Karnataka, India is divided into 31 districts, including Hassan. Hassan serves as the district headquarters. It was part of Manjarabad Faujdari a.k.a Patnada Rayada between 1832-81 (Commissioner’s Rule of Mysore). It was reorganized into a subdivision under the former Kadur district in 1882. However, the Hassan district was given back to its original layout in 1886.

Hassan District contains 8 taluks with their respective headquarters in Hassan, Arsikere, Channarayapatna, Belur, Holenarasipura, Sakleshpur, Alur and Arkalgud.