The origin of the Tungabhadra river is shrouded in myth and legend. According to Hindu mythology, the river was created by Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. Legend has it that Lord Brahma was performing a yajna (a sacrificial ritual) on the banks of the river and the river was born out of the sacred fire of the yajna. Another legend has it that Lord Shiva created the river by striking the ground with his trident.
History of Tungabhadra
In historical times, the Tungabhadra river was known as the Varada river. The river was an important source of water for the Vijayanagara Empire, which ruled over the region from the 14th to the 17th century. The river played a key role in the economy of the region, providing water for agriculture and industry. The city of Hampi, which was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, was located on the banks of the river.
The Tungabhadra river originates in the Western Ghats, a mountain range that runs along the western coast of India. The river has two main tributaries, the Tunga river and the Bhadra river. The Tunga river originates in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka and the Bhadra river originates in the Western Ghats of the Shimoga district of Karnataka. The two rivers meet near Kudli, in the Shimoga district, to form the Tunga Bhadra river.
Popular for Scenic Beauty
The Tunga Bhadra river flows through the districts of Shimoga, Chikmagalur, Davanagere, and Haveri in Karnataka, and the districts of Anantapur and Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh. The river has a total length of 531 km and a catchment area of 28,000 sq km.
The Tunga Bhadra river is known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for tourists. The river flows through lush green forests, rocky terrain, and picturesque valleys. The river is also an important source of water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes. The river has several dams and reservoirs built on it, including the Tunga Anicut Dam, the Bhadra Dam, the Hemavathy Dam, and the Tungabhadra Dam.
The Tunga Anicut Dam is located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka and was built in 1894 by the British. The dam was built to divert water from the Tunga river to the rice fields in the surrounding areas. The Bhadra Dam is located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka and was built in 1965. The dam is used for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The Hemavathy Dam is located in the Hassan district of Karnataka and was built in 1979. The dam is used for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation. The Tungabhadra Dam is located on the border of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and was built in 1953. The dam is used for irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control.
Home of several fish species
The Tunga Bhadra river is an important source of water for agriculture in the region. The river basin is home to several crops, including rice, sugarcane, cotton, and oilseeds. The river also supports the fishing industry in the region, with several fish species found in its waters.
The Tunga Bhadra river basin is also rich in mineral resources. The region is home to several mining activities, including iron ore, manganese, and bauxite mining. The river plays a key role in transporting the mined minerals to the nearby industries.
Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks
The Tungabhadra river basin is also home to several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The region is rich in biodiversity and is home to several endemic species of flora and fauna. The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, is home to several endangered species, including the tiger, elephant, and leopard. The region is also home to several species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers.
The Tungabhadra river basin has a rich cultural heritage. The region is home to several ancient temples and monuments. The city of Hampi, located on the banks of the river, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to several ancient temples and monuments, including the Virupaksha Temple and the Vijaya Vittala Temple.
The Tungabhadra river basin has undergone several changes over the years. The region has witnessed rapid urbanization and industrialization, leading to environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity. The river has also been impacted by pollution from industries and domestic sewage. Several measures have been taken to address these issues, including the implementation of pollution control measures and the promotion of sustainable agriculture practices.
The Tungabhadra river is an important river in southern India, with a rich cultural and historical heritage. The river plays a key role in the economy of the region, providing water for agriculture and industry. The river is also a popular destination for tourists, owing to its scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. However, the river is also facing several challenges, including pollution and environmental degradation. It is important that measures are taken to address these challenges and to ensure that the river remains a source of prosperity and well-being for the people and the region.
