaloha is one of the attractions of the ashramam.
The other tourist attractions include Ananthapura Lake Temple, Bekal Fort, Bela Church, Bellikoth, Chandragiri Fort, Cheruvathur, Edneer Mutt, Govinda Pai Memorial, Hosdurg Fort, Kammatam Kavu, Kanjan Junga, Kanwatheertha Beach Resort, Kariangode River, Kasargod Town, Kottancheri Hills, Kottappuram, Kudlu, Kumbala, Madhur, Malik Dinar Mosque, Maipady Palace, Mallikarjuna Temple, Manjeswar, Nellikunnu Mosque, Nileshwar, Perne, Posadigumpe, Povval Fort, Ranipuram, Trikaripur, Trikkanad & Pandyan Kallu, Tulur Vanam, Valiyaparamba and Veeramala Hills etc.
Connectivity: The district is well connected by all the means of transport:
Airways: Manglore city (Karnataka) is the nearest airport to Kasargod, 50 kms away. Kozhikode airport is 250 kms away from Kasargod.
Railways: Kasargod is an important station on the Konkan railway line. One can have easy access to cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Panaji (Goa), Karwar, Manglore, Rajkot, etc. There are some 15 express trains and few local trains passing through the district.
Roadways: Kasargod district is well connected by all season motorable roads. NH17 passes through the district. There are also few state highways passing through the districts connecting important towns and cities within the state.
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