Culture of Raichur
Over the centuries a large number of empires such as the Mauryas, Bahamanis, Vijayanagara and Chalukyas had ruled over Raichur, resulting in a tradition rich in culture. Raichur has been the ground for the second renaissance of the Haridasa movement giving Karnataka its Carnatic music and Dasa Sahityas.
The land of Haridasa Movement
Raichur has been an important centre for the development of Kannada literature. Most of the rulers that ruled here such as the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Vijayanagara and Bahmanis were great patronage of art and literary activities. Over the centuries, Vijayadasa, Jagannathadasa, Gopaladasa, Manohar Vitthala, Veerbhadra Kavi, Mariswamy, Gugal Parappayya, Gorebala Hanumantha Rao, Prof. D.K. Bhimasen Rao and Praneshadasa were some of the eminent personalities to have made a significant contribution to the literature of Kannada.
A lot of cultural programmes are held within the district based on the works of these personalities and are extremely enjoyed by the natives of Raichur.
A lot of cultural programmes are held within the district based on the works of these personalities and are extremely enjoyed by the natives of Raichur.
Languages of Raichur
The
local people of Raichur speak Kannada and their dialect is often
different from that of the Kannada spoken in the South Karnataka. Telgu
is also spoken in the area due to its nearness to the borders of Andhra
Pradesh. Due to the heavy influence of Muslim rulers in the area, the
Muslims of the area also speak Urdu. English is another language that
people understand quite well.
Contribution to Carnatic Music
The Haridasa movement had a similar effect on the Indian classical music. The literary contributions of the Haridasa movement led to the development of a distinct form of Carnatic music. These compositions are still prevalent in the district and can be often heard during the various cultural festivals organized in the area.Faiths in Raichur
Owing
to the presence of large number of temples in and around the city,
Hindus form the majority here. Next to them in number are the Muslims
with a percentage of around 10. Christians, Jains and Buddhists also
form a part of the community, but these are in minority.