I had the battery off the car today, and when I put it back in there was a spark at the battery and a wift of smoke from beneath the rear of the car on the driver's side. Now I get lights on the combo gauge & interior lights, but the volt meter/temp gauge in the console are dead and the fuel pump will not run. Headlights will also not pop up. All fuse under the dash appear good. Any ideas?
TIA

Do you have an inline fuse in the starter circuit. This is often done when "hot start" relays are added and they are often mounted near the starter. The location you describe is certainly the area where the starter is located.