Gokak

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other uses, see Gokak (disambiguation).
Gokak
city
Gokak Falls
Gokak
Location in Karnataka, India
Coordinates: 16°10′00″N 74°50′00″E / 16.1667°N 74.8333°E / 16.1667; 74.8333Coordinates: 16°10′00″N 74°50′00″E / 16.1667°N 74.8333°E / 16.1667; 74.8333
Country  India
State Karnataka
Region Bayaluseeme
District Belgaum district
Government
 • Administrator Shri. Ramesh Laxmanrao Jarkiholi [1]
 • Tahsildar Shri. Audram A.[2][3]
Area
 • Total 33.05 km2 (12.76 sq mi)
Elevation 570 m (1,870 ft)
Population (2011)
 • Total 135,773 [4]
 • Density 2,032.38/km2 (5,263.8/sq mi)
Languages
 • Official Kannada
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN 591 307
Telephone code 918332
Vehicle registration KA-49
Sex ratio 986[4][5] ♂/♀
Website www.gokakcity.gov.in

Gokak is a taluka headquarters in the Belgaum District of Karnataka state, India. It is located around 70 km from Belgaum at the confluence of two rivers, the Ghataprabha and the Markandeya. The population of the city is according to 2011 census is approximately 135,773.[4][5] The common language in use is Kannada. The town contains old Hindu temples with inscriptions.

Gokak city has its own history. Nature has been kind to this place with the ranges of hills on one side and the vast black soil on the other. The river Ghataprabha rushes forth in a majestic manner on the north side of the city. Before she passes through Gokak city, she dashes down through a cleft of 167 ft, to form a famous Gokak Falls. Her waters have been harnessed and hydroelectric power is generated to run the well-known Gokak Mills since long. The hanging bridge across the river adds to the dreamy charm of the beautiful picture painted by Mother Nature. Another dancing river Markendeya joins river Ghataprabha to form “Holy Sangam” on north-west side of the Gokak city. The river Markandeya, near village Godachinmalaki, dashes down through 43 ft step wise hill plates to form another beautiful Godachinmalaki Falls.

The town is growing rapidly in terms of industries, business, as well as the fields of education, arts, literature and folk-art. It is associated with famous Kannada writers and thinkers such as Shri Krishna Murty Puranik, Anand Kanda,Prof K.Sharanappa. Dr. S. B. Totad, Dr Arjun Y Pangannavar, Basavaraj Kattimani,Prof.Kundanagar Rngler D.C.Pawate and Raghavendra Patil Many popular folk-artists such as Padmashri Dr.Chandrashekar Kambar, Ningayya Swami Pujari, Ishwarappa Minachi, Yallappa Pujeri, Dr. Hatapaki and Ishwarachandra Betageri are also associated with the town. Gokak has a world famous waterfall known as Gokak Falls.

Gokak and Amingadis also renowned for its sweets, which are known all over India, such as Karadantu (a Kannada term, which literally means fried edible gum), a sweet richly stuffed with nuts and edible gum, and ladagi laadu.

History

Gokak is a place of philosophical and historical significance. It was founded in 1853. There was a dispute and a battle as well in between Rani Abbakka and Gokak Kotawals who ruled the town in 16th century. A fort which is in ruins can still be seen at the western side of the city. The Mallikarjun temple, also known affectionately as the "Maliksaab Temple", stands atop a hill, also called the Malik-saab hill. The tomb of the Raja of Kittur Mallasarja is at the nearby Duradundeshwar temple in Arabhavi Math. During the British rule in India, the Forbes Gokak Spinning Mill (now owned by Gokak Textiles Limited of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group) was set up in 1887 in Gokak Falls which is located about 6 km north-west of Gokak. It was modernised over decades and is functional till date being a major source of economy for the city. A hydroelectric power plant was also set up in Gokak Falls in 1907, is one of the oldest projects of a kind in the region. According to the Mysore State Gazetteer, Gokak Falls was discovered in 1885 by British explorers.[6][7]

Gokak taluka had also made an outstanding contribution to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund which was meant for humanitarian assistance for the Indian ocean tsunami victims. Child Development Project Officer Mr P N Patil who addressed a press conference had disclosed that it was decided to donate a day’s salary of government officials towards the relief fund. The employees of Forbes-Gokak textile industry also contributed about INR INR 7 lakh (INR 700,000).[8] Gokak is also known for its old Hindu Temples. The most famous once are Mahalingeshwara temple, Savalagi Shivalinga Matha, Yogikolla temple and Duradundeshwar temple in Arabhavi.Mahalingeshwara temple is well-known and is located on the Ghataprabha Riverside near Gokak water-falls. The temple is a large and sprawling structure built in the later Chalukyan style of architecture. The temple has a garbhagriha, (sanctum), an ardhamantapa and a spacious but open mukhamantapa (frontal courtyard). The sanctum with its tall Shikara adorned with exquisite sculptures is a sight to behold. It faces north, an unusual orientation for Shiva temples. On the sides of the Ghataprabha River there are several temples apart from Mahalingeshwara temple that date back to the period of the later Chalukyas of Kalyana who ruled portions of the Deccan from the 10th to the 12th centuries.[9][10]

