Raichur District is situated in the state of Karnataka. The district has a rich historical past, steeped in the conquests, achievements and works of art of various dynasties that have held sway here at one time or another. Though initially part of the princely state of Hyderabad, Raichur District is now a constituent district of the Mysore state. The district has protected and preserved a rather rich cultural tradition and legacy, which has grown here since the early times. A number of beautiful temples, forts and mathas are found strewn all over the place, all of which have been the vessels of great heights in artistic skills and learning.

Location of Raichur District
Raichur district lies between 15 degrees 09 minutes and 16 degrees 34 minutes North latitude and 75 degrees 46 minutes and 77 degrees 35 minutes East longitude. Situated in the state of Karnataka, the Raichur District is bounded on the North by the Gulbarga District, on the West by the Bijapur District and Dharwad District and on the East by the Mahbubnagar district of Andhra Pradesh. On the South lies the Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh, and the Bellary District. The two rivers, the Krishna River and the Tungabhadra River form the entire North and Southern boundaries of the district.

History of Raichur District
Raichur district has a rich and hoary past. From the historical point of view, the most important places here are Maski, Koppal, Kuknur, Mudgal and Raichur. Right from the days of the Mauryan King Ashoka, it has had an eventful historical journey. The recorded history of the place dates right back to the 3rd century B.C. when it was under the governance of the Viceroy or Mahamatra of Ashoka. Early in the Christian era, the district appears to have been a part of the kingdom of the Satavahana dynasty. Following them, a number of successful and renowned dynasties held sway in the region. These include- the Rashtrakuta dynasty, the Vakatakas, the Kadamba dynasty, Chalukyas of Badami, Chalukyas of Kalyani, Chola dynasty, the Kalachuri Kings and the Kakatiya dynasty of Warangal. In the recent past, it was a part, it was a part of the princely State of Hyderabad, and since the 1st November 1956, it is a constituent district of the Mysore State.

Geography of Raichur District
The total geographical area of the district is 14,013 Sq Kms according to the Central Statistical Organization of the Government of India. The general slope of the district is from the north-west towards the south-east, its average height above the Mean Sea-Level being just 1,311 feet. The climate of the district is characterised by dryness for the major part of the year and a very hot summer. December is the coldest month with the mean daily maximum temperature at 29.3 Degree Celsius and the mean daily minimum at 17.7 degree Celsius. The nights are generally cool in the season, but day temperatures sometimes reach 35 to 38 Degree Celsius. May is the hottest month, the mean daily maximum temperature being 39.8. The low and highly variable rainfall renders the district liable to drought. The two most important rivers in this district are the Krishna River and the Tungabhadra River which form the entire northern and southern boundaries of the district, respectively.

Culture of Raichur District
Raichur district has rich cultural traditions and has been playing an important role in the field of literary activities since early times. The temples and mathas were centres of cultural, literary and social activities. A galaxy of eminent personalities, who shone in the cultural field, hailed from this district. Rulers of powerful kingdoms like those of the Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas, of Viajayanagara and of the Bahmanis and Adil Shahis, which arose in the vicinity of the district, were great patrons of arts and letters. There were independent Bhakti movements pioneered by Sharanas and Haridasas who were dedicated souls and many of whom have left a deep impress on the literature and culture of the Kannada country.

Tourism in Raichur district
Raichur is the historical town with a rich cultural legacy. It has a considerable number of places, which are of interest from the points of view of history, archaeology, religion, culture, modern development, etc. A number of beautiful temples, forts and historical monuments are found strewn all over the district, such as the Amareshwara temple at Devarbhupur, the Panchamukhi Prana Devaru temple at Gandhal, the Jaladurga fort in Lingsugur taluk, the Mudgal fort, Raichur fort, pilgrim centres like Syed Shams Alam Hussainali, Kadlur, Balaganur etc.