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History of circles

Photo of author

There are so many circles and many newly named, but here is why some of the old ones are called so.

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Ashok Circle Near Fort

Dharmveer Sambhaji Chowk

 

Bogarves, Photo: Akash Patil
Bogarves, Photo: Akash Patil

Hemu Kalani Circle (Bhandur Galli – Tahshildar Galli corner)

The circle is named after Hemu Kalani who was hanged by the British. Born in 1924 he was hanged to death by British Commander Lord Richardson in 1943. On 23-10-1942 Hemu with his friends decided to blow up the train filled with Bristish army men. For that they were removing the fish plates when they were caught. In memory of his great sacrifice for the nation the circle is named after him.

Mallappa Dhanshetti circle ( Ganpat Galli – Khade Bazar Corner)

During the Marshal law imposed at the time of freedom struggle in Solapur, the Collector was caught in mob and Mallappa Dhanshetti saved the collector from the mob but eventually he was hanged to death in May 1930.

Zhenda Chowk (Market)

This is main market (Onion market) in the city where during the freedom struggle and later many political stalwarts have come and spoken and awakened the people to fight against all odds. The Tri color was hoisted in this circle, hence the name Zhenda (Flag) circle.

Azhar ali Mansoor circle (Kacheri road to Grass Market )

Named after the freedom fighter Azhar ali Mansoor.

Kittur Rani Chennamma Circlerc

Earlier this was known as Rex Talkies Ganpati Circle, after the states reorganization, it was renamed as Kittur Rani Chennamma Circle.

Subhash Chandra circle ( Sheri Galli corner)

Named after Subhash Chandra Bose, this circle was named so by Late. Mr.Mandagi who resided in Anantshyan Galli.

Ganesh Chowk (First Gate)

During the Freedom struggle this particular circle had the Sarwajanik Ganesh festival, hence the name.

Hutatma Circle (Kaveri Cold drinks)

hutatmatreeTo pay homage to all the people who laid down their lives for the freedom of the country, this circle is named as Hutatma circle and also a monument stands at the circle.

Samyukta Maharashtra Chowk (Nanshankae shet Marg- Ramdev Galli Corner)

sanyukta belgaumThis circle was originally named as Pt.Jawaharlal Nehru circle but as all the meetings of the Sanyukta Maharashtra agitation took place here it was renamed as Samyukta Maharashtra Chowk.

Nargundkar Bhave Chowk ( Maruti Galli – Raviwar Peth corner )

Babasahed Nargundkar of Nargund took and active part in the freedom struggle. He fought hard with the British and was hanged.

Basveshwar Circle (Govaves)
Basveshwar Circle (Govaves)

Basveshwar Circle (Govaves)

Rajendra Prasad Circle ( Samadevi Galli Corner)

This circle was earlier known as “Bhajji” circle as Mr.Keshkamat of Saraf Galli used to make some lip smacking Bhajji’s every evening. Later when Rajendra Prasad become the president of India, it was renamed.

Gogte Circle (Railway Station – congress road- over bridge)

This circle was earlier known as “Jalke” Bunglow corner later RaoShaeb Gogte donated money for its renovation and then it was renamed.

Tilak Chowk (Ramling Khind Galli – Anantshyan Galli corner)

Lokmanya Tilak started the Savrajanik Ganesh festival in Raviwar Peth and he commenced his journey from this circle, hence the name.

Bhagat Singh Circle (Shani temple)

Krantisinh Nana Patil Circle ( Chavat Galli)

MadanMohan Malviya Circle (Kaktives circle)

Karnatak Circle (other side Fort Road)

22 thoughts on “History of circles”

  1. nice.. But still many circles are there… like Jinnah Chowk @ Fort Road, Opp Masjid, Which is said Mohd. Jinnah another freedom fighter and the man who was responsible for the partition of United India into India and Pakistan and Bangladesh was given Speech at the time of Congress Session in Belgaum. So it is named after him.
    Another Jijamata Chowk @ other side of the Fort Road Opp Bharatesh School,
    Also Better know Nath Pai Circle in Shahpur..
    and Many many more..
    Every Circle Has their name… and there history but today its going missing… we need to establish the importance why the circle is named by the Historians or the freedom fighter.. …well nice coverage… thanx.. ..

    Reply
  2. Except for the major circles like Chennamma, Hutatma and Basaveshwar circles I had not heard of other circles. I didn't know that Shani Mandir intersection is called Bhagat Singh circle or Samadevi Mandir intersection is called Rajendra Prasad circle. I think there is need to develop these circles and conspicuous name-boards should be put.

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  3. Great Information Uday..
    Also we have the following,
    Nath Pai Circle in Shahapur & vadagaon intersection renamed after Barrister Nath Pai &
    Vivekanand Marg at old Municipality road renamed after the Mutt where Swami Vivekanand had stayed during his visit to Belgaum.

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  4. Very Painstaking photos of the circles taken by the amateur youth of present Belgaum. Brought back to me my old memories on my visits( circuling around these memorable islands) to these sites in my stay in Belgaum way back in the 1940’s & 1950’s. Jan Shaikh. ( Past resident)

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  5. Some people are trying to name a circle illegally on the road going towards Hanuman Nagar near Commercial Tax office, they had painted the name on the walls adjacent to the circle, there are rules and regulations, one should take permission from DC, name should be short, can be named on a person who is dead, etc etc.some leaders who are alive have started illegally naming public places for cheap publicity, shame on their part

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  6. I would like to add one more. The Krishnadevaraya Circle (known as Kolhapur Circle) named after the famous king of Vijayanagar, Hampi). Earlier , when there was no by-pass road, this circle acted as an exit to the NH towards Kolhapur.

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  7. Dear sir,
    Plz mention the correct name of ” MAZHER ALI MUNSHI CHOWK ” not (AZHAR ALI MUNSHI CHOWK) tnx for ur post. inko “RES COURSE” k maidan me ya court compound me top (canon) se mara gaya tha…

    Plz ap thoda detail batayein in k bare me.

    Reply
  8. HUTATHAMA circle infact all the circles should be given adequate security to see that mumbai type of incident should not happen where anti india citizens insulted our martyrs by desecrating AMAR JAWAN JYOTHI in 2012, Govt @that time did not take much action due to their vote bank politics, shame on them

    Reply
  9. Very informative and steeped in history. Thanks.
    Do you have a page on the old Cinema Halls with pictures of Belgaum?
    T’wud be nice to walk down memory lane once again

    Reply

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