# Bailhongal Fort

- **Country:** India
- **Coordinates:** 15.817000, 74.867000

Bailhongal Fort is situated within the town of Bailhongal, which serves as a subdivisional headquarters in the Belagavi district of Karnataka, southern India. Located approximately 44 kilometers from the main district center, the town sits at an elevation of 664 meters in a region characterized by a tropical savanna climate and semi-mountainous terrain. While the provided text focuses primarily on the town rather than a specific standalone fort structure, Bailhongal is deeply embedded in a landscape rich with historical significance. The area is renowned for its connection to prominent freedom fighters, most notably Rani Chennamma and Sangolli Rayanna, who operated from the nearby historical site of Kittur. This legacy makes the location a crucial point of interest for those studying the resistance against colonial rule in the region.

The architectural and cultural fabric of the area includes several important pilgrim sites and historical landmarks, such as the Kittur Channamma samadhi, Sogal Someshwar Temple, and various mathas and mosques that dot the taluk. Although a specific construction date for a distinct "Bailhongal Fort" is not detailed in the available records, the town itself functions as a historical hub. The region has recently gained geological attention due to the discovery of uranium deposits and minute quantities of gold in local nullahs, adding a layer of modern economic interest to its historical profile. The town currently operates under a City Municipal Council and serves as an administrative center for surrounding taluks including Savadatti and Ramdurg.

Today, Bailhongal remains a vibrant town with a population exceeding 125,000 people, predominantly speaking Kannada. There have been significant proposals to elevate Bailhongal to a separate district status to improve administrative efficiency across the large Belagavi region, though this decision remains pending due to logistical considerations regarding headquarters placement. The area continues to be an agricultural stronghold supported by the Malaprabha irrigation project while maintaining its status as a center for education and heritage. Visitors are drawn to the area not just for its potential fortifications, but for the enduring spirit of independence associated with its history and the diverse religious structures that define its skyline.

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bailhongal (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)