 The place is of historical significance to Jains.Adipuran, a Jain religious text was composed here.Bankapura fort (454 AD), was ruled by "Kadamba of Banavasi, Gangas, Cholas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Chalukyas, Kings of Vijayanagar, Adilshahi of Bijapur, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan".