Kollegal

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Kollegal is one of the major taluks in the Chamrajnagar District of Karnataka State in the south of India. Kollegal is well known for its silk industry which attracts traders from all over the state.

Prior to Indian Independence, Kollegal taluk was part of the Madras Presidency. After Independence, it was switched to Karnataka primarily for linguistic reasons, although there is still a sizable Tamil population, especially in the southern portion of the taluk. Kollegal is the name derived from the names of two hermits namely 'Kauhala' and 'Galava' who were believed to be instrumental to the development of the place.

Kollegal is one of the larger taluks in India and was previously the largest. Plans are underway to divide Kollegal taluk with Hanur as the capital of the new taluk in the Chamrajnagar District. This separation has been ongoing for years but without becoming entirely effective yet. The population of Kollegal city in 2005 has been estimated as 55,432. [1] Kollegal serves as a centre for Pre-University education in the region. Kollegal was one of the areas which played host to the activities of Veerappan, a notorious bandit who smuggled sandalwood and poached elephants.

People in Kollegal speak a variation of Kannada distinct from that spoken in Mysore and Bangalore. The variation is characterised by its use of da as an informal suffix. Kannada as spoken in Kollegal was used in the 2005 film Jogi starring Shivarajkumar. [2]

Many tourists visit the Kollegal area. The Male Mahadeshwara hills, and the waterfalls at Gagana Chukki and Bhara Chukki at Shivana Samudra (also known as Bluff) are popular destinations. The temples at Talakadu, which are buried in sand, are also popular. [3]