About District
Bellary ( presently Ballari) District takes its name from the headquarters town which is the seat of district administration. Several theories have been current in respect of the origin of the name of Bellary which is of considerable antiquity that can be traced back to 12th century at least. It is rather difficult to say which one is correct. In one of the lithic inscriptions dating back to 1131 AD found at Byloor, the name ‘Ballare’ is found. In the several later inscriptions also, found at Sindhigeri, Kolur, Kurugodu etc also the word ‘Ballare’ has been used. In 3 Hoysala inscriptions ‘Ballare’ is mentioned as one of the places captured by Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana. From the context of enumeration of places in these records, it is clear that the place referred to therein as Ballare is Bellary of the present days.
