Tumakuru

Tumakuru (earlier spelled Tumkur), now a major city and district headquarters in Karnataka, has a history shaped by its position between the Deccan plateau and the Bengaluru–Pune trade belt. In early centuries the region was part of the domains of South Indian dynasties such as the Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas and later the Vijayanagara Empire. Small forts, tank irrigation and village temples grew under these rulers, while agriculture (especially millets and later coconut) formed the economic base.

After Vijayanagara’s decline in the 16th century, the area came under the control of Nayakas and then the Wodeyars of Mysore. During the 18th century, Tumakuru’s surroundings were drawn into the conflicts involving Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, and later into British–Mysore wars. With British dominance established, Tumakuru evolved as a taluk and district centre, helped by its location on key roads connecting Bengaluru with the northern Karnataka and Bombay Presidency side.

In the 20th century, improved road and rail links, growth of arecanut and coconut trade, and establishment of colleges and small industries transformed Tumakuru from a market town into a regional hub. After Independence it became known for education (engineering and degree colleges), agro-based trade and later industries, and was eventually recognised as part of a fast-developing industrial–logistics corridor just outside Bengaluru’s metropolitan influence.