Namma Honnavar

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF HONAVAR

Honavar is a Taluk (District sub-division) on the coastal region. It is the region of North Kannara, Karnataka State, Southern India and is situated on the bank of the Sharavathi River and facing the Arabian Sea. The area of the town is 5.60 sq. km and it has a population of 1,53,356. It has a literacy rate of 67%( Male 77% and female 57%). This includes the inhabitants of the 93 villages and islands, which surround the taluka (town). The population is varied with respect to caste, religion and socio- economic status. There are also pockets of minority groups with 33 scheduled tribes. The tribal population are living in interior rural areas.

The main source of livelihood for the inhabitants are agriculture and fishing. There are small and medium size industries such as tile making (for roofing on local constructions) and coir making, using coconut as raw materials, for mats and carpets. These provide seasonal employment for the people. There is heavy out-migration from the area for lack of economic opportunities. Young people tend to move to other cities in search for job opportunities. Others make it to the middle-east countries.

The main town of Honavar serves as a center for commerce and trade to the surrounding 93 villages. It has several schools both private and public. It has two colleges which provide higher secondary education and undergraduate level in three streams: Arts, Science and Commerce and also post graduation in commerce and science. Uttar Kannada district itself has no university.

The Principal languages spoken are Konkani and Kannada and Havigannada. Among those educated in English medium schools, English is widely used .Honavar is predominantly a rural area with fishing villages along the coast. The majority of the people are agricultural laborers, carpenters, tailors and stone cutters.