Haveri district is an administrative district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Situated in the central part of the state, it lies on the major road and rail corridor connecting Bengaluru with Pune and Mumbai. The district headquarters is the town of Haveri, located along National Highway 48.
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| State | Karnataka |
| Headquarters | Haveri |
| Region | Bombay Karnataka (Kittur Karnataka) |
| Formed | 24 August 1997 |
| Parent district | Dharwad district |
| Official language | Kannada |
Haveri district was carved out of the erstwhile Dharwad district on 24 August 1997, when the Government of Karnataka reorganised several districts to improve administrative reach. The name Haveri is commonly understood to derive from Kannada words associated with ponds or tanks, reflecting the historical presence of water bodies in the area.
The district lies in the transitional zone between the Malnad hills to the west and the semi-arid plains of northern Karnataka to the east. The terrain is largely undulating with black cotton and red soils. The Tungabhadra and Varada rivers flow through parts of the district and are central to its irrigation and agricultural economy.
Haveri is bounded by Dharwad and Gadag districts to the north, Davanagere district to the east and south-east, Shivamogga district to the south, and Uttara Kannada district to the west.
The district is administered by a Deputy Commissioner and is part of the Belagavi revenue division. It is divided into several taluks, including:
The economy of Haveri is predominantly agrarian. Major crops include cotton, maize, paddy, groundnut, and chillies. The town of Byadgi is internationally known for the Byadgi chilli, traded through one of the largest chilli markets in India. Ranibennur is a noted centre for seed production and cotton trade.
The district has a rich cultural and religious heritage associated with the Veerashaiva–Lingayat tradition. The 12th-century social reformer Sarvajna, a celebrated Kannada poet known for his three-line tripadi verses, is associated with Abalur in the district. Haveri is also linked with the saint Kanaka Dasa, who was born at Bada in the present-day district. Several Chalukyan-era temples, including the Siddhesvara temple at Haveri and the Tarakeshwara temple at Hangal, are notable for their architecture.
National Highway 48 (the Bengaluru–Pune corridor) passes through the district, linking Haveri town with major cities. The district lies on the Bengaluru–Hubballi rail route operated by South Western Railway, with stations at Haveri and Ranibennur.
Kannada is the principal language of the district. The population is predominantly Hindu, with significant Muslim and Jain minorities. Lingayats form a major community, alongside Kurubas, Vokkaligas, and several other groups.