Coordinates: 13°14′N 77°42′E / 13.23, 77.7
Devanahalli (previously called Devanadoddi, Devanapura, and Yusufabad) is a town in the state of Karnataka in India. The city is located 30 kilometres (19 mi) outside the city limits of Bangalore. Devanahalli is the site of the newly constructed Bengaluru International Airport, the second largest in India.
Geography
Demographics
As of 2001 India census[1], Devanhalli had a population of 23,190. Males constitute 52% of the population and females 48%. Devanhalli has an average literacy rate of 66%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 73% and, female literacy is 58%. In Devanhalli, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.
History
Entrance, Devanahalli Fort
Tipu Sultan was born in Devanahalli in 1750. As one reaches the town from Bangalore, one finds a scant signboard and a stone tablet surrounded by fields proclaiming the birthplace of Tipu.
Exterior, Devanahalli Fort
Also present is the Devanahalli Fort, built in 1501 by Mallabairegowda (before Tipu's time), which remained in the hands of his descendants until the mid seventeenth century. In 1749, the then Dalwai of Mysore - Nanjarajaiah, attacked the fort and occupied it. Later, the fort passed into the hands of Hyder Ali and subsequently Tipu Sultan. In 1791, Lord Cornwallis laid siege to the fort and took possession during the Mysore War.
The house once owned by Tipu and Hyder Ali can be seen to this day. Dewan Purnaiah, a high ranking official during the time of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, also had a house here. However, the state government, the Archaeological Survey of India and other organizations have neglected to maintain or restore these historical structures.
When Tipu came to power, he renamed the settlement "Yusufabad", which did not prove to be popular.
Tourism
Although Devanahalli is just an hour's drive from Bangalore, there is as yet very little tourist traffic. This may change with the impetus provided by the Bangalore International Airport.
The Venugopalaswamy temple is one of the older temples to be found within the strong walls of Devanahalli fort. The sculpture in this temple may be compared with that of Belur and Halebidu. The courtyard is spacious; the walls of the temple depict various scenes from Ramayana, and the pillars have beautiful statues carved on them. Other temples are dedicated to Ranganatha and Chandramouleshwara [2].
Bengaluru International Airport
Bengaluru International Airport
The new Bengaluru International Airport, which opened on 23 May 2008, is located in Devanahalli. The terminal was designed to serve up to 12 million passengers per year. The airport will accommodate all kinds of aircraft, including the Airbus A380.
References
External links
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