CHAPTER II

HISTORY

G eographically, most of the area of Mandya district is made up of plain

lands and exhibits largely dry climatic conditions. But, economically the waters
of the rivers that flow in it enrich the district. Although this district has
primarily got plain lands, there are hillocks like Narayanagiri, Adichunchanagiri,
Basavanabetta, Babybetta, Bellibetta, and Kuntibetta etc. Mandya the district
centre is also known as the land of five rivers due to the presence of the river
Cauvery, the Hemavathi, the Shimsha, the Veeravaishnavi and the Lokapavani;
and is considered, from ancient times, as suitable for the evolution of human
civilization. Endowed by nature with fertile valleys, hilly areas, plan lands,
thick forests, rivers, islands, rich fauna, natural caves fit for habitation, several
kinds of stones essential for the manufacture of stone implements have consid-
erably influenced the area in contributing to the human evolutionary process.
Although pre historic settlements found in the district are very few, the new
Stone age settlements that have come to light in Pandavapura taluk are
noteworthy. Proto historic sites like Kuntibetta and Srirangapattana, Belakavadi,
Muthatti etc., have been discovered in the Pandavapura taluk. Excavations
carried out at Kuntibetta have brought out remnants beloging to Old Sone Age,
New Stone Age, Iron Age are Early historic period (after BC 500) cultures.
Polished stone implements belonging to Neolithic Age are reported from
Srirangapattana. It becomes clear from these findings that Mandya district had
38 Mandya District Gazetteer

been the home for human habitation for several hundreds of years. Large
number of renowned centres of Puranic times is also found in Mandya district.
It is believed that it was the land where great Rishis like Agastya, Kanva,
Gauthama etc., had performed their penance and many leading personalities
of Ramayana, Mahabharatha had visited and sanctified several places in the
Srirangapattana taluk.
Myths and Legends
According to Myths and legends the area on which the present Mandya
town is situated was a thick forest during Krithayuga and a sage Mandya
performed penance at the place and built a temple and conecrated the idle
of Janardhana or Varadharaja. It is aslo believed that with the help of his
power of penance he taught Vedas to the animals in the thick forest, hence the
name Vedaranya came into vogue. According to a story in the puranas, during
the Dwapara yuga, a certain lad Indravarma, had come to this place desiring
to have children and had underatken religious worship; and having begotten
a child named his successor as somavarma. Thereafter, it is believed that
Somavarma converted that area into an agrahara, built a fort, and named that
a 'mandevemu', or Mandeya. It is opined that the Mandeya of yore became
Mandya. this area was the place of residence of sage Mandavya, and Mandavya
himself consecrated the idols of Lakshmi-Janardhana and Sakaleswara now
found there, as it is believed. The Sthalapurana proclaims that, the place got its
name Mandeya from sage Mandavya (it is also learnt that the place had
another name Vishnupura). According to another version, this district was
renowned as a place where the sages Kadamba and Kanva performed the
penance. It is believed that sage Kadamba's place of residence was Maddur,
also known as Kadamba - kshetra and Arjunapuri, and God Brahma himself
installed the idol of Narasimha, found there, during Kritha Yuga. It is tradition-
ally believed that Kadamba worshiped that idol during Tretha Yuga and
Srikrishnaarjuna during Dwapara Yuga. This place was called Kanvapuri
(present Kannambadi) after the named the sage Kanva. It is also evident that
the residence of sage Gauthama was named as Pandavapura. Before all these,
the people of the area had a practice of offering a huge quantity of food,
popularly known in Kannada as 'Dodda yade' or 'Hiri yade' to the demon
Bakasura who had established himself on the neighbouring hill. Hence the
place name Hiri yade, which became Hirode in course of time, as it is believed.
Additionally, the villagers living nearby the hill offers in the evenings a small
quantity of food, called in Kannada as 'kiriya yade': hence the village name

Chikka Devaraja
 History 39

Chikka yade gradually shaping up as Chikkade. It is believed that Pandavas,

during their exile into the forests. had come to stay in this place, and Bheema
is believed to have killed the demon Bakasura at that place. The so-called
'Kuntibetta' the hill has thus got the link of Mahabharatha to its background
and foundation. Melkote, the prominent Sri Vaishnavite centre of this district,
held a place of honour in all the four yugas, and adored by the famous men
of the puranic times, is in fact found recorded in the local legend of the area.
Ramanujacharya, the proponent of the Visishtadwiatha, had come and settled
at this place. He had spent the prime of his in Tondanur near Melkote.
Ramanujacharya, born as a son of God fearing couple Asuri Keshava Perumal
and Bhumi Pirandi (Kantimati), at Sriperumbadur near Chennai, acquired the
philosophical training from the pure Monist Yamunacharya Yadavaprakasha
of Kanchipuram, propounded the tenants of Sree Vaishnavism, migrated to
Paduvala Pattana, the administrative centre of Nagamangala, as a sequence to
the religious disturbances in Tamil Nadu. It is said that he migrated to
Tondanur, thereafter. From there to Melkote through Tirupathi, he travelled
to Kanchi, it is believed Muthathi, in the vicinity of River Cauvery, is a religious
centre of the district. The local legends of the area reveal that. Rama, Lakshmana,
Seetha and Anjaneya on their return journey from Lanka, had stayed here for
a while. According to puranic stories, while bathing in the River Cauvery,
Seetha had lost the pearl (Muthu in Kannada)from her nose studs (Muguthi)in
the waters and was very much worried. Anjaneya, having learnt the cause of
her worry dived in to the waters, searched for the pearl and brought it Seetha.
Seetha blessed him and desired that the place would thence forward be known
as place where Hanuman brought restored the lost pear, or Muthethi (Muthu
Ethi in kannada). Today there is Anjaneya temple there called Muthetharaya.
Hemagiri is a religious place near Hemavathi; atop the hill is the temple of
Ranganatha. According to the local Sthalapurana, Mahavishnu had come there
from Vaikunta to rest a while. As such that it is believed to be a sacred place.
This is also refer as sage Bhrugu's land of penance The right curve there on
the banks of river Cauvery is popularly known as Agastya's Kshetra and there
is an Agastyeswara temple. Lakshminarasimha of Marehalli, it is believed, was
consecrated by Lamba- Karna (Muni) in Gajaranya. Nagamangala is known
for its association with the epic hero Babhruvahana, Alathi or Halthi hill, near
by is a sage Parasurama centre, according to tradition, Kundur hills near
Malavalli is believed to have been the residence of sages Kashyapa and
Agastya. Near by that is the Gaviraya hill, wherein Srirama is stated to have
killed the demon Gavaka. Bhimanakandi hill (Kanakapur taluk) on the border
40 Mandya District Gazetteer

of Malavalli taluk is believed to have been a place that had a definite contact
with Pandavas.
Pre-historic period
Environmentally, the study of pre-history is of great significance since a
long time and therefore the study relating to this stage is very curious. They
undertake a study of the interactions between Humanity, Geography, and
Religion, study the culture and’ institutional inter relationship, to undertake a
critical evaluation. People living in different geographical environments, it is
observed, exhibit their unique characteristics. The soft stones available near the
rivers had become essential implements in the hands of primitive men. As a
result, pre-historic sites are found largely in the river valleys. It is noteworthy
that prominent rivers of Karnataka-Krishna, Bheema, Tungabhadra, Malaprabha
and Cauvery had mid and new Stone Age settlements. Not only the river belts,
but also in some interior parts of India, numerous Palaeolithic centres have
been noticed. According to many Archaeologists, who have conducted research
into the shape of implements in stone medium, it is significant to note that the
new stone age implements found in Europe, are also found in many parts of
Asia, including south India. It is interesting to note that implements with the
characteristic features of the Old Stone Age have been found in Kibbanahalli
in Tumkur district of Karnataka. These instruments have been found at a site
near Banasandra hills. It is unique that, at that site along with stone implements,
wooden implements have also been found. Indeed, the stone implements found
there are fitted with wooden handles.
Pre-historic period is sequentially divided in to (i) Palaeolithic, (ii) Mesolithic
and (iii) Neolithic periods. Again, Old Stone Age is further sequentially divided
into, a. early old stone age, b. mid old stone age and c. final old stone age. Each
of the stages of the Stone Age is determined on the basis of the technology used
and shapes of instruments developed. Archaeologists, Robert Bruce Foot and
Dr. M. Seshadri, have made a detailed study in identifying the remains of early
old Stone Age in Mysore province of Karnataka Sripada Rao, a scholar, has
reported his findings of early stone age implements at Hangarahalli, on the
banks of river Cauvery in Mandya district. Karnataka has attracted new Stone
Age man with more ramifications. New Stone Age implements found at
Tirumakudalu Narasipura in the Mysore district of Karnataka are of ash colour
 History 41

and finely polished. Similar primitive settlement is found at Maralahalli Bechirak,

two kilometres away from Hullamballi village in Malavalli taluk. This has been
identified as the first human settlement in the district, based on the type of
stone burial grounds (MAR-1947-1956) associated with New Stone Age (C. BC
1800-700) and the Megalithic culture (c. BC 400-AD 100) unearthed at the
place. The pottery used and a large number of other remains that belonged to
those primitive inhabitants have been found in large quantity but, with the
passage of time, those objects have suffered considerable wear and tear. In
spite of that, it has been possible to identify the broken pieces of the unique
vessels used in burying the dead, in that culture. Yet another unique stone-axe,
in black stone, belonging to the Chalcolithic age has been found at this site.
Several early Megalithic settlements of this district have already been excavated,
and a similar settlement site has been located at Belakavadi. That place is
located on the banks of River Cauvery, surrounded by rocks and boulders, and
is filled with steep waterfalls and rock caverns. In the last quarter of the 20th
century, Robert Bruce Foot had undertaken the survey of that area and
discovered the remains of the New Stone Age and Megalithic age. The plain
lands at the foot; on the western side of the hill is fertile land converted into
green pastures and fields for the cultivation of paddy and sugarcane. Similarly,
the extensive fields towards the East and the South of the hill are apparently
under cultivation of dry cultivation. A huge tank covers the northern area.
Dr. M S Krishnamurthy, the Archaeologist, is stated to have collected some
early Stone Age implements in the area towards the eastern part of the hill. A
few acres of dry land to the west of the hill exhibits certain features indicative
of its being a human habitation at a distant past and is conducive for
preliminary excavation. The cultivable land in the vicinity of that settlement is
generally at an elevated height compared with the land mass. Although
cultivation of dry crops, depending on the monsoon, is being undertaken in this
area, local reports reveal that considerable quantity of broken pottery; bangles,
dice and other primitive articles are noticed. Scholars are of the opinion that
remnants in considerable could become available in the event of undertaking
archaeological excavations at that place. The archaeological remains of this
area greatly resemble Neolithic ash mounds of North Karnataka. In the site
adjacent to the hill on the eastern side eroded soil is accumulated and is being
used by the villagers in the manufacture of bricks. The pottery and implements
42 Mandya District Gazetteer

collected while processing the soil reveal that they belonged to new Stone Age,
Megalithic Age and early historical periods. The stone implements found here
are mostly stone axes and choppers.
In the practice of burial customs, two customs- simple burials of the dead
and burial of the dead after placing the dead in pot shaped coffins made of
mud as practiced by the Neolithic and Chalcolithic men. are noticed. The pots
made out of mud and the mud vessels used in burying the dead, of that period,
are in varied shapes, many of them having handles on their sides. In the
surroundings of the Mandya and Mysore districts Stone Age burial sites are
noticed. Dr. B K. Gururaja Rao thinks that a systematic study into these is yet
to begin. Archaeologist K R Srinivasan, has reported in the Survey of South
Indian Megalithics (on page 103-115), about the presence of Megalithic burial
sites and circular stone formations from Halagur, in Malavalli taluk, Mandya
district. Archaeologist Robert Bruce Foot had excavated the remains of the
Neolithic and Megalithic age implements found in the surroundings of Kuntibetta
in Pandavapura taluk of the Mandya district.
Kuntibetta a Pre-Historic site
During the period of Tipu Sultan, Pandavapura was known as French
Rocks. Records reveal that Kuntibetta, famous in those days, served the French
army as a cantonment and therefore, came to be known as French Rocks.
Kuntibetta is 2,882 feet above MSL and appears to be stretching from North to
South. Divided at the centre by a small gap, this hill appears to consist of two
independent peaks. Locally they are known as sister peaks and Vanake betta
(vanake in Kannada is the name of a hand held instrument used in pounding
to de-husk paddy). This kuntibetta has a huge natural granite dwelling and
geophysical caves conducive for primitive human habitation. The researches
conducted by Dr. M S Krishnamurthy, reveal that one of these caves had
contained early Stone Age implements and pieces of pottery that belonged to
the New Stone age. According to him the stone dwellings of that place give an
indication of the presence of colour paintings and due to climatic conditions
they have become dim in their appearance to such an extent where their
identification is almost impossible. Stone implements belonging to early Old
Stone Age and Middle Stone Age have been found at Kuntibetta. They are
hand axe, scraper, discoid, and flakes. It is clear that they are made out of
 History 43

quartz. These implements, it is observed, were filed and given a smooth

finishing in the subsequent stages of development. in that vast reservoir of
Igneous rock a number of scrapers have been discovered, with only a few of
its layers being brought out, while the finer parts remain intact. Discoid of four
inches thickness, chiseled on all sides, belonging to the same rock category have
also been found. Since one of their sides is carved in multi-curved shape, they
remind us of the instruments with Abbevilian characters. The other implements
of the Early Stone Age have cokes of the igneous rocks and reveal that flakes
like layers being cut out. Dykes of the same rock variety are wide spread in the
area; it appears that the early humans had used these flakes in the manufacture
of the implements. These implements are linear in shape, containing fine dots
and are beautiful. The time period of these flakes and cores can be assigned to
Middle Stone Age. Apart from these implements, certain ball shaped stones
made of Igneous and Quartz rocks have also been found. Robert Bruce Foot,
who had undertaken a survey of this area, had successfully gathered new
Stone Age implements. Yet, Dr. M S Krishnamurthy was surprised to have not
come across even a single hand axe, belonging to this period, during his
research. He felt, that since these implements are highly polished-, the outcome
of intense hard work, the localites out of curiosity, might have added them to
their own priced collection, resulting in their non-availability to his research.
That apart, it can be said that, there is a possibility of these implements not
coming to the notice, since the area is under cultivation. Yet, some pieces of
pottery have been noticed here. Though their number is limited, they confirm
the existence of new Stone Age culture at that place. In the environs of this
area, and sites of rock dwellings shining gray pottery pieces and pieces of pots
bearing shine on the exterior with rough interior have been found.. In addition
to these, supple dice made of gray stone are also found.
It is possible to establish the prevalence of an early historic culture in
these environs on the basis of the pieces of pottery found scattered extensively.
But, it is surprising that, not a single Megalithic grave has been found in this
area. It is opined that, due to the natural tendency of locating the graves at a
distance from residents, as well as the cultivation prevailing in that area, it is
possible these graves might have been naturally lost. Black potteries, red
pottery mixed with black and red pottery ware, supposed to be unique to this
culture, and are made out of well-processed mud. Since all of them are well
44 Mandya District Gazetteer

treated with fire, some pottery wares possess sufficient polish. That apart, the
pottery ware is made of different types. Bowl with the shape of tops, flat
shaped large necked saucers, thick necked saucers, plates, cups, Pots of varying
sizes, small pots with sheen, thick base and wide opening, movable sealers to
the pots, pillars with feet etc., have been found here. Upon many pieces of
pottery are found graphic designs unique to this age. In this environment,
considered a fitting human habitat, large quantity of broken pottery findings
seem to indicate special features of the human life in the beginning of historical
period. Important among them are red pots with a mixed black colour, red
pots, black pots, brown pots and pots with a coat of reset depicted in kaolin.
Pieces of pottery, large saucers, plates, cups, movable pot sealers, jars for
storing implements, jars with legs etc., have been excavated in this environment.
Among them, colour painted pots are very noteworthy. On the red pots with
a mix of black, cross-marked lines depicted with kaolin are noticed. These pots
are found coated with raset, and painted with colours. Very few pots of this
age have ornamentation made of line drawings of curves, vertical lines at equal
distances, drawings and designs made with the help of fingers are beautifully
arranged on the exterior of the pots, are note worthy. Comprehensively
viewed, Kuntibetta environment can be said to be an excellent pre-historic
settlement” in Mandya district. The remains found here justify that; this
settlement starting from the early Stone Age to the present day had always
been fit for human habitation. This settlement is comparable with the other Old
Stone Age settlements that have already been brought to light in south
Karnataka-Ramanathapura (Hassan district), Sivansamudra, Talkad and
Ranganathapura (Mysore district), according to the opinion expressed by Dr.
M S Krishnamurthy. Recently Dr. B K Gururaja Rao has brought to light mid-
early Stone Age instruments found in Mysore city. Similarly, C. Mahadeva
has reported the presence of an industry for the manufacture of Micro-lithic
implements at Srirangapattana. Based on the example of Kuntibetta and its
environs, it is possible to state that certain settlements of Mysore and Mandya
districts were fit for human habitation even prior to early Stone Age. This
settlement is unique example for having retained a uniform cultural context
right from early Stone Age to the present day.
Researchers have found evidences of that culture in the use of undressed
huge stone slabs by the.men of Megalithic culture who had started a new
 History 45

system of building Dolmens, for the disposal of their dead following different
systems, in the district at Maralahalli, Belakavadi, Muthathi, Halaguru,
Kuntibetta, Settihalli, Sanabakoppalu, Thonnuru, Melukote, Hosakote and
Siraganahalli. Pottery pieces of varying colours are obtained from Belakavadi
and Maralahalli. Burial grounds are found at Halagur and Sanabakoppalu.
Moreover, scholars have reported burials surrounded by circles of stones from
Halaguru. It is rather curious to learn that bone remains of animals are found
in a deserted temple at a pre historic site near Belakavadi. Iron implements
have been found in a stone grave at Sanabakoppalu near Thonnur, and a line
drawing of a human being is found on a rock near Hoggari temple at
Melukote. In all these settlements varying sizes of pottery black, red and black
mixed red polished pots are found to be originally made out of mud. Many
forms of pots like big .flat bottomed Bowl with their neck bent downwards,
plates, cups, pots, thick bottomed wide opening fine polished smaller pots, pots
with their movable sealers, etc., have been found, some of them having
handles on either side. Of late, a line drawing resembling the Chakravyuha is
found on a hillock at Tubinakere in Mandya taluk.
There is a possibility of discovering many more Stone Age cultural
remains in the district. There is also a possibility of finding of evidences for the
presence of Stone Age culture in the natural caverns at Mudibetta in
Narayanadurga ranges near Sindaghatta. In this context there is need for
exploring hilly ranges at Pandavapura cave environs near Melukote,
Mylarapattana, and Padavalapattana. There is a possibility of at least some
stones, among the several hundreds of small stones found in Gavimatha in
Halasahalli, turning out to be Stone Age implements. Some of the weapons that
are being worshipped at the time of Kalabhaireswara car festival at Hulivana,
it is opined, resemble the weapons of the Stone Age. The relation between the
cave at Alathi (Halthi) hill and Parasurama; the folk story relating to Gavi
Gangadharanatha; seem to indicate the possibility of they being as old as New
Stone Age and Megalithic Age cultures of that area. The special event called
Kalluseva (the system used to get rid of devil), conducted on every new moon
day in Hanumanthanabetta, at Haddinakallu, seems to be as old as Stone Age
itself. No inscriptions or sites with such remains, relating to the Mauryas and
Sathavahanas have been reported in Mandya district so far.
46 Mandya District Gazetteer

The Kadambas of Banavasi

In addition to the activities contemporaneous with Sathavahanas, there
were also many other smaller royal families administering Karnataka. At
Banavasi, in Uttara Kannada district, Mayurasharma of the Kadamba dynasty
established his empire in AD 325. The Talagunda inscription, in Shimoga
district, issued by Shantivarma, states \ that Mayurasharma, called himself son
of Harithi, of Manavya gotra, and belonged to a Brahmin family, always
engaged in the performance of shatkarmas. An inscription trom Gudnapura,
near Banavasi, makes it clear that, the grand father of Mayurasharma was
Veerasharma; a scholar in the four Vedas and that Mayurasharma was the son
of Bandhushena, son of Veerasharma. Veerasharma lead his grand son
Mayurasharma for his higher education to Kanchipuram the then capital of
the Pallavas, and also the renowned ancient centre of learning (Ghatikastana).
Having suffered insult there, he rebelled, returned to Banavasi, and earned
fame of having established an originally Kannadiga royal family in Banavasi,
Mayurasharma proclaimed himself as an independent king, and set that area
tree from Pallava authority. He extended the boundaries of Kadamba Empire
up to river Cauvery. Birur (Chickmagalur district), Copper plate inscription
(AK No.6kd 162), refers to Shantivarma as Samagra Karnata Bhuvarga Bharthara,
and the name Karnata is seen to have found its first expression. With
Kakutsavarma of the Kadamba family giving his daughters in marriage to
Gupta, Vakataka, Bhatari, and Ganga Princes, it became easy to the Kadambas
to maintain good neighbourly relations with the neighbouring royal families.
Thus when the northern parts of Karnataka had come under the Kadamba
rule, the southern part was ruled by the Gangas of Talkad. Because these two
royal families had maintained friendly relations, the then existing smaller royal
families, which had exercised their rule over local areas, were befriended and
during the middle of AD fourth century, began administration of the Empire.
During the period of political rule of these two royal families Karnataka got
solid foundation in politics and acquired a cultural identity and also built a safe
foundation for the history and cultural greatness of Karnataka. Many scholars
think that with the accession of Kadambas to the throne in North Karnataka,
more new cultural legacies originated in Karnataka.
The Gangas of Talakad
From about the middle of AD Fourth century till the end of Tenth
century, the Gangas ruled the southern part of Karnataka. About the
 History 47

administrative period and the nature of historical succession of the Ganga

dynasty there is a perpetual debate among the scholars. If Fleet thought that
most of the copper plates of the Gangas were spurious records and as such
unhistorical, B L Rice, thought that the copper plates of the Gangas are
authentic and therefore, the copper plates are trustworthy for the reconstruction
of their history. It is only trom AD 10th century onwards; the origin of the
Gangas is traceable in the inscriptions. According to them, the early rulers of
this dynasty ruled in Ayodhya. Thereafter, they migrated to Ahichchatra, and
next the two princes named Dadiga and Madhava migrated to Gangaperur in
the south and firmly established their empire in Gangavadi-96000, comprising
important towns Nandagiri (Nandi hills near Bangalore) and Kuvalalapura
(Kolar), According to Kallurgudda inscription AD 1122, Gangas belonged to
Suryavamsa and Ikshvaku family. On the basis of this belief King Harishchandra
and his wife Rohini devi had a son named Bharatha. Bharatha’s wife Vijaya
Mahadevi, while she was a pregnant took a bath in the river Ganga. Afterwards
a son was born. They named him as Gangadatta (child born with the blessings
of Ganga) as it is traditionally believed. Inscriptions confirm that Gangadatta
was the first person in that line, and he named his successor as a descendent
of Ganga. Due to that reason this royal family came to be known as Gangas.
Inscriptions also reveal that they established their kingdom in the province of
Gangavadi-96000, which had two important towns called Nandagiri and
Kuvalalapura Kolar. They, after some time shifted their capital from
Kuvalalapura Kolar to Manne (Manyapura), Mankunda (channapattana
taluk) and in Nelamagala taluk thereafter to Talakad.
Among these places Ayodhya and Ahichchtra are identified in north
India, while Gangaperur is in Cuddapah district of Andhra Pradesh. Nandagiri
is Nandhi hills near Bangalore and Kuvalalapura is the Kolar of the present
day. Historians do not agree with the argument that Gangas came from
Ayodhya and Ahichchatra. Therefore, the argument that Gangas are originally
from Karnataka gets strengthened, while most of the scholars accept this line
of argument. According to their inscriptions Kongunivarma was the first ruler
of this dynasty. It is learnt that he belonged to Kanvayana gothra and Jahnaveya
community. By dint of his own self-efforts he established the dynasty of the
Gangas. According to Jain sources, sage Simhanandi is said to have been
responsible in the establishment of the Ganga dynasty, and that the Gangas, it
48 Mandya District Gazetteer

is well known, originally belonged to the Jain community. According to this

traditional story, Simhanandi, considered the brothers Dadiga and Madhava as
worthy of establishing an empire and it is said that he gave them the sword
and the kingdom as blessed by the Yakshi Padmavathi. But, scholars like
Dr. S Srikantashastry and Dr. S. Nagaraju are of the opinion that there are no
contemporary records or inscriptions to support that claim. Whatever may be
the merits and demerits of these traditional stories, a very fine thread of
historicity can be identified in them. Dadiga and Madhava, the heroes of
Ganga family originally belonged to Karnataka, and in about the middle of AD
Fourth century, established a kingdom, probably small in extent. Based on the
contemporary records, many scholars have accepted that the two names
Kongunivarma and Dadiga refer to the same individual.What is surprising is
that, the name of Dadiga does not appear in the early inscriptions of the
Gangas. They mention the name of Kongunivarma only. Tamil inscriptions
refer to this family as Konguniarasar. It is said that he was the first king in that
royal family and that the family came to be known as Ganga dynasty.
Afterwards his son Madhava I came to power. He prevented the invasion of
the capital of the Gangas- Kuvalalapura, under the leadership of Nandivarman
Pallavamalla and was responsible for laying strong foundation for the
establishment of the Ganga Empire during AD fourth century. Inscriptions
clearly state that Madhava ruled having built a strong fort in Nandagiri or
Nandihills. Some details about Kongunivarma are known from the Mysore and
Nittor copper plates. Mysore (AK Inscription No.1 03) copper plate refer to
Kongunivarma Dharmamaharaja, as born in Kanvayana Gothra and Madhava
who held the title Maharajadhiraja, was his son. Inscriptions also inform that
Kongunivarma had studied several Shastras and imbibed a disciplined
personality. Madhava I is compared with the touchstone, used in the process
of examining gold, that he was a patron of poets and scholars that by his own
dint of ability overcame certain odds faced by his military power. He is
referred to in the inscription as having written a commentary on
Dattakasutravrithi. Harivarma succeeding his father Madavavarma came to
power. In the copper plate found at Srirangapattana (E C No: 6 inscription
No: 66) the genealogical tree of the Ganga dynasty starting from
Kongunivarma is furnished. In this inscription Vishnugopa son of
Harivarma is named, and Trivikrama’s son is called as Dugga. It becomes
 History 49

certain from the inscriptions that Chikkagangavadi a prominent province of

the Gangas was also an important centre in the administrative division of
Gangavadi 96000, and a prominent ancient town of that time. Harivarma
who came to power after Madhavavarma is evidently addressed several
times as Aryavarma and Krishnavarma. Some scholars consider Aryavarma
and Krishnavarma as brothers of Harivarma, without any basis. It is learnt
from the documents that, Harivarma, probably had his second capital at
Talkad.
After Harivarma, his son Madhava II ascended the throne. According to
Penugonda copper plates, he came to power with the help of Pallava
Skandavarma. Brothers of Madhava II, Vishnugopa and Veeravarma had not
only earned a good name but also had developed many of their own skills.
After Madhava II, Vishnugopa came to power and ruled for about two
decades. After him, Madhava III ascended the throne with the title ‘Tadangala
Madhava’. From the inscriptions, it is gathered, that he had married the
daughter of King Kakustavarma of Kadamba dynasty ruling from Banavasi.
After Madhava III his son Avaneetha, got coronated (c. AD 469-529) while he
was still young. He ruled for about sixty years. Avaneetha had married
Jeshtaadevi daughter of Punnata’s king Skandavatma. After Avaneetha, his
son Durvineetha by using force had displaced his cousin brother becomes clear
from Devagarh copper plates.
Durvineetha (C. 529-579) was the most prominent king in the Ganga
dynasty. Not only he was powerful, but also he was extraordinarily proficient
in both Kannada and Sanskrit. It is popularly known, that he wrote a
commentary on Bharavi’s (15 chapters) Sanskrit works Kiratharjuneeya. During
his reign Punnata and Pannada (Bana?) areas merged in the Empire of the
Gangas. From the records it is evident that he translated into, Kannada, the
book Vaddakatha, written in Prakrit language by Gunadya. Nallala copper
plates, belonging to his regnal years, refer to Durvineetha’s knowledge in
Music, Dance, taming of elephants, and the Science of Ayurveda. It is further
learnt that just as he had proficiency in different Sciences, he had also got deep
knowledge of the Science of Ethics, which was comparitively equal to the
Arthasastra of Kautalya or Chanakya. Although; it is believed that he wrote an
explanatory work ‘Shabdhavathara’ on Sanskrit grammar, the original
50 Mandya District Gazetteer

composition made by a Jain scholar called Pujyapada, was in Sanskrit language,

and probably Durvineetha might have rendered it to Kannada, is an opinion
known for certain. It is believed that Durvineetha had accepted overlordship
of the Chalukyas of Badami and that he helped Pulakeshi I in his symbolic
performance of Aswamedha yaga (Horse sacrifice), which he performed after
successfully annexing his neighbouring kingdoms. Durvineetha had three sons
including Mushkara and Polaveera. After the death of his father, these sons
succeeded him one after the other. Next, Sritrivikrama son of Mushkara
succeeded to the throne. Sritrivikrama was proficient in 14 special unique skills.
After Sritrivikrama, Bhuvikrama ascended the throne. He maintained cordial
relationship with the Chalukyan king. He is stated to have helped Vikramaditya
in defeating Pallava Parameswaravarma at Vilande in AD 670. Bhuvikrama’s
younger brother Shivamara I had adored the Ganga throne in AD 679.
Hallegere (Mandya taluk) inscription is the first record of his reign and helps
in meticulously fixing the year of his accession. This inscription dated AD 713
is a copper plate. It refers to Shivamara I coming to power a precisely a
hundred years after Durvineetha. On this basis it is possible to fix the reign of
Durvineetha as C. AD 529-579. In this inscription there is no mention of
Avaneetha’s son Durvineetha forcibly taking away of the kingdom from his
cousin brother. But, this issue has already been discussed with reference to the
citation of Devagarh inscription. In Hallegere inscription there is a reference to
the construction of a bridge connecting Kolugolu, Belkere etc, and its
neighborhood with Keregodu vishaya. An inscription referring to the occasion
states that, a village renamed as Pallavathataka was given as a gift to
Marasharma’s son Madhavasharma and his grandson Bhavasharma.
After Shivamara I his grand son Sreepurusha (AD726) came to power is
confirmed in Javali copper plates. Sreepurusha laid siege to Kanchi, defeated
Pallava Nandivarma and gained the title Permanadi. It is clear from the
records that Vikramaditya II of the Chalukyan family supported him in this
battle. Next, Teramara Pandya abducted the princess of the Ganga family and
married her, as it is popularly known. At the same time Sreepurusha suffered
a defeat in his hands at a place called Vambai (Vanabai). As a consequence,
as evidenced by the inscriptions, the capital was shifted from Kuvalalapura
(Kolar) to Manyapura (Manne in Nelamangala taluk). He had entertained rosy
ideas of building a huge empire and in furtherance of that defeated Chalukyas
 History 51

of Badami in AD 753. He opposed the Rashtrakutas in many battles, which

were of crucial importance.
At about the same time, when Krishna I of the Rashtrakuta dynasty
invaded Manne with his army, Ganga Sreepurusha forced him to retreat back
to Kampili in Bellary district, as revealed by the documents. Though Sreepurusha
had selected for marriage his queens from Chalukya and Nolamba royal
families and had cultivated good will with them, towards the end it is noticed
that Nolambas conspired against him and allied themselves with Rashtrakutas
as confirmed by the inscriptions. Personally Sreepurusha was a fine scholar. He
is popularly known to have written a treatise on veterinary science entitled
Gajasastra in Sanskrit language. Only three of his inscriptions are found in
Mandya district. Among them Devarahalli (Nagamangala 149 EC 6) copper
plates from Nagamangala taluk are important. In this inscription, which is in
Sanskrit language, genealogy of the Ganga family is given down to Sreepurusha
and records that he lived in Manyapura (Manne) at that time and was called
as Prithvi Konguni Maharaja. This inscription records the names of prince
Neergunda (Dundu) and his son Paramagola or Prithvi Nirgunda raja and
further states that Sreepurusha had yet another name called Janahithadeva.
Inscription describes various gifts made upon the request of his wife Kundachchi
and his grand son, including Ponnalli village in NirgundaVishaya to the
newly built Lokatilaka Jain temple to the northern side of Sreepurasha. Out of
his three sons Duggamara, Shivamara and Vijayaditya, it is evident from the
records that Vijayaditya was born to Vijayamahadevi of Chalukyan dynasty.
It is also learnt that Vijayamahadevi was the daughter of king Vijayaditya of
the Chalukyas of Badami. According to the inscription found in the land under
cultivation belonging to Purigali village in Malavalli taluk, issued during the
reign of Sreepurusha, a tank called Kongani kere was built and its details are
on record. This inscription further records that a certain official by name
Kunda setty was administering the division called Vadagere-300, and
Mudagandura Singadevarasa administered village Puva. Large numbers of
inscriptions found on a number of herostones (veeragallu) belonging to the reign
of Sreepurusha refers to the battles he waged against the Rashtrakutas, giving
greater details. Though Sreepurusha was successful in defeating the
Rashtrakutas, his power and prosperity had suffered considerably. He was
obliged to defeat the Nolambas at Hemavathi and Henjeru near Madakasira
52 Mandya District Gazetteer

(now in Andhra Pradesh). Thus Sreepurusha by virtue of his predominant

power protected the’Empire of the Gangas without much loss. As a result of
his greatness, Sreepurusha took a number of titles: Rajakesari, Ranabhajana,
Bheemakopa, Konguni Rajadhiraja Parameswara etc., He became famous with
the name Prithvikonguni Mutharasa. As long as Sreepurusha was alive,
Rashtrakutas were unable to obtain mastery over the Gangas.
After Sreepurusha, Shivamara II ascended the throne of the in AD 788
and became a powerful king of the Ganga dynasty. Javali copper plates
confirm the period of his succession to power. Shivamara II also had to put up
a struggle against the Rashtrakutas. Rashtrakuta king Dhruva, defeated
Shivamara II at the battle of Mudagonduru, got him arrested and took along
with himself. In the place of Shivamara II, Dhruva appointed his son Sthamba
as the governor of Gangavadi. Sthamba also administered from Manyapura.
After the death of Dhruva, as a result of the struggle for succession that
followed between his two sons, Govinda III came to power and released
Shivamara II from imprisonment under the expectation of the possible future
support from him. But, Shivamara II instead of supporting Govinda III
supported Sthamba. However, when Sthamba suffered a defeat Shivamara got
arrested again. The primary administration of Gangavadi province was then
entrusted to Shivamara’s son, Prince Marasimha in AD 796. Thereafter, a war
ensued between Govinda III and Sthamba, and ended with the defeat of
Sthamba. Yet, Govinda, with his large hearted nature, reappointed Sthamba as
a Provincial Officer of Gangavadi. It is said that Shivamara died in AD 816, in
a battle against Amoghavarsha. Although, Shivamara spent most of his lifetime
in Rashtrakuta imprisonment, he had taken keen interest in literary and
religious activities. He patronized a large number of religious institutions. It is
said that he had authored two books- Gajashtaka and Sethubandha. Shivamara
was a follower of Jainism, and the Jain documents make it clear that he had
built Chandraprabha Basadi at Sravanabelagola. Ganjam copper plates from
srirangapattana.
Shivamara have made a reference to Vishnugopa son of Harivarma, and
state that Dugga was the son of Trivikrama. There is a statement in an
inscription that Marasimha son of Shivamara II, during the reign of Yereyappa
and with his permission, along with Kolinolambadhiraja Koolliyarasa and his
 History 53

son, granted a village called Tipperuru as Brahmadeya to certain Pennadi, the

lord of Arpure village. Marasimha son of Shivamara II did not rule because, he
is stated to have died while he was still a prince. According to Alur copper
plates of AD 796, by that time under Rashtrakutas, Marasimha is stated to
have taken over the Ganga Provincial Administration (Mandaladhipatya). In
this inscription genealogical details of all the following is furnished: Harivarma,
Bhishnugopa, Madhava, Avaneetha, Durveeneetha, Srivikrama, Dugga,
Shivamara, Sreepurusha and Shivamaradeva. Since Marasimha’s brother
Prithivipathi was still young, Shivamara bestowed the Ganga crown upon his
own ‘brother Vijayaditya.But, refusing to take the Regalian for himself, he
appointed his son Rachamalla I asking. Soon after assuming power Rachamalla
tried to gain independence from the Rashtrakutas
In order to gain the support of the Nolambas, Rachamalla entered into
matrimonial alliance with them. He gave his daughter Jayabbe in marriage to
Nolamba king Polalchora. In the meanwhile, Rashtrakuta Amoghavarsha sent
his army under the leadership of Bankesha the governor, against Rachamalla.
Although, Rachamalla was a winner to begin with, he failed to keep Gangavadi
completely under his control. As a consequence a kind of unhealthy relationship
developed among them. Rachamalla came to be called as a moral leader
(Permanadi). After Rachamalla, in AD 843 his son Yereganga Neetimarga
assumed power. As a result of his marriage with Chandrabbalabbe, the
princess of the Ganga dynasty,’ Amoghavarsha had maintained friendly
relations with the Gangas. Rachamalla, the eldest son of Yereganga ascended
the throne and remained in power during AD 870-919. Soon after Rachamalla II
came to power, he had to fight against his rebellious enemy Nolamba Mahendra.
In AD 895, Yereganga II the son of Butuga defeated Mahendra and regained
the political boundaries that the Gangas had lost. Henjeru province that had
been lost some time earlier was won from the Nolambas. An inscription on the
pillar found at the northern tank bund belonging to the village Taayalur
(Tylur), in Maddur taluk, states that the son of the Gavundaswamy of
Taayalur, certain Nagammayya had built a temple. This inscription bears the
date AD 895-96 and refers to Nolambadhiraja Mahendra and states that
Rachamalla II who had a title’ Satyavakya Permanadi’ was ruling at that time.
Another inscription lying in the paddy fields-near the northern banks of
Cauvery opposite of Srirangapattana (Gowthama Kshethra) belongs to
54 Mandya District Gazetteer

Satyavakya Permanadi’s (Rachamalla-II ) 34th regnal year (9-1 9th Century),

records that a special permission was accorded to purchase Perbaanapalli to a
certain official called Kesiga. That was granted to build a dam across the river
at a place called Talenere, as is stated in the inscription. This was done at the
instance of Mathisagara panditha deva Bhatara, a Jain guru from Kalbappugiri
(Sravanabelagola). It is further stated in that inscription that in Kalbappugiri
(Sravanabelagola) two ascetics Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta had lived and
sanctified it. An inscription of AD ninth century at Honnenahalli in
Krishnarajpet taluk has on record a land grant in the area that belonged to
Kongaalnaadu made by Ganga Yereyapparasu of Kulavalaapura for a traditional
ritual called Baalgalchu. Inscription dated AD 906-07, at Malligere village in
Pandavapura taluk describes about the administration jointly carried out by
Rachamalla II and Yereyapparasu. Referred to as Satyavakya Permanadi
in the inscription is said to be nobody other than Rachamalla II.
Kovalaalapuravareswara Nandigirinatha Kongunivarma is described as Dharma
Maharajadhiraja. Kyathanahalli inscription (Pandavapura 16: EC 6) of the
same taluk refers to certain gifts made by Satyavakya Permanadi and
Yereyapparasu to Kallu (Stone) Basadi built by an official named Chagi
Permanadi. Kolagere inscription AD 917, states that the monolithic icon, about
twelve feet tall, of Bahubali atop the Doddabetta at Aretippuru, visible to this
day, is comparatively earlier than the Gommata Image at Sravanabelagola.
The three sons of Yereyapparasa, Narasimha (AD 919-25), Kakkeya
Ganga . Rachamalla III (AD 923-936), and Buthuga II (AD,936-60) came to
power successively and directed, from Talkadu, the progress of the Ganga
Empire. Buthuga Il usurped power from his elder brother, with the support of
Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha III. Since Buthuga II had married
Revakanimmadi, the daughter of Baddagadeva Amoghavarsha III, it is but
natural he extended his support to Buthuga II in ascending the throne. In
addition to this, Buthuga II had helped Krishna III and Baddegadevarasu in
AD 936, in their revolt against Govinda IV. Thereafter, not only Gangas were
friendly with the Rashtrakutas but also supported them in their political
aspirations. As a result of this Gangas lost their political independence. A very
interesting inscription dated AD 950, on a Hero Stone, now in the possession
of the Government Museum, Bangalore; but originally found near Challeswara
temple north of Atakuru village, in Maddur taluk; has on its top portion a
 History 55

sculptural representation of a wild boar and a hound, fighting fiercely has on

record a reference to Rashtrakuta Krishna III engaged in battle of Takkolam,
while Ganga Permadi Butuga II and the wilder of his elephant goad Manalara,
played a vital role in that battle descending on Chola Rajaditya and killing him.
Impressed by a show of valour by Butuga, Krishna II gifted him with Banavasi
-12000, Belvola-300, Puligere-300, Kisukadu-70 and Baginadu-70. For the
valour exhibited by Manalara, Emperor Krishna gifted him with his most loved
dog Kali as requested, and on the separate occasion Butuga honoured Manalara
by granting him, as a gift umbli, the province of Atakuru-12. Later on, on a
hunting expedition with Manalara, the dog Kali killed a wild boar and died in
the process. In remembrance of the event that hero stone was erected for dog
Kali, a certain Gorava was appointed for its daily worship along with grants
for its maintenance. This inscription bears testimony for the love and affection
bestowed upon the pet animal. In this inscription it is clearly stated that
Butuga II killed Rachamalla, the son of Yereyappa. Thus it is abundantly clear
that they were not brothers as such, but he was a son of some other person.
A sincere devotee of Jainism, Butuga II was a fine scholar as well. After
the death of Butuga, his son Maruladeva ruled for a short period (960-63).
Afterwards, Marasimha II held the administration of the Empire. Another
inscription (Dhanguru-Malavalli-50EC 7) Of Butuga II is very much obliterated.
This inscription deals with the grant of Dhanaguru village in Badagere Nadu,
made by Mannigada Machaiah, in obedience to the order passed by Satyavakya
Ganga, to an official called Achama, in observance of the traditional practice
of Kalnadu, as a Mahasati memorial. This inscription belongs to the reign of
Buthuga II (AD 960). After Buthuga, Chalukyas of Kalyani became powerful
and put an end to Rashtrakuta administration. But, Marasimha II had helped
Rashtrakuta Indira IV (grand son of Krishna III) in getting coronated at
Bankapura. Due to this reason, Marasimha III had to incur the wrath of the
first king of the Chalukya dynasty of Kalyana Tailapa II.
Marasimha III ruled prominently from AD 963 to AD 974. His most
important achievement was the defeat of the Nolambas and acquisition of the
title Nolambanthaka. Marasimha was also famous for his achievements in
literature, religion art and architecture. His minister Chavundaraya got the
huge monolithic idol of Bahubali installed at Sravanabelagola, and earned an
56 Mandya District Gazetteer

everlasting name for the Gangas in the history of Indian art and architecture.
Marasimha patronized a large number of famous Jain sages. He was a sincere
devotee of Jainism, and is known very well to have renounced this world by
taking to the Sallekhana (gradual starvation to death/liberation). Marasimha
had four sons Satyavakya, Rachamalla IV, Rakkasanga and Arumolideva.
Among these brothers there ensued a struggle for succession. Chavundaraya
stood to support Rachamalla IV as opposed to Govindarasa brother of king
Marasimha. Chalukya Tailapa, having collected all the details about the
internal strife in the Ganga family, began to fish in the troubled waters,
defeated all of them ending with the merger of Gangavadi in the Chalukyan
Empire. However, Rachamalla IV continued his lordship in a small town down
to AD 999. He was unable to keep it for long. Because, Cholas defeated him,
and the remnant parts of the Ganga Empire were annexed by the Cholas. In
Mandya district, inscription of Marasimha II is in front of the travelers’
bungalow at Nagamangala (Nagamangala 12, EC 7). In this Hero Stone
inscription is recorded that a certain Gavunda called Tanadakayya of Idaguru
village was the hero. He died in an attempt to save the stolen cattle. This is an
incomplete inscription and that was engraved during the first year of the
administration of Marasimha III (AD 963-64).
An inscription dated C. AD 975 found at Halebudanuru in Mandya
taluk, Ganga Satyavakya, Govinda and Rakkasa Ganga are named (AD 985-
1024). Sovarasi Bhatara is stated to have built a tank at Budanuru. for the
maintenance and upkeep the Gowdas of Budanuru made a land grant, as it is
recorded. Another Hero Stone Inscription near Boredevara temple at Koththi
village of Mandya taluk belongs to this period AD 977-78. That states about a
war against the pallavas that took place in Peruru. A hero by name Eswaraganda
was killed in the process. In remembrence of that incident a temple was built
and towards the upkeep of the temple Kothathi village was given as a. grant.
Rakkasaganga, the last king of the Gangas, in about AD1004, fought a terrible
battle at Talkadu, against Prince Rajendra Chola, during the administration of
Chola king Rajaraja, and suffered a defeat. With that, the province of Gangavadi
reached the hands of the Cholas. An inscription AD 1034, found at the time
of the renovation of Arkeswara temple at Guttali, reveals that it was a Jain
Basadi during the time of the Gangas. This is the Nisidhi inscription that has
on record the death of Gangaraja Loka Vidyadhara. This inscription throws
 History 57

new light on the last kings of the Ganga dynasty. Taking this as the basis, Dr.
H. P Nagarajaiah thinks that the history of the Gangas can be brought forward
by at least half a century. Ganga dynasty inscriptions of Mandya district play
a vital role in understanding the sub-branches of the Ganga family.
There are inscriptional references in Mandya district for the construction
of a large number of tanks-bunds and numerous temples during the period of
the Ganga dynasty.Scholars , on the basis of an inscription in Shikaripur taluk,
think that a Ganga official named Tirumalayya built the Sriranganatha temple
AD 894, in Srirangapattana. Due to the non-availability of inscriptional
evidence to support the said claim, it has not been possible to finally accept it.
The Trikuta Basadi, stated to be the most ancient, is believed to have been built
in about AD 900, in the famous Panchakuta Basadi complex at Kambadahalli
in Nagamangala taluk. An official Chagi, as desired by the Ganga king
Satyavakya Permanadi and Yereyapparasa, according to an inscription found
there, built the Kallu Basadi at Kyathanahalli in Pandavapura taluk. Devarahalli
copper plates of AD 776-77 refer to a Basadi built at that time. Arani
(Nagamangala taluk) inscription dated AD 972 speaks about the land granted
by Mabalayya, Minister of the Gangas, for the maintenance of a tank, probably
built by him. Ganga Permanadi’s inscription dated AD 997 refers to a tank in
Belur (Mandya taluk), built by Ganga Pergade Basanaiah and the adding up
of a water outlet (kannada- Tubu) to that tank. The temple of Vaidyanatha
matha in Maddur taluk was the work of the Ganga period. To that temple
Shivamara II granted Halaguru village as is casually referred to in three or four
inscriptions of Hoysala Vishnuvardhana’s time. During that same period it is
learnt that a tank was also built in Halagur. Ganga Neetimarga’s Yammaduru
inscription of Malavalli taluk refers to their prowess in the extension of
irrigation policy by the conversion of the rain fed dry land cultivation in to wet
land cultivation. Following villages were the prominent Ganga settlements in
the district: Aretippuru, Madduru Athakuru, Kambadahalli, Guttalu, Beluru,
Keregodu, Budanuru, Halaguru, Arani, Mudagonduru, Kothathi, Yalekoppa,
Kalkuni, Alenahalli, Chinakuruli, Hallegere, Kommerahalli, etc.
From the Athakuru inscription AD 950 that refers to the Rashtrakutas it
is clear that Gangas were the feudatories of the Rashtrakutas. Kadukothanahalli
inscription AD 987 refers to the visit by certain Ballapa (Vallabha) to Gangavadi.
58 Mandya District Gazetteer

It is believed that he might possibly be Rashtrakuta Vallabha. Kannambadi

agrahara (now submerged in Krishnaraja Sagara) was established by Krishna I
(AD 757-763) and a beautiful Kanneswara temple is also stated to have been
built by him. Kadaba copper plates (AD 812) are cited by the scholars in
support of that claim. But, in support of that claim additional sources are
necessary. Tha Mudagonduru battle between Rashtrakutas and Gangas was a
decisive one. That had far reaching influence upon the political career of the
Gangas and scholars argue the Mudagonduru in Mandya taluk is itself that
place.
The Cholas
The administration of the Chola dynasty in the area of the Mandya
district began during the period of Rajaraja I and lasted down to the period of
Kulottunga I- roughly duration of one century. Talakadu in Mysore district
was the centre of all Chola activities. Here, it may be recalled that, the Cholas
had taken over Talakadu putting an end to the Ganga rule. In memory of
Rajaraja I (AD 985-1016) they had renamed Talakadu as Rajarajapura. In this
district altogether seven Chola inscriptions are found. Out of them two belong
to the period of Rajaraja I. A Hero-Stone inscription (AD 1011), on the way to
the travelers bungalow of Chinakurali village in Pandavapura taluk states, that
while Rajarajadeva (probably Chola king) was ruling, a hero called Nagayya,
son of Bangali Yereyamma, died at a place called Chikkavangala (Chinakuruli),
in the process of protecting horses. An inscription in Kannada language found
at Balamuri-kshetra in Srirangapattana records that while Rajaraja Chloa was
ruling this province, Panchava Maharaya, the Mahadandanayaka held the
administrative power on Vengi-Mandala and Ganga-Mandala. Further, the
inscription informs that, by his valour he had won Tuluva, Konkona and
Belavola divisions, winning as a result, the title Gandhavarine from Mummadi
Chola. The same inscription informs that, Panchava Maharaya
Mahadandanayaka, on the occasion of Uttarayana Sankranti, left a grant to
the God (name not mentioned) of Ballegolada Balamuri (Balambu Teertha)
kshethra. for perpetually lighting a lamp twice everyday. An inscription on the
wall built into Suryanarayana temple in the environs of Vaidyanatheswara
temple at Vaidyanathapura in Maddur taluk has the characteristics of 11 th
century AD and belongs to the period of Rajendra Chola I. this record refers
 History 59

to Rajendra Chola as Vijayottungavarma, and honours him with the titles and
hyperboles such as Vidyadharatoranam, Votholipanamanj and
Tavamunkanamani. An inscription (AD 1102-03) in Tamil, found in agricultural
land at Bommuru agrahara, in Srirangapattana taluk, states that Chola king
Kulottunga was in his 33rd regnal year and an official under him, Mandalika
Poman Eraman Vaanavaan renovated the tank bund of Kalasttavadi village in
the jurisdiction of Maadevi Chathurvedimangala. In a mutilated inscription
found at Channappanadoddi in Mandya taluk, the words Uttama Chola and
Rajakoparaikesari have been identified. This inscription exhibits the
characteristics of AD 12 century. In a Chola inscription found at Halebudanuru,
in AD 1004 it is said that, Rakkasaganga worked as the Mandalika of
Rajendra. At that point of time Mandya was part of Mudigonda Cholamandala
in Rajendra Chola Volanadu. It appears probable that Rajendra Chola gave a
grant to Deseswara temple at Maddur. It is learnt that the Cholas probably
established the Bommuru agrahara of Srirangapattana. This was known as
Vaanavaan Madevi Chturvedimangalam, and probably in memory of a Chola
Queen. Chola Kulottunga’s Kannada inscription AD 1114-15, (45th regnal
year) in Kanneswara temple at Kannambadi in Pandavapura taluk, gives the
details about the construction of two temples by the officials Madiyanna and
Lakkanna, and the grants made to the temples by Kovara Bommagavunda and
his son Machagavunda to pandit Kongajeeyar. Although Chola inscriptions
found in this district are less in number, their administration in this province
was quiet powerfully well established as seen from the later Tamil inscriptions.
The administration planned and developed by them in this district was so
powerful as to continue Tamil language as the official language in that area
through Hoysala to Vijayanagara times as confirmed by the inscriptions found
in the area representing the respective periods. A Hero-Stone inscription of
about 11 th century AD belonging to Halebudanuru refers to the death in the
process of fighting, of Rajendra Chola son of Kannaiah the ruler of Kundur
Nadu. Thus it gives a picture of the strong influence of the Cholas on the
district.
The Hoysalas
After the Gangas of Talakad lost their administrative control over
Gangavadi, Hoysalas began to expand their Empire and annexed some parts
of Gangavadi. Changalvas, Kongalvas had accepted the sovereignty of the
60 Mandya District Gazetteer

Cholas. At the same time Nolambas came to prominence as feudatories. Cholas

fought against the Chalukyas relentlessly. In such a political anarchy began the
administration of the Hoysala dynasty. It is popularly believed that certain Sala
of Sasakapura (Sosevuru) identified as Angadi (a village in Chickmagalur) was
the founder of this dynasty. As directed by his Jaina Guru, he killed a tiger and
as a result evidently he came to be popularly known as Hoysala or Poysala.
According to the Soraba (in Shimoga district) inscription, this Jaina guru is said
to be Sudatta and according to the Nagar inscription, it is understood that he
was Vardhaman Muneendra. But, the time and exact period of this Sala or
that of the Muneendra is not forthcoming.
The Hoysala dynasty, taking the puranic story as the basis, proclaimed
Sala in the act of killing the tiger, as their state symbol (lanchana). This State or
the dynastic symbol is represented prominently on the temples built later on by
the Hoysalas. Records make it certain that Hoysalas originally belonged to
Sosevur (present Angadi) village in the Mudigere taluk of Kudaremukh hills in
the Malnad area. Some time afterwards, they shifted their State Capital to
Belur, and thereafter to Dorasamudra (Halebeedu). In the Agrahara Bachalli
inscription (AD 1291) belonging to Krishnarajpete taluk, it is clearly stated that
soon after a certain sage exclaimed Hoysala, Sala or Poysala pounced on the
tiger and killed that, as a result of which the dynasty established by him got
the name Poysala- hooysala or hoysala, and makes it certain that, the first ruler
in this dynasty was Vinayaditya. This inscription gives the genealogy of the
Hoysalas starting with Vinayaditya down to Narasimha II. It describes
Narasimha as born of Queen Bijjaladevi and his father Soyideva. The kings of
this dynasty, like Seunas, called themselves as belonging to Yadava Narayana
and Dwaravathipuradeeswara. However, Govindanahalli inscription
dated AD 1240 states that, Sala having undertaken Vithaayudha vratha, without
any weapons (Nirayudhanagi) while worshipping the Goddess, a tiger flared
upon him. Having noticed the scene a sage in waiting, instantly shouted
‘Hoysala’ and offered a metal rod (salake,-Kannada) with the help of which
Sala, as described in the inscription, killed the tiger. They became prominent
from AD 11 th century, as evidenced by the documents. A Hoysala
Nayaka (military leader) had engaged Chola Dandanayaka (commander in
chief) named Aprameya in a battle at Kaliyuru near Talakadu, and that
 History 61

nayaka, of late it is identified, belonged to this dynasty and was its progenitor-
Nripakama.
By that time, the Gangas ruling from Gangavadi had disappeared.
Nripakama ruled for quiet a long time from AD 1006 to 1045. His son and
successor Vinayaditya, for the first time comes in to picture in the inscription
dated AD 1047. Most of the Gangavadi province had come under his control.
Vinayaditya selected Velapura (Belur) as his capital city and worked to
strengthen the Empire. He ruled for about five decades from AD 1045 to 1098.
Thereafter, before the expiry of about two years, Yereyanga (AD 1098- 1100)
also died an early death. He had two queens, Yechaladevi and Mahadevi, and
three sons, Ballala I, Vishnuvardhana and Udayaditya. Ballala I, succeeded to
the throne after the death of Yereyanga. With the help of his able brothers,
Vishnuvardhana and Udayaditya, defeated Jagaddeva of Paramara dynasty
and forced him to retreat (AD 1100). Hero stone inscription of Marugonahalli
in Krishnarajpete describes as to how Hoysala king Ballala I, established his
authority over the administrative division of Gangavadi-96000.
After Ballala, Vishnuvardhana came to the throne in AD 1108 and ruled
prominently down to AD 1148. Vishnuvardhana, among the Hoysala kings, is
considered as most popular king both politically and administratively.
Vishnuvardhana began the establishment of Hoysala dominance, by defeating
the Cholas (in AD 1114), who had maintained their sway on the Gangavadi
Province till then, liberating Talakadu from them, and taking the title
‘Talakadugonda’. Though Cholas suffered a defeat, their tributary armies of
Adiyama and Dandanayaka Narasimhavarma did not immediately move out
of Talakad. Flushing them out of Talakad goes to the credit of Gangaraja, the
Hoysala Dandanayaka, who defeated the cholas thoroughly, and when they
were retreating, chased them to Kanchi, and humbled their prestige. Aretippuru
inscription (AD 1117) has got the details about this great achievement of the
Hoysalas. Vishnuvardhana had entertained the ambition of establishing his
independent Empire by discarding the suzerainty of the Chalukyas. It was
believed hither to that Vishnuvardhana was successful in his struggle initially
against Chalukya Vikramaditya, but bowed his head to the Chalukyan sovereign
towards the end. But there is no certainty among the scholars about
Vishnuvardhana’s final relations with Chalukyas is a fact that needs to be
62 Mandya District Gazetteer

noted. One opinion is that, in about AD 1141 he is said to have died at

Bankapura; but another opinion contends that he might have ruled down to
AD 1152. But, it should be remembered that the inscriptions of Vishnuvardhana
are found in different parts of the state down to about AD 1148. But, on the
basis of the Marehalli inscription dated AD 1148, it may be said that
Vishnuvardhana lived up to AD 1148. It is also mentioned that, at that time
he had already become a sovereign (chakravarthy) and upon the basis of this
inscription Dr. M G Manjunath thinks that Vishnuvardhana might have died
after AD 1148. He ruled for more than four decades and made remarkable
achievements in the field of Culture, Religion, Architecture and Sculpture. The
eldest son of Vishnuvardhana, Ballala, had expired earlier to about AD 1133.
Another son named Narasimha was born in the same year. While he was still
a child he became the Yuvaraja (heir apparent).
It should be noted that, while Vishnuvardhana was administering Belagola
division, Belagola came to be called as Vishnuvardhana Chatuvedimangalm.
An inscription dated AD 1117, found in the Ishwara temple located in the rear
part of the tank in Malaguru in Krishnarajapete taluk refers to Vishnuvardhana
ruling and Maalige an administrative division, within the extension of Kabbahu-
1000 being administered by Patta Mahadevi Shanthale, under the overall
supervision of her brother-in~law Balleya Nayaka. It has on record that,
Balleya Nayaka and the Gavundas of that place in the presence of 50 families
made a land grant to God Karmateswara of Maalige. Inscription dated AD
1118, located to the south of Parswanatha Basadi at Hosaholalu village in
Krishnarajpete taluk, refers to Hoysala administration on the administrative
division Gangavadi-96000. At a place called Katharigatta, the inscription
reveals that, a certain Nolambisetty or Dorasamudra Pattanaswamy
Nolambasetty’s wife Demikabbe built Trikuta Jinalaya. After Vishnuvardhana,
Narasimha I came to power in about AD 1149, and at that time Kalachuri
Bijjala used force to drive the Hoysalas out of Banavasi. Thus the areas
acquired by hard efforts, were going out of control stage by stage, yet the king
was not disturbed. His successor Ballala II administered the kingdom for more
than three decades from AD 1173-1220. The period of his administration is
considered as the most magnificent chapter in the history of the Hoysalas.
After suppressing the Changalvas and Kongalvas, the tributaries; he laid siege
to Uchchangi fort, defeated the Pandyas, took it under his control (1177), and
 History 63

went to Banavasi on the Northern parts of Tungabhadra. But, when he had to

oppose the army of Kalachuri Sankama there, he decided to return. After
Ballala II, Narasimha II came to power (AD 1220-1235), pushed the Cholas
back and strengthened his Empire. But, by that time Banavasi had come to
remain as a prominent settlement of the Seunas. After him Someswara (1235-
1253) ascended the Hoysala throne confining his interest to the south of River
Tungabhadra. Because Someswara was the Hoysala Governor first at Konnur,
it appears that he was more concerned with Konnur rather than Dorasamudra.
In the later half of his reign, between his two sons Narasimha III and
Ramanatha, internal strife and quarrels began resulting in the division of the
empire into two parts in order to solve their problem.
About the place name of Dorasamudra there are many opinions. According
to the traditional opinion, the word Dora is said to be synonymous with the
Sanskrit word Dwara. Another opinion is that Dora is another name of
Rashtrakuta Dhruva. In the Neragal inscription of Hanagal taluk (EI - VI. 163)
it appears that Dhruva was also called Rashtrakuta Dora. An official named
Dora got a tank built, that appeares like a sea (Samudra) (MAR-1924. P.80);
therefore the name Dorasamudra is generally believed to have come into
usage. This tank is in Hassan taluk. The place Doranahalli or Doragrama is at
a little distance in the southern direction of the historically identified
Dorasamudra.
From a large number of inscriptions it becomes clear that, the Hoysalas
called themselves as belonging to Yadava Vamsha Puravaradeeswara
(Dwarakapura). Dorasamudra or Dwarasamudra is the present Halebeedu, as
accepted by all scholars. As soon as Dwarasamudra was made the capital,
Someshwara assigned the northern parts of the Empire to his eldest son
Narasimha III. Similarly, the southern parts of his Empire were assigned to the
younger son Ramanatha. Such an arrangement exhibited certain apparent
administrative weaknesses resulting in the differences of opinion between them
becoming glaring. After Narasimha III, his son Ballala III ascended the throne
in AD 1291. He ruled for more than five decades from AD 1291 to 1342.
Thereafter, the Empire became a target of attack by Malikaufer, the Commander
in Chief of Allauddin Khalji. As a result the Hoysala Empire that was so grand
declined completely.
64 Mandya District Gazetteer

The lion’s share of the Hoysala inscriptions is from the Mandya district.
About 246 inscriptions of this dynasty have been so far reported and hence this
district is identified as the heart-land of the Hoysalas. These inscriptions furnish
curious information about the Hoysala Empire and are engraved in Kannada,
Tamil and Sanskrit mixed languages. Many inscriptions deal with the traditional
stories about their history and their rising power (EC vol.6.KP: 39, 69).
Inscriptions pertaining to Hoysala administration of the middle of the 11 th
century indicate that they were well settled by that time, and Chola
administration was opposed in certain parts of Mandya district. At that point
of time they were the fief holders (Mandalikaru) under the Chalukyas.
Vinayaditya’s Toonachi inscription (AD 1048-49) and Yereyanga’s Halebudanuru
inscription (AD 1052) are worth mentioning among them. It is learnt that
Vishnuvardhana’s brother Vinayaditya was an official at Srirangapattana by
about AD 1120 and thereafter; he was killed probably in a battle against the
Cholas. Tonnuru in Mandya district was a prominent administrative centre
during the Hoysala period. The current opinion is that, Tonnuru was also their
second capital. A mutilated Hero-Stone inscription near Someswara temple at
Halebudanur village in Mandya taluk refers to the death of a hero during the
cyclic year Nandana, while Hoysala Mandaleswara Yereyanga was ruling in
AD 1052. Adhipa is identified as Hoysala Yereyanga the son of Vinayaditya.
Evidenced from this inscription is the first happens to be the first reference to
Yereyanga. In his book Hoysala Vamsha, William Cohielo, refers to Vinayaditya,
along with his son, ruling Gangavadi by about AD 1044. But, the inscription
referred to by Cohielo belonged to AD 1063, for certain. Bindiganaville inscription
of Nagamangala taluk refers to the incidence of robbing cows in Hoysala
kingdom in AD 1089, and the name of the hero called Harama. Yalekoppa
inscription from the same taluk (Nagamangala-12l) refers to a gift made by
Maniyamarasa to Posadevara Basadi. An inscription referring to Hoysala
commander Gangaraja informs that in AD 1117, he got Tippur village as a
grant from Vishnuvardhana. This is a Jain inscription and refers to
Tinthrinighachchada Meghachandra Siddantadeva. To a very great extent the
lines from this inscription resemble the inscriptions from Sravanabelagola.
Kambadahalli inscription from Nagamangala taluk deals with Piriya
Dandanayaka Gangaraja, on behalf of Vishnuvardhana, invaded and annexed
Talakadu that was in the possession of the Cholas. The same inscription refers
to a land grant to Bindiganaville Thirtha.
 History 65

A record from Saasalu village in Krishnarajapet taluk mentions a land

grant by Hoysala Bittideva to God Bhogeswara in AD 1121. An inscription in
Tirumal Sagara Chatra in Pandavapura taluk confirms that the area around
Gangavadi-96000 was under the administrative control of Hoysaladeva. It is
further recorded that, in the same place Beevisetty, who belonged to bangle
sellers caste, and the son of Bokabbe Bommanna, built Swayambhu temple at
the place called Engalikanakuppe. And as directed by Samabhatta, son of
Dharmarasi panditha and Honnadevi, the officials built an irrigation tank and
gave it as a gift to Dharmarasi panditha of Udahalli. In the inscription of
Vaidyanathapura of Maddur taluk (Maddur-68) it is recorded that, in AD
1132, Hoysala Vishnuvardhana ruled from his capital Dorasamudra the following
administrative divisions: Gangavadi-96000, Nolambavadi-32000, Banavasi-
12000, and Hanungala-500 etc. It is explained in the inscription that, before the
Hoysalas, Ganga Sivamarasimha renewed the grant of Kadalenadu, which
belonged to Halaguru village, given to Swayambhu Vaijanatha temple of
Madduru or Narasimha Chaturvedimangala (present Shivapura is referred to
as Madduru). This inscription gives the details about the widespread Hoysala
administration in Mandya district. The Kalalenadu (environs of Halaguru),
Kalkuninadu (Nagamangala area), Yedathorenaadu, Srirangapattanaseeme,
Sindhagattaseeme etc, administrative divisions are repeatedly referred to in
several inscriptions of Hoysala times An inscription dated AD 1134 in
Bhuvaneswara temple of Nagamangala, issued during the reign of
Vishnuvardhana, records the renovation of Shankaranarayana temple at
Nagamangala in Kalkuninadu, by his Queen (Pattadarasi), Bammaladevi (cited
as of Pallava dynasty, daughter of Govindaraja and Chundabbarasi).
Akkanakatte village was given as a grant to the temple is also referred to.
Hubballi inscription of Krishnarajapet taluk dated AD 1140 records, that while
Hoysala Vishnuvardhana was ruling from Halladabeedu (Halebeed),
Mahasamantha (great feudatory) Machayyanayaka got Makeswara temple
and a tank built. In this inscription provides the Genealogy of Machayyanayaka.
A mutilated inscription in Malleswara temple, near Nagaragatta tank, in
Krishnarajapete taluk, records that the Talakaadu, Viratapura (Hanagal) etc,
victorious campaigns undertaken by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana and other details
relating to the king. This inscription further records the information pertaining
to the construction of the Mahadeva temple in Nagaraghatta and the grants
66 Mandya District Gazetteer

made by the administrative officers Keralanayaka and Mahadeva the son of

Mallajeeya. In the Bhadranakoppalu inscription of the same district it is stated
that, Vishnuvardhana, before launching his attack on Nungali village, offered
worship to God Karideva of Toolunche, on the occasion of Uttarayana
Sankranthi and made several gifts. Another inscription from the same taluk,
near Basava temple in Hirikalale village, informs about Tribhuvanamalla
Hoysala Vishnuvardhana after establishing his administrative control in
Gangavadi-96000, found Piriyakalile, remained in the administrative division
of Kikkeri-12, and an official named Chinnamma was administering the area.
An inscription at the place known as Basadi in Krishnarajapete taluk informs
about a Basadi built by Vishnuvardhana’s Minister Punushamayya and the
grant of villages Manikyadoodaluru and Mavinakere to the Basadi. Most of the
inscription is mutilated and illegible. In a pillar inscription found in the lands
under cultivation belonging to Sambhuhalli in Pandavapura taluk, has got on
record the information, about Vishnuvardhana, granting Yadavapura as a gift
to God Tuvvaleswara temple, built by his mother Maadalamahadevi, and also
records that its name was changed to Shankarahalli. The inscription found
built into the wall of navaranga in the Amman temple at Tonnuru, in the same
taluk, refers to the fact that the Volagasaale (mandapa) in the temple was built
by Mahapradhana Tantradistayaka Mahasamantha Hegade Surige Nagayya in
obedience to the orders made by Vishnuvardhana.
The successor of Vishnuvardhana was Narasimha I. There are eight
inscriptions, found so far in the district, pertaining to the period of Narasimha
I. Among them, the inscription dated AD 1133, found near Eswara temple at
Tenginaghatta in Krishnarajapete taluk, refers to the construction of
Hoysaleswara temple and an irrigation tank, at the place called Tenginakatte,
by Kolliayya and Hadavalada Kavanna son of Chaundavve, in obedience to
the, orders passed by Hoysala Narasimha. This inscription in addition to
recording the land grant made to the temple refers to a land grant to Bammoja
son of a popular sculptor Haloja of Kikkeri. The inscription dated AD 1140, in
Krishna temple of Tonnur in Pandavapura taluk, has on its record the
construction of Narayana temple in Yadavanarayana Chturvedimangala
(Tonnur), while Hoysala Narasimha was ruling from the second capital
Kodala. Another inscription, at the same place and of the same king informs
about the installation of God Vittirunda Perumal and Goddess Lakshmi by
 History 67

Narasimha I in Tonnur, and of grants made to that. A mutilated inscription on

the Manasthamba in front of a Basadi, at a place called Basthi Hosakote, in
Krishnarajpete taluk, tells that while Narasimha was ruling AD 1165, (name
of the king is not clear, but imagined on the basis of chronology) imposition of
certain taxes was abolished on the produce from the land granted to a Basadi
built by Vishnuvardhana. This was given effect to by an official Somayya of
Manikyavolu, as stated in the inscription. Kikkeri inscription of the same taluk
AD 1171 refers to the construction of Brahmeswara temple by Bammavva,
wife of a feudatory Barmayya, and gives details about a number of grants
made to it.
After Narasimha I, Ballala II came to power and ruled for more than four
decades from AD 1173-1220. This period is considered as the most illustrious
period in the history of the Hoysalas. Soon after his coming to power, he
suppressed the rebellious feudatories the Chengalvas and Kongalvas, invaded
the Uchchangi fort, defeated the Pandyas and took them under his control. He
continued his expeditions on the northern banks of River Tungabhadra, and
when it came to a confrontation against the army of Kalachuri Sankama, he
was forced to retreat inevitably. Under his administrative control, Hoysala
Empire emerged as an independent political power. He inherited titles such as
Giridurga Malla, Sanivarasiddi etc. After the decline of the Kalachuris in AD
1183, he had to contend with Seunas for the political sovereignty. A large
number of inscriptions of the reign of Ballala II are found in this district.
Among them, in the inscription of AD 1174, he is stated to have built a mukha
mantapa at Lakshmi Narayana temple at Tonnur. Another inscription at the
same place refers to the gifts of oil mills by the officers of Ballala II- Senior
Hegde Machaiah, Heggade Kesiyanna and Heggade Kommannaru. It is evident
that Machayya has been called Dandadishtanayaka. In the same taluk, at
Kyathanahalli village an inscription AD 1175, near Kodandarama temple,
belongs to Veera Ballala’s period, refers to Mahapradhana Sarvadhikari
Yereyanna, from Srikaranada Kaliyana, he gave a land grant to
Yadavanarayana Chaturvedi Mangala Koodehala Jaina Basadi. In the same
taluk, in Tonnur near the Krishna temple is an inscription dated AD 1177. In
that inscription Ballala II is stated to have made grants of Bhoganahalli and
neighbouring villages. In those villages the handlooms were in working
condition, and the taxes collected on dwellings, it was ordered to be spent on
68 Mandya District Gazetteer

services and offerings to God Vittirundaperumal (Krishna) as it is revealed

from the inscription. More details are forth coming on the arrangements made
for the enforcement of the grant and the following officials were appointed for
the purpose: Mahapradhana Sarvadhikari Tantradishtanayaka
Mahapaasaayitha Machimayya and along with him Heggade Kesiyanna,
Heggade Kommanna, Heggade Mahadevanna and Mahapradhana (name is
obliterated) etc. Another inscription (AD 1189) at the sameplace, has on record
several gifts, while Veera Ballala was ruling, made by Neelaiah and Chamaiah,
Children of Mahapradhana, Sarvadhikari, Senadhipati, Mahapasayita
Dandanayaka Achyutimmayya. It is said that the MahaPradhana in the
inscription AD 1177, referred to above, is the same person as found in the
present inscription. While Hoysala Veeraballala was ruling from Dorasamudra,
in AD 1191, at the instance of the Village Prabhu Gavundas and Maale
Savantha with bald-head, grants were made for the services of God Tolanche
Siddhanatha, as recorded an inscription found near Eswara temple at Tonachi
in Krishnarajapet taluk. The Hero-Stone inscription found at Hunaseswara
temple of Agrahara Bachahalli, in the same taluk, states that in AD 1179, as
directed by Hoysala king Veeraballala, the Mahasamantha Babbeya Nayaka
took part in a fierce battle fought at Gundadakoppal, against Kalachuri
Sankamadeva and embraced death. That inscription further gives details about
the genealogy of Babbeyanayaka and states that, on the occasion an official
called Gandanarayana setty of Bacheyahalli, was administering the Kabbahu
Nadu. Another Hero-Stone inscription found at the same place informs about
a person by name Ketha, son of Ballagavunda who descended on one of the
Hoysala Nayakas and died in a fight that had ensued. According to the details
found in the inscription, that hero is stated to have saved the women, cows
and buffalos from being taken away by the enemy. The inscription found on
the foundation stone of the sanctum sanctorum (garbagriha) of the Ranganatha
temple at Srirangapattana informs about Veeraballaladeva’s grant of a village
to Brahmapuram or Chaturmukha Narayana Chaturvedhimangalam in AD
1210. An inscription found in Kennala village in Pandavapura taluk, mentions
about the titles held by Veeraballala: Prithveevallabha, Maharajadhiraja,
Malerajaraja, Malaparoluganda, Gandabherunda, Kadanaprachanda, Ekangaveera,
Chaladankaraama, Sanivaarasidhi, Giridurgamalla, Asahayasoora etc. In another
Tonnur inscription of Ballala II, there is a description on the grant of a country
 History 69

oil mill (gaana) in AD 1174, to meet the demand for oil in the temple for
services of God Lakshminarayana at Yadavanarayana Chatuvedi Mangalam.
That inscription mentions the names of Hiriya Heggade Machayya, Heggade
Kesiyanna and Heggade Komanna, along with the honours conferred by way
of bestowing administrative offices such as “Dandadadhishtayaka” and
“Mahaapasaaitha” etc, on Machaiah. The inscription found on the foundation
stone of Kambeswara temple in Halebeedu village in the same taluk
describes the details of the grant of Maleyanahalli village in the jurisdiction of
Keregodu nadu, made by Veeraballaladeva, to God Kambeswara of Banada
Tondanuru.

Two inscriptions of Narasimha II are found in the district. Among them,

the inscription at Tonnuru village dated AD 1223 informs about the grant of
Bettahalli, Shirimakkanahalli, Maruhalli etc, villages by Mahapradhana Heggade
Damanna to God Krishna. The HeroStone inscription at Agrahara Bachihalli,
in Krishnarajapete taluk, having the characteristics of 13 th century AD, has
on its record the information about the death of a hero named Mahadevanayaka,
in a fierce battle that took place at Bacheyahalli province, then under the
administrative control of Mahasamantha Babbeyanayaka, while king Hoysala
Narasimha II was ruling. Four inscriptions of Hoysala Someswara are available.
The Nagari inscription (AD 1236) in Panchalingeswara temple at Govindanahalli
village in Krishnarajapete taluk refers to the reign of Hoysala Someswara. It
has got the genealogical information about the Hoysala dynasty starting from
Sala. This inscription has on record the details about the gift of Tenginakatte
village along with 11 other villages, in the jurisdiction of Kabbahunadu, by
Someswara, to the King’s Ministers, and Bogayya and Murari Mallayya, sons
of Ketayya; and informs about the fact that those Dandanayakas had converted
that province in to an Agrahara called Prasanna Somanathapura. The inscription
in AD13th century style, found at the same place, on the basement to the idols,
as doorkeepers (dwarapalakas), has on record the name of the Master sculptor
Mallithamma. In the same temple, on its outer panels, are the sculptural figures
of God Vishnu’s ten manifestations (Dasavatharas) with the names inscribed
below. A mutilated inscription near Dammeswara temple, at Jakanakere
(tank), in the same taluk, informs about the installation of the Dhammeswara
Linga, while Hoysala Veera Someswara was ruling in AD 1242. The inscription
70 Mandya District Gazetteer

while mentioning the genaeology of Kallagowda, who belonged to Belli family,

an officer under him, mentions the names of Dammagowda, Hariyagowda,
Maradeva, Kallagowda and their wives Bommagavundi, Beechagavundi,
Hiriyagavundi and Machigavundi, as part of the family. An inscription in
Agrahara Bachahalli, belonging to the same taluk, has on its record the details
pertaining to the death of Pattanaswamy Maleya, who succumbed to the
injuries inflicted by the enemies in a fierce battle for the occupation of
Bacheyahalli, by an official called Kanneyanayaka. Then Bacheyahalli was
under the jurisdiction of Kabbahunadu and was being administered by
Koreyanayaka. It is also recorded in the said inscription that, the elder sister of
Maleya, had installed the Hero-Stone, as a memorial to him. The Arakere
village inscription of Srirangapattana taluk, informs about the grants made to
God Chennakeshava. Agrahara Bachihalli inscription, in Krishnarajapete taluk
belongs to AD 1256. That inscription has on record a heart rendering information
about seven generations of people, belonging to one and the same family, who
had sacrificed themselves, praying for peace in the world here-after, to all those
Hoysala sovereigns, killed on the battle fields, starting from Yereyanga to
Someswara. It is learnt, that the said province, which geographically belonged
to Kabbahunadu, was being ruled by Mugilu family, originally merchants, but
gradually took to avocations in the army, till they became the feudatories. They
had taken up the responsibility of protecting Agraharas and Villages, and had
developed a system of safety, all of their own. It is important to note that, the
said family worked as bodyguards to Hoysalas. These bodyguards, who had
maintained unquestionable loyalty towards their masters, at the time of sacrificing
themselves, as recorded in the inscription, ensured the death of their wives,
relatives and friends. Thus, the inscriptions record the genealogy of all those
bodyguards from the Mugila family: Gandanarayana setty and Nayaki
Maravve, Hoysala setty and his wife Nayaki Machavve, Koreyanayaka and
Maravve, Shivaneyanayaka, Lakkeyanayaka and his wife Gangadevi, and
Kanneyanayaka. They are called as lenkaru and war-leaders that perpetuated
the family tradition of Kannadigas and the inscription states that they
administered the Kabbahunadu. The Garuda sthambas found at this place are
all memorials of those who had sacrificed their lives to Hoysala Kings and
hence called 'Garuda Sacrifice' (garudahoguvudu) a quit then prevailed among
the followers of Vaishnavism.
 History 71

