BASRUR is in the proximity of Kundapur Town and Taluk Head Qtrs. It has been well-known as a historic and a cultural center, since from first century AD. It was known for an important River Port in the northern side of westcoast. This river port in Panchagangavali(Varahi) River, was having sea-borne traffic on big size sailing vessels (called locally Machwas). So, even at the beginning of Christian Era, it had business and Commercial transactions with Arabia, Egypt etc. Basrur River port was on land connected with up-country area, which was producing pepper, cinnamon and other condiments. Arabia, Egypt and other countries were interested in purchasing these commodities including 'Maskathi' superior boiled rice.

Legend, popular, prevalent speaks that in the historic past, VASUCHAKRAVARTI the Ruler of this area, had his Head quarters at BASRUR. It is a common belief, that VASUPURA became known as BASRUR.

There still exists the traces of an old Fort with "Mote" alround and a mud wall surrounding it in this fort. There are ruins of Guppu Sadananda Muth, belonging to "North-Panth".

There are several temples, Bhuta Shrine (folk-lore culture), Mosques, Churches.

BASRUR River Port was attracting Foreign Nations, e.g. Dutch, Portuguese, British initially for promoting their business. But later, they continued their stay for political occupation.

In sixteen century AD, Basrur was within the sovereignity of Vijaya Nagar Kingdom and after its fall under Keladi (Nagar) Nayaks. Prominent peoples belonging to GSB Community, were ministers under them.

This historic town, under the patronage of the earlier rulers, and later as hereditary tradition, developed, several arts and crafts, under varieties of artizans e.g. "Kanchagars"- Artizans on bronze models, Gudigars- wood carvers (manufacturers etc. ) artizans on wood for manufacturing Temple cars, carving artistic pillars, ceilings, door-ways.

This town was also know for classical musicians, harmonium, violin, Tabla, Flute, Mrudanga Players etc. Dancing troups (young maidens, by hereditary tradition, were trained in dancing art. These troups were performing their art in temples on festival days and in aristocratic houses during marriage ceremonies).

The town also patronized Drama Troups with colourful curtains and back-ground music. It had organised a ladies Drama Troup in the beginning of this century by name "Neela mani Naataka Company".

There were Chinivar, Gold smiths, Silver smiths especially for manufacturing door frames at the Temples carved with silver plates, with artistic designs. There were "Shilpis" on granite carving granite idols, Hand-looms weavers with beautiful designs and Patagars (silk weavers).

The religious prosecution and forcible conversion to Christianity by Portuguese Governors of Goa, in fifteen hundred fourty's onwards, impelled GSB community residing at Goa to leave Goa, to protect their "Dharma" and "Kuladevatas" by country crafts to the west-coast in North-Kanara, South-Kanara and even on Malabar-Coast up to Cochin. In that context, Basrur being a river port, a few groups of GSB entered Basrur by country sailing vessels touching "Mandi Bagilu" river port at Basrur.

It is interesting to note that Sri Mahalasa Narayani Kuladevata Shrine is very close to the above "Mandi Bagilu" river port.

So also, Kuladevatas, Sri Laxmi Damodar and Shanteri Kamakshi, Shines which are situated a little inside in the town.

Salient features of Basrur

It is important to note that Basrur was an important center of GSB samaj and under its territory; Hosangady, Siddapura, Shankaranarayana, Souda, Bailoor, Haladi, Hunsemakki, Jannadi, Mogabettu, Yedthadi, Mardi, Gorte, Kollanji, Neralakatte, Kandlur, Tallur, Hattiangadi, Hemmadi and Koteshwara were included.

Basrur with its past glory, historic richness, giving shelter to Shaivite and Vaishnavite temples; Sri Kashi Muth Samsthan, Sri Gokarna Muth Samsthan, Kuladevastans and Temples of GSB, Shrines belonging to Jogis (Nath Panth) Shrines belonging to (Pujaries- Billavas), several sub-castes under Hindu fold, Churches and prayer halls (both Catholic, Protestants, Basesl Mission), Mosques belonging to Muslims has a built-in tradition, of noble communal harmony since centuries without giving room for clashes ever since.

Basrur town though small now stands as a model of secularisum as enshrined in the Constitution of our Country - Bharath.

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