Budikote

Karnataka, India

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Budikote, located in the Bangarapet taluk of Kolar district, Karnataka, is historically known as the "Fort of Ashes," a name reflecting the remnants of a massive ancient yagna (sacrificial fire ritual) believed to have taken place there.

It has a rich history dating back to the 8th century during the rule of the Bana dynasty, with inscriptions indicating its role as part of the Tekal province governed by several chieftains over time. Budikote is famously recognized as the birthplace of Hyder Ali, the notable military commander and ruler of Mysore, father of Tipu Sultan.

The village features the ruins of an ancient fort, which was once a significant military bastion but now lies largely dilapidated, with crumbling walls and temples dedicated to deities like Sugriva, Hanuman, Venkateswara, and Venugopalaswamy. Despite its historical importance and literary mentions by English poet E. M. Jones, the site currently suffers from neglect and lack of proper preservation. Budikote also hosts the Markandeya reservoir nearby, built in the late 1930s, which supports local agriculture.

Today, Budikote is a small agricultural village with a population of around 3,300, noted for its community radio station, India's first cable community radio, called Namma Dhwani started in 2002.