There are totally ten inscriptions of Narasimha III that have been reported
so far, from this district. Some of them are dealt here. Byrapura inscription AD
1267, of Krishnarajapete, describes the construction of Byreswara temple and
conversion of Bommanayakanahalli or Byrapura village into an Agrahara by
Rekavve, the elder sister of Mahapradhana Someya Dandanayaka. The
inscription contains many gifts given to the temple and their details. Tonnuru
continued to be the second capital of Hoysalas, during his reign also. The
inscription on the foundation stone to Kailaseswara temple at Tonnuru village
exhibits the characteristic features of AD 12-13 th century, and informs about
the grants and gifts given to God Kailaseswara by the king, while their
supervison, like protection and execution during the reign of Hoysala
Narasimhadeva, was done by Devapillai, the Sthanapathi. In the same village
is another inscription, in the privately owned land under dry-cultivation,
which has on its record the grants left behind by the Mahajanas of Agrahara
Yadavanarayana Chaturvedi Mangalam (Tonnuru), to God Tirunarayana
Perumal, during the reign of Hoysala Narasimha III (AD 1276). In the same
taluk, the inscription engraved on the outer walls of the temple in Kachenahalli
village is mutilated, but informs about many gifts made by an official Mallikarjuna
Dandanayaka of the same place, while Hoysala Narasimhadeva was ruling in
AD 1269. The mutilated inscription on the southern wall of the sanctum
sanctorum (Garbagriha) of Nishkameswara temple at Hoskote village in
Pandavapura taluk, refers to Narasimha III as ruling the province in AD 1273-
75 and records a grant for temple services made to two persons connected with
Nishkameswara temple-Sthanapathi Nikkeswaram shambhu and Uyyakonda
pillai son of Nayakadeva.
Highest number of stone inscriptions, fifteen in number, belonging to the
reign of Ballala III have been found in different places of this district. In the
Hero-Stone inscription of Bettanahalli In Krishnarajapete taluk it is recorded
that, while Ballala III was ruling the kingdom in AD 1303, Someya Dandanayaka
of Bemmatturakallu (Chitradurga) waged a war against Kampila and a fierce
battle took place at Holalkere. A certain hero named Hadapada Sayanna, who
belonged to Chattanahalli village had put up a struggle and died. In the same
taluk, the inscription in the Chennakashava temple at Hariharapura village
states that, certain villages like Madavanakodi, Chandichole, Kodaluguppa etc,
were given as gifts to Harihara Bhattopadyaya, son of Sarvajna Vishnubhattayya,
72 Mandya District Gazetteer

the Rajguru of Hoysala Ballala III in AD 1311. It also refers to the visit under
taken by Ballala III for inspecting the dam and the channel built for the
purpose of irrigation at Hariharapura. It is further recorded that the king
imposed two taxes called Hejjunka and Nada-sunka and their details. The
Kaigonahalli Hero-Stone inscription, in the same taluk lacks clarity but belongs
to the reign of Hoysala Veerenarasimha. This mentions the names of Kahigonda,
Karaka Gowda, Bhuva Gowda, Gowdagodda, Rayagowda who belonged to
Sanki family and Murariraya etc, while the remaining portion of the inscription
is not clearly visible. In the same taluk, at Varahanatha Kallahalli village, near
Varahanatha temple is an inscription has some details referring to Ballala III
ruling in AD 1334, while Mahapradhana Adisingeyanayaka got the name of
Kallahalli village changed to Agrahara Devalapura, as a token for the
remembrance of Hoysala Queen Demalaadevi.The inscription records that this
gift was made by the Rajaguru of Hoysalas Gummatadeva in the presence of
all Mahajanas of Devalapura Agrahara. In the last lines of the inscription
names of certain officials like Nadasenabova Kamayyadandanayaka and
Senabova Raamana etc, have been cited. An inscription exhibiting the
characteristics of AD 13th century, near the main entrance (Mahadwara) to
Krishna temple in Tonnuru village of Pandavapura taluk, states that, the upper
gopura of that temple is called as Veeraballala’ s Tirugopura. In the same taluk,
an inscription of AD 14th century, at Narayanaswamy temple in Melukote,
belonging to the reign of Ballala III states that, Mahapradhana Perumale
Dannayaka’s two sons, Madappa Dannayaka and Ketappa Dannayaka, handed
over the administration to an official called Lakshmanadasa. It becomes clear
from the inscription that the resident God of that temple had been called
Melukote Tirunarayana. An inscription exhibiting the characteristics of AD
14th century, on the wall of the bigger kitchen of Narayanaswamy temple in
Melukote, belonging to the same taluk, has on its record that, while Hoysala
Veera Ballala was ruling the Empire, Mahapradhana Perumala Dannayaka’s
sons, Madappa Dannayaka and Ketappa Dannayaka, were annually making
a gift of 15 gulagala (probably a unit of measure 11th Cent.) Cardamom, to
Lakshmanadasa Priest of Narayana, for the purpose of worship of God
Tirunarayana at Melukote. An inscription exhibiting the characteristics of AD
12-13 th centuries, found on the foundation stone to Someswara temple at
Antaravalli village, in Malavalli taluk, refers to the construction of
 History 73

Chandramouleswara temple, within the precincts of Kailasasthana temple, at

Tenapagai Anadanapalli (Antharavalli), in the then Kalalenadu, by
Mahapradhani Chandramoulianna, who was administering during the reign
of Hoysala king Veeraballala. The inscription in Halebeedu village in
Pandavapura taluk, of the period of Ballala III, has on record the installation
of the primary idol (Moolavigraha) in the newly built Bairavadeva temple at
Halebeedu, while Mahapradhana Hiriyakottarava Heggade’s son
Manchayanayaka was ruling Halebeedu, The mutilated inscription on the right
hand side to Vahana Mantapa inscription at Tonnuru in Pandavapura taluk,
states that the Hoysala Sovereign (name illegible) having successfully won
different kingdoms, returned to Dorasamudra. The Kalalenadu (present Halagur
and surroundings), Kalkuninadu (Nagamangala and surroundings),
Edethorenadu (KR Nagara province) Srirangapattana sime, Sindhaghatta sime
etc, administrative divisions are referred to in the inscriptions. Balla III ruled for
more than five decades. He effectively tried to boldly struggle against the
inevitables and in streamlining the weakened stately principles of his
predecessors. Unfortunately, he had already grown old by the time he could
understand the changing political trends in the north, in order to plan
appropriate preparations on time. The sultans had already established their
kingdom at Delhi in the north and Jalaluddin Khalji was ruling, before the
coming of Ballala to power. Allauddin Khalji was his nephew. In 1295,
Allauddin Khalji invaded the capital of the Seunas, and carried away huge
quantities of wealth that he had looted. Seuna Ramachandra refused to
recognize the danger of the invasion by the Muslims. Again in 1310, Allauddin
sent his Commander-in-Chief Malik Kaufer to besiege the capital of the
Hoysalas and others on the Coramandal coast in the south. In the south
Ballala, ordered an emergency return of his army to the capital and tried to put
up a strong resistance. But the Muslim army showed that they were more
superior. Thereafter, in 1314, Malik Kaufer descended on Kampila. A war
ensued between the Hoysalas and Kampila in 1320, and as a result the Hoysala
army had become very weak. Unable to recover from these onslaughts,
Hoysala Empire declined. Ballala was mercilessly killed, as Ibn Batuta, the
Persian traveller, reports it. Just as there was considerable social, economic and
cultural progress in other parts of the state during the administration of the
Hoysalas, this district also exhibited similar vibrancy. Under the royal patronage,
74 Mandya District Gazetteer

Buddhism, Jainism, Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Sree Vaishnavism gained equal

importance, as it is evident from the lines contained in Belur inscription “Yam
Shaivaa... Brahmethi Vedaantino”. The following placesKambadahalli, Bogaadi,
Bellur, Sooranahalli, Tippur, Basti Hosakote, Basaralu, Budanuru, Tenginagatta,
Kikkeri, Sindhagatta, Govindanahalli, Hosaholalu: Tonnuru, Belagola,
Srirangapattana, Melukote, etc, gained in cultural importance. Among them
Melukote gained prominence as a sacred place of pilgimage to the followers of
SriVaishnavism. More than 100 temples found in this district clearly reflect
their extraordinary cultural and artistic attainments.
TheVijayanagar Empire
The political vaccum that followed the decline of Hoysala Empire came
to an end with the establishment of the Vijayanagara Empire, in 1336 AD and
gave fillip to the ensuing political security. The sons of Sangama, namely
Harihara, Bukka, Kampana, Marappa and Muddappa had maintained their
relationship with the Hoysala dynasty. Harihar of Vijayanagara had given his
daughter in marriage to Ballappa Dandanayaka son of Somayya Dandanayaka,
an official under the Hoysalas. Somayya had married the sister of Ballala III,
and Ballala III’s brother’s son had been the son-in-law of Harihara. Many
scholars have agreed that Somayya Dandanayaka, who had built Somanathapur
temple in T-Narasipura taluk was the grand son of the above named Somayya
Dandanayaka. Sangama Dynasty and Harihara’s relations with Keshava
(Vijayanarayana) temple at Belur; Certain sculptural representations found in
Virupaksha temple at Hampi and some of the titles like Bhashege Tappada,
‘Moorurayara ganda’, appear in Sanskrit inscriptions also,’ goes to strengthen
the argument that, the founders of the Vijayanagara Empire were originally
Kannadigas, but not from Telugu country. However, Te1ugu inscriptions
found ar Warangal present them as belonging originally to Telugu country.
Ballala III had called the capital of northern part of his Empire as “Virupaksha
Hosapattana”, it is evidently believed to be Hampi. An opinion among scholars
persists that Ballala had entrusted the administration of that Hosapattana to
Harihara. There is a tradition that the foundation of Vijayanagara took place
in AD 1336, and Sir Francis Buchanan also accepts that date on the basis of
the examination of the Manuscripts found at Barkuru in Udupi district, is a
note worthy point in this context.
 History 75

In Mandya district there are more than a 100 inscriptions of the

Vijayanagara times. Inscription belonging to the period of Harihara I is found
in Mandya district. It is possible therefore, that this is a definite evidence for the
ancient relations of Vijayanagara Empire with this district. Inscription of
Beechanahalli village, in Mandya district (Mandya-19), is a Hero-Stone
inscription, installed as a memorial to the Hero called Bheema, who belonged
to a place called Navaluvasi, by Timmavve, the wife of the hero. It refers to the
reign of Veera Bukkanna Wodeya of Vijayanagara. The inscription has been
identified as belonging to AD 1341, and of the period of Harihara. It has
become clear from the subsequent inscriptions that, this province was under
the adminstration of Harihara I and his younger brother Bukka had helped
him in the adminstration. In the Aruvanahalli inscriptions of Maddur taluk,
the details in respect of Battara Bachyappa and his Badavara family are
noticed. He is found to be extolled in the inscriptions with strange titles and
hyperboles like Neetirayabaamula, Parahaaraadu Ibatu, Sunnakodandi, and
Soonnakothsathi etc. He was a son of Keerthideva. He is said to have serially
built Bukkarayanasamudra, Keerthisamudra, Malavveyakere, and
Bachappanakere in the names of the king, his father, his mother and in his
own name, respectively. He established a town called Baachapattana
and planted avenue trees as stated in the inscriptions. He had completed all
these feats during the reign of Bukkaraya , and prior to AD 1358. The
inscription provides his genealogy starting from Badavara kulatilaka Keerthi
Arasa and his wife Malavve, followed by his sons Bychappa the elder,
Chikkabychappa (Junior), Bachiyappa, Devappa and his wife Bychakka as also
Nagarasa. In another genealogy starting from Bachiyappa and Ramabhadradevi,
their children Bukkanna, Keerthideva, Kampanna and Chavanappa are
recorded.
The inscription dated AD 1363, found at Boppasandra village of Maddur
taluk, refers to the reign of Vijayanagara King Veera Bukkanna wodeya. He is
stated to have given as gift a fertile land within the expanse of Boppasamudra
to Hiriyanna son of Bommanna of Thirthada Tippuru village. The inscription
also refers to tellara (oil monger) family of Haadarivagilu village. Aruvanahalli
inscription (Maddur-87) of Maddur taluk belongs to the period of Harihara son
of Bukkaraya of Vijayanagara, has on record the information about the death
of Battara Bachiyappa (Bachraja), son of an official called Badavaara
76 Mandya District Gazetteer

Keerthideva. Further that refers to the lakes built by him like

Bukkarayanasamudra, Keerthisamudra, and Maleavvanakere etc. An inscription
dated AD 1388 near Siddeswara temple at Boppasandra belongs to Vijayanagara
period. It has got on its record the information pertaining to land grant of
Boppasandra village, within the expanse of Hadarivagilu village, to Bukkanna,
Kempanna, and Chowdappa sons of Battara Bachiyappa. Another inscription
dated AD 1427, in Boppasandra village (Maddur -110) in Maddur taluk,
records the grant of Boppasamudra, belonging to Haadarivaagilu Kaluvalli, as
Kempothi (grant), by Devappa and Sahadevaru of the tellara family, to Bukkanna,
Kampanna and Chavadappa sons of Battara Bachiyappa. According to that
inscription it is evident that the grant was made for purposes of governance of
the village and for providing Kalasa and mirror to the village Gods. It is also
recorded in the inscription about the exemption of the gifted village as well as
the lands from the following taxes: Kirukula, Bedu, Binugu, Gramagadyana,
Dalamili, Nibandhi, Hodake, Hobali etc. Similarly, inscriptional sources necessary
for the reconstruction of the history of many smaller dynasties are available to
a considerable extent in this district. An inscription bearing the characteristics
of AD 14-15th century found in Hosaholalu village belongs to the period of
Bukkanna Wodeya of Vijayanagara, contains references to Holalina
Baireyadannayaka and Baliyakere. In the Hagalahalli village inscription of
Maddur taluk, (Maddur-l02) dated AD 1392, while Harihara II was ruling
Vijayanagara, Haruhanahalli Badavara family Bachiyappa’s son Bukkanna,
left behind a land grant to discharge his debt due, to Devarappa, son of an
assistant at Hadarivagilu, along with his two sons- Ramanna and Allappa, as
it is recorded. This inscription was engraved on a stone by a sculptor named
Mayithamma son of chowdoja, the Senubhova of the place, as per the record.
Vaidyanathapura inscription dated AD 1406, of Maddur taluk, refers to many
grants given to God Vaidyanatha, by Narasingadeva of Agrahara Narasimha
Chturvedi Mangala (Maddur) part of the then Kadalenadu. This inscription
also has on record a reference to the reign of Bukkaraya II son of Harihara of
Vijayanagara. The reign of Bukkaraya II had extended to Malavalli taluk The
Marehalli inscription (MV71), dated AD 1406, referring to the administration
of Bukkaraya II, has on its record the information regarding the grant left
behind to Narasimha temple of Modaljati grama also called Cholendra
Chaturvedimangalam by Heggappa, the Mahapradhna of that place.
 History 77

Harihara II brought about important changes in the administration of

the kingdom by appointing his own sons Virupakshadevaraya and
Bukkaraya II as Provincial Governors. Kriyashakti Vidyaranya of Kalamukha
sect was his guru and provided him guidance both in political policies and his
personal religious life. After his death, internal rivalries began for the
possession of political power among the brothers Bukka II, Virupaksha II and
Devaraya I. That trend continued for about two years and ended with the
accession of Devaraya I (AD 1406-22), to the throne. After Devaraya, his son
Virajayaraya came to power and ruled for a period of two years only, that was
upto AD 1424. Prauda Devaraya succeeded him. He was also called as
Abhinava Veera Devaraya and Pratapa Devaraya. Devaraya II, after coming
to power, ruled for more than two decades (AD 1426- 1446). He had a title
“Gajaventegara”, as evidenced from the records. Five inscriptions of Devaraya
II have been reported from Mandya district. An illegible inscription dated AD
1420 from Hagalahalli village in Maddur taluk, belongs to the period of
Pratapa or Devaraya II and informs about an official called Madigowda only
of Hadiravagilu village. Copper plate Inscription dated AD 1430, found in the
treasury of Ranganatha Temple at Srirangapattana, is in Sanskrit language and
belongs to the reign of Devaraya II. The inscription states that, Devaraya
transformed Chandigala (village name) in the precints of Menapura Magani
in Torinadu Vente into an agrahara and named that as Pratapa Devarayapura,
at the time of giving Rathnadhenu gift. At the same place, near Sriranganatha
temple is an inscription dated AD 1431 in the reign of Devaraya II that records
certain gifts towards the income of the Sree- Vaishnavas of Srirangapura,
in order to celebrate the Vasanthotsava of God Sriranganatha. The
inscription dated AD 1432 at the Patalaankana in front of the principal temple
of Melukote in Pandavapura taluk contains the information pertaining to the
grants of Mailanahalli and Hosahalli villages for the services of God
Sampathranarayana. There is also a reference to the Vasanthotsava celebrations
in the temple. Copper plate inscription dated AD 1447 in the treasury of
Ranganatha temple in Srirangapattana, is written in Nagari script and
Sanaskrit language and belongs to the reign of Devaraya II of Vijayanagara.
That contains the information about the grant of Hosahalli village in Kannambadi
area in Modunadu. An inscription dated AD 1458 in the Jeeyar temple
of Melukote, refers to the construction of Ranganath by Rangambike, wife of
78 Mandya District Gazetteer

Timmanna Dannayaka, during the reign of Prauda Deveraya II. The

inscription has on its record the information pertaining to grant of villages
Ballenahalli and Yalavada, in Kuruvankanadu vente extension, in the Hoysala
Empire, to this Matha. An important aspect evident from this inscription is,
Timmanna Dannayaka’s father Singanna belonged to Lohitha family, and a
Mahaprabhu of Nagamangala. No more details are forth coming about the
Lohith family. Nelamane village inscription (AD 1458) of Srirangapattana
taluk records the details about the grant of the same village to Goddess
Lakshmi Devi in Yadavanarayana temple. Kelagere village inscription, with the
characteristic features of the 15th century, of Nagamangala taluk, informs that,
while Prauda Devaraya (not clear), was ruling Vijayanagara, Varadeya Nayaka
son of Honneya Nayaka, got Mallikarjuna temple built, with Sanctum-sanctorum
(Garbhagriha) Sukhanaasi and Rangamantapa (Navaranga) at Kellangere village.
That inscription further informs that the said village was a place for the
residence of Sudras (Sudravada) and that was converted into an agrahara. That
apart, he renovated the village tank, built Varadaraja Samudra at Kellangere,
according the details found in the inscription. An inscription dated AD 1439,
at Kyathanahalli in Malavalli taluk, issued while Devraya II was ruling
Vijayanagara, has on its record the grant made by Mahaprdhana Lakkanna
Dandanayaka of Kethanahalli village, after setting it free from certain taxes, as
a gift to God Keerthinarayana of Talakadu, for the sacred hoisting
(Pavithrarohana) of the Nandadeepa. Huskur village inscription dated AD 1440,
from the same taluk, issued during the reign of Devaraya, has on record the
information pertaining to the grant of certain irrigated (tari) lands by an official
called Veeranna Gowda, son of Kalinagappa of second Husuguru (Village
name), after his having installed God Basavaraja. Kiraganuru village
inscription dated AD 1440, in Malavalli taluk, refers to the grant of
approximately six varahas, as Umbali, to God Vaidyanatha of Talakadu, after
exempting Kiragasooru, under Belakavadi divisional head quarters (tanya),
from certain taxes such as Loom (magga), Mudre, Oil mill (gana), Kavai,
athadere etc.
The inscription refers to Talakadu as Gajaranyakshetra. It is evident
from the inscription that Pattanada Rayanna Wodeya received these gifts in
obedience to the orders the Vijayanagara Official called Talakadina
Perumaaladeva.
 History 79

The four decades following the death of Devaraya are associated with
misfortune and mis-understanding. Mallikarjuna (1446-65), son of Devaraya II
and Devaraya’s younger brother Pratapadeva’s son Virupaksha III (1465-85),
were weak kings. Seven inscriptions belonging to the period of Mallikarjuna
are reported from Mandya district. Kanchiganahalli inscription, dated AD
1447, of Malavalli taluk, is unclear, but refers to the administration of
Maharajadhiraja Mallikarjuna in that province, while the remaining portion of
the inscription is worn-out. The copper plate inscription (AD 1447), found in
the treasury of the Srirangapattana temple, refers to a grant by Devaraya II, of
Halagalli village in the jurisdiction of Mudunadu around the area of
Kannambadi, to Devarobhatta son of Nagayya Bhatta. Madihalli inscription of
AD 1457 in Nagamangala taluk refers to land grant, at Madihalli in Devalapura
area, made by an official called Madayanayaka, to Mulunayakanahalli God
Tirumala Deva’s Angarangabhoga. It becomes evident from the inscription that
the order was issued with the concurance of the Vijayanagara King Veera
Pratapa Mallikarjunaraya. Lingamudre inscription of AD 1459, at
Dannayakanapura in Mandya taluk, refers to the grant of that place for the
Angarangabhoga of God Ramanatha of Bellathuru, as directed by
Timmanna Dannayaka, carrying on the administration of Penugonde, and the
acceptance of Malaliya Tippayya. The inscription datea AD 1460-61, at the
Patalankana in Melukote, belongs to the period of Praudadevaraya or
Mallikarjuna, and refers to the conversion of one village into Tirunarayanapura
Agrahara. Sithapura Copper plates of AD 1467, in Pandavapura taluk, describes
about the grant of Hosahalli Village in Kuruvankanadu Vente, made by Devaraja
the son of Singana Wodeya of Nagamangala to the services of God Sri
Ramachandra. It highlights the importance of the construction of a new dam
by them accorss the River Cauvery for purposes of irrigation.
Dasanadoddi inscription of AD 1463 in Malavalli taluk is very much damaged.
It contains information about village grant while Mallikarjuna Maharaya
was ruling Vijayanagara. Although the remaining details are not available,
reference occurs to the Gowdas, Panchaalaru, and the Bovara and Basadi
(there is a name Hirevuru Malave). Due to the reason that Mallikarjuna was
weak, the armies of Bahamanis and Gajapathi attempted to invade Vijayanagara
simultaneously, but with great difficulty they were forced to retreat (AD 1450).
As a consequence of a palace conspiracy Virupaksha III came to the throne in
80 Mandya District Gazetteer

1465. Mallikarjuna, till his death in1480 remained without the kingdom. He
did not rule with peace of mind. During the period of his reign, northern
parts of the Empire came under the siege of Bahmani armies under the
leadership of Mahammad Gawan, and he took many provinces under his
control.
Saluvas, Tuluvas and Aravidu dynasties
The two decades from AD 1486, in the history of Vijayanagara, is
considered a new stage of great importance politically. Primarily, Nuniz
provides the source material for the study pertaining to this period. Farnand
Nuniz was a trader in horses who had paid a visit to this Empire, and it is
believed that he spent about two years of his time in Vijayanagara itself. King
Narasimha of the Saluva dynasty was administering in about AD 1452, under
Mallikarjuna. He worked hard to revive and spread the political identity of
Vijayanagara. According to Nuniz, Narasimha had revolted for the acquisition
of power. The weakened king administering the Empire at that time ran away,
leaving Narasimha to assume power and establish political stability. Change of
royal families had taken place without any struggle involving violence or
bloodshed. His Commander-in-Chief, Tuluva Narasanayaka, led the invading
armies to the South, crossed the Cauvery River, then in floods, with the help
of a temporarily built bridge in AD 1495, annexed Srirangapattana, as evidenced
trom the Srirangapattana copper plates of AD 1509, and many other inscriptions.
As a result of his patronage to literary writings, the literary works like
Saluvabhyudayam, Ramabhyudayam, Varahapuranam and Parijathapaharanam, came
to be written. They contain the description about many victories of the Saluva
dynasty. Due to the reason that two of his sons were still young, Narasimha
got his trusted General appointed as the vice-Roy. When Narasimha died,
Narasanayaka proclaimed the eldest son Timma as the king. But, after Timma
was killed in a plot, he got, the second son Narasimha II, installed on the
throne. During the period of his reign differences of opinion developed
between Narasimha and Narasanayaka, ending with the imprisonment of
Narasimha II at Penugonda jail. Narasanayaka became the first king in the
Tuluva dynasty. After the death of Narasanayaka in AD 1503, his son
Veeranarasimha took the reins of administration. A copper plate dated AD
1462, found in a village called Kaigonahalli in Krishnarajapete taluk of
 History 81

Mandya district, and has on record the information relating to the grant of
Kaigondanahalli or Veera Narasimhapura, then located in the jurisdiction of
Sindhagatta Sime in the Hoysala country, by Veera Narasimha of Vijayanagara
at the time of his making the Saptha Sagara Dhana. Veera Narasimha, son of
Narasanayaka of the Tuluva Dynasty, ruled from AD 1505 to 1509. It is very
well known that, he gave lot of importance to make the Vijayanagara army
dominent, towards that end cultivated friendship with the Portuguese, and
bought horses from them. Veera Narasimha’s stepmother was Nagaladevi.
And Nagaladevi’s son Krishnadeva Raya, with the help of Timmarasu, the
Prime Minister, ascended the throne on the occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami
in AD 1509. Krishnadeva Raya was talented politically, a responsible
administrator, a potential visionary and a most capable strategist. He had
developed the Vijayanagara army, putting in all his talents. Indeed, he is
considered one among the best kings that ruled India. He has explained
beautifully his knowledge in political intricacies and administrative skills in his
book entitled Amukthamalyada. During the period of his reign the construction
of canals, irrigation tanks, dams across rivers and streams, temples and
development of cities, all for public utility and religious merit found munificent
patronage. He built satellite towns, Nagalapura as a token of remembrance of
his mother Nagaladevi; and another town called Tirumala, named after his
second wife Tirumaladevi, near the capital. The audience Hall (Sabhamantapa),
and Gopuras at Virupaksha temple were rebuilt at the time of Krishnadevaraya’s
coronation. After having won over the Udayagiri fort, he had brought the idol
of Lord Krishna as a symbol of his victory, and to have it installed, he built
Krishnaswami temple in the capital. Hazararama and Vittalaswamy temples
were also built during the reign of Krishnadevaraya. The Vijaya Vittala temple
is a fine symbol of technical perfection an Architect could pay to Karnataka
Classical Music as his monumental tribute. Experts in the field of Architecture
are of the opinion that, there is no other temple anywhere in India comparable
with this temple in having integrated Music in its Architectural construction.
The Garbhasutra design of Architecture and the high rise pillars combined with
smaller ones, in its Brahmsutra elevation are really curious to the on lookers
while they overhear the resonance of the seven Indian Musical notes
(Sapthaswaras) with their mixed tones from the stone pillars. The Musical
sounds of different musical instruments that comes out of that granite simply
82 Mandya District Gazetteer

surprises’ and mesmarises the tourists, and really takes them to realm of the
Gandharvas (demi-Gods experts in music). these stones were quaried from
sanganakallu in Bellary district as such musically sofetened notes can be heard
from the rocks of this hill here.
About eleven inscriptions of Krishnadevaraya are found in Mandya
district. The inscription found in Nagamangala is dated AD 1511, while
Krishnadevaraya was ruling, states that, the Rangamantapa in the Veerabhadra
temple in Nagamangala or Veera Ballala Chturvedi Bhattaratnakara Agrahara
was repaired, while the Gandhagudi Mandapa was built in its front by Honni
setty, the son of Akkanna Chinnisetty of Gummalapura the Manager of the
palace provided the needed guidance in performing the said services, as
recorded in the inscription. The copper plate inscription, in Nagari script and
Sanskrit language dated AD 1512, belonging to the period of Krishnadevaraya’s
reign, found in the village called Dodda Jataka, in Nagamangala taluk informs
about the grant of a village called Hirejattiga, in the Velurseeme of Hoysaladesa
to a scholar named Srinivasadhvari who was well versed in Sastras, Kavya and
Puranas. At that time, Vajapeyadhvari, Ranganathaadhvari, Nanjinatha and
Shivadixita etc, the well-known Prakanda pundits, who belonged to that place,
performed the mahayajna called Vajapeya yagna, as per the record. Devalapura
copper plate inscription dated AD 1513, of the same district, issued while
Krishnadevaraya was ruling, refer to the renaming of Madanapura and
Malligere as Krishnarayapura. This inscription refers to the performance of
Hemaswadhana at that place which was considered to be the most important
among the 16 Mahadanas.The inscription dated AD 1515, belonging to the
reign of Krishnadevaraya, found in Mothahalli (village name), and of Mandya
district is damaged. The copper plate inscription dated AD 1516, found in the
treasury of Srirangapattana has on its record, Krishnadevaraya making the
grant of three villages (names not legible) in Nagamangala Rajya and the new
villages in Chennapattana Rajya, to saint Vyasathirtha who was a student of
Brahmanyathirtha. Mandya copper plate inscription dated AD 1516 belongs to
the reign of Vijayanagara king Krishnadevaraya. That has got on its record the
grant of a village Manteya perhaps mandya also called Krishnarayapura,
along with other small villages Chikka-Manteya, Kallahalli, Hosahalli,
Thondasehalli and Konenahalli in Srirangapattana Seeme, as the
Gruhaparvathadhana to Govindaraja, son of Varadacharya the Guru of
 History 83