Etymology

Gokak (Kannada: ಗೋಕಾಕ) was basically an 'Agrahar' founded in pre-historic period, place of tribal people/jungle people then ruled by Rattas (850 Ad-1250Ad), Bijapur Sultans, Tippu-Sultan and British (1819) and became Municipality in 1853, next to Belgaum City. It derives its name from Goki trees that grow abundantly in the region as well as it was the place of 'Cow Grazers. Gokak does not have an anglicised name. Gokak is also the last name for many people, most notably the famous scholar V. K. Gokak. The city is also known for "Gokak Kotwals" who ruled the town in 16th century and had disputes and fought a battle as well with Rani Abbakka at the time.[11][12]

Dispute regarding District status

Bifurcation of Belgaum district, which includes a total of 10 taluka's, has been a long pending issue. Being the second largest city in Belgaum district, Gokak has been a strong contender for a separate administrative district. Karnataka govt. has been long favouring to give Chikkodi the district status which would help the in development of neighbouring taluka's of Hukkeri, Athani and Raybag. Most of these protests in Gokak have been peaceful, however sometimes these protests have turned out to be violent leading to the damage of public property. The protests are held in neighbouring towns surrounding Gokak as well.[13][14]

Several organisations in Gokak namely "Gokak Zilla Chalana Samiti (GZCS)", "Gokak Jilla Horata Samiti" and "Gokak Bar Association" are active in championing the cause for a District tag for Gokak. There have been several Bandhs organised in Gokak since 1997( when ruled in j.h.patel govt). Ramesh Jarkiholi and Satish Jarkiholi who represented both the houses of Karnataka Legislative Assembly had cited personal reasons for not being involved in the agitation in 2001.[15][16] However in August 2007, Balachandra Jarkiholi and Ramesh Jarkiholi who were the MLA's from Arabhavi and Gokak constituency along with Satish Jarkiholi who held the MLC office at the time, stated that they wouldn't hesitate to quit the office and were prepared to sacrifice their positions to get "justice" to the people of Gokak taluka.[17][18] In October 2008, Bandh was declared in Gokak to demand the District status. All the educational institutions, business establishments, Movie theatres and other trading centres remaining closed. The North West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) had suspended its transportation services throughout the day but resumed them in the evening. Gokak Zilla Chalana Samiti's leader and Belgaum district unit JD(S) president Ashok Pujari expressed his support for the people of Gokak taluka who had been demanding district status for Gokak for the past several years and had been holding peaceful protests to put pressure on successive governments to concede the demand.[19]

P.C. Gaddigoudar committee along with T.M Hundekar committee and M. Vasudev Rao committee was set up by Govt. of Karnataka to help the District Reorganisation Committee in recommending the changes regarding creation of separate administrative divisions in the state of Karnataka.[20][21] P. C Gaddigoudar committee recommended formation of Gokak district which would include the talukas of Gokak, Hukkeri, Raybag, Chikkodi and Athani with its sub-divisions at Gokak and Chikkodi respectively. As of early 2012 no decision has been made regarding bifurcation of Belgaum district.[22][23][24][25]

Geography

A view from nearby Kadabgatti hill (top) & Ghataprabha River at Gokak Falls.

Gokak is second biggest city after Belgaum in Belgaum district and is surrounded by the Western Ghats. The Ghataprabha River, which has water almost throughout the year, is the chief source of agricultural and drinking water for local people living in the surrounding villages. Gokak is located at 16°40′N 74°50′E / 16.67°N 74.83°E / 16.67; 74.83.[26] It has an average elevation of 553 metres (1814 feet). The city is situated in the central part of Belgaum district which is located in northwestern parts of Karnataka and lies at the border of two states, Maharashtra in the north and Goa on the west. It is located at a distance of 540 km from Bangalore which is the capital city of the state of Karnataka. Gokak comes under Tropical deciduous moist belt in south central India.[27] Majority of the soil in Gokak taluka is composed of Laterite soil and small amounts of Black soil is found as well.[28]

Dry type of vegetation is generally found in the central and eastern parts of Belgaum district.[29] Domestic animals which are directly dependent on plants can be found in the region. They are used for agricultural as well as transportation purposes in rural areas. Ground water resources are also extensively tapped in remote areas which are not eaisly accessible to canals and rivers.[30] It has also been found that about 40% of area in Belgaum district has a higher concentration of nitrates in drinking water due to extensive dependency on fertilisers for agriculture. According to a geological survey, ground water in Gokak has a pH of about 8.6 with desirable limits being 6.5 to 8.5. The region around Gokak contains large quantities of Gneisses rock which ultimately gives rise to clay deposits. Region lying to the north of Gokak consist of Sandstones and Quartzite that form low ridges. The Manganese deposits occur in Belgaum district between Londa and Gokak taluka. Building stones and moulding sand are available around Khanapur & Gokak in Belgaum district.[31][32][33]

Climate

Being situated in central region of Belgaum district which lies in the rugged terrain of north-western Karnataka, Gokak is known for its moderately hot climate throughout the year except for the monsoon. Gokak receives rainfall from both the northeast and the southwest monsoons and the wettest months are June–September.[34][35] It has a distinct wet and dry season. December & January are generally cold as compared to the rest of year. The coldest month is January with an average low temperature of 15.2 °C and the hottest month is April with an average high temperature of 35.7 °C. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 14 °C (54 °F), and summer temperatures seldom exceed 34–35 °C.[36][37][38]

