Belagavi (Belgaum), locally known as ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ, is a district in northwestern Karnataka, bordering Maharashtra and Goa. Its headquarters is Belagavi city. The district spans Western Ghats landscapes and drier inland farming areas, and is known for agriculture, industry, historic forts and its multilingual setting.
Kannada and Marathi are widely spoken, reflecting strong cultural links across state borders. Farming, sugar production, engineering, foundries and trade support the economy. Notable landmarks include Belagavi Fort, the Kamal Basti Jain temple and Kittur Fort, associated with resistance leader Rani Chennamma. The Suvarna Vidhana Soudha hosts Karnataka’s legislature for its winter session.
Common civic concerns include reliable drinking water, road maintenance, public transport, sanitation and access to healthcare and education. Rural communities also focus on irrigation, crop prices and flood management, especially near major rivers. Urban growth, industrial pollution, employment opportunities and language-related issues feature in public discussion, alongside the longstanding Karnataka–Maharashtra boundary dispute.