A legend says that in ‘Puranic’ times the town was gifted to the ‘Vajantries’ (Musicians) of Lankan King Ravana. Ruled by Ravana in the distant past, Bagalkot came in modern times under the successive dominions of Vijayanagar emperors, Peshwas, Hyderali of Mysore, Maratha rulers finally under British rule in 1818. The municipality came into existence in 1865 to provide civil amenities to the residents.

Bagalkot enjoys a unique reputation of being a happy home of mahaswamijis, saints, noted literary luminaries, educationists, journalists, patriots and musicians. Today this town has emerged as a powerful centre of industry, commerce and education.

Kudal Sangam the world renowned pilgrim centre of veershaivas and sanctuary of Lord Basaveshwar, Sivayogamandir the training centre for swamijis and the treasure house of veerashaiva wisdom and world heritage places such as Badami (with its Banashankari temple and world famous Menabasadi caves), Aihole, Pattadakallu, glorifying the architectural beauty and grandeur of the Chalukyas are just 30 to 40 Kilometers away from Bagalkot.