Latest revision as of 07:59, 16 March 2015

[edit] Kosigi, 1908

Note: National, provincial and district boundaries have changed considerably since 1908. Typically, old states, ‘divisions’ and districts have been broken into smaller units, and many tahsils upgraded to districts. Some units have since been renamed. Therefore, this article is being posted mainly for its historical value.

Town in the Adoni taluk of Bellary District, Madras, situated in 15 degree 51' N. and 77 degree 15' E., on the north-west line of the Madras Railway. Population (1901), 7,748. It is built close under a hill between 400 and 500 feet high, the sides of which are covered with huge blocks of granite lying piled one upon the other in an absolute confusion, which can have been brought about by nothing short of severe earthquakes. The many rocky hills round about the town are conspicuous for the great size of the granite blocks which form them : and on one, just west of the railway about 3 miles south of Kosigi station, stands a tor which is perhaps the finest in Southern India. It consists of a huge tower-like mass, on the top of which are perched two upright, tall, thin blocks of granite, the whole being 80 feet high. It is conspicuous for miles in every direction, and is known to the natives as Akkachellalu (' the sisters '). Round the lower part of the hill under which Kosigi is built run ruined lines of fortifications. In the old turbulent days the place was the stronghold of a local chief, one of whose descendants is now its headman. Like others with similar pedigrees, he keeps his womankind gosha. The doings of his ancestors are commemorated on half a dozen of the virakals, or stones recording the deeds of heroes which are common all over the District, of more than ordinary size and elaboration. About a mile south of the town, in a corner between three hills, are five stone kistvaens. Only one is now intact. It is larger than such erections usually are. The industries include a tannery and the weaving of the ordinary cotton cloths worn by the women of the District. Kosigi was very severely affected by the famine of 1877, and in 1881 its population was 27 per cent, less than in 187 1. But during the next decade its inhabitants increased at the abnormal rate of 44 per cent., and it is now a fairly flourishing place.