# Budikote

- **Country:** India
- **Coordinates:** 12.900000, 78.133333

Budikote, also known as Vibhutipura, is a historic village located in the Bangarapet taluk of Kolar district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Situated approximately 125 kilometers from Bangalore and 15 miles from the district headquarters at Kolar Gold Fields, the settlement covers an area of roughly 356 hectares. Geographically, it occupies a strategic position at the confluence of two branches of the Markanda River, which eventually flow into the South Pennar River. As a gram panchayat, it serves as an administrative hub for the local region, with a recorded population of over 3,300 residents as of the 2011 census.

The site holds profound historical significance as the birthplace of Hyder Ali, the formidable ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore and a key military commander who led resistance against British forces during the Anglo-Mysore Wars. Evidence of its ancient origins includes an inscription dating back to the 8th-century Bana kingdom, highlighting its long-standing presence in South Indian history. A memorial stone located within the Budikote Fort currently honors Hyder Ali, marking the specific spot where he was born and serving as a testament to the village's role in regional military history.

Today, Budikote remains a functioning village that preserves its heritage through these historical markers. While primarily a residential area governed by local panchayat systems, the fort and its associated memorial serve as points of interest for those exploring the legacy of the Mysore rulers. The combination of its ancient inscriptions, riverine geography, and connection to one of India's most notable military leaders makes Budikote a location of enduring cultural and historical value within Karnataka.

![Photo of Budikote](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/21/Budikote.jpg)

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