Kolar of the Gangas
Kolar: The ancient city of Kolar is situated about 65 km from Bangalore. According to history, it was founded by Ganga King Madhava I in 2nd century AD. Kolar was their first capital and called Kuvalalapura at that time while the kings were called Kuvalalapureshwara. King Madhava I was also known as Konguni Varma. In their empire which was called as Gangavadi or Gangavathy, about 96,000 temples were built by them. However, the dynasty shifted their capital to Talavapura (Talakad) in 3rd century AD and then to Manyapura (near Neelamangala) in 7th century AD. The kings of the dynasty built several temples and forts. They also fortified Nandigiri (Nandi hills).
The Kolaramma temple in Kolar stands as a mute witness to the glorious past of Kolar. The temple has a 50 feet high stone gopura with carvings of the Goddess and a monitor lizard, which are excellent specimen of Ganga art.
The carvings inside the shrine are noticeable with many motifs of trees, men, women and so on. The carvings of the Goddess in her various avatars are also interesting. The small idols of a hunter and a dancer are very attractive. The small navaranga leading to the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) are also rich in carvings. Inside the garbhagriha is the idol of Goddess Kolaramma in a sitting posture.

The temple was renovated by the rulers of other dynasties in later years. Chola emperor Rajendra and Vijaynagar rulers renovated it in 10th and 15th centuries. Tamil inscriptions dating back to the Chola period are also found inside the temple.