Climate data for Gokak
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 34.2
(93.6)		 37
(99)		 39.2
(102.6)		 40.2
(104.4)		 39.8
(103.6)		 38.7
(101.7)		 34.6
(94.3)		 35.7
(96.3)		 38.2
(100.8)		 33.7
(92.7)		 38.6
(101.5)		 39
(102)		 40.2
(104.4)
Average high °C (°F) 29.7
(85.5)		 32.1
(89.8)		 34.7
(94.5)		 35.7
(96.3)		 34.2
(93.6)		 28.7
(83.7)		 26.3
(79.3)		 26.1
(79)		 28
(82)		 29.2
(84.6)		 29.2
(84.6)		 28.6
(83.5)		 30.2
(86.4)
Daily mean °C (°F) 22.4
(72.3)		 25.6
(78.1)		 26.4
(79.5)		 28.1
(82.6)		 27.6
(81.7)		 24.8
(76.6)		 23.4
(74.1)		 23.1
(73.6)		 23.7
(74.7)		 24.1
(75.4)		 23.6
(74.5)		 23.1
(73.6)		 24.5
(76.1)
Average low °C (°F) 15.2
(59.4)		 16.3
(61.3)		 18.2
(64.8)		 20.5
(68.9)		 21.1
(70)		 21
(70)		 20.5
(68.9)		 20.1
(68.2)		 19.5
(67.1)		 19.1
(66.4)		 18.7
(65.7)		 17.6
(63.7)		 18.7
(65.7)
Record low °C (°F) 13.9
(57)		 15.4
(59.7)		 16.7
(62.1)		 18.3
(64.9)		 19.6
(67.3)		 19.1
(66.4)		 18.2
(64.8)		 17.9
(64.2)		 18.5
(65.3)		 18.4
(65.1)		 17.6
(63.7)		 15.1
(59.2)		 13.9
(57)
Precipitation mm (inches) 3
(0.12)		 2
(0.08)		 2.1
(0.083)		 32.2
(1.268)		 71.2
(2.803)		 157.8
(6.213)		 196.8
(7.748)		 180.8
(7.118)		 117.7
(4.634)		 40.2
(1.583)		 11
(0.43)		 5.6
(0.22)		 820.4
(32.299)
Mean monthly sunshine hours 262.9 246.5 274.7 260.5 241.8 158.0 142.4 136.7 164.0 191.7 221.4 232.6 2,533.2
Source #1: Yearly weather forecasts[39][40]
Source #2: Indian Meteorological Department[41][42][43]

Demographics

Others include Buddhists, Sikhs & Parsis

Religions in Belgaum district[44]
Percent
Hinduism
  
 84.59%
Islam
  
 10.4%
Jainism
  
 4.1%
Christianity
  
 0.42%
Others
  
 4.63%

As of 2001 India census,[45] Gokak had a population of 67,166. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Gokak has an average literacy rate of 67%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 74%, and female literacy is 60%. In Gokak, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age. Kannada is the common language in the region, however other languages like Hindi, Marathi and Urdu are spoken as well. According to the 2011 census Gokak had a SC and ST population of about 7216 and Below Poverty Line population of about 12203. Total population living in slums was about 7496. The literacy rate in men and women as of 2011 was about 76% and 68% respectively which is a little above national average.[46]

See also: Religion in Karnataka and Jainism in North Karnataka

Majority of the population in Gokak follows Hinduism. The religions represented in Belgaum district include Hindus (84.59%), Muslims (10.4%), Jains (4.1%), Christians (0.42%) along with Sikhs, Buddhists and others making up the rest of the population.[44][47]

Economy

Gokak has a predominant agricultural economy in the rural areas where majority of the people are farmers or affiliated to other Agriculture related business. However the population living in the city is benefited from a number of Industries such as Manufacturing, Engineering, Health care, Agricultural, Automotive, Service industry, Insurance and most recently IT/BPO as well. The region around Gokak and parts of central Belgaum district has a good production yield for Sugarcane, Corn, Cotton, Jowar and Betel leaf owing to which there is an industrial presence of a cotton spinning mill, sugar industry and starch processing plant.[48][49]

KIADB and KSSIDC

Gokak is the only area apart from Belgaum in Belgaum district to have a KIADB industrial area (Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board) and KSSIDC industrial estate (Karnataka State Small Industries Development Corporation).[50][51] Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) is a wholly owned infrastructure agency of Government of Karnataka. Some of its aims are to promote rapid industrialisation with "No profit-No loss" policy. It facilitates various infrastructure projects and acquires land to implement various industrialisation schemes approved by the government of Karnataka. Industries present in KIADB are facilitated with well planned wide asphalted roads, potable water supply & power supply lines and office complexes with accommodation of shops and small business.[52] Some of the industries present in KIADB Gokak are related to food processing, edible oil processing, small-scale cotton spinning mills, toys industry and Agarbatthi industry.[53] KSSIDC on the other hand is responsible for the growth and development of small-scale industries. The agency also provides ISI testing units to help small-scale industry units to process quality products. KSSIDC has well distributed network of raw-material depots across the state which facilitates easy distribution of raw materials for small scale industries.[54][55]

