Raichur, city, eastern Karnataka state, southern India. It is situated in an upland basin, about 10 miles (16 km) south of the Krishna River.
The city contains a palace-citadel (1294) and fort (c. 1300) built on a hill 290 feet (88 metres) above the surrounding plain. In 1489 Raichur became the first capital of the independent kingdom of Bijapur (Vijayapura). It is now a commercial centre on the Central Railway; products include oilseeds, cotton, and soap. Several colleges in and around the city are affiliated with Gulbarga University in Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) to the northwest. A thermal power plant is nearby. Pop. (2001) 207,421; (2011) 234,073.