Overview of Yadgir District

Yadgiri, popularly called as “Yadavagiri” by the local people, was once a capital of the Yadava Kingdom. Has a rich historical and cultural traditions. Yadavas, the earliest Muslim empire of South India chose Yadgiri to be their capital and ruled from here from 1347 to 1425 A.D. Mentioned as Yadgiri in ancient inscriptions, Yadgiri is popularly known as “Yadavagiri” by the locals. Yadgiri district has its deep routes in history. The famous dynasties of the south, the Satavahans, the Chalukyas of Badami, the Rastrkuta, Shahis, the Aidil shahis, the Nizam Shahis have ruled over the district.

In 1504 Yadgiri (Gulbarga) was permanently annexed to Adil Shahi kingdom of Bijapur. In 1657 with the invasion of Mir Jumla it passed into the hands of Mughals. Later with the establishment of Asaf Jahi (Nizam) Dynasty of Hyderabad (1724 – 1948) Yadgir and Gulbarga came under it. In 1863 when Nizam

Government formed Jillabandi, Surpur (Shorapur) became district headquarter, with nine Talukas of which Gulbarga was one of the them. In 1873 Gulbarga was formed into Separate district with seven taluks. With reorganization of states in 1956 Gulbarga became Part of Karnataka State and Divisional headquarter. (Yadgiri is one of the taluka comes under Gulbarga district)

The Bahamani rulers built Gulbarga city with Palaces, Mosques, Gumbazs, Bazaars and other public buildings. There are five score large and small Marques and three score and ten Darghas in Gulbarga.

The forte City is described as a “Garden of Gumbazs” So also number of Temples, churches and other religious centers are spread all over the city. (In Yadgiri Yadava dynasty fort situated in middle of the hill.)

In side the fort the Jumma Masjid, a noteworthy monument of Gulbarga is in well preserved condition. It is said that it resembles the famous mosque of ‘Cordova’ city in Spain. The Masjid measuring 216 ft. east-west and 176 ft north south covering an area of 38016 sqft. Happens to be the only mosque in India, which is completely covered. Fergusson observes this “as one of the most remarkable of its class in India in some respect unique

Yadgiri district is the 2nd smallest district in the state, area wise is very rich in cultural traditions. The vast stretch of fertile black soil of the district is known for bumper red gram and jawar crops. The district is a “Daal bowl” of the state. The district is also known for cluster of cement industries and a distinct stone popularly know as “Malakheda Stone”.

Yadgiri has been blessed by the incessant flowing of two main rivers Krishna and Bhima in addition to these two, a few tributaries flow in this region. The upper Krishna project and Shahapur Taluka in Bendebembali “Core Green Sugar Factory yet to started. Yadgiri which is known for of industries is presently showing great deal of signs of growth in the cement, textile, leather, and chemical production in the industrial sector. One of the recent developments, where in the people of Yadgiri are proud and boastful is that the establishment of Agriculture University in Bheemarayana Gudi (B.Gudi).

The cabinet meeting held at Gulbarga on 26th September, 2008, has resolved Yadgiri will be formed as new district. Accordingly the Hon’ble Chief Minister declared Yadgiri as new district. Followed by this the Government has appointed an IAS officer as Special Officer for Yadgiri district untill the final Notification of district is published in the Karnataka Gazette

Finally the Government has issued Gazette Notification declared Yadgiri as a 30th new district of Karnataka State on 26.12.2009. Consequent to Final Notification the Yadgiri district came in to existence with effect from 30.12.2009.