Throughout its long and chequered history, Belgaum has been the epicenter of many a kingdoms and dynasties. Originally known as Venugrama meaning Bamboo Village, Belgaum played host to Chalukyan, Ratta, Vijayanagara, Bahmani and Maratha empires. In 1686, Belgaum was annexed to the Mughal Empire when Aurangzeb overthrew the Adil Shahi rulers of Bijapur. Later on Hyder Ali of Mysore ruled Belgaum for a brief period, but it was eventually taken over by the Peshwa with British assistance.
Belgaum occupies the pride of place in the Indian Freedom Movement to
throw out the British yoke. The brave lady warrior Rani Chennamma of
Kittur (1778-1829) along with Sangolli Rayanna and Babasaheb was the
torchbearer of this resistance movement. Belgaum was also chosen as the
venue of the 39th session of Indian National Congress in December 1924
under the presidency of Mahatma Gandhi.
Due to its strategic location, the Belgaum city was a major hub for
infantry troops under the British. Even today, the bustling Cantonment,
built by the British with its bungalows and barracks, boasts of an
overwhelming military presence. Belgaon is also known for the Airmen
Training School, an Indian Air Force training centre located at Sambra
and the Commando School and School of Jungle Warfare of the Indian Army.
Belgaum is also an important tourism centre.