Mudgal

History

Mudgal's existence dates back to Neolithic era. Mudgal is also known as Lord Ganesha's teacher. Mudgal is one of the most important places of historical interest in Raichur District, next in importance only to Raichur. Mudgal or Mudugal has a history dating back to the Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri, several inscriptions of which have been discovered in and around the town. In 11th century Mudgal was an educational centre for the students of various parts of the country. In the beginning of the 14th century, it was an important outpost of the Kakatiya kingdom. Malik Naib, after seizing Devagiri, captured Mudgal along with Raichur. After the establishment of the Bahamani Dynasty, the Bijapur kings took possession of the western and southern parts of the territory of the Bahmani kingdom including the forts of Raichur and Mudgal. During 16th century Mudgal was ruled by Vijayanagar Empire. Many battles were fought between Vijayanagar emperors and Bahamani sultans.

Places of interest

The most important place of interest at Mudgal is the fort. In the construction of the fort at Mudgal, advantage was taken of a hillock on the top of which were built houses of the royalty and a wall with bastions. The outer fortifications of Mudgal cover an area of half a square mile. The outer fort has a wide moat, which is filled with water. The width of the moat varies, being as much as 50 yards at several places. Behind the moat, there is a scarp with a row of bastions and after that, a narrow covered passage and adjoining it the counter scarp with very massive bastions. From the arrangement of the existing fort, it is apparent that the fort was rebuilt after the inventions of guns. The courses of masonry at several places are of Hindu style, but the arch-shaped parapet is of Muslim design. The moat and the row of bastions together offer a pleasing view.

In front of the Fateh Darwaza, which faces north, there is a very massive bastion, with a curtain on each side, thus making a barbican for the defence of the fort. Near this barbican is a guard’s room with three arched openings towards the north. The barbican has a narrow court with entrances towards the west and north-east, the gates of which are built in the pillar-and-lintel style. In the covered passage of this gateway, there are guards’ rooms on both sides. The massive bastion above referred to has a gun with a Kannada inscription near the muzzle. The gun has long iron pieces in its interior, which have been bound outwardly by hoops.

There is another gateway on the western side, behind the narrow passage of which there is a second gateway with an arch. The walls at this point are cyclopean in construction. There are guards’ rooms on either side of the passage of this gateway also. There is a third gateway to the left of the second, also arched, but the apex, as in the case of the previous one, is filled up with masonry. This gateway is more massive in construction than the other two, the guard’s room attached to its passage also being more commodious. There is a mosque near this gateway, which consists of a double-pillared hall, the pillars being of Hindu design. On the opposite side of the road are the remains of the Naubat Khana. On the way to the Bala Hisar is the gunpowder magazine, where, at one end, two compartments have been built for the storage of gunpowder.

Educational institutions

Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Kannapurhatti is a fully residential school situated near Mudgal. This Vidyalaya is one among 567 Navodaya Vidyalayas in India which are run by the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti, an autonomous organization under the ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Education, Government of India. MoHammadia Education Charitable Trust(R) Mudgal, Runs Mother Teresa English Medium School (Primary, Higher Primary & High School ) This School is Recognised by the Govt. Of Karnataka, This institution has been declared as Minority institution by Govt. Of Karnataka, it is in Lingsugur Taluka Raichur Dist. It also runs Afzal Bi-Bi Bashumiyan Chiragali (A.B.C) Women's Pre University College of Arts. Another school, R.C. Mission and christa jyothi high school, is run by Christian mission. Shantiniketan Kannada and English medium school is run by minority institution of moulana abulkalam azad education trust(R) -584125. A unit of K.B.N Educational and Charitable trust (R) also runs a school shantiniketan English medium High school Recognised by Govt Of Karnataka. Other schools are run by societies and trusts like s.v.m.primary school,

Computer Education Systech Computer is one of the Computer Training Institute in Mudgal town.So many students are trained from this institute, and got jobs in many places of Karnataka,

Demographics

According to the 2001 census of India, Mudgal had a population of 19,117. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Mudgal has an average literacy rate of 52%, lower than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 62%, and female literacy is 41%.

Transport

Mudgal is well connected by road to Bangalore, Hubli, Hyderabad, Bagalkot and other major cities. The nearest major airport is in Hyderabad.

Long-distance bus routes

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs a bus service to other cities and villages. There are also various private bus services.

Railways

Raichur and hospet is the nearest railway station to Mudgal and Raichur is served by a major rail line and is well connected by trains to all major parts of India such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Trivandrum, Kanyakumari, Pune, Bhopal and Agra.

Recently a Railway project was inaugurated to connect Wadi Jn in Gulbarga District To Gadag Jn as a result Mudagal and Lingsugur will be connected through railways.