Textiles Industry

Forbes Gokak Ltd. is a major textile industry located about 6 km west of Gokak in the town of Gokak Falls. It is also known as "Gokak Mills". It was established during the British raj in 1885 under the name Gokak Water Power and Manufacturing Company Ltd (GWPCL) and was modernised over the decades.[56] Forbes Gokak boasts of its rich heritage of over 200 years and the company has diversified into a number of businesses, textiles being one of them.[57] In the year 1887 first mill was started with 6000 spindles and was subsequently increased to 29525 by the year 1890. In the year 1919, the company was registered as "Gokak Mills Ltd" and was united with Forbes & Company Ltd. Forbes Gokak Ltd and TCS announce a strategic partnership wherein TCS will be the IT partner for Forbes and will support its IT initiatives. In 2003 Mr. Shapoorji P. Mistry then the owner of SP Group was inducted as the chairman of the board of directors of Forbes Gokak Ltd after. In 2008 Forbes Gokak Ltd was officially renamed to Forbes & Company Ltd.[58][59] The company has spread out over an area of 646.42 hectares including the afforestation and industrial area.[56] Gokak mills is known for their yarn which is supplied world wide. Gokak mills have also received ISO 9002 certification.[60][61]

In 2006, Forbes Gokak Ltd. was valued at INR INR 1,500 crores (USD $ 269 million). The company Deputy Chairman and Managing Director at the time Mr K.C. Mehra mentioned that the company had decided to focus on the Indian market because of the large population of young people. The company had opened its first exclusive `Campbell by Forbes' store in Chennai in January 2006. Forbes Gokak had plans to open the stores in all the Indian metro cities.[62] In November 2011, The stocks of Forbes & Company Ltd. along with Gokak Textiles, which were the listed companies of the SP Group, surged on the BSE after the group's MD, Mr. Cyrus Mistry, was named the successor to Tata Group Chairman, Mr Ratan Tata. However, the Tata group scrips were not as buoyant as they moved in line with the market direction.[63][64]

A unique forestation project known as "Global cooling" was initiated by Gokak Mills on rocky terrain areas surrounding Gokak Falls which led to the planting of 2 million trees. This helped the surrounding area geologically with regard to temperature, rainfall and a better quality of air. This project has won many accolades in the past for the company over and has also received an award in 1994 for its afforestation efforts.[65][66][67]

Starch Processing

Riddhi Siddhi Gluco Biols Ltd. (RSGBL) is a major starch processing facility located 3 km west of Gokak. It is one of the largest starch processing industries in India.[68] It is headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat with its manufacturing facilities in Gokak Karnataka, Pantnagar in Uttranchal and Viramgam in Gujarat. The industry has an ISO 9001 certification and is listed on BSE as well. Riddhi Siddhi has acquired two multi-national corn processing units of Glaxo and Hindustan Unilever in the last 15 years.[69][70]

The Company was incorporated as a Private Limied Company on 2 July 1990 under the Companies Act of 1956 under the name of Riddhi Siddhi Chemicals Private Limited. Subsequently it was converted into a Public Limited Company on 10 February 1992 and a fresh certificate of incorporation was issued on 4 March 1992 in the name of Riddhi Siddhi Chemicals Ltd. The name of the company was changed to Riddhi Siddhi Gulco Boils on 10 April 1992.[71] In 1995 Riddhi Siddhi acquired the starch processing unit of Glaxo. From 1996–2003 the company had invested in acquiring and building of the infrastructure at Gokak manufacturing plant to increase the output of products like Maltodextrin, High Dextrose Syrup, . In 2005 the company acquired the biopolymer division from Hindustan Lever at Pondicherry and increased the corn crushing capacity at Gokak plant.[72] In April 2012 Riddhi Siddhi got a go-ahead from the Gujarat high court to demerge and transfer its manufacturing and warehousing business to a French firm Roquette Freres, which is the world's third-largest player in the sector which would buy about a 60 percent stake in Riddhi Siddhi. Riddhi Siddhi had sold its starch business to Roquette Freres for INR INR 985 crores (USD $ 175 million). Under the sales agreement, Riddhi Siddhi had transferred all the assets of its starch processing plants at Gokak (Karnataka), Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) and Viramgam (Gujarat) to a new entity, Riddhi Siddhi Corn Processing Pvt Ltd (RSCPPL), whose shares were allotted to the French firm Freres.[73][74]

In May 2007, a boiler located at Riddhi Siddhi manufacturing plant in Gokak exploded in which 15 people had died and about 30 were injured. 20 of the injured had 80% burns and their condition was reported to be critical. Some 40 workers were inside the factory when the disaster occurred. The impact of the blast was so great that the roof of the factory had blown off and fallen about 100 metres away. Everything in a 100 metre radius around the blast site was destroyed. The injured were being treated at hospitals in Gokak and Belgaum. There was also reports that some of the workers injured at the accident weren't compensated the amount that was earlier promised to them.[75][76]

Tourism and attractions

Gokak is located 540 km from Bangalore and 190 km from Panaji. Nestled in the hilly terrain of the central Belgaum region, it enjoys a moderately warm climate and is surrounded by mountainous vegetation and rivers. The city is surrounded by number of historic buildings and Temples.