Krishnadevaraya.
The inscription dated AD 1528, in Narayana temple at Melukote in
Pandavapura taluk, informs that, an official called Krishnaraya Nayaka the
son of Dandu Aubaladeva, was administering that province, during the reign
of Krishnadevaraya, and records the grant of Kamenayakanahalli and Gollara
Chattanahalli to that temple. The Tibbanahalli inscription dated AD 1524, in
Nagamangala taluk, records the grant of Tibbanahalli also called
Krishnadevaraya Samudra, in Devalapura Sthala, under Nagamangala, to God
Veerappa of Chennapattana. The two inscriptions in Kalinganahalli, of
Nagamangala taluk, belong to the period of Krishnadevaraya. While the first
one records a gift of Kalingaramanahalli to God Selva Pillai (Cheluvaraya) by
a feudatory called Cholappayya of Melukote, and refers to an official called
Malepanayka son of Timmayya as ruling the division; the second one is
mutilated revealing only the names of Krishnadevaraya and the name of Hiriya
Tirumaladeva, the recipient of a grant.
Krishnadevaraya was himself a great scholar. His work Amuktamalyada
in Telugu language is the evidence to his scholarship. Eight eminent Telugu
poets, known as ‘Ashtadiggajas’ of his court, had made his victory hall called
Bhuvanavijay glorious. Among those poets Allasani Peddana and Nandi
Timmana are note worthy. It is said that, poet Timmana completed Kannada
poet Kumaravyasa’s incomplete work Mahabharatha, and presented that as
“Karnataka Krishnadevaraya Bharatha Kathamanjari” to the king. Purandaradasa,
Kanakadasa and Vyasathirtha, the evergreen celebrities in the Haridasa
literature, belonged to this period. The construction of dams, canals, lakes,
temples and other construction activities relating to religious and secular
structures for public welfare had reached the zenith. Out of his two sons,
Tirumala died of poisoning and the youngest son died while he was barely a
child of eighteen months. Krishnadevaraya’s two daughters, Tirumalamba and
Vengalamba were given in marriage to the brothers Ramaraya and Tirumalaraya
respectively of the Aravidu dynasty.
After Krishnadevaraya, his cousin brother Achyutharaya ascended the
throne. He was born to the third and last wife of Narasanayaka, namely
Obalamba. He ruled the Empire (AD 1529-1542) effectively. He was able to
drive Gajapathi out of Vijayanagara, liberated the forts of Raichur and Mudgal
84 Mandya District Gazetteer

from the strong hold of Ismail. Towards the second half of his reign, he drifted
towards living a life of pleasure. In Mandya district 13 inscriptions belonging
to the period of Achyutharaya have been found. They provide information on
how Achyutharaya wielded his power upon this province. The inscription
dated AD 1530, at Marenahalli in Malavalli taluk has on its record the grant
made by Tippanna Nayaka, who was ruling that province, to God Amritheswara
(Mulasthana Devaru), while Achyutharaya was ruling Vijayanagara. The
inscription further describes that, that grant was made on the banks of the
river Krishna on the occasion of the lunar eclipse (Parva Kala).
Kodagehalli inscription AD 1530, in the same taluk refers to Achyutharaya
as ruling, and his official called Rayanna Nayaka administered this province
and made a grant of a village called Mayanapura, to God Keerthinarayana at
Talakadu. Melukote inscription of AD 1534 refers to the gifts made during the
reign of Achyutharaya by an official Tirumalaraya, the son of Harigalada
Abbaraja, to the 42 students (Ayyagalu), of Ramanujacharya and the devotees
of God Sampathkaranarayana at Tirunarayanapura (Yadavagiri).
Tirunarayanapura (Melukote) is also called as Badarikashrama of the south
and Bhoovaikunta (abode of god Vishnu on earth). Another inscription at the
same place dated AD 1534 informs about the repairs caused to be done by
Piriyaraja son of Harigalada Abbaraja on the two tanks, Hosakere and
Krishnadevarayarakere, and that they were given away as grants during the
reign of Achyutharaya. Yaraganahalli inscription dated AD 1535 of Maddur
taluk, has on its record the information pertaining to the grant of Yaraganahalli
and Nayakanahalli, during the reign of Achyutharaya, as Dandigeya Umbali by
an official called Timmarasaiah of Bennuru, to Lingappa Gowda son of
Nagappa Gowda. Timmarasaiah, named in the inscription is referred to as a
representative of Ramabhattayya, the Minister to Achyutharaya. Melukote
inscription dated AD 1535, belonging to the reign of Achyutharaya, informs
about the gifts granted by Tirumalaraya, son of Harineela Abbaraja, in
Nagamangala (referred to in a copper plate inscription), of waterways belonging
to Setipura and Malanahalli, and villages Neelamangala, Hosavalli,
Karanarahalli etc, to God Selvapillai, in that locality. Srirangapattana inscription
records the collection of excess revenue of 300 Gadyanas for the first time, by
an official called Ramayyanayaka administering that province, during the
 History 85

reign of Achyutharaya. Thereafter, the inscription records the details about the
exemption from this tax granted to Perunguraya, who represented laravahalli
and Ogeyasamudra villages, by the officials Peddiraja and his son Appaji.
Hebbakavadi inscription dated AD 1537, of Mandya taluk, while Achyutharaya
was reigning, has on record the information regarding the grant of Hebbakavadi
village, after renewing one of the gifts from Hebbakavadi, to the renovation of
Chennakesava temple at Somanathapura made by an official Varanasi
Varadayyanna. This inscription has called Achyutharaya as Mahamandaleswara.
Boppasandra inscription dated AD 1537 during the reign of Achyutharaya,
informs about the giving away of Boppasandra, in the form of a grant, then
within the territorial limits of Malavalli, by Nanjaiah Hebbar son of Narasimha
Hebbaruva, to Veerapanna of Varanasi, the representative of Achyutharaya.
Halasalli village inscription dated AD 1537 of Malavalli taluk, belonging to the
reign of Achyutharaya, refers to the giving away of Halasalli in the form of a
grant, then within the territorial limits of Dhanaguru in Talakadu seeme, to
Chikka Sadiyappa son of Sadhiyappa, the Prabhu of Talakadu Nadu. The
inscription refers to the fact that, the grant was made by Achyutharaya
Veeranna Wodeya, son of Kumara Veerappa Wodeya, the chief of Alagodu
Rajya, in obedience to the orders of the king of Vijayanagara.
Koregala village Nagari inscription dated AD 1540 from the same taluk,
in the reign of Achyutharaya, has on its record the information pertaining to
the grant of Koregala village by Pradhasiddardhappanna Bhupathi, the Minister,
to Nanjinatha, the son of Narasimha. An inscription dated AD 1542 found in
the outer circle of Bommanahalli (now Bechirak), in the same taluk, belonging
to the same time period, has on its record the information pertaining to the
grant of Bommanahalli, in Dhanaguru Sthala of Talakadu Seeme, to the above
said Chikka Saadiyappa son of Saadiyappa.
During the later half of the reign of Achyutharaya, struggles for power
had crept in. He established a trust called Anandanidhi, from out of the money
collected from the rich people to be used for the performance of Yajnas
(offerings to Gods). But, due to his weakness, the General Administration in the
kingdom began to decline. Towards the end, in AD 1542 when he died, his
maternal uncle and the Vice-Roy Salaka Tirumala, posthaste crowned Venkata,
the son of Queen Varadamba. But, doubting the sincerity of her brother in
86 Mandya District Gazetteer

these dealings, the Rajmatha (mother of the crown prince) sought the intervention
of Adil Shah of Bijapur. Spearheading the political faction of Sadashiva, Aliya
Ramaraya got him liberated from his imprisonment at Gutti, and he also
sought help from the Adil Shah. In the meanwhile, without foresight Tirumal
had got Venkata killed. As a consequence of all these, a series of battles
followed ending with Tirumal getting killed on the battle field. Thus, the
impediments on Sadashivaraya’s path having been cleared, he came to power
in AD 1543. Because of the fact that he had not attained majority, Aliya Rama
Raya assumed all administrative powers. Sadashivaraya, for name sake, reigned
from AD 1543 to AD 1572. But, Aliya Rama Raya himself carried on the
administration, having kept Sadashivaraya in imprisonment. During this period,
by dismissing many sincere officers and by appointing his own relatives in their
places, Aliya Rama Raya strengthened his position.
Totally seven inscriptions belonging to the period of Sadashiva Raya have
come to notice in Mandya district. They provide good source material for the
study of his administration upon that province. A mutilated inscription dated
AD 1542 found at Arakanakere in Pandavapura taluk refers to a gift. Narayana
Swamy Temple inscription dated AD 1544, of Melukote, in the reign of
Sadashivaraya, has on its record the details pertaining to the renewal of grants
made previously, while a certain official called Narayanadeva son of Nandyala
Narasingadeva was ruling the province. This inscription has got a reference to
Bhashyakara Ramanujacharya, and describes some royal seals like Deshantri
seal,Hanumantha seal, Ramanuja seal etc. Another Inscription dated AD 1544 of
Nagamangala, has on its record the information pertaining to certain grants
made by Channaraja and Timmappanayaka, the feudatories then ruling the
province, under Sadashiva Raya. It has also got a reference made to Village
Agrahara Baaguru. Another inscription (1545), issued during the reign of
Sadashivaraya of Vijayanagara, in the same place has on its record the
information about the grant of Varahanatha Kalluhalli in Kannambadi sime and
the place called Ballalapura in Cauvery canal area belonging to Srirangapattana
Sime. Honnenahalli copper plate inscription from Nagamangala taluk,dated
AD 1545, in Nagari script and Sanskrit language, issued during the reign of
Sadashivaraya of Vijayanagara gives a detailed description of the genealogy of
Vijayanagara kings. That records the grant of Venkatadrisamudra or
Honnayyanahalli and other villages. That province (Belluru Seeme), the
 History 87

inscription confirm, was a province of Penugonde in Hoysala nadu then under

the administrative control of Sadashivaraya. Melukote inscription of AD 1550
refers to the appointment of a Talavara (name of Office) at Sindhagatta, made
by Pilleraja or Sampathkaranarayana. This inscription furnishes information
about the doner Mahamandaleswara Aprathimamalla Manabrolu Chennadeva
Choda Maha-arasu. Another inscription dated AD 1551 at the same place,
issued in the reign of Sadashivaraya, gives detailed information about gift of
Naguvanahalli, to God Varahaswamy, made by Timmayadeva Maha-arasu, son
of Mahamandaleswara Nandyala Narasimhadeva Maha-arasu. This inscription
contains special description about the grant of a flower garden (Shringarathota),
for the daily worship in the temple. This inscription in Krishnarajpete taluk
records the grant of two unwanted villages to Honnalige Linganna, an official
in the Veerabhadra temple at Bachiyahalli, made by Rangappayya, the
representative of Mahamandaleswara Ahabaladeva Rajayyadeva Chola Maha-
arasu and further informs about the issues relating to cultivation of lands and
horticultural crops. Melukote inscription of AD 1564 has on its record the
information about the grant of Honganuru in Channapattana Sthala, and
Honnudugi village in Guloor sthala, along with their irrigation canals by
Kondarajayya Devarasa son of Konetiraju Devarasa, during the reign of
Sadashivaraya.
Melapura inscription of Srirangapattana taluk dated AD 1565, while
Sadashivaraya was ruling, describes the matter pertaining to a grant made by
Kandachar Nanjayya Timmappa, to the treasury of God Tirumalai
Tiruvengalanatha, of certain villages named: Hebbadi, Dandaganahalli and
Bedarahalli belonging to Melapura village and Srirangapattana seeme.The
inscription dated AD 1570 in Melukote, issued while Sadashiva was ruling,
refers to an official named Velugoda Vasantharaya who made a grant of
Kaluval Mylahalli near Melukote and Pura villages to Dhannakartha (Executive
officer in a religious endowment), to Ananthayya.
As it has already been stated above, though Sadashivaraya was seated on
Vijayanagara throne, on the grounds of his minority and upon that pretext,
Aliya Ramaraya held all the administrative powers in reality, and administered
in the name of the king. After Achyutharaya and Sadashivaraya came to the
throne and the consequent confusion that had cropped up in the kingdom,
were taken advantage of in AD 1543, by the Portuguese provincial official
88 Mandya District Gazetteer

named Martin Alphanso D’Souza, to desecrate Hindu temples, to practice

extortion and thus tried to loot the temple at Kanchi. But, Ramaraya’s
alertness, timely presence of mind and his resourcefulness in addressing to the
impending need of the hour prevented the efforts of the Portuguse Official.
That apart, he successfully suppressed those at Chandragiri province that had
endangered the interests of the kingdom and the rebellions that had surfaced
in Kerala. The attitude of Ramaraya and the policy he followed towards the
Bahmani Sultans and other Muslims had attracted the attention seriously.
Many historians think that Ramaraya deliberately got involved in their internal
political affairs.Nizam shah of Ahmadnagar; Adil Shah of Bijapur played a
vital role in this struggle. Barid Shah of Bidar and Qutb Shah of Golkonda
extended their help. In the initial stages Vijayanagara opposed Bijapur by
supporting Ahmadnagar group, and Ramaraya as a result had won Raichur
and the Doab. Ahmadnagar got Kolhapur from Bijapur (AD 1543). There
after, Bijapur joined hands with Bidar and launched the invasion of
Ahmadnagar. Thus the mis-understandings that Ramaraya harboured with
Bijapur and other Muslim provinces became the reasons for the downfall of
Vijayanagara. Towards the end, the Five Sultanates secretly entered into a
military alliance against Ramaraya, mustered a largest army and invaded from
Bijapur AD 1564 December 25th. The immediate cause for the war was the
refusal of Ramaraya to return Raichur and Mudgal. Shrewd as he was,
Ramaraya had foreseen such a contingency and had mustered maximum
number soldiers that he could keep under his control, into the army. According
to Ferishta, the historian, Vijayanagara forces comprised of 70 000, horses, 90
000, soldiers and 2000, elephants. Hussain Nizam Shah had gathered 600
canons. The strength of the confederate army stood at cavalry 50,000, and
infantry 30,000, according to Portuguese sources. It is generally known that the
battle was fought in the area around the villages of Rakkasagi and Tangadagi.
Ramarayana Bhakhair, a recent Hindu source, describes the battle as Rakkasa-
Tangadi. Originally it was called the battle of Talikota. This decisive gruesome
battle, fought out for a day, ended on January 23rd, 1565. The vast destruction
caused by the cavalry and the artilary of allied armies of the Muslims on the
Vijayanagara camp had created a lot of confusion. Aliya Ramaraya, who had
suffered a defeat in the war, had become a captive. It is said that Hussain
Nizam Shah had cut off the head of Ramaraya, put it on a spike and carried
 History 89

it as a trophy. In the history of battles in India, this Rakkasagi- Tangadagi

battle turned out to be the most disastrous and decisive, to the extent of
changing the course of history itself. After the battle of Talikota, Ramaraya’s
brother Tirumala returned to the capital and carried away gold, diamonds,
jewellery, the golden throne and all the treasure, on hundreds of elephants and
hurried to Chandragiri. In the history of South India, 230 years of Vijayanagara’s
rule became an epoch making period. Prof. Saletore thinks that, at the time
when Muslim kings had ventured to put the culture and wealth of the Hindu
Empire into the coffin and were about to strike the last nail, the Vijayanagara
Empire raised its head, ruined their desires and aspirations and succeeded in
protecting and promoting Hindu Dharma and traditions. This is the clear
description about the political necessity out of which Vijayanagara had emerged.
The Muslim armies pillaged, plundered, and looted ravaged, ransacked and
destroyed Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, successively for
about a period of six months. The Aravidu dynasty, the last one to rule
Vijayanagara after AD 1565 confined itself to Penugonda province and dragged
on with its weakened existence. Inscriptions of the kings, in the last stages of
the Empire, are found in Mandya district. They are mostly records relating to
either renewal or continuance of the grants already made. Srirangapattana
inscription dated AD 1571 found in the Ranganatha temple, belongs to the
reign of Tirumalaraya I , son of Aliya Ramaraya, records the grant of
Banangatti village to the best administrator of the province (name illegible), for
the daily services of God Ranganatha. Four inscriptions belonging to the period
of Rangaraya I of Aravidu dynasty are found. All of them deal with the grants
made to Ranganatha temple of Srirangapattana. The copper plate inscription
dated AD 1662 in the temple treasury of God Ranganatha of Srirangapattana
belongs to the reign of Rangaraya III of the Aravidu dynasty and has on its
record the genaeology of the family. With the beginning of the decline of
Vijayanagara, gradually stage by stage, the administration of the Wodeyars of
Mysore came into prominence.
The Prabhus of Nagamangala
During the 15th and 16th centuries, with Nagamangala, the present
taluk head quarters, as their capital, the so called Nagamangala Prabhus ruled.
The inscriptions refer to this royal family as belonging to Lohithakula. Chaimi
90 Mandya District Gazetteer

the commander (Danda-Nayaka), had established the fort of Nagamangala in

about AD 1270. It appears that this family began to administer the province
starting with Singanna Wodeya, a trusted lieutenant of Vijayanagara kings. He
had two sons named Timmanna and Devaraja. Melukote inscription dated AD
1458 informs that, Commander Timmanna, was a minister to Vijayanagara
king Mallikarjuna (AD 1446-67), and along with his wife Rangambike, took a
leading part in the renovation of Melukote (Yadavagiri Jeernoddaraka). That
apart, he is stated to have built the fort and the moat on the western side of
Srirangapattana. Among many a inscriptions of Melukote references to Minister
Timmanna are found. Nelamane inscription dated AD 1458 referring to the
same Dandanayaka reveals that as desired by his wife Rangambike, he made
a grant of Ballenahalli and Yalavadahalli to Goddess Lakshmidevi at Melukote.
During that period Nagamangala administration had extended upto Gundlupete.
Sitapura (named after Sitambika the mother of Timmanna and Devaraja cited
above), inscription dated AD 1467 informs that, Timmanna’s brother Devaraja,
built a dam across the River Cauvery and took the water through a canal to
the village called Haravu, in addition to building Sitapura Agrahara in the
name of his mother. Besides, it is gathered from other sources that, he worked
as Vijayanagara ViceRoy at Mangalore.
Palegars of Hadinaadu
The palegars of Hadinaadu, with their status as provincial rulers or
Mandalikas, were ruling over Yalanduru, Nanjanagudu, Kollegala and
surroundings as feudatories of Vijayanagara Empire. Important among them
were the rulers of Hadinaadu, as it is gathered from inscriptions and other
records. The inscriptions issued by the Gangas and Cholas refer to them as
Hadinaaru. Hoysala and Vijayanagara inscriptions refer to Hadinaadu. Kings of
Hadinaadu had accepted the Vijayanagara Government and were prominent
during the Vijayanagara period. Yalanduru was the capital of Hadinaadu.
These kings ruled for a total period of 118 years from AD 1549 to AD 1667.
They have made their own unique contributions to Literature, culture and
administration of the kingdom. They originally belonged to the Gowda
community and ruled as independent kings. Singhadeva Bhoopa or Devappa
Gowda was the first ruler in this family, as it is gathered. After him, while the
powerful Mahamandaleswara Narapparaja was ruling Hadinaadu in AD
 History 91

1546, Chamarasa Gowda (son of Devappa Gowda), was a subordinate official.

There after, in AD 1563, while Sadashivaraya was ruling Vijayanagara, he had
worked as a subordinate officer under the provincial Viceroy Jagadevaraya. At
the same time Devappa Gowda, the father of Chamarasa Wodeya, was
illegally killed by Sanjar Khan a Muslim. Then, Sadashivaraya gave six villages
in the province of Hadinaadu, as Nettara Kodige (Nettara in Kannada means
blood and kodige is that which is given) to Chamarasa Wodeya. As referred to
in an inscription dated AD 1566, Devappa Gowda’s son Chamarasa Wodeya
was a subordinate official to the provincial governors Narapparaja and
Jagadevaraja under the Vijayanagara kings. There after, during the period of
Chamarasa Wodeya they became independent kings. With this information as
a background, Chamarasa Wodeya can be identified as the first king of
Hadinaadu. He was succeeded by Ramarajanayaka to the throne.
Ramarajanayaka was also being called as Ramanripala. From the inscriptions
dated AD 1556 and AD 1593 it is learnt that he was the son of Devappa
Gowda. Tirumalaraja Mahamandaleswara, working under Sadashivaraya of
Vijayanagara, had granted Hiriyuru to king Ramarajanayaka of Hadinaadu
province as pallakki umbali. Thus during the period of Ramarajanayaka, the
kings of Hadinaadu had gained the confidence and recognition from the
Vijayanagara sovereigns in addition to their getting enough of gifts and grants
from them. Tirumalarajanayaka son of Ramarajanayaka, succeeded to the
throne. As a consequence of Tirumalarajanayaka marrying Mallajamma, the
daughter of Mallaraja, the lord of Kalale, the political growth of Hadinaadu
got a boost. It is learnt from the inscription dated AD 1605 that,
Tirumalarajanayaka established the Mahattina Matha in Visveswara temple at
Sivanasamudra, in Mandya district and made several grants to it. After
Tirumalanayaka lost Hadinaadu province, that province was transferred to
Nanjaraja son of Channodaya.
There after, Nanjaraja Wodeya ruled from AD 1605 to AD 1627. He was
looking after the administration of Hadinaadu during the period when
Venkatapathi, son of Yati- Timmarajayya, was the Mahamandaleswara under
Vijayanagara administration supervising the administration of Hadinaadu.
Nanjaraja not only maintained cordial relationship with Venkatapathi but also
had earned the friendship of the Ummatturu king in the neighbourhood. He
92 Mandya District Gazetteer

had gifted Haradanahalli Matha and Mallapura Village to his family deity,
God Sidda Mallikarjuna. In AD 1613 he granted Channappanapura village to
Amachavadi (place name) Gods Kumbheswara, Veerabhadra and Basaveswara.
Nanjaraja died in a battle against Raja Wodeyar of Mysore. Some time
afterwards, Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar married Amrithambe, the daughter of
Nanjaraja. That matrimonial alliance resulted in the development of cordial
relations between the two families. When Lingarajayya Wodeya, son of
Tirumalarajanayaka was ruling Hadinaadu, from AD 1628 to AD 1654,
Srirangaraya was heading the government at Vijayanagara. The enimity
between Raja Wodeyar and Nanjaraja Wodeya of Hadinaadu having come to
an end, Lingarajayya came closer and more closer to the Wodeyars of Mysore,
during the reign of Kanteerava Narasaraja. After him, Maddurajayya ruled
this province from AD 1654 to AD 1667. In one of the manuscripts found at
Bhruhanmatha in Chitradurga there are a number of references to Padinadu.
According to the Kollegal inscription it is learnt that, Chamaraja Wodeya was
ruling Yalanduru, after the demise of his father. He was the last ruler of
Hadinadu. It appears that Hadinaadu was merged with Mysore by Chikka
Devaraja Wodeyar. During the period of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, Yalanduru
and its neighbourhood was granted to Diwan Purnaiaha, as a Jahgir. The
Palegars of Hadinaadu not only gave good administration but also undertook
many activities for the benefit of the common people- like providing irrigation
facilities, improving conditions necessary for cultivation of lands and such
other welfare activities and thus worked for the development of the province.
They had given encouragement to education and promotion of art. Many of
the constructions in Yalanduru and repairs conducted on temples and religious
mathas in other places are the best examples of the achievements of the
palegars of Hadinaadu. Three inscriptions of this family are available in
Mandya district. Kudaregundi inscription of AD 1576 in Maddur taluk has on
record the information pertaining to the grant, by Mahamandaleswara
Ramarajayya, of Kudaregundi village, at Arasanakere area, as Pallakki Umbali.
Kabbare inscription dated AD 1589 in the same taluk, informs about the grant
of Kabbare village in the Maddur Seeme for the well being of the place to
Shanmukha pandith son of Appaji pandith, by Mahamandaleswara
Ramarajayya and Tirumalarajayya, both of them being sons of Tirumalaraya.The
mutilated inscription dated AD 1596 in Dudda village of Mandya taluk,
 History 93

informs that, when Jakanna Nayaka son of Guttinayaka of Nagaruru was

ruling this place, Hadinaadu was under its Maha arasu Mahamandaleswara
Ramaraya Tirumala rajayya deva. The remaining portion of the inscription is
damaged. The same king established a Mahattina Matha in Veereswara temple
at Sivanasamudra and gave many gifts to that according to the inscription
dated AD 1605 in the custody of the Matha.
Palegars of Ummattur
During the period of the Vijayanagara kings, Mandya district was
popularly known as Hoysala Nadu. With the establishment of the Vijayanagara
Empire, a number of weak regional political powers in the province came into
existence. Palegars of Ummattur was one of the prominent political powers
among them to have got itself revived. These palegars had established their
control over the southern parts of Mysore district that included a small part of
Nanjanagud, Gundlapet, Chamarajanagara, Yalandur, Malavalli and some
parts of Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu. They were a prominent ruling
family in the southern parts of Mysore and the chief among the enemies to the
Wodeyars of Mysore. Because they happened to be the feudatories to the
Vijayanagara kings, politically they were powerful. Today, Ummattur is a
small village in Chamarajanagara taluk. The chief fort of the Ummattur
Palegars is in the Island of Sivanasamudra, in Malavalli taluk. Located near
Shimsa water falls, and nearer to that is the temple of their family deity God
Someswara. This family was ruling in the Mysore and Mandya districts, which
are surrounded by Rivers Cauvery and its tributary Kapila. No satisfactory
answers are available to the questions: 1. the time period of the establishment
of their empire, 2. whether these palegars belonged to Ummattur or not, 3. the
place of their orign etc. But, built upon the basis of some available inscriptions,
their history has been brought to light.
The progenitor of the family of Ummattur Palegars was Hanumanthappa
Wodeya, based on an inscription dated AD 1482. Munnahalli inscription dated
AD 1506, from Malavalli taluk, refers to Chikkarayanna the son of Ummattur
Rajadevanna Wodeya. In that inscription Chikkaraya is also called Mallaraya.
He had made Terakanambi as his administrative capital, at that point of time.
At that time Narasimha, who belonged to the Tuluva dynasty that ruled
Vijayanagara, was administering that province. In the inscriptions this place
94 Mandya District Gazetteer

is referred to as Monemuttarahalli, within the extension of Dhanaguru Sthala

and subsequently renamed as Chikkarayasagara Agrahara, as recorded. Depanna
is described with the following adjectives: Jnanankachakreswara, Pesalihanuma,
Arasankasenegara etc. By way of an explanation, the meaning of the words
Pesali, Pesani, Parsani is stated to be Commander of the army (Dandanayaka)
implying that he was a commander of the army. It becomes clear that, Pesali
Hanumanthappa family ruled Ummattur and the neighbouring provinces as
Mahamandaleswaras. These Prabhus of Ummattur gained the royal titles and
became independent in AD 1491. Thereafter, by about AD 1505 they had the
titles Chikkaraya, Penugonde Chakreswara which leads to a doubt whether
they could have belonged to Penugonda in Ananthapur district of Andhra
Pradesh. After Hanumappa Wodeya, Chikkaraya I and thereafter,
Chennarayamaharaja ruled till AD 1418. After Chennarayamahraja
Veerasomanna became the king of Ummattur. According to Gundlapete
inscription, Veerasomanna Wodeya’s son Mahamandaleswara Chikka Wodeya
(Kumara Chikkanna) was ruling Terakanambi, and thereafter, Veerasomanna
ruled. The two prominent rulers of the family were: Veerahanumappa Wodeya
and Immadiraya Wodeya or Somaraya. Somayya or Someswara’s secretary
(Karanika) Devarasa got the Jain Basadi built at Harave and left behind the
required grants for its maintenance. Somayya’s elder son Devaraja or Depanna
gave Haradanahalli village and the income from certain other villages as gifts
to the renowned temple of God Divyalinga Anileswara of that place. His
younger son Nanjaraja Wodeya came to power afterwards. It is gathered from
the inscriptions that, after Nanjaraja his two sons Chennaraja and Chikkaraya
succeeded, one after the other, to administration.Duggahatti inscription refers
to Nanjaraja as Gangaraja. He is considered as the last administrative head of
Ummattur.
Five inscriptions pertaining to Ummattur Palegars have been reported
from Mandya district, and from among them, Honaganahalli inscription of
Malavalli taluk exhibits the characteristics of AD 15th and 16th century. This
inscription records the grant of Honaganahalli (in present Malavalli taluk) near
Banniyur, made by Mahamandaleswara Veera Immadiraya Wodeya, to an
official called Marappa of Banniyur. Mattihalli inscription (1506) of the same
taluk, that belongs to the reign of Narasimha of Tuluva dynasty that ruled
Vijayanagara, has on its record the information pertaining to the grant of
 History 95

Muttarahalli also called Chikkarayasagara, after its conversion into an Agrahara,

as Ekasowmya, given to Nagabhatta, an excellent scholar in grammar, son of
Alikonda Tirumal Bhatta (also named Mallaraja). The Kundur village inscription
dated AD 1510 of the same taluk, describes the grant made to the God
(Moolasthanadevaru) of Kundur village, by an official called Sadhiyappa Wodeya,
in obedience to the orders of Mahamandaleswara Veerachikkayya Wodeya.
Kalkuni inscription dated AD 1611 from Malavalli taluk refers to the information
pertaining to the grant of Kalkuni village in Kirugaavara Sthala, made by
Mahamandaleswara Piriya wodeya, son of Veera Nanjaraja Wodeya, to God
Nanjundeswara at Sangama Kshethra. Nettakallu village inscription dated AD
1532 from the same taluk, has on its record the information pertaining to the
.grant of Netakallu village, in Dhanaguru Sime and the jurisdiction of Talakadu
Sime, by Mahamandaleswara Mallaraja Wodeya son of Veera Mangappa
Wodeya of Ummattur. From this it is clear that, he was the person who got a
fort built, in the island of Sivasamudra where the Cauvery water falls exist,
and became independent in the early part of the 16th century. The kingdom
of Mysore was under the control of Vijayanagara, during the reign of
Krishnadevaraya. Krishnadevaraya defeated the Gangaraja of Ummattur and
annexed the Sivasamudra fort and Srirangapattana. According to Nanjanagudu
inscription dated AD 1512, Krishnadevaraya had won both Talakadu and
Ummatturu, and appointed Saluva Govindaraja as the governor of Ummatturu.
Thereafter, all these provinces got merged in Vijayanagara Empire. Raja Wodeyar
of Mysore added the Ummattur Paleyam to the kingdom of Mysore.
Wodeyars of Mysore
Administration of the Mysore Wodeyar family began towards the end of
the Vijayanagara Empire, when Aravidu dynasty, on a small scale, had started
its rule in Penugonda. It is believed that, two Yadava brothers named Vijaya
and Krishna, left Dwaraka in Gujarath (North India), came to Hadinadu and
got themselves established. According to traditional belief, in AD 1399 the Urs
family came into existence. Related as brothers, Vijaya and Krishna of the
Yadu family protected the unmarried daughter of the Chieftain (Prabhu) of
Hadinadu from her getting compulsorily married, on a critical occasion, to
Karugahalli Nayaka. Thereafter, when they came to power, and established
their Empire which included Hadinadu and Karugahalli. Traditional reports
96 Mandya District Gazetteer

inform that, the lady having got the protection from Vijaya and Krishna,
naturally leaned on Vijaya and married him. It is said that, Yaduraya and
Vijaya had ruled the kingdom from AD 1399 to AD 1423 and at that time
Chamaraja was administering the area around Mysore as a small palegar. It is
believed that Yaduraya and Vijaya as a part of their pilgrimage programme
were on a visit in the temple of Goddess Chamundi, and the death of
Chamaraja, at about the same time, had caused ripples in the local political
conditions that had lead to the involvement of Yaduraya and Vijaya in
provincial politics of Mysore. Taking advantage of the conditions consequent
upon the death of Chamaraja, the Commander in Chief of his army Maranayaka,
had started creating all sorts of troubles to the widowed queen of Chamaraja.
It was then Vijaya, with the help of a jangama killed Maranayaka, and
married the daughter of Chamaraja. Thereafter, he became the Wodeyars of
the Mysore principality.
Due to this reason the royal family of Mysore is said to have got the name
Wodeyar. As it is evident from the traditional accounts, that, Chamaraja I (AD
1423-59), Timmaraja I (AD 1459-1478), Chamaraja II (AD 1478-1513), and
(Bettada) Chamaraja III (AD 1513-1533) ruled the kingdom. C. Hayavadana
Rao opines “The Wodeyar family had ruled within the confines of Terakanambi
in the province of Srirangapattana, then under the Vijayanagara Empire. The
sources for the study of the history of this family up to AD 1550 are either not
dependable or not available. Such a situation has resulted in their early history
remaining doubtful and uncertain”. The other feudatories of Vijayanagara like
Ummattur, Kalale, Hura (Pura), Muguru, Tagaduru etc, palegars continued to
remain relatively stronger. Chamaraja III had three sons. Among them
Chamaraja (AD 1572-76), son of Krishnaraja, was also called as Bola Chamaraja
(Bald headed Chamaraja) as he is stated to have gone bald completely, due to
the impact of lightning at Chamundi Hill while he was there on a hunting
expedition. He is considered to have been a contemporary of the Vijayanagara
king Srirangaraya I. After him Chamaraja IV came to power and took several
villages under his control. After Bola Chamaraja, the son of his elder brother,
Bettada Wodeyar (AD 1576-78) came to power. But, he was considered to have
been a weak king although he ruled for some time. Raja Wodeyar (AD 1578-
1617) who succeeded him is considered to be a historical figure. According to
history of the Wodeyar dynasty, based on the inscriptional evidences, the
 History 97

brothers who came to Melukote became the originators of this dynasty. When
Raja Wodeyar captured Srirangapattana in AD 1610, the king of Vijayanagara,
who belonged to the Aravidu dynasty, appointed him as a provincial governor
(1578-1617).
It is traditionally believed that, the kings of Mysore had kept Mysore as
their capital, but no inscriptional evidences are available in support of this
claim. However, Raja Wodeyar, who is historically considered to be the
originator of this dynasty, had Srirangapattana as his capital from AD 1610 as
referred to in the inscriptions. Thereafter, after the death of Tipu in AD 1799,
the capital was shifted from Srirangapattana to Mysore. Next, in AD 1831
when the province of Mysore came under the Commissioners’ Rule, the
administrative centre had been shifted from Mysore to Bangalore. Yet, the
capital of the Wodeyar dynasty of Mysore continued to be in Mysore. Not only
did Raja Wodeyar extend his kingdom to include all the areas that belonged to
the Previous Mysore district, but also in the north he annexed several areas
from the Jagadevarayas of Chennapattana, started the Dasara celebrations,
known to this day as ‘Nada Habba’ and showed to the Nation that they upheld
and represented the inherited cultural values bequeathed by the Vijayanagara
Empire. Chamaraja Wodeyar (AD 1617-1637), who succeeded Raja Wodeyar,
conquered all the remaining areas that belonged to Jagadevarayas. Just as he
was an excellent administrator, he was also an eminent scholar. He had
authored ‘Chamarajokthi vilasa’ a Kannada version of Valmiki’s Ramayana. It
is generally said that Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar, the third son of Muppina
Devaraja Wodeyar who had ruled the kingdom for a while after Raja Wodeyar
I, was a powerful king. The frequency of changes taking place among the
rulers of the Mysore ruling family was taken advantage of by Shivappa Nayaka
of Ikkeri, by laying siege to Srirangapattana fort, the capital of Kanteerava
Narasa Raja. At that time, Devaraja Wodeyar protected the capital and forced
Shivappa Nayaka to retreat. Mysore army captured Chikkanayakanahalli fort
and other provinces under their control from Ikkeri. Encouraged by that
victory, Dodda Devaraja tried to dislodge Srirangaraya from Belur, and took
away Srirangaraya’s strong holds Hassan and Sakkarepattana. With this the
last Vijayanagara king Srirangaraya’s rule ended and the decline of
Vijayanagara was also complete. That victory became necessarily responsible
for the prominence of Dodda Devaraja. The defeat of Hole-Narasipura and the
98 Mandya District Gazetteer

annexation of that province, is said to be another achievement. Next, he

invaded Magadi several times and conquered Kunigal, Huliyur Durga etc from
Kempe Gowda III.After Raja Wodeyar I, Raja Wodeyar II ascended the throne
but, died due to poisoning leaving Kanteerava Narasaraja I (AD 1638-1662),
the son of Bettada Chamaraja, to avail the throne for himself. They were well
known for their physical fitness. As a consequence of exercising their physical
strength, innocent Vikramaraya, the Dalavoy, was murdered in AD 1638 (at
the time of accession to the throne). As a result of this, it is learnt that
Ranadulla Khan launched his attacks on these kings. Courageous and skillful
as these kings were, it is generally known that, they drove back the Bijapur
army of invaders under Ranadulla Khan, and acquired the titile Rana Dheera
Kanteerava.
The Maratha Governor Shahji, having annexed Bangalore, Sira,
Chitradurga, Basavapattana etc, was collecting tribute. Shahji took Bangalore
jahagir for himself. As a result, Kempe Gowda shifted his capital from Yalahanka
to Magadi. Channaiah, the feudatory at Nagamangala was encouraging the
Adil Shahis of Bijapur to capture Mysore. Upon his invitation, Adil Shah
captured Srirangapattana in AD 1639. But, Kanteerava Narasaraja claimed
that he had successfully prevented the capture. However, it is widely known
that he had secretly paid tribute to the Bijapur Sultan. In the south, Kanteerava
invaded Denkanikote and Satyamangala. In addition to that, Kanteerava
Narasaraja Wodeyar took under his control the provinces like Turuvekere,
Piriyapattana, Bettadapura, Rudrapattana, Kadaba and Yalahanka.
Mustafakhan, the commander of Bijapur army attempted to prevent the
victorious conquests of Kanteerava Narasaraja in AD 1640. As if it were in
fulfillment of that attempt, Kanteerava Narasaraja by way of paying a small
tribute at that moment, finally succeeded two years afterwards, in taking over
Chennarayapattana from Bijapur. When the king of Madurai questioned
Kanteerava Narasaraja’ s Power, he liberated in AD 1642 the provinces of
Singanallur, Cauverypuram and Chengapudi from the cluches of Tamil Nadu.
Under the pretext of collecting the tribute dues, he annexed Hampapura from
the administrator of Holenarasipura province in AD 1644. Not only he
politically extended his empire, but Kanteerava Narasaraja gave very rare
encouragement to the efflorescence of Literature and culture, and won the
admiration of his people. He expanded the fort of Srirangapattana and
 History 99

additionally got Narasimha temple built there. He got new design coins, called
Kanteeraya pagodas, minted in his own mint after the models brought out by
the Vijayanagara Empire. At a place called Chandravana near his capital, he
caused the construction of a bridge across the River Cauvery. His contemporary,
called Govinda Vaidya, a scientist, wrote in Kannada a book entitled Bhaskara
Ganitha. Another scholar Timmarasa wrote Markandeya Ramayana in Kannada.
Kanteerava Narasaraja Wodeyar undertook reforms in the army and by way
of sowing seeds of challenge among them; he was responsible for instilling
among them the determined spirit of challenging the rival armies.
Kanteerava Narasaraja had no issues. Therefore, he had developed
paternal liking towards his grand and great grand children. Among them, he
loved Bola Chamaraja’s grand son Dodda Devaraya more than the great grand
son Chikka Devaraya, hence selected the earlier one as his successor. But
within a short time, Chikka Devaraya with his better capabilities came to
power. Before this incident took place, he had been kept under house
imprisonment by Dodda Devaraya. Sriranga III, the then king trom Aravidu
dynasty, sent his army against Hassan, Sakkarepattana etc, provinces that he
had kept in his personal custody. At about the same time, Dodda Devaraya
died at Chikkanayakanahalli. Chikka Devaraya (AD 1672-1704) under these
circumstances escaped from imprisonment took over the administration, and
proved himself an excellent administrator. In order to reform the administration,
he appointed Visalaksha Panditha as his Prime Minister. Taking advantage of
the rivalry and competition among the Mughals, the Marathas and Bijapur for
the expansion of their kingdoms in to the south, Chikka Devaraya captured
large parts of Chickmagalur and Hassan districts, extending the boundaries of
his kingdom in the north. Shahji who had got Bangalore as his Jahagir, and his
son Venkoji had agreed to sell Bangalore for a price of Rs. 3,00,000 to the
Maharaja of Mysore. Yet, Kasim Khan, the Mughal commander had managed
to take Bangalore away from Venkoji. Towards the end of his reign the
kingdom of Mysore had expanded to Coimbatore in the south, Salem in the
east, Tumkur in the north and Hassan and Kadur in the west. Some time later,
Chikka Devaraya had succeeded in regaining Bangalore trom the Mughals.
According to the documents in the custody of Christian Missionaries, it is
learnt that, Bangalore was bought for a price. Yet, as it is proclaimed by the
king himself, he defeated Shivaji in a battle, took the title as Aprathima Veera,
100 Mandya District Gazetteer

and got Bangalore. Not only he became popular for his political prowess, but
also for the first time became a shining example in reforming the administration
of the kingdom with great wisdom and won for himself the titile Navakoti
Narayana. He had appointed Visalaksha Panditha as Prime Minister, and had
set up a Ministry comprising Tirumala Iyengar, Shadaksharaiah, Chikkupadyaya
and Karanika Lingannayya. With the help of such capable ministers with their
administrative experience, Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar introduced
several administrative reforms. The most important among them was the
establishment of eighteen Departments. They were called as Chavadis. This was
derived from the administrative system called Attara Kachcheri. Among his
administrative reforms the planning of the postal system with a fine network
was another great achievement. During his reign, Sri Vaishnava poets wrote
several works. Noteworthy among them are Tirumalarya, Chikkupadyaya,
Shadakshari, Timma Kavi, SanchiHonnamma etc.
The Swetha Varaha temple in Mysore was built by him. In memory of his
father Paravasudeva temple was also built at Gundlapete. He was not only a
great devotee of God Cheluvanarayanaswamy but, he was also a follower of
Sree Vaishnava sect. In the book Chikka Devaraya Binnapa written by him in
Kannada, God Cheluvarayaswami’s description of fame and attributes are
found. His boyhood friend and a scholar Tirumalarya wrote Chikka Devaraja
Vijaya, Chikka Devaraya Vamsavali and Aprathima Veera Charitre etc. Srirangaraya,
youngest brother of Tirumalarya, wrote Kannada drama Mithravinda Govinda,
during the same period. On the basis of the available records it stands proved
that, it was during the reign of the Wodeyars of Mysore the favourable
environment existed for the writing of Kannada works, and fine scholars
capable of laying strong foundation for literaray development got themselves
settled in large numbers in Mysore and turned the a land into land of literary
and cultural excellance during the time of Chikka Raja Wodeyar.
After the death of Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar in AD 1704, Kanteerava
Narasaraja Wodeyar II succeeded him. Because, he was deaf, dumb, and weak
administration fell into the hands of the Dalavoys. Thus the fortunes of the
kingdom of Mysore began to decline. After him, Krishnaraja Wodeyar I (AD
1713-32), the son of Kanteerava, came to power and after ruling for some time,
was succeeded by his son Chamaraja VII (AD 1732-1724). Next, Krishna Raja’s
 History 101

widow, Devajammanni’s adopted son, Krishna Raja Wodeyar II (AD 1734-

1766) succeeded but, he had to face many obstacles in administration. In
addition to opposing many political weaknesses, he had to pay huge amount
of tribute to the Mughals, the Marathas and the Nizam. As a result, economic
conditions of the kingdom of Mysore began to deteriorate. Invasions by the
Marathas on the provinces south of River Tungabadhra doubled the pressure
on the treasuries of the kings in those provinces. All these developments
resulted in the weakening of Mysore ruling family. Mysore and Keladi royal
families became the important victims of economic exploitation by the
neighbouring kingdoms. The Dalavoy brothers, Devaraja and Nanjaraja of
Mysore also got struck in their mis-adventures in Tamil Nadu. That struggle is
called the Second Carnatic war, and they had entertained the ambition of
annexing Tiruchinapalli to the kingdom of Mysore. But, the struggle that lasted
for a long period (AD 1742-1755) ruined the finances of Mysore, to a very great
extent. Economic weaknesses of these two kingdoms were responsible for their
decline, and the emergence of Hyder Ali as a leader in Karnataka, and its
neighbouring provinces bordering on the boundaries of Karnataka.
About 18 inscriptions of the rulers of Mysore are found in Mandya
district, and they provide a large number of details about their administrative
influence. Honnalagere copper plate inscription dated AD 1623, from Maddur
taluk, issued by Ramaraya II of Aravidu dynasty, while he was ruling from
Penugonda, informs about grant by Chamaraja Wodeyar son of Narasaraja, of
villages such as Honnalagere, Honneya Hagalahalli, and a few other smaller
villages, in Maddur Sthala. In that inscription Chamaraja informs about the
administrative control of Vijayanagara over Mysore kingdom. Honnalagere
inscription in the same taluk, dated AD 1623, informs about the grant of
Hondalagere, Timmasamudra, Halagalahalli, Bheemanakere etc, villages under
Kalalenadu, in Madduru sthala, belonging to Srirangapattana to the following
officials: Akajapura Ramajaiah, Virupakshaiah and Govindaiah, and it also
records the administrative control of Ramaraya II of Penugonda over the
province. Arakere village inscription dated AD 1625, from Srirangapattana
taluk is mutilated but, furnishes the information about the construction of a
mandapa at that place by Devaraja Wodeyar son of Chamaraja Wodeyar of
Mysore. Another inscription belonging to AD 17th century in God Srinivasa
temple of Karigatta, in the same taluk, refers to the name of Raja Wodeyar of
102 Mandya District Gazetteer

Mysore, and the remaining portion is wornout. Melukote copper plate of AD

1647 has in its record the information pertaining to the conversion of Sukhadore
village, situated towards the north of Melukote or Yadugiri, along with seven
other villages surrounding that into an Agrahara and their grant by the King
of Mysore Kanteerava Narasaraja Wodeyar, to Sri Vaishnava Brahmins. A
Hazy inscription of AD 1657 found at Antaravalli village, in Pandavapura
taluk, contains the information pertaining to the construction of Arkeswara
temple at Antaravalli, during the reign of Kanteerava Narasaraja Wodeyar. A
17th century inscription found at Madapura in Krishnarajapete taluk refers to
the information regarding the grant of ten villages to the temple of God
Narasimha at that place. The inscription found engraved on the basement of
an idol representing a king in Narasimha temple at Srirangapattana proclaims
that stone idol is a representation of Kanteerava Narasaraja. An inscription
dated AD 1663 at Kowdle village in Maddur taluk refers to the conversion of
Kowdali village into an Agrahara and that it was renamed as Devarajapura by
Devaraja, son of Dodda Devaraja Wodeyar. It informs further about the
establishment of villages named Naganahalli, Karadikoppalu, Kilara and
Ummarahalli. The inscription dated AD 1664 found at Gulur, in the same
taluk, has on its record the information about the directions issued for
consolidation and conversion of Gulur village, Vaddara Bilikere and
Nambinayakanahalli at the place called Krishnadeveraya pattana, into an
Agrahara, which was named Amruthuru, at the instance of Devaraja Mahipala,
son of Devaraja Wodeyar. Copper plates dated AD 1664, in the Treasury of
Srirangapattana, has on its record the information pertaining to the grant of
Alappanahalli Village, by a devotee called Ranganayaki (Devadasi?) of
Srirangapattana, to be used as a garden for the cultivation of flowers required
for the purpose of decorations to the Goddess. This grant was made during the
reign of Mari Devaraja son of Muppina Devaraja Wodeyar of Mysore. The
inscription also refers to the installation of God Hanumantha in the middle of
the village by the same king. A damaged inscription dated AD 1669 found at
Belakavadi in Malavalli taluk, refers to the gift of house and lands to Komara
Jangama Devaraja Wodeya of Talakadu, during the reign of Devaraja Wodeyar
of Mysore. Other details in the inscription are wornout. The inscription dated
AD 1672, in the Malavalli fort informs about King Devaraja changing the
name of a place called Sasiyalapura and calling it as Gangadharapura, and he
 History 103

made a gift to God Gangadhareswara. The building of the temple is stated to

have taken place at the same time, according to that inscription. The copper
plates dated AD 1673, found in Hullamballi village in Malavalli taluk, has on
its record the grant made by Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar to Rudramuni
Devaradhya Swamiji of Revanaradhya Matha at that place. Beeravalli inscription
dated AD 1678 in Krishnarajapete taluk, issued during the reign of Chikka
Devaraja Wodeyar, refers to the information pertaining to the grant of
Natanahalli and Bituballi villages, in Mandagere Sthala, within the jurisdiction
of Narasipura Hobli, instead of Singana-Maranahalli, to the temple of God
Narayana Swamy in Srirangapattana, for His daily services. Malavalli inscription
dated AD 1685 in the reign of Chikka Devaraja refers to the construction of a
huge tank, in the north-east direction, of that place. Another copy of this
inscription is found in Melukote. The copper plates dated AD 1686, with the
Srirangapattana treasury, in addition to furnishing the detailed genealogy of
Chikka Deveraya Wodeyar, has on its record the gift of Avverahalli near
Belagola, to Kodandarama temple located in Ranganatha temple. In this
inscription the signature of Chikka Raja Wodeyar, is also found. There are
records to reveal that, the God’s ornaments of gold, found in Nammalwar
temple in Melkote, are the gift made by Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar. Copper
plates dated AD 1722 from the same taluk; contain the genealogy of Krishnaraja
Wodeyar I, and additional information about Tondanuru Agrahara in
Kuruvankanadu, within the jurisdiction of Hoysala kingdom, and the conversion
of Attikuppe village into an Agrahara. Melukote Kanchimatha copper plates
dated AD 1724, belonging to the same king, inform about the grant of many
villages for the services of God Varadaraja Swamy of Kanchi. Another copper
plate found at the same place, informs about the grant of Hullenahalli, within
the limits of Nagamangala Sthala, in Hogara Nadu of the Hoysala kingdom,
and other villages, during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar I (AD 1725).
Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan
Hyder Ali started his career as an ordinary soldier in AD 1736 in the
army of Dalavoy Nanjaraj. In a battle that took place at Devanahalli in AD
1746, by the exhibition of great courage and skill, he succeeded in having his
personal prestige enhanced. Next, in AD 1751, at the time of the invasion of
Arcot, when a battle took place near Jinji, the king had sent, under the
104 Mandya District Gazetteer

leadership of Barki Venkataraya, Hyder Ali with a small contingent of army.

That contingent army had gone there basically to help Nasirjung, the Nizam
of Hyderabad. But, when Nasirjung was killed in the battle, Hyder Ali
succeeded in taking to his custody the Nizam’s mobile squad that was carrying
gold coins on their camels. This incident greatly helped Hyder Ali in becoming
a commander of the army at Dindigul at a later date. Salabatjung of Hyderabad
attacked the Mysore army at Dindigul in AD 1755 resulting in his imposing a
condition that a sum of Rupees Fifty six lakhs is paid as war expenditure.
Devaraja’s treasury had gone empty. He was able to mobilize only one third
of the sum demanded, after pledging all the gold jewellery of his establishment
and the ornaments in the temples. Due to that reason Dalvoy Nanjaraja
reduced the strength of his army by one third. Because of these demands, and
mis-adventures in Tamil Nadu, his treasury had gone empty. Under the
directions of Peshwa Baji Rao, led by Sadashiv Bahu, when the Marathas
descended on Srirangapattana, it became impossible again for the treasury to
meet their demands. The Peshwa demanded a sum of Rupees thirty two lakhs.
But, the king of Mysore agreed to give Rupees Six lakhs in cash, and for the
remaining amount pledged 13 taluks, including Nagamangala taluk.
At that critical juncture, Dalavoy Nanjaraja invited Hyder Ali to the
capital. The political confusion in Srirangapattana became worse confounded.
The army that had waited for the payment of their salaries for several months
had revolted desparately. Hyder Ali advised Nanjaraja to take back all the
provinces pledged to the Marathas. Due to that reason the Marathas invaded
Mysore again in AD 1759. The Mysore army refused to fight till their salaries
were paid. Hyder Ali, with the help of his assistant Khande Rao, persuaded the
dis-satisfied rebel army for a truce spoke to the Marathas diplomatically and
finally succeeded in postponing the impending disaster. In the next move
Dalavoy Nanjaraj was thrown out. Freed from Nanjaraj, the king appointed
Hyder Ali in his position, there by his condition turned out to be something
like, escaping from the devil he was into the deep sea. Having understood these
developments, Krishnaraja Wodeyar II (AD 1734-1766), won over Khande
Rao, took him in to his confidence, and with his help succeeded in getting help
from the Maratha leader Visaji Krishna Binivale, who at that time was
invading the south. Since both of them together launched their attack, Hyder
had to move out of Srirangapattana. Hyder took refuge in Anekal. From there
 History 105

he succeeded in taking over Bangalore. When the army of the king and the
Marathas surrounded him, Hyder became helpless. At about the same time
Visaji received the news about the defeat at Panipat. Hyder had orally agreed
to the conditions laid down by Visaji. As a result of that it became clear that
the King of Mysore recognized Hyder Ali. Due to internal problems and
external pressures in AD 1761, there was no way out to save the independence
of Mysore and preserve its unity except to go with the administrative leadership
of Hyder Ali. Hyder had supported, in Karnataka, the rebel Nizam Salabatjung
against the Marathas. Having conquered Sira in AD 1762, Hyder issued a self-
declaration that, he was the Nawab of Sira. He appointed his uncle Mir
Ibrahim to Malavalli military camp and Laif Ali Baig to Maddur Camp, and
sent contingents of army to their assistance. Thereafter, he had conquered
Chikka-Ballapura, Dodda-Ballapura, Penugonda and Madakasira in AD 1762.
Hyder took advantage of the internal problems in the neighbouring small
kingdoms. The kingdom of Keladi was facing certain internal problems.
Therefore, Hyder in AD 1763 easily conquered that. Next he conquered Sonda
in AD 1764. When Hyder captured Keladi, the huge wealth that had remained
accumulated in its capital Bidanur fell into the hands of Hyder. These
developments encouraged Hyder in his future adventures. He extended his
conquests towards Gutti, near Anantapur, and there defeated Ghorpade, the
Maratha chief, and the Nawab of Savanur. Having crossed River Tungabhadra,
he extended his influence up to Dharwad. But, he suffered a defeat in the
hands of Peshwa Madhava Rao, the Maratha. Gutti was returned to Ghorpade.
Thus Hyder accepted to pay tribute (Khanadani) to the Marathas. With his
desire to extend the political boundaries into Tamil Nadu, Hyder had to
prepare for a fight against the British. In that conflicting situation combined
with mis-understandings, the Marathas, the Nizam and the British got together,
hatched a conspiracy and formed an alliance against Hyder Ali. As a result of
that began the Anglo-Mysore war in AD 1767, and ended in AD 1769 with the
British suffering a defeat at Chennai (Madras). Hyder compelled the British to
sign a peace treaty. Naturally, Hyder’s fame had reached great heights, at that
time. After that, the Marathas invaded Mysore in AD 1771 and defeated Hyder
Ali. At that crucial time the British did not come to his rescue as per their
agreement signed in AD 1769. In addition to that, the Marathas successively
many times had put him to shame. Hyder, without losing his self-confidence,
106 Mandya District Gazetteer

went ahead and captured Coorg in AD 1772. After the lapse of some time, he
cultivated friendship with the Marathas, and over a period of time he captured
the Chitradurga fiefdom. Dharwad, prominent parts of Karnataka, some parts
of Tamil Nadu and parts of Kerala came under his control. These victories,
combined with the standing enemity with the British, paved the way for Hyder
in cultivating friendship with the French.
When Krishnaraja Wodeyar II, grand son of Kanteerava Narasaraja II,
breathed his last in AD 1766, in Mysore, his son, Nanjaraja Wodeyar succeeded
to the throne. At that time, Hyder Ali forfeited the Jahagirs given to the king,
the invaluable articles in the palace, money etc. Till his death in AD 1770, this
prince remained virtually as a prisoner in the hands of Hyder. His elder brother
(Bettada) Chamaraja II (AD 1770-1776) came to power Hyder in AD 1780,
joined a confederacy of Mysore, the Marathas and the Nizam against the
British. The powerful army of this confederacy fell upon Tamil Nadu, as if with
all the force of floods, and achieved success. But, towards the end with his
friends having deserted him, Hyder stood alone. When the Second Anglo-
Mysore war took place, Hyder died due to ill-health. At that point of time, his
Empire comprised of 80,000 square miles. The great achievement of Hyder was
the unification of small and petty principalities like Dodda Ballapura, Chikka
Ballapura, Sira, Harapanahalli, Bellary, Rayadurga etc, and the establishment
of a powerful kingdom. Although Hyder was gifted with natural ability and
supple nature with which he could carry on all his transactions easily, with
deep insight in solving many of the problems, he remained completely illiterate,
according to M. Shama Rao. He had attained a high status in the history of
Karnataka, as a soldier, as an organizer, as an administrator, and as a
politician. Though he had dazzling faith in Islam, he took care never to allow
his personal religious beliefs to interfere in his political affairs and create
hurdles. Bettamgere inscription dated AD 1759, from Krishnarajapete taluk,
has on its record the information pertaining to the grant of Bettamgere village
as Umbali, for feeding the poor, at the time of the annual urs, in Neela Vasood
Khadri Pir Dargah at Tonnur. Hyder Ali Bahdur had purchased Bettamgere
village from Krishnaraja Wodeyar, according to the inscription.
Tipu Sultan (AD 1782-1799)
Tipu Sultan had won in the Second Anglo-Mysore war, and before that,
as an assistant to his father, had taken out the armies and had won many
 History 107

victories. Like Hyder Ali, Tipu continued wars against the British. To begin
with, he defeated the British at Wandiwash in AD 1783. But, he suffered
defeats in the west at Bidanur and Mangalore. With a view to achieve
improved relations with the British, in AD 1784 he entered into an agreement
with them at Mangalore. In this regard, after Mahammad Ali cheated in AD
1752 at Tiruchinapally, French and the Mysore relations were politically
welded together beyond separation. The relationship with the French that
began during the period of Hyder got strengthened during the administration
of Tipu Sultan and played a very prominent role in the military affairs of the
Mysore kingdom. According to their military agreement, the French had to
send an army of 10,000 soldiers to India and, that army should obey the
commands of Tipu. That apart, during that period neither party could
independently enter into separate agreement with the British. After the British
had surrendered everything, the French and Tipu had to take equal shares.
These were the high lights of the treaty agreement. When he received the aid
from the French in AD 1792, Tipu had suggested the same conditions. In that
military agreement, which had a number of sub-sections, Tipu reciprocated
their co-operation by assuring them the maintenance of food supply. The
embassy that was sent to France, there were three important ambassadors:
Mahammad Darvesh Khan, Akbar Ali Khan and Usman Khan. Although the
French were not totally willing to maintain political and military relations as
desired by Tipu, they were clamouring for commercial advantages. Their aim
was to completely transform the French Company in India into a commercial
organization. Tipu also had a lot of keen interest in developing industry and
commerce in his kingdom. The French came forward to have a commercial
agreement signed with Tipu in AD 1788, for the fulfillment these ideas. French
company came forward to buy pepper, sandalwood, cardamom, cotton yarn,
woollen yarn from Tipu. In return they agreed to supply fire arms, guns and
other war materials. Tipu Sultan had no rest till the ouster of the British from
the country. With the invasion of Thiruvananthapuram (Travancore) in AD
1789 by Tipu the Third AngloMysore war began. Under the leadership of Lord
Corn Wallis, instead of the traditional route Channapattana-Maddur-Mandya,
the British army took a different route Kanakapura-Bannur- Arakere and
reached Kannambady laid siege to Srirangapattana in AD 1791, but was not
successful due to heavy rains in the area. But, in the following year (AD 1792)
108 Mandya District Gazetteer

with the help of Nizam Sikandarzo, started their journey from the side of
Huliyurdurga, stayed in Pandavapura, then divided itself into three groups
and Corn wallis marched on Srirangapattana and defeated Tipu. This war that
lasted for three years came to an end in AD 1792 with the treaty of
Srirangapattana. Tipu was compelled to sign this humiliating Treaty. According
to the treaty, as a war indemnity Tipu had to pay Rupees three crore, thirty
lakhs in cash and surrender half of his kingdom. Due to paucity of funds,
Tipu’s two children were taken as hostages by the British. Tipu got them
released in AD 1794. But, that treaty was something like branding the wound
with red hot iron. With all these pressures on Tipu, when Chamaraja Wodeyar,
the king, for the name sake, died in AD 1796, Tipu did not appoint anyone as
his successor. Instead, the royal family of Mysore was completely dumped into
a corner.
After signing that ignominous treaty, Tipu with his blood boiling from
inside waited for an opportunity to suppress the British. The friendship Tipu
cultivated with the French, the Afghans and Turkey, assumed a vital role in his
anti-British policy. In the meanwhile, the system of Subsidiary alliance indicated
by Lord Wellesley was declined by Tipu. As a result the Fourth Anglo-Mysore
war began. The British contingent army at Mumbai (Bombay) under General
Stuart, and the contingent army at Channai (Madras) under General Harris
as commanders marched against Srirangapattanam, each taking a different
route. Thus the Mumbai contingent took the Piriyapattana route, while the
Channai contingent took the Malavalli route and marched ahead. On March
3 rd 1799 and March 27 th he won serially Piriyapattana and Malavalli.
Marching ahead, Gen. Harris crossed River Cauvery (March 30th) near Sosale
turning topsy turvey the plans of Tipu’s army that waited for his arrival at
Chandagala, and reached Srirangapattana on April 5th by another route. As
if that was not enough, Colonel Arthur Wellesley, with his Bengal contingent
joined him.Tipu wrote a letter to Harris on April 9th 1799 and sought to know
the reasons for declaring a war against him. In reply to that letter, on April
22nd a draft treaty sent to Tipu indicated that half the Empire of Tipu, Two
crores of Rupees as tribute, Four Officials of Tipu and Four sons of Tipu as
hostages, was demanded. But, when Tipu did not agree, war became inevitable.
Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad joined the British and laid siege to the
Srirangapattana fort. Though Tipu fought with all his heroism, on May 4th
 History 109

1799, he suffered a defeat, but continuing his efforts to prevent the enemies
from occupying his capital, died on the battle field. Srirangapattana became a
target for the enemies’ looting and plunder. In that British victory Arthur
Wellesley, Harris, Bade, Stuart, Lambden, Sherbrook, etc, the British Generals
had played a vital role. Tipu was the only king who hated the British
highthandedness incessantly and presented a strong opposition. The single
mindedness in his plans, freedom of thinking and the method of their execution
had been really problematic to the government of the Company. The defeat of
Tipu Sultan weakened the French and not only sealed their fate in India but
also forced them to exit from the political arena of India. From the administrative
point of view, Lord Wellesley established a new political system called Subsidiary
System and through that strengthened British sovereignty. As a result of that,
the kings in India were reduced to the position of pensioner kings and Nawabs
and remained as kings for the name sake. A Resident was appointed over them
to exercise administrative control. Contingents of British army were provided
to each of them. Thus the Fourth Anglo-Mysore war created an important
turning point in the political history of Indo-British relations. This incident, in
sociometry, definitely established the end of an era and the beginning of a new
era. Among the kings of south India, Tipu was the only one outstanding
example who created hurdles to the progress of British imperialism. His decline
made the British the unquestioned masters of India.
Tipu was a knowledgeable Sultan, who was industrious and self-motivated.
He had realized the need for ScientificAdvancement. He had incessantly
worked for the progress of his kingdom. He was the first king to introduce
Sericulture on a large scale. He was deservedly popular for having imported
the special technology in Mulberry cultivation from Bengal and introducing it
at 21 centres in the Mysore province for its extensive development. In addition
to that, he prohibited the export of cotton from Mysore to Foreign Nations and
gave special encouragement to local textile industries and the weavers. A
group of migrant weavers from Tamil Nadu were invited to come and settle in
the Mysore province. He had evinced keen interest in the cultivation of
sugarcane on a large scale and production of fine quality sugar and sugar
candy. Tipu had not only extended the necessary encouragement to their
production but also decided to import the required instruments from China.
Special attention was bestowed on the manufacture of glass and iron wire in
110 Mandya District Gazetteer

Chennapattana. These wires were more useful in their application to

the musical instruments. Animal husbandry in general, and the beasts of
burden specially required in the farming, like oxen, was given special
encouragement.
The special achievement of Tipu was the imposition of restrictions on the
marketing of liquors and psychotropic drugs. Production of war materials like
fire arms, Rockets gun powder and bullets was enhanced. It is said that, Tipu
took more interest in providing scholarly education. Tipu was conversant in
several languages, and had collected more than 2000 books, of different
languages, in his library. As stated by Kirmani, his palace historian, Tipu had
the knowledge of different scientific subjects. Therefore, he provided sufficient
scope for research while undertaking every programme of activity. It was only
after sufficient thought had gone into the subject; he introduced the new
systems as a matter of daily routine. When Tipu took over the administration
of this province from his father, there were five provinces (Asophies) only.
These Asophies were not uniform in their extent. According to Dr. M.H. Gopal,
among the five provinces with a total number of 171 Paraganas (taluks), if Sira
Asophy had five Paraganas, Srirangapattana Asophy had 102 Paraganas. His
Empire was about 62,000 square miles in extent with a total number of 172
paraganas in AD 1796. In every Asophy (province) there was an officer known
as Asof and another assistant officer called sub-Asof, who together looked after
the administration. Provinces were divided into “Amil” or taluks and an
Amildar was posted to look after the administration. Under the taluks the next
division was ‘Simpta’ or Hobli. An official called ‘patel’ looked after their
administration. To look after the Centralised administration of the kingdom,
there was a Central Government with six departments as follows: Military,
Revenue, Commerce, Transport, Treasury and Judiciary. To look after the
working of these six departments, there were four appointed Ministers. The
Ministers were appointed by the king and worked under him. They were: Mir-
Viran, the Minister for war technology; Meer-Asof, the revenue Minister; Meer-
Yam the Minister for Transport; and Mallik-u- Tuzar, the Ministry for Law and
Treasury. An advisory committee, each comprising four members had been
appointed to assist each of the Ministries. Those committees played a prominent
role in the administrative system.
 History 111

Tipu Sultan continued the postal system introduced by Chikka Devaraja

Wodeyar for the governmental correspondence, and established important
postal centres at Srirangapattana, Bangalore, Bidanur, Gutti, Gurramkonda,
Chitradurga and Sira. He gave a definite and a fine shape to irrigation plans
and implemented them with great promptitude. He distributed the waste lands
under the government to the tillers and encouraged the tillers to extend
cultivation to those areas as well. For the second year of cultivation on such
waste lands only half of the standard rate of land revenue had been imposed.
With a view to help the agriculturists buy the necessary implements like
ploughs etc, the system of advancing Takkavi loan was already in vogue
during Tipu’s time. Taxes and the revenue system that had come down as
traditional practices and were in vogue at the time were continued. Tipu had
not only systematically directed the censes operations in the kingdom, but he
had made it legal to register births and deaths. Land revenue review and
inspection were being done annually. It was the duty of the Amildar to collect
the taxes and land revenue legally. While doing so there was also a rule then
in force, not to harass the taxpayers. If the taxes were collected in excess, there
was also a practice of the government taking disciplinary action against the
assessing officer and imposing fines. Towards the end of his life, it is evident
that, Tipu had taken a series of serious actions with regard to administrative
reforms for their effective and smooth working. The administrative work that
was being carried on with the use of Persian language was changed. He
introduced the system of maintenance of records in Kannada and Marathi, and
that was known as the Double Daftar system. In AD 1792, it should be
remembered here, he himself had ordered the maintenance of Governmental
records in Persian language only. It had become inevitable for him to appoint
half-educated persons into the government departments because, of the non-
availability of the learned persons, at times, and the rate of literacy among the
Muslims at that time was low. According to Kirmani, it was due to that kind
of inefficient officials, the revenue collection in the kingdom declined. Just as
Tipu was a fine administrator, he had also brought into force many liberal
activities with moral-overtone. He gave not only grants to Hindu temples in
general but also gave special encouragement to the establishment at Sringeri.
He followed a policy of toleration towards other religions, and it is also note
worthy that he was a sincere follower of Islam. The limited government of
112 Mandya District Gazetteer

Hyder Ali became well organized during the administration of Tipu, as opined
by Colnol Munroe. In the history of Mysore, the administration by this Muslim
family during the medieval period has remained an epoch of great importance.
Krishnaraja Wodeyar III (AD 1799-1831)
After the death of Tipu Sultan, the East India Company could have
annulled the kingdom of Mysore. But, they considered the request of the
Mysore royal family and fortunately decided to allow the continuance of their
political rule. It was the British political strategy to keep Mysore, in some form
or the other, under their sovereign authority. To decide on this issue, the
Governor General formed a high power commission, with the following
officials: General Harris, Col.Aurther Wellesley, Krik Patrick and Barrey Close-Members
Malcolm and Major Munroe- as Secretaries, Edward Godling - the Assistant Member,
According to the recommendations of the Commission, and on the basis of the
agreement reached later on, the British Government signed an agreement with
Mysore, in June 1799.
British Government in that had accepted the request of Krishnaraja
Wodeyar III (son of Chamaraja Wodeyar IX) of Mysore.The British Government,
having considered Dewan Purnaiaha, former Minister to Tipu, as a sincere
administrator, had desired to secure his services to run the Mysore
administration. But Purnaiaha, having served as the Dewan in Tipu’s
administration, had desired naturally, the enthronement of Tipu’s son and had
already made a representation to the British, to that effect. British were not
agreeable to resotore Mysore to the family of Tipu who was a friend of France.
Therefore, they did not accept that proposal. The Maharaja ascended the
throne on June 30th 1799. The then Resident, Barrey Close, appointed Dewan
Purnaiaha as the Dewan. It is evident from this that the British Government
had very great faith in the sincerity and efficient administration of Dewan
Purnaiya.
Administration of Dewan Purnaiaha
Dewan Purnaiaha himself administered the kingdom for a period of
about 12 years, from 1800 to 1811, since Krishnaraja Wodeyar III was still
young in age. On the basis of his previous experience, Purnaiaha began to
suppress some palegars, who were creating a number of problems. He divided
the kingdom into three subhas, and appointed one Subedar each, to administer
them. The Amildars in the taluks performed the administrative duties of the
 History 113

Judiciary, Police and revenue collection. The next sub divisions under the
talukas were the Hoblis. Their administration was carried on by the
Parupattedars. Village administration was carried on by officials known as the
Patel and Shanubog, Thoti and Talavara. The main sources of governamental
income were Land Revenue, Tax on liquors and psychotrophic drugs, Tax on
weaving and commercial taxes. The most important of the administrative
reforms introduced by Dewan Purnaiaha in the state was the introduction, for
the first time, of the Khandachar system, comprising powerful Bar Sepoys, as
a sub-system in the army. Great emphasis was laid on construction of irrigation
facilities and of buildings, as part of the public works.
Economic prosperity of Mysore was so strong as to rehabilitate the entire
refugee population of Hyderabad, hit by a severe drought in AD 1804, in the
kingdom of Mysore. Colin Mackenzie (1799-1800), a British Pilgrim, had
undertaken the survey of Mysore state during the period of Purnaiaha
administration and wrote an excellent work entitiled the ‘Mackenzie Collections’.
Mass Vaccination, for the eradication of Small-Pox, said to be first of its kind
in India, was undertaken in the province of Mysore in AD 1806. Expression
of appreciation regarding the work of Purnaiaha administration has come
not only from Mysore, but also from number states outside. Mysore
Government granted Yalandur as Jahgir in AD 1807 to Purnaiaha. When the
king of Mysore had attained the age of sixteen years in AD 1811, he assumed
the Mysore administration himself. Later on Dewan Purnaiaha died in AD
1812.
The direct administration of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III began in AD 1811.
He had to face some difficulties for a few years in the beginning. Dr. B R.
Keshavamurthy thinks that there was a strong need for the help of a sincere
administrator in such a situation when the king did not have enough experience
to make his own decisions on many of those issues pertaining to the state. The
administration of Mysore province was being carried out by the British
Government at Chennai (Madras), in addition to their representative, the
British Resident conveying many administrative directions to the king. The
kings had divided their kingdom into six divisions known as Fauj (district).
Fauj was redivided into taluks. As a consequence of some reforms, the
administration of the state was well balanced and the state’s income of Rupees
114 Mandya District Gazetteer

sixty lakhs in AD 1811 had increased to Rupees seventy one lakhs in AD 1816.
But, within a short period, Economic Backwardness had set in, as a result of
corruption, predominance of vested interests and excessive expenditure at the
king’s palace. At that time, Dewan Rama Rao, performing the administrative
duties appointed many of his relatives and friends to influential positions.
Apart from that, the unnecessary expenditures incurred without exercising due
care, on gifts and complimentaries, payment of pensions and grants etc,
resulted in the treasury having gone empty. The British Resident, having
observed the carelessness of the Maharaja in administrative matters, began to
send secret reports to his government at Chennai (Madras). As a measure of
administrative control, the king in AD 1814 dismissed Rama Rao from his
Dewanship, and himself held the reins of administration up to AD 1818. But,
the expenditure at the palace had continued without any hinderance. Next,
Siddaraju (AD 1818-20), Babu Rao (AD 1820), and Aliya Lingaraja (AD 1821)
successively worked as Dewans. But, none of them succeeded in improving the
financial conditions of the state. After the removal of Lingaraja in AD 1822
from his Dewanship, it became difficult for the king to run his administration
himself. Krishnaraja III in AD 1827 appointed Venkataraja as Dewan. He had
taken up investigation into several misdeeds that had taken place previously;
in the collection of revenue he had brought in two systems- weekly settlements
and monthly settlement and personally supervised the system of revenue
collection himself. He issued a binding order that, Amildars serving Mysore
should not leave the head-quarters. Because these officials-Amildars, had the
power vested in them to collect more revenue to the state treasury at the time.
The main aim of the new system was to empower the Amildars to solve the
problems of the agriculturists by taking necessary decisions instantantly. As a
result of this, according to the report of the British Resident to his Government,
sent in AD 1828, ‘Dewan Venkataraja had succeeded in the organized
collection of revenue at Taluk level’. At that time (1817-18), although famine
like conditions had occurred in some parts, the introduction of such a fine
revenue reform was the achievement of Venkataraja. Yet, the king did not
restrict his personal expenses on his pompous living, as it becomes evident.
When the Company government tried to inform the Maharaja about these
expenditures, the king justified himself by stating that those expenses concerned
his personal life.
 History 115

Under such financially difficult conditions in 1830, when rebellion began

at Hosanagara in Shomoga district against the mal-administration of the king,
that revealed clearly the impending need for a political transformation. To put
down the rebellion and suppress the rebels Maharaja sent his Dewan along
with the army to Nagar. With the exception of a few places, in most parts of
the Nagar province peaceful conditions were established. But, by that time, the
weak administration of the king, along with his wasteful expenditure that had
emptied the State Treasury had been noticed by the British Resident at Mysore,
who had promptly reported the matter to the British Governor at Chennai
(Madras). Again in AD 1831, the Palegars of Balam, Manjarabad, Tarikere,
and BudiBasappa, who pretended to be the prince of Hosanagara, joined the
rebels and doubled the intensity of the rebellion. In order to bring the situation
under control, the army maintained under the subsidiary system had to be
requisitioned. By about July 1831, to some extent, law and order was established
in this area. At about the same time, on 04.07.1831, Lushington, the Governor
of Madras (Channai), visited Mysore and wrote an extensive and lengthy
report to the Governor General of India, informing about the Mysore
administration, that the people of Mysore, having suffered under the
maladministration and malice of the king, were rising in revolts against the
growing economic backwardness. Sir William Bentinck, the Governor General,
wrote an official letter on September 7th to the Maharaja, notifying him well
in advance about the intention of the East India Company to take over the
administration of the kingdom of Mysore. Based on that, a conditional order
dated October 2101 1831 was issued appointing the Commissioner to the
kingdom of Mysore, there by the British Government had officially taken over
the Mysore administration.
After the British Government had taken over the administration (1831-
1881), Krishnaraja Wodeyar III died in 1868, always trying to regain the
throne. After the responsibility of the administration of the kingdom was taken
away from the King, the kings began to actively take part in religious and
cultural activities. As a result, a cultural renaissance seen never before in
Mysore began during that period and grew stronger and popular during the
years that followed, is note worthy. Not only were the kings themselves
scholars, but they also patronized, without reservation, the scholars and
writers of creative books. During that period Kannada writers like Devachandra,
116 Mandya District Gazetteer

Kempunarayana, Aliya Lingaraja etc flourished. Veena Shambaiah and

Venkatasubbaiah were popular Veena Exponents They succeeded in gaining a
unique place for the Music of the Mysore kingdom and the propounders of the
Mysore style. The most popular Gamaka Artist, Mysore Sadashivaraya had
lived during this period. The Jaganmohan palace in Mysore was built in AD
1861 by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. Raja School for instruction exclusively in
English, and Maharaja Sanskrit College were established during his reign.
Chamarajeswara temple, as a rememberance of his father in Chamarajanagara,
Prasanna Krishnaswami temple in Mysore and Mahadeswara temple at Varuna
are the great achievements of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. The main Gopura at the
Chamundi temple and the Prakaras to the Nanjundeswara temple at Nanjanagud
were built during that period.
Inscriptions belonging to the period of Krishnaraja Wodeyar II and III are
found more in number in Mandya district. Mudagondur copper plate inscription
dated AD 1760 from Mandya taluk has on its record the information pertaining
to the grant of Kalidevanahalli and its associated village Honnuru in
Nagamangala taluk, Information office (Chavadi) and Olithada pattana Hobli,
during the period of Krishnaraja Wodeyar. Ankanahalli inscription dated AD
1763 of Nagamangala taluk, belongs to the same king, and refers to the
information pertaining to the grant of Raktha kodige (Raktha in Kannada
language means blood and Kodige is that which is granted; and in the instant
context it means the grant made for having shed the blood in a war) in
remembrance of the hero named Timma son of Tirumalagiri, who was killed
in a battle fought at Hosakote. Srirangapattana inscription dated AD 1800
describes the construction of Veda Pushkarani in Sriranganatha temple, during
the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, by an official called Nalla Thambi
Mudali. Another inscription dated AD 1801, at the same place, during the
reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar of Mysore, has on its record the information
pertaining to the Barbers, who lived in Srirangapattana, and were engaged
traditionally in playing the musical instruments, referred to as Volaga (Kannada),
at the dwellings of the Akkasaligas (goldsmiths) and Komatis (business
community) basically castes who lived in Chennapattana and the
Ashtagrama. From out of the income derived from performing the duties of
pipers, they had to pay a part of that income to the Naramakatte Hanumantha
temple.
 History 117

Towards north at the same place, near the bridge built across the River
Cauvery, there is an inscription dated AD 1804, issued while Krishnaraja
Wodeyar was ruling Mysore. The inscription has on its record the information
about the orders made by the king and Dewan Purnaiaha, in obedience to the
said orders under took the construction of the bridge in August 1802 and
completed its inauguration in October 1804. The inscription also refers to the
fact that the bridge was dedicated to Richard Marquis Wellesley, the then
British Governor General. Another inscription at the same place is in Persian
language and refers to the same bridge. Melukote inscription of AD 1817 refers
to the construction Bhuvaneswari Mandapa at Kalyani, by Krishnaraja Wodeyar
III. Kannambadi inscription of AD 1818 refers to the construction of Mahakali
temple there by a certain official named Bore Gowda of the Gangadikara family
as a relief work, when thousands of people died of due to the spread of
cholera, during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar. Yalechakkanahalli inscription
dated AD 1825, in Mandya taluk, refers to the repairs of Veebhadra temple at
Yalechakkanahalli, undertaken by Chennappa, the traditional servant at the
inner doors of the palace, during the reign of Krishnaraja Wodeyar III.
Melukote inscription of AD 1829, in the same taluk, furnishes the reference to
the establishment of the idol of Pillai-Lokacharya in accordance with the orders
passed by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. Srirangapattana inscription dated AD
1829, mentions about the construction of Prasanna Venkataramana temple at
that place by a certain official called Tuppada Venkatappa, during the reign of
Krishnaraja Wodeyar III. Melukote inscription dated 1842, refers to the
information pertaining to a gift of a crown made of gold to God Yoga
Narasimha at that place by Lingarajammanni, the queen of Krishnaraja
Wodeyar. Maddur inscription dated 1851, refers to the gift of silver quoted
Garuda (eagle) to the Narasimha temple there, by Hosur Venkatalakshmamma,
the servant at the feet of Krishnaraja Wodeyar. Inscription dated AD 1852 at
the same place, describes the fact that, Rangachari, the Treasury officer of
Krishnaraja Wodeyar III, gave the idol of God Thandaveswara, now in the
Kalamma Temple. Maddur inscription of AD 1865, of Mandya taluk, has on
its record the information pertaining to the donation of brass cover to the doors
of the temple of God Narasimha by Narasayya, the Sirasthedar of Modikhane.
The inscription dated 1865 in Chandravana of Srirangapattana taluk reports
about the construction of Iswara temple by Krishnaraja Wodeyar III as a
118 Mandya District Gazetteer

memorial to his father Chamaraja Wodeyar. Adichunchanagiri inscription

dated 1896, in Nagamangala taluk, informs about the providing of brass
covering to the main entrance (Mahadwara) of Gagadhareswara temple there,
by Kari Gowda son of Dodde Gowda of Swaravanahalli, during the reign of
Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV.
Commissioner’s Rule
Administration of the kingdom of Mysore was entrusted to the Board of
Commissioners, comprising of two officers, referred to as Senior and Junior
commissioners, during the month of October 1831. There was also a
Dewan to assist in financial and administrative matters. To over see the
administration of Mysore, a British Officer called the Resident had already been
appointed during the reign of the Maharaja of Mysore, and he was continued
in office. During June 1832, with their powers enhanced, the Commissioners,
instead of being responsible to the Madras Government, continued in office,
with their responsibility now shifted to the Government of India. Lushington,
as a Junior Commissioner, and Briggs as a Senior Commissioner, assumed their
offices in 1831 and December 1831 respectively. Instead of Lushington,
Drury was appointed as a Junior Commissioner. Due to the reason
differences of opinion arose between the Governor of Madras and Briggs, in
June 1832 Briggs resigned. As a result of that, the Board of Commissioners
was abolished, and only one Commissioner was appointed, for
uniform administration. Morrison, who was appointed after Briggs’ resignation,
became the first Commissioner. He reduced the six Faujdaris in the Mysore
province to four and appointed a European supervisor over every Faujdari.
According to the powers newly granted to them, they were asked to protect
the existing local administrative system and continue their administration.
After Morrison, Sir Mark Cubbon was appointed as Commissioner for Mysore
in 1834.
Sir Mark Cubbon (1834-1861)
During the tenure of office of Sir Mark Cubbon, because the administration
of the kingdom of Mysore was carried on satisfactorily, that was liked by one
and all; according to C. Hayavadana Rao. Before he became the Commissioner
of Mysore, Cubbon had known the Mysore Government. He was one among
 History 119

the four members appointed to the committee that inquired in to Nagar revolt
in 1831. During his period, including new Bangalore Division, there were four
Divisions in the kingdom. Mandya province was part of Ashtagrama division.
There were a total number of 120 Taluks in all the four divisions put together.
In every taluk there was an Amildar and he was vested with the complete
responsibility of the taluk administration. As a rule the Amildars worked as
subordinates to the European Superintendants heading the four Faujdaris. In
the secretariat of the commissioner there were nine departments. Ordinary
documents at the lower level were maintained in Kannada language. Another
achievement of Cubbon was the modernization and reorganization of the then
existing judicial system. After some time, with a view to lessen the responsibilities
of the Commissioner, a separate Commissioner for the Judiciary was appointed.
Yet another prominent decision made by Cubbon was the transfer of capital
from Mysore to Bangalore. As a result of that, new roads came to be built to
provide for better communication between the four divisions and the capital.
In the beginning, the central Secretariat was established in Tipu’s summar
palace at Bangalore. Next in 1867, after the completion of the construction of
Attara Kutchery (present High Court); the Secretariat was shifted to that
building. Another important achievement of Cubbon was the taking up of the
construction of new roads covering a distance. of 1597 miles and 309 bridges.
For purposes of better communication telegraph lines were also laid. At the
same time, Bangalore was connected to Jolarpet, through a new railway line
in 1859. This was the first railway line built in the Mysore kingdom. About 769,
felt to be causing difficulties to the common people were abolished. As a result
of all these administrative reforms, the total revenue collection of Rupees 68
lakhs in 1834-35, went up to Rupees 84 lakhs in 1855-56. Annual tribute
payable to the Company administration was being paid regularly. In 1854 the
currency system was changed from pagodas to silver rupees. After the resignation
of Cubbon, as Commissioner, Lewin Bowring was appointed as a Commissioner
to the kingdom of Mysore. Before he assumed office, for a short time
C B. Saunders worked as Commissioner - in-charge.
Lewin Bowring (1861-1870)
Bowring, during the period of his administration, had initially divided the
kingdom of Mysore in to three divisions, and later on into eight districts. He
120 Mandya District Gazetteer

had appointed a Superintendent for each of the divisions and a Deputy

Superintendent to each of the districts. The land survey and revenue settlement
system was reorganized. In respect of the acquisition of new lands and
assessment of their land revenue, he introduced in 1862 the system that was
prevailing in other British provinces in India, into province of the Mysore
kingdom. For the first time, he initiated action to separate the judicial
administration from the executive. His successors also continued this policy,
introduced by Bowring. Bowring introduced the Indian Penal Code, and the
Criminal procedure Code, into the kingdom of Mysore. With the permission
from the Central Government, he made the Laws relating to Registrations
compulsory in 1864, and there by made all transactions in land and wealth to
be compulsorily registered. On the basis of the system that was being followed
in Chennai (Madras) at that time (1864), he organized the Police Department.
At the same time he granted Local-self Government to Bangalore and Mysore,
and established the Municipal councils in both the cities. That apart, these
benefits were extended to all the districts head-quarters in 1865. Central jail
was inaugurated in Bangalore in 1863. To look after the Temples and Charitable
Trusts, he started the Muzarai Department. During the period of his
administration, for the first time, the Census operations were undertaken, and
the population of the Mysore kingdom was found to be about 50.05 lakhs.
After Bowring resigned his office in 1870, his place was occupied by Richard
Mead up to 1875, C B. Saunders up to 1872 and J D Gorden (afterwards Sir
James) up to 1878 with their successive appointments. From among the
Commissioners who had ruled the kingdom of Mysore, only Mark Cubbon and
Lewin Bowring have left indelible imprint of their impact, as a result of their
official sincerity and result oriented progressive works. During the period of
their rule the Mysore administrative system got modernized. Law and order
came to be more effectively enforced. The Revenue system not only brought
satisfaction to the farmers but, the system of its collection also came to be
legalized. Roads, Railways, Posts and Telegraph systems for the first time
emerged as modem systems. The Education system improved considerably
enabling the kingdom to march briskly towards modernization. If these measures
had not been taken at that time, it is opined that, the process of modernization
would have got delayed.
 History 121

Restoration of power in Mysore and administration of Dewans Krishnaraja

Wodeyar III had not only made several representations to the prominent men
in India, with the Company administration, requesting them to restore his
administrative powers but also had sent a strong request to the British Queen,
through his private surgeon Dr. Campbell, while he was on his visit to
England. Krishnaraja Wodeyar III had also got a group planted in London to
advocate his case afresh for restoration to power. Major Evans Bell of London,
published a book entitled “Mysore Reversion, An exceptional case” expressing his
support to Krishnaraja Wodeyar. Since the Maharaja had no children he made
a representation to the British Government in 1864 seeking permission to adopt
Chamarajendra Wodeyar X. Accordingly, the British Government granted the
permission in 1865 to adopt, as son the two and a half years old child,
Chamarajendra. To pressurise for the restoration of powers to the king more
than 7000 citizens had gathered in Mysore and with the support of the then
Parsi Resident, made a representation to the Queen of England. In July 1899,
under the leadership of Major Rawlinson, they met the Secretary of state for
India (in London) and compelled for the restoration of power to Krishnaraja
Wodeyar III. The Morning Star, Morning Standard, Daily News, the news
papers in England carried, as news, the request of the Maharaja in the month
of July 1899. A lengthy discussion regarding the restoration of power to the
Maharaja, took place in the House of Commons and it was agreed on
22.2.1867, that the adopted son Chamarajendra could be brought to power.
Krishnarajendra III died in 1868. His adopted son Chamarajendra Wodeyar X
was placed on throne by way of performing his coronation. Thus the British
Government returned the administration of Mysore in 1881 (known as Rendition)
to its ruling family-the Wodeyars.
After the administration of the kingdom of Mysore was returned, several
administrative changes were introduced. The office of the Commissioner, that
was running the administrative affairs of the kingdom of Mysore, had been set
aside. The office of the British Resident in the kingdom was continued. To
extend the administrative assistance to the Maharaja the office of the Dewan,
that existed earlier, was continued with certain changes. To help the Dewans
in administration, a committee of two advisors had been appointed.
C. Rangacharlu, Chief Secretary, Revenue Department, Government of Mysore,
122 Mandya District Gazetteer

was appointed as the first Dewan. He successfully introduced several

administrative changes. He was primarily instrumental in establishing the
Mysore Representative Assembly, during 1881, at the time of the Dasara
festival. There were 144 members in the Representative Assembly, at the
beginning. Although it was not by itself a constitutional institution, yet, that
had played a very important part in the formation of the governmental policy
regarding the governmental costs and expenditure. When Rangacharlu assumed
the office of the Dewan, the economic conditions of Mysore were not satisfactory.
Mysore had witnessed a serious draught, during 1876, that had not occured
before. That is known as the draught of the year of Dhathu Iswarakshama. Most
of the provinces of the kingdom of Mysore were affected by that. Due to the
resultant problems of the farmers, the revenue dues to the state treasury fell
into arears. More than ten lakhs of people, through out the kingdom, had
perished. An equal number of cattle, subject to starvation and excessive rise in
temperature, had also perished. Epidamics, common during the draughts,
began to manifest. All the reserves in the treasury of the kingdom had been
spent on relief measures. Dewan had brought in economy into administrative
expenditure. In order to provide employment to unemployed farmers, public
works were undertaken. As a result of that Bangalore-Mysore railway line was
completed in 1882. Work on Bangalore- Tiptur railway line had been started.
Corruption remained eliminated. Although Rangacharlu originally belonged to
Tamil Nadu, he learnt Kannada language and loved it too. Establishment of the
Mysore Representative Assembly is regarded as his important achievement.
One of the British officials, who had recognized his talents, has described
Rangacharlu as a human dynamo. After the death of Rangacharlu, in 1883, Sir
K. Seshadri Iyer got appointed as the Dewan.
Sir K. Seshadri Iyer (1883-1901)
Sir K. Seshadri Iyer was a sincere administrator who had seen all facets
of administration. From the point of view of the economic progress of the
kingdom, he had developed many plans and he went ahead in implementing
them. For the first time, he brought pressure on the government of the
Company to suspend the payment of Subsidy dues to the British Government
till 1896. It was during his period Gold mining explorations began (1886) in
Kolar district. As a result of greater emphasis laid on Horticulture, in addition
 History 123

to agriculture Coffee estates expanded. The railway line from Bangalore to

Harihar had been completed in 1889. The then existing railway line upto
Hindupur was extended to the Kolar Gold Fields. Similarly, construction works
began on Mysore to Nanjangud and Birur-Shimoga railway line. During his
administration also the Mysore Representative Assembly made considerable
progress. Starting from 1882, the names of the Members of the Representative
Assembly came to be published in the Gazette, for the first time. In 1884, he
started the Mandals in the taluks. For the first time Mysore Civil Services
examinations began to be conducted in 1881. The then existing local postal
system was merged with the British postal system. Seshadri Iyer, for the first
time, started Exhibition on Agriculture and other occupations, during the
Mysore Dasara, and that has come down to our own day with an unbroken
record. In 1894, the Department of Mines and Geology and in 1895, the
department of Agriculture were established. The interest he had bestowed on
irrigation is of very great significance. The Marikanive plan that built the
Vanivilas reservoir in the kingdom was a huge irrigation project undertaken by
him. The Shivanasamudra Hydro Electric Project in Mandya district became
operational during 1899-1900 and supplied electricity to Kolar Gold Fields Unit
in 1902 and to Bangalore in 1904. Bangalore became proud of being considered
as the first city in India to have got the electricity. Seshadri Iyer got the
Hesaragatta reservoir built for the supply of drinking water to Bangalore. He
gave more importance to education and acquisition of knowledge. He got the
Girls High School in Mysore upgraded to Maharani’s College in 1901.
Department of Archaeology at Mysore came to be established in 1890 with B.L.
Rice, as its chief. The Mysore Oriental Manuscripts Library in Mysore was
opened during his administration. Today with more than 70,000 manuscript
records, the library takes the credit for having researched the Arthasastra of
Kautalya by its curator Dr. Shama Sastry and published it for the first time.
Another important achievement of Sir K. Seshadri Iyer was his determination
to open separate schools to Harijans in the state, who had suffered some social
sensitivity problems at the time of admissions, although the caste Hindu schools
did provide equal opportunities for all in admissions. When such a school was
opened in 1900 for the benefit of the Adikarnataka children at Malavalli, in
Mandya district, high caste Hindu teachers were not prepared to teach there.
In such a situation, Talakadu R. Range Gowda (born in1880) a kind hearted
124 Mandya District Gazetteer

teacher, at his own sweet-will, served in the school. This was a revolutionary
achievement in the kingdom of Mysore under the administration of the
Dewans. It is also noteworthy that Seshadri Iyer had introduced the Act for the
abolition of marriages of minors in 1894. When Chamarajendra Wodeyar X
died in 1894, Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV ascended the Mysore throne. Because of
the reason he was still a minor, his mother Queen Kempammanni, assumed the
administration directly. Seshadri Iyer retired from service in 1901.
P. Krishna Murthy (1901-1906)
P. Krishna Murthy, the grand son of Dewan Purnaiaha, was appointed
as Dewan in 1901. The very next year, since Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV had
attained majority, he assumed complete responsibility of administration. Lord
Curzon had participated in that programme as a special invitee. Krishnaraja
Wodeyar IV is considered as the most enlightened prince among the
contemporary kings in India. He was popularly called 'Rasa Rishi' He had a
natural interest in the over all development and welfare of the people at large.
He had a special love for Public Instruction in general and higher education in
particular. For his success in administration, it is believed that, Dewan Sir M.
Visveswaraya, who had the foresight and ability to take decisions sincerely and
the selfless service and invaluable guidance of Sir Mirza M Ismail, were
responsible. Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV is also called as Rasarushi, and his period
of administraton is considered as the Golden Age in the history of the Mysore
ruling family. With a view to bring in modernization in administration, Dewan
Krishna Murthy introduced British systems and scientific protection and
maintenance of office files and records. Secretariat Manual was prepared, for
the first time, during his administration. The Department of Agriculture was
expanded, and in 1905 the Co-operative Movement was launched. His vision
on Local-self-government and its establishment in the kingdom is his important
decision.
V. P Madhav Rao (1906-1909)
V.P. Madhava Rao was appointed as Dewan in 1906, after P. Krishna
Murthy. He had given special interest to the protection and promotion of
Forestry. Department of Animal Husbandry was established during his period.
Legislative Council began functioning in1907. He established Central Co-
Operative Bank in Bangalore. The introduction of Mysore Newspapers Act of
 History 125

1908, during this period resulted in the slackness of administration. As a mark

of protest against the Newspaper Act a Number of news Papers closed down
their offices.
T. Ananda Rao (1909- 1913)
After V.P Madhava Rao, T. Ananda Rao was appointed as the Dewan
in 1909. Commenting on the administration of Ananda Rao, as Dewan, Dr.
D.V. Gundappa has expressed his opinion that, the period of administration of
Ananda Rao as Dewan, was merely aimed at carrying on day to day
transactions and not aimed at any special achievements. The important events
of this period are: the inauguration of The Mysore Economic Conference, the
approval of Kannambadi Project, and its execution under the directions of Sir
M. Visvewaraya, the Chief Engineer of the state. Costruction of the Mysore
Palace, which had begun earlier, was completed during this period.
Sir M. Visveswaraya 1913-1919)
After T. Ananda Rao Sir M. Visveswaraya, was appointed as the Dewan
in 1913. In the history of modem Mysore, the name of Visveswaraya is
remembered with great respect. He entered into the service of the kingdom of
Mysore as the Chief Engineer. Visveswaraya had a philosophical personality,
a man with vision and an economist. In his book entitiled ' A Vision of
Prosperous Mysore’ written in 1902 he had highlighted the needs of the
kingdom like development of Education, development of Technical education,
good Irrigation projects, Industrialisation and development of Commerce etc.
He had made an indepth study of all those progressive aspects and had given
clear expression to his frank opinion. Prof K. Sampathgiri Rao thinks that,
Visveswaraya’s Dewanship was the twilight for the all round development,
especially development of industries in Mysore. The Dewan considered that,
the aim of the administration should be self-sufficient and building up of
generations of people with strong potentials and creative ability. He was a close
associate of Gopala Krishna Gokhale and Mahadeva Govinda Ranade. He was
a generous politician, had great confidence in organized social institutions.
During his period (1913), the membership in the Legislative Council was
increased from 18 to 24.Later that Council Three members from peoples’
Representative Assembly and Four members from the eight districts had to be
elected. Peoples’ Representative Assembly got the special right to discuss the
126 Mandya District Gazetteer

Budget. Approval was given to summon and assemble the Second session in
June 1917, of what is known as the Budget Session.During his period of
administration 1918, approval was given to chapter VI of the Mysore local self
governing institutions and Panchayats regulations. As a result of that, elected
members came to be appointed to District and Taluk Mandals. Similarly, Vice-
Presidents of Municipal Councils, and Elected President to Village Panchayats
came to be appointed according to the new regulations of 1918. Visveswaraya
expanded the Mysore Economic Conference, formed three committees; each of
them was empowered to supervise the following departments: Industries,
Commerce, Education and Agriculture.
During his administration number of new projects in the areas irrigation
and industries were started. Among them Krishnaraja Sagara Dam at
Kannambadi was a prominent one. Under this project, Mandya district was
supplied with water through a special canal enabling agricultural development
in the area. This canal is fittingly called as the Visveswaraya Canal. Bhadravathi
Iron And Steel Industries, Mysore Sandal Wood Oil Factory, Government Soap
Factory at Bangalore, etc took their birth as the products of his mental ability.
For the smooth conduct of banking transactions in the state, The State Bank of
Mysore was started in 1913. For the first time, in addition to introducing
compulsory education, stage by stage, through legislative measures steps also
were taken to augment the progress of the education for women. In 1916, The
Mysore Chamber of Commerce was started, with a view to ensure the
balanced development of Industry and Commerce in the state. He was primarily
instrumental in the starting of two important institutions, The University of
Mysore in 1916, and Karnataka Sahithya Parishat in 1915. It was due to the
initiative taken by him the Government Technical Education College at Bangalore,
came to be established. Today, that institute is known as University
Visveswaraya College of Engineering (UVCE). Apart from this, many other
Engineering and Technical Colleges came to be established during his period of
administration. Towards the end of his administration in the state, a total of
372 miles long railway lines had been laid. Mysore-Arasikere and Bowringpet-
Kolar railway lines had been completely laid and kept ready for travelers.
During the period of Visveswaraya, the need for non-Brahmin institutions was
felt and towards that end The Prjamithra Mandali had been established. And
through this institution a movement had had started resulting in the reservation
 History 127

of jobs to the non Brahmins in the state Government offices. At the same time,
with a view to rectify these mistakes, The Maharaja had appointed the Miller
Committee. But, Visveswaraya who had given more importance to merit and
intelligence in giving employment was unhappy to accept the Government’s
policy of reservations and tendered his resignation 1918, to the post of Dewan.
Sardar Kantharaja Urs (1919-1922)
After Sir M. Visveswaraya, Sardar Kantharaja Urs was appointed as the
Dewan in 1919. During his three years period of administration, Bhadravathi
Iron And Steel Industry had started production. The Miller Committee that
had been appointed earlier submitted to the Government its report on the
problems of the Backward Classes. According to its recommendations
employment opportunities were reserved for the Backward Classes. For the
first time in the state, due to the efforts of Kantharaja Urs, Tax on salaries was
introduced. After Urs, Alibion Banerjee was appointed as Dewan in 1922.
During his period of administration a conference of Local Self Governments in
the state was held in 1923. On the basis of the recommendations made by that
conference Mandals at the Taluk level were abolished and in conformity with
the Legislation, Grama Panchayats were established. A system was evolved
providing for the elected President in the Municipal Councils. Seal Committee
was appointed to indicate the reforms in codification. On the basis of the
recommendations of that committee, in 1923 the number of elected members in
the people’s representative councils was enhanced. Right to vote was enlarged.
Women also got their voting rights, for the first time. Department of Industries
and Commerce began to function. At about the same time, the Apex Bank was
established, in the Co-Operative sector.
Sir Mirza M. Ismail (1926-1941)
After Alibion Banerjee retired from service, Sir Mirza Ismail was appointed
as the Dewan in 1926. The importance of his administration lies in the
reorganization and stabilization of the Governmental administration. On the
firm foundations laid by Visveswaraya, Mirza built impressive administrative
machinery. During the period of his administration, considering it necessary
for the progress of the state, greater progress was achieved in the spheres of
Industrialization and employment. In both private and public sectors, he gave
128 Mandya District Gazetteer

importance to industrial progress. He had to spend most of his time and bestow
greater attention in suppressing many disturbances that occurred in the state.
To put down the Peoples’ movement, organized by the congress party was
really like a tight rope walk for Mirza. On the one hand, he tried to maintain
good relations with high level National leaders like Gandhiji and Nehru. On
the other hand, he was taking all possible disciplinary measures to put down
the Congress movement in the state. On account of Sultanpet Ganapathi
Disturbances that took place during the period of his administration (1928-29),
an Inquiry Commission headed by Sir M. Visveswaraya had been set up. That
Commission advised on the setting up of a responsible government in the
kingdom. These disturbances made the Dewan unpopular. As a result of this,
Congress found a bright future in the kingdom of Mysore.
Mirza further expanded the Iron and Steel industry at Bhadravathi.
Along with that, he established Mysore Paper Mills and Mysore Cement
factories there. In Bangalore, Hindustan Aircraft and Porcelain and Glass
factories were established.Mysore Sugar factory in Mandya, Khadi production
Centre at Badanavala etc were established. These are some of the prominent
achievements of his administration. Due to his special efforts, Mysore Sandal
Wood oil, Silk, Soap, Incense sticks (Agarbathi) and similar ready made goods
found good overseas market. As a result, Mysore Government established an
office of the Commissioner in London, to look after the trade relations. He
loved Horticulture very much. He gave encouragement to the starting of flower
gardens, Boulewards in the towns, cities and road Junctions. With the readying
of upper irrigation canal in Mandya, nearly 120,000 acres of land came under
irrigation. As soon as the Krishnarajasagar Dam became operational, Brindavan
Gardens was established during this period.
Achievements of Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV
Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV, who worked hard with progressive ideas, to
transform his dream of building Mysore as a Model State into reality, died in
1940. The period of his administration is considered as a Golden Age in the
history of Mysore. His dream state of Mysore turned out to be a Model State.
Those who helped him in that process were the most efficient and sincere
Dewans- Sir M. Visveswaraya and Sir Mirza M. Ismail. The all round
development of the state became possible because they bestowed their attention
 History 129

on different aspects of development including Agriculture and Industry. In

addition to being the best administrators, they had laid emphasis on many
cultural achievements. Famous musicians like Veene Seshanna, Bidaram
Krishnappa and T. Chowdaiah their contemporaries glorified the greatness of
the kingdom. Because of the personal desire of Krishnaraja Wodeyar, Mysore
became a centre for higher studies and education. Eminent scholars like Dr.
R. Shama Sastry, Prof. M. Hiriyanna, Prof. M. H. Krishna, Prof. B. M.
Srikantaiah, Prof. T.S. Venkannaiah, and renowned Artist K. Venkatappa etc
had attained recognition of the state level. The University of Mysore of those
days comprised of well established professors of eminence with a fine
environment which went a long way in giving special encouragement to higher
studies. Apart from that, The Mysore Economic Conference established by
Sir M. Visveswaraya, which was continued by Rao Bahadur C. Hayavadana
Rao, was greatly instrumental in the promotion of the regional cultural
progress of Mysore. Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV is described as ‘Rajarishi’.
Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV was succeeded by Jayachamaraja Wodeyar (1940-47).
He was the last popular king of this royal family.
Sir Mirza M. Ismail resigned his office during May 1941. Nyapathi
Madhava Rao succeeded him, by appointment to the office of the Dewan.
He had to face the pressures of Second World War and the Satyagrahas
forcefully begun by people under Congress leadership. At the same time, the
constitutional reforms indicated by the K R Srinivasa Iyengar Committee,
were given effect to. The Bhadhra Water Reservoir project and the
Sharavathi Mahathma Gandhi Hydro-electric Project were initiated during this
period. After the retirement of Nyapathi Madhava Rao in July 1946,
Arcot Ramaswamy Mudaliar became the Dewan of Mysore. During his
period of administration, after India attained independence in 1947, the then
Maharaja of Mysore Jayachamaraja Wodeyar, yielding to popular
pressure agreed to the merger of the kingdom of Mysore in the Indian
Union. Struggle for Independence. began in the next course of the History of
Modern Mysore.
Movement for Independence
The struggle for independence, that took place in the state of Mysore, can
be broadly studied under two headings. Towards the end of the World War I,
130 Mandya District Gazetteer

and after the introduction of the Montague-Chelmesford Reforms of 1919, with

a view to make India independent, the request for the grant of Responsible
Government became widespread in the country. Making India independent,
and the establishment of responsible government, are the two important
aspects that had manifested, by that time, as the two powerful programmes of
the war of independence in the province of Mysore. During the administration
of the Maharaja of Mysore, the people who were mostly passive spectators of
the grand celebrations of Dasara, had no direct experience of the impact of
foreign administration. But, when the facilities were not locally available, the
population of Mysore began to gradually understand that it was due indirectly
to the foreign domination After the construction of the Kannambadi Dam,
whenever the problem of sharing the Cauvery River Waters with the Madras
Province arose, the population of Mysore began to generally feel that the British
had always tried to protect their vested interests in the Madras Province. By
that time the Mysore population had come to realise the fact that they were
enslaved to the slaves. When Sir M. Visveswaraya was trying hard to bring in
Industrialization to the kingdom of Mysore, the Imperialism of the British
naturally created a number of hurdles. When the government of the kingdom
tried to establish Automobile Industry in Bangalore, the British refused to grant
the license. Due to all these reasons, the sense of patriotism got activated more
rapidly among the people of Mysore.
The sense of patriotism that began to grow in the kingdom was an echo
of the growing Nationalism in other parts of the country. