History of Karnataka

The area which is now known as Karnataka, has a history so ancient, that it merges in the realm of pre-history. The history of Karnataka region traces to Paleolithic age. Neolithic and megalithic cultures were also present in this region. The hand axe culture was very much prevalent among the people here, than the people of the north. It is also believed by many historians that gold was imported to Harappa from the gold mines of Karnataka. As far as recorded history of Karnataka goes, it has also been found that the people of Karnataka who lived as far back as 1200 BC, used iron weapons.

The early rulers of Karnataka were mainly from the north of India, and many parts of Karnataka were ruled by the Mauryas and the Nandas. Extensive areas of Karnataka were ruled by the Satavahanas from 30BC to 230AD, and the decline of their rule was followed by the rise of Kadamba and the Western Ganga dynasty. Mayurasharman in 345 AD founded the Kadamba dynasty and the capital of his kingdom was Banavasi.

The Western Gangas started their rule from around 350 AD from the Kolar region, and much later shifted their capital to Talakadu, located in the Mysore district. Both the Gangas and the Kadambas ruled their respective regions well till the advent of the Badami Chalukyas, who overpowered them and made them their subordinates.

It was the Badami Chalukyas who actually brought the whole of Karnataka under a single ruler and they greatly contributed to the fields of arts and crafts. The Rastrakutas came next, after overthrowing the Chalukyas. They were responsible for building the famous Ellora Caves in Maharashtra.

The Rastrakutas were overthrown by the Kalyana Chalukyas who in turn resisted the powerful Chola kings from the South. The Sevunas or Yadavas who came next, ruled Karnataka for a long period of time.

At the beginning of the first millennium, Hoysalas emerged as a powerful political force in the Karnataka region. Their rule made a significant impact in the cultural history of Karnataka. During Hoysala rule, Karnataka literature flourished, and a great many temples and sculptures were created. The Muslim rulers defeated the Hoysalas, who ruled over Karnataka. It was the commanders of the Hoysala army, named Harihara and Bukka, who fought against the Delhi Sultan and founded the Vijayanagara Empire, which extended from south of the Vindyas. In the early fourteenth century, Harihara and Bukka Raya founded the Vijayanagara Empire. This empire successfully thwarted many imperialistic advances by Moghuls. The ruins of this mighty empire can be seen today at Hampi.

Krishna Devaraya was the greatest king of the Vijayanagara Empire and during his time there was a reign of peace and prosperity. His reign saw the building of many famous temples. After the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire, the Marathas took control of northern Karnataka. Tipu Sultan, who was the last king to rule Karnataka, was defeated by the British rulers who overthrew him. After a long stint of rule under the British, Karnataka state in its present form, finally became an independent state of the Indian Union in the year 1956 with Kodagu and Kannada speaking regions from the states of Madras, Hyderabad and Bombay being incorporated into the Mysore state under the States Reorgnisation Act. Yes, then it was called Mysore state; it was renamed Karnataka in 1973.

Last Updated On: 2011/07/11