According to the modern scholar
Hampa Nagarajaiah ("Hampana"), ancient Kannada poet
Pampa who is also called
Ādikavi ("First Poet") was born in
Annigeri, a town in Dharwad district. The Dharwad district has contributed to some of the greatest exponents of Hindustani music including
Sawai Gandharva,
Mallikarjun Mansur,
Bhimsen Joshi,
Basavaraj Rajaguru,
Kumar Gandharva and
Gangubai Hangal.
Jnanpith Award winners
D. R. Bendre,
V. K. Gokak and
Girish Karnad trace their origins to Dharwad. Kannada writers and critics
Kirtinath Kurtakoti and
C. P. Siddhashrama are from Dharwad. Noted
Marathi writer
G. A. Kulkarni also lived most of his life. Actresses
Shanta Hublikar and
Leena Chandavarkar were born here.
Nandan Nilekani, the Co-Chairman of Infosys moved in with his uncle's family in Dharwad for his education and was a student of St Joseph's High School.
Sucheta Dalal, the Mumbai-based financial journalist, who exposed the Harshad Mehta scandal studied in Dharwad.
Lucy d'Abreu (the oldest Briton ever) was also born in Dharwad. Dharwad is also the birthplace of
Palwankar Baloo, the first member of the Dalit community to distinguish himself at
cricket, and later to become a political activist for Dalit rights.
Sunil Joshi, the Indian bowler, also hails from Dharwad.
Dances •
Dollu Kunitha It is a popular drum dance. The large drums are decorated with coloured cloth, and are slung around the necks of men. The dances are at times accompanied with songs relating to religious praise or wars. •
Veeragase Veeragase is popular folk dance. It is a symbolic presentation of the heroism and valour of God Veerabahadhra. Its exponents are called Lingadevaru and they perform the dance with religious fervour at festival time especially during the months of Shravana and Kartika. •
Nandikolu kunitha This art form is the domain of male devotees of Lord Siva. The Nandi pole is about 18 cubits in length, each cubit representing a 'dharma'. The length of the pole is fitted with brass pots and plates, and ornate silver or brass umbrella at the top with a silk tassel, which is the flag. The performer on a sling balances the pole; this requires skill as well as strength. The sight of the devotee's inspired dance, to the background beat and the resulting symphony of sounds, from the pots and plates on the pole, is truly breathtaking. •
Jodu halige Halige meaning two percussion instruments used by two artists to produce rhythmic notes of astounding energy and power. Their movements along the stage expressive of their physical energy harmonizes with the notes produced by the instrument. The Haligi (wood) circular in shape is made of buffalo hide. A short stick is used on it. The notes combined with the bodily movement pervade the stage and overflow to the audience. •
Lambani nruthya Lambani women dressed colourfully and move circularly with clapping and singing. This dance is out of the common. In dress, mode of living and dwelling, they dance on important festivities in a free manner. •
Veerabhadra kunitha The dance form depicts the story of Veerabhadra, the legendary minor god created by Lord Siva to teach a lesson to his father-in-law Daksha. Veerabhadra to go to the place of the yaga and destroy the ceremony. == Tourism ==