Ramdurg is a town in Belagavi district in the Indian state of Karnataka. The name of the town derives from Rama, as it is believed that Lord Ram, lived here during his exile. The town gives its name to Ramdurg taluka, a subdivision of Belgaum district. History The royal state of Ramdurg, founded in 1799, was one of the non-salute princely states of British India under the Bombay Presidency and later the Deccan States Agency. The Konkanasth dynasty area measures . According to the 1901 census, the population was 37,848. Ramdurg acceded to the Dominion of India on 8 March 1948, and is currently part of Karnataka state. Location Ramdurg is known for its hills, sugar factories, river and trekking. There are many important places near Ramdurg, such as Shabari Kolla, Godachi, Navilu Teerth, Big Shiva Statue, Hoovina Kolla, Sunnal Hanumappa, Megundappan Kolla, Ramdurg Forts and Toragal Forts. Almost all villages that come under Ramdurg talluk are historic places. Demographics According to the national census, the town had a population of 29,651 in 1991, rising to 36,649 in 2001 and declining to 34,800 in 2011. The population is virtually equal between males and females. The town is considered 100% urban. The unemployment rate is 60%, well above the national average of 3.46%. There is 37.5% "usually employed", 4.6% "casually employed" and 57.9% not employed. These terms describing levels of employment are from the Indian census process. The 2011 census indicated a relatively high literacy rate. Although there are different numbers with a declining trend, the official census in 2011 reported that 81.8% of the local residents were literate. Culture Godachi Fair at Godachi, from Ramdurg, is a major fair of the district held in December, attracting people from Siddu Khanpeth, Torgal, Halolli, Sunnal, Budnur, Batakurki, Halgatti, Sureban, Katkol, Chandaragi, Salahalli, Obalapura and Mudkavi. Moharm festival is held at Yarikittur village. away is Sureban and Manihal, a rich holy place which is a popular tourist destination. There are several temples including: Shree Shabhari Deevi – located in a dense forest with dramatic changes during the seasons. There is a belief that Shabari was waiting for Rama in this place. Shree Atmananda Aasharma Shree Shivananda Hill (Betta) Shree Manageramma Hill Shree Falahaareswara Temple Ramatirtha Sureban is also amongst the few places in India where 'ChithaBasma' (Ashes) of Father of Nation Mahathma Gandhiji has been kept. Sunnal is a small village near Ramdurg,