Koppal (India)

Koppal or Koppala is the district headquarters of Koppal district in the Indian state of Karnataka. Koppal is surrounded on three sides by hills. It was known as Kopana Nagara. The town has historical landmarks such as the Koppal Fort, Gavimath (a religious shrine), and the Male Mallappa Temple. Historically, Koppal was known as Jaina Kashi, meaning the "Kashi" or most-sacred-place for Jains. It was so named because there were more than 700 Basadis (also called Bastis), Jain meditation halls or Prarthana Mandirs. Koppal district was carved out of Raichur district, located in the northern part of Karnataka state, on 1 April 1998. Major tourist attractions include the Krishnadevaraya Tomb, Anjanadri Parvata, Huligamma Temple, Pampa Sarovara, among others.