Tourist attractions around the city

  1. Godchinamalaki Falls is a popular destination at a distance of about 20 km from Gokak. It is famous for its stepwise arrangement which are spanned approximately 100 metres in length, with a step at every 30 metres. The stream flows in a slow rhythm until the first drop of about 70 ft. The main falls dips again a little further by another 50 ft or so before flowing off gracefully to join the Ghataprabha.[77][78][79]
  2. Gokak Falls is yet another magnificent waterfall located 6 km from Gokak which is often called as Karnataka's Niagara. It is also famous for its historical landmark "The hanging wooden bridge" whose legacy goes back to British Raj. This bridge spans across 210 metres in length and was built across the Ghataprabha River in 1907 to enable workers from nearby villages lying on the other side of the river to arrive at work. One can experience a breath taking view of the waterfalls that is located directly below the bridge. It connects the villages located north and south of Gokak Falls.[80] This water falls has a height of about 170 feet. Except in width & colour of the water, the general features of the water falls namely its height, shape and rapidity are similar to those of Niagara Falls. The water falls has a horse-shoe shaped crest and a breadth of 177 meters. July to September is the best time to visit.[81][82][83]
  3. Yogi Kolla is a small village situated in the foots of western ghats and is one of the scenic beauty spots. The place derives its name from a valley which is in between horse shoe shaped rocky hill ranger. There is a Temple in the hill located in a cave type opening and one has to climb about 800 to 900 steps to reach it. Beneath this temple there is a small stream that originates.[65]
  4. Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary is worth visiting. It is located about 20 km away from Gokak, and is spread over an area of 29.78 km².The boundaries of the sanctuary encloses a stretch of about 28 km of Ghataprabha River. Sanctuary is known for migratory birds like Demoiselle crane and European white stork. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November and March when most of the migratory bird species nest there.[65][84]
  5. Mahalingeshwara Temple is one of the old temples in the region and is located in the town of Gokak Falls about 7 km away from Gokak. It was built around 1153 A.D. It is thought to be built in a later Chalukyan type of architecture. It contains several inscriptions that date back to 1100 A.D.[85][86]
  6. The toy factory in Gokak is well known for decades for its exquisite toys. It is in existence since 200 years. It specialises in manufacturing wooden toys, fruits, flowers, etc. which are decorated, painted, polished and encased in transparent boxes.[87]
  7. Hidkal dam is located about 25 km from Gokak. It is a water reservoir and a famous tourist spot as well. In 2010, rare and migratory birds more than 600 in number, especially the Demoiselle cranes had migrated here in large numbers. It was a never before treat as the rare migratory cranes had come to the state after a five-year hiatus. Every year a large number of migratory birds usually flock the water reservoir and is a well known bird watching spot.[88][89]
  8. Dhupdal dam is located about 18 km from Gokak near the town of Konnur. It has a hydroelectric power generating unit and is known for its lush green gardens. It was constructed in 1883 across Ghataprabha River. It is a famous spot for fishing as well.[90][91]
  9. Gandhi maidan is located about 5 km west of Gokak on the way to Gokak Falls. It is a famous hiking spot.
  10. Jamboti, 85 km south-west of Gokak, is a popular tourist spot with its evergreen hilltop forests.
  11. Amboli hill station (Maharashtra) is a famous hill-station which is located around 115 km from Gokak. It is known for its breath taking view atop the hills and is a famous tourist destination in the monsoons.[92]
  12. Dudhsagar Water Falls, located around 150 km from Gokak, is a scenic waterfall. The spot also provides options for hiking and treking. Monsoon is the best time to visit.
  13. International Golf Course (18 hole) located at Desur, 70 km from the Gokak and 10 km from Belgaum.
  14. Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (Khanapur) is located about 85 km from Gokak.

Cuisine

North Karnataka meal
Main article: Cuisine of Karnataka

Being close to the border with the state of Maharashtra and Goa, the cuisine in Gokak is influenced by multiple cultures. Delicacies ranging from the chats like Bhelpuri, Sevpuri, Dhokla to the south Indian dishes like Dosa, Idli, Vada (food), Avalakki, Puri Saagu can be found. There are a number of restaurants serving Indian Chinese cuisine like chow mein, Manchow soup, Gobi manchurian, Szechwan noodles & Spring roll. Located in northern part of Karnataka, a typical menu of many households would contain Bhakri, Eggplant curry, Kosambari, Rasam or Saaru, Papadum or Happala, Yogurt, Raita, Onions, Chilli, Rice, Jolada rotti, Akki rotti, Ragi rotti, Pakora.[93][94]

Gokak is also known for its sweets namely Karadantu, Ladgi ladu, Peda and Kunda. Although Peda is prepared in different parts of India, Dharwad pedha is the famous one in southern India. Karadantu consists of a number of dry fruits like Almonds, Pistachios, Walnuts, Raisins, grated Coconut flakes, Jaggery, Cashewnut, Apricot and Anjeer. Being very nutritious and healthy it supplies a number of nutrients to the people of all ages. There are a number of restaurants in Gokak which serve these speciality sweets. In the recent years it has been exported in small quantities to countries in Europe and North America. Apart from Karadantu, Gokak is also known for its Ladagi Ladu which is a ball-shaped popular sweet in India. It is made using Gram flour, Bombay rava, Dry fruits and ground coconut. These are combined with sugar along with other flavourings, cooked in ghee and moulded into a ball shape. Sometimes Ladgi Ladu are prepared using edible resin as well. [95][96]

Transportation

Majority of public transport in Gokak connecting surrounding villages and towns is through city buses run by NWKRTC from Gokak bus depot. Auto rickshaws are commonly available at a nominal fare for commuting inside the city.[97][98]

Road

Gokak is connected by road via State Highway 31 (Jath to Jamboti) and to National Highway 4 (India) (exit at Hattargi cross). NWKRTC which is a sub-division of KSRTC runs buses from Gokak to all corners of Karnataka as well as neighbouring states. There are many prominent private bus services which operate across all major destinations in Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra. The other state highways passing through Gokak are State Highway 44 (Sankeshwar to Sangam), State Highway 45 (Arabhavi to Challakere), State Highway 103 (Gokak to Saundatti), State Highway 134 (Badami to NH 4 at Hattargi Cross).[99]

Rail

Gokak Road and Ghataprabha are the two main railway stations near Gokak located at a distance of about 12 km and 14 km respectively. These stations fall under Indian Railways grid and are a part of south western division. Hubli junction (UBL) and Miraj junction (MRJ) which come under South Western Railway Zone and Central Railway Zone are the closest railway junctions to Gokak Road station. They are well connected by to major cities like Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Goa, New Delhi and Chennai.[100][101]

Air

Main article: Belgaum Airport

The closest airport to Gokak is Belgaum Airport located about 60 km southeast in the town of Sambra. It is the only airport in north Karnataka with an airforce base. Belgaum is directly connected with Mumbai and Bangalore. The airport is located at 10 km from Belgaum on SH 20. Schedules have been erratic, as the air connectivity is primarily provided by feeder airlines. Belgaum currently has no flight service. The only flight to Mumbai was stopped in Nov 2011 owing to the financial crisis at Kingfisher Airlines.[102][103]

Gallery

Colleges:There are many colleges rendering services in various faculties in the city. The Government First Grade College has been established in 2007. As per the records of 2013-14 academic year admissions the college has 850 students. At present the college has four faculties- Arts, Science,Commerce and Management Studies. The Arts section has History, Economics, Political-Science, Sociology as optional subjects. The Science has Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as optional. The Commerce and Management Studies run on the subjects prescribed as mandatory. At present the college has 50 teachers. It also has a full fledged sports section and a well equipped library with reading room. The college has a huge computer lab with internet facility. The National Service Scheme has a strength of 100 volunteers who involve themselves in various social services. The Heads of the Institution are as follows: Prof.M S MALAGE (2007–09),Prof.C.NANJUNDAGOWDA (2009–13), Prof. I S BHUSTHALI (2013-13),Prof M Y KAMBAR(2013-till date). (Updated by Prof B B Patil Dept of English)

Shri Siddhalingeshwar BCA College Gokak: The only BCA college in Gokak City established in 2011 by Shri Channabasaveshwar Vidya Peeth Educational Trust Gokak(2008) run by Shri Shoonya Sampadanmath Gokak under the pioneering idea of Shri Murugharajendra Swamiji and Academician Dr Arjun Y Pangannavar. The college has its own well equipped building with lab, library, class-rooms and other facilities. It imparts computer application trainings and education. It has limited intakes.

References

  1. ↑ 'S%20and%20MP'S%20of%20Belgaum%20Division.html "List of MLA's and MP's from Belgaum division". Regional Commissioner of Belgaum, Govt. of Karnataka. 10 April 2012. Retrieved 10 April 2012. 
  2. ↑ "Belgaum district Administrators". National Informatics Center, Govt. of India. 
  3. ↑ "Gokak Tahsildar Audram Abdulrahman Secures PhD for Thesis on NGOs". Mangalorean.com. 28 November 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2013. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Belgaum District Stats". City Municipal Commissioner of Belgaum, Govt. of Karnataka. 10 July 2012. Retrieved 25 May 2013. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Population Census of Karnataka, 2011". Government of India. 
  6. ↑ "Picturesque Gokak Falls". Deccan Herald. Retrieved June 2012. 
  7. ↑ "Discover the World". ellakavi.wordpress.com. Retrieved 28 January 2008. 
  8. ↑ "Gokak taluk out to set a record". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 13 January 2005. 
  9. ↑ "Gokak Falls". letstraveleasy.blogspot.com. Retrieved 18 December 2009. 
  10. ↑ "Gokak Mahalingeshwara Temple". fropper.com. Retrieved 23 November 2007. 
  11. ↑ "Tourist information for Gokak". karnataka.com. Retrieved May 2012. 
  12. ↑ "North Karnataka Tourism.". C.M.C Gokak, Government of Karnataka. Retrieved 22 September 2011. 
  13. ↑ "Protests in Gokak". The Hindu. 17 August 2007. Retrieved July 2009. 
  14. ↑ "Judicial district status for Chikkodi kicks up dust". Times of India. 9 January 2012. Retrieved 14 June 2012. 
  15. ↑ "Bandh in Gokak for District tag". The Times of India. 28 October 2001. Retrieved June 2010. 
  16. ↑ "Gokak bandh peaceful". The Times of India. 30 October 2001. Retrieved August 2011. 
  17. ↑ "Minister to lead a delegation to Bangalore". The Hindu. 19 August 2007. Retrieved 15 June 2012. 
  18. ↑ "Gokak bandh near total". The Hindu. 18 August 2007. Retrieved 15 June 2012. 
  19. ↑ "Bandh in Gokak for District status". The Hindu. 7 October 2008. Retrieved January 2012. 
  20. ↑ "District Reorganisation Committee, Govt of Karnataka". Government of Karnataka. Retrieved 12 April 2012. 
  21. ↑ "District Reorganisation Committee, Bangalore". NIC, Govt. of India. 
  22. ↑ "Gokak observes total bandh for District tag". The Hindu. 12 January 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2012. 
  23. ↑ "P.C. Gaddigoudar committee report submitted to Govt. of Karnataka". Govt. of Karnataka. Retrieved 28 April 2012. 
  24. ↑ "P.C. Gaddigoudar, Member of Lok Sabha". NIC, Govt. of India. Retrieved December 2012. 
  25. ↑ "Findings of the DRC committee, Govt of Karnataka". DRC, Govt of Karnataka. Retrieved May 2011. 
  26. ↑ "Geo-coordinates.". Retrieved 4 October 2011. 
  27. ↑ "Vegetation map of India.". Retrieved 4 December 2009. 
  28. ↑ "Soils in Karnataka.". Retrieved 4 December 2009. 
  29. ↑ "Geological map of Karnataka". Dept of Ecology & Environment, Govt. of Karnataka. Retrieved 20 May 2012. 
  30. ↑ "Ground water utilization in Karnataka". Dept of Ecology & Environment, Govt. of Karnataka. Retrieved 18 February 2012. 
  31. ↑ "Geological overview of Belgaum district". Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Govt of Karnataka. Retrieved 10 June 2012. 
  32. ↑ "Soil maps of Karnataka". Dept of Ecology & Environment, Govt. of Karnataka. Retrieved 1 June 2012. 
  33. ↑ "Agricultural climatic zones in Karnataka". Dept of Ecology & Environment, Govt. of Karnataka. Retrieved 18 February 2012. 
  34. ↑ "Southwest and Northeast monsoons in India". Dept. of Environment, Govt. of Maharashtra. Retrieved Jan 2012. 
  35. ↑ "Southwest monsoon maps". mapsofindia.com. 
  36. ↑ "Forecasting manuals for Southwest Monsoons". Indian Meteorological Department, Govt. of India. Retrieved November 2011. 
  37. ↑ "Weather maps for surface temperature". myweather2.com. Retrieved June 2012. 
  38. ↑ "Weekly Rainfall predictions". Indian Meteorological Department, Govt. of India. Retrieved June 2012. 
  39. ↑ "Yearly weather forecast for Gokak". meoweather.com. Retrieved June 2009. 
  40. ↑ "Mean monthly sunshine hours for Karnataka". worldreviewer.com. 
  41. ↑ "Indian Meteorological Department". Indian Meteorological Department, Govt. of India. Retrieved January 2001. 
  42. ↑ "Satellite Imaging for weather forecast". Indian Meteorological Department, Govt. of India. 
  43. ↑ "Weather data from 1901–2000". Indian Meteorological Department, Govt. of India. Retrieved August 2011. 
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 "Census of India (District wise):Socio-cultural aspects". Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Retrieved 2 March 2011. 
  45. ↑ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. Retrieved 2008-11-01. 
  46. ↑ "CMC Gokak, Govt of Karnataka.". Gokak City Municipal Council (C.M.C). Retrieved 15 September 2011. 
  47. ↑ "Provisional Population totals-Karnataka". Directorate of Census Operation, Karnataka, Govt of India. Retrieved October 2011. 
  48. ↑ "Agricultural Map of Karnataka". mapsofindia.com. Retrieved August 2009. 
  49. ↑ "Dept of Agricultural marketing, A.P.M.C Gokak". NIC, Govt. of India. Retrieved January 2012. 
  50. ↑ "Karnataka Industrial Estate Maps". mapsofindia.com. Retrieved April 2012. 
  51. ↑ "KIADB industrial areas". KIADB, Govt. of Karnataka. Retrieved January 2011. 
  52. ↑ "Projects of KIADB". NIC, Govt. of India. Retrieved April 2011. 
  53. ↑ "Industries in Gokak". gokakonline.wetpaint.com. Retrieved March 2012. 
  54. ↑ "KIADB Gokak layout". KIADB, Govt. of Karnataka. Retrieved January 2011. 
  55. ↑ "KSSIDC, Govt of Karnataka". NIC, Govt. of India. Retrieved April 2012. 
  56. ↑ 56.0 56.1 "Gokak Mills history". sp-group.co.in. 
  57. ↑ "FORBES & CO (FORBES GOKAK) LTD". companyspotlight.com. 
  58. ↑ "Forbes Gokak Ltd". business.mapsofindia.com. Retrieved 15 June 2012. 
  59. ↑ "History of Forbes Gokak Ltd.". moneycontrol.com, CNBC-TV18. Retrieved 14 June 2012. 
  60. ↑ "Forbes Gokak Ltd.". gokakmills.com. 
  61. ↑ "Gokak Mills-Shapoorji Pallonji Conglomerate". sp-group.co.in. 
  62. ↑ "Forbes Gokak opens `Campbell by Forbes' store in Chennai". The Hindu Business Line. 30 January 2006. Retrieved 12 June 2012. 
  63. ↑ "Shapoorji Pallonji group stocks gallop". The Hindu Business Line. 25 November 2011. Retrieved 16 June 2012. 
  64. ↑ "Forbes Gokak Textiles-Annual Report". SP Group. Retrieved 20 March 2012. 
  65. ↑ 65.0 65.1 65.2 "Karnataka Tourism.". CMC Gokak, Govt. of Karnataka. Retrieved 22 September 2011. 
  66. ↑ "Gokak Afforestation project". bird-k.org.in. 
  67. ↑ "Industrial Greenbelt development". baif.org.in. Retrieved 2 June 2012. 
  68. ↑ "Wind power project by Riddhi Siddhi Gluco Boils". UNFCCC. Retrieved June 2012. 
  69. ↑ "Riddhi Siddhi History". riddhisiddhi.co.in. Retrieved June 2012. 
  70. ↑ "Riddhi Siddhi Gluco Boils-Company Information". moneycontrol.com, CNBC-TV18. Retrieved 19 June 2012. 
  71. ↑ "Riddhi Siddhi background". The Economic Times, The Times of India. Retrieved 16 June 2012. 
  72. ↑ "Riddhi Siddhi year wise development". riddhisiddhi.co.in. Retrieved June 2012. 
  73. ↑ "Riddhi sells to French firm at Rs 985 crores". The Indian Express. 31 May 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2012. 
  74. ↑ "Decks Cleared for Roquette to buy RSGBL 's starch business". Business Standard. 3 May 2012. Retrieved 15 June 2012. 
  75. ↑ "Blast ravages Gokak factory". Times of India. Retrieved 12 June 2012. 
  76. ↑ "Gokak factory blast's victims yet to get compensation". The Hindu. 25 May 2007. Retrieved 11 June 2012. 
  77. ↑ "Attractions in Belgaum and Gokak.". The Hindu. Retrieved 16 July 2010. 
  78. ↑ "Godchinmalki Falls". Gokak,Karnataka,India: Gokak.net. Retrieved April 2009. 
  79. ↑ "Gokak’s cascades beckon". Deccan Herald. Retrieved June 2012. 
  80. ↑ "The Handing wooden bridge, Gokak Falls". letstraveleasy.blogspot.com. Retrieved 18 December 2009. 
  81. ↑ "Karnataka Tourism.". Govt. of Karnataka. Retrieved September 2010. 
  82. ↑ "Gokak Falls, Karnataka's Niagara Falls". Retrieved 4 January 2008. 
  83. ↑ "Gokak Falls in monsoon". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 July 2005. 
  84. ↑ "Karnataka Wildlife Sanctuaries". Karnataka Forest Department, Govt. of Karnataka. Retrieved October 2005. 
  85. ↑ "Visit Karnataka". Kannada Portal. Retrieved January 2012. 
  86. ↑ "Karnataka Holidays". Karnataka Holidays. Retrieved June 2008. 
  87. ↑ "Wooden Toys of Gokak". craftsandartisans.com. Retrieved August 2010. 
  88. ↑ "Salient features of Ghataprabha River". Water Resources Dept., Govt. of Karnataka. Retrieved May 2009. 
  89. ↑ "Birds from central asia in Hidkal dam". Deccan Herald. 6 March 2009. Retrieved June 2012. 
  90. ↑ "Dhupdal dam information". india9.com. Retrieved March 2008. 
  91. ↑ "Dhupdal Dam". alltravels.com. Retrieved 30 May 2008. 
  92. ↑ "Amboli Hill Station". Maharashtra Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra. Retrieved October 2004. 
  93. ↑ "North Karnataka recipes-Ootak Enaitri". girmitt.wordpress.com. Retrieved 27 March 2008. 
  94. ↑ "North Karnataka food festival". gourmetindia.com. Retrieved 18 August 2008. 
  95. ↑ "Gokak Kardantu". gokakkardant.com. Retrieved April 2011. 
  96. ↑ "What is Kardantu.". eruchi.com. Retrieved 19 October 2011. 
  97. ↑ "How to get to Gokak-falls". hoparoundindia.com. 
  98. ↑ "Local transport in Belgaum district". travelchacha.com. Retrieved December 2011. 
  99. ↑ "Karnataka State Highways". Karnataka PWD, Govt. of Karnataka. Retrieved 10 July 2011. 
  100. ↑ "Indian Rail enquiry". railenquiry.in. 
  101. ↑ "Gokak Road railway station". onefivenine.com. Retrieved January 2010. 
  102. ↑ "Kingfisher airlines faces DGCA notice for cancelling flight operations.". Democratic paper. Retrieved 22 February 2012. 
  103. ↑ "Kingfisher cancels 30 more flights in Mumbai.". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 March 2012. 

104 Dr Arjun Y Pangannavar: Rural Poverty Eradication Through Women Empowerment in India:Impact Study on SHG Program: Navyug Books International New Delhi, 2013. 105 Dr Arjun Y Pangannavar: An Inquiry into Belgaum District Economy: Kanak Sahisthy Pratistana, Benglore 2009

External links

Chikkodi Taluka Raybag Taluka Bagalkot district
Hukkeri Taluka Bagalkot district
   Gokak Taluka  
Belgaum Taluka Saundatti Taluka Ramdurg Taluka
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gokak.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike; additional terms may apply for the media files.