Savanur is also famous for Baobab trees planted there in ancient period. It is locally called Dodda Hunise Mara.[2][3]
History
The ancestor of the founding dynasty had migrated to India near Delhi in the reign of Timur. 2 centuries later, during the reign of Shah Jahan, Ragati Bahlol Khan migrated from Northern India to the Deccan, where he was granted a Jagir. His grandson, Abul Karim Khan, was prominent in the court politics of Bijapur. The descendant of this family founded the Savanur state.[4]
The Nawabs of Savanur were tolerant of all religions and donated liberally to several Hindu temples and mutts. Betel leaves, jowar and cotton were the principal exports of the Savanur state. The Nawabs also had cordial relationship with the Dvaita mutt associated with Sri Satyabodhatirtha.[5]
After independence
One of the Palace of Nawabs named Majid Castle (used by Abdul Majid II) is currently used as the Taluk Panchayath Office and the palace was used as Tehsildar office and court.[8] The key person of Gokak agitation, Vinayaka Krishna Gokak hailed from Savanur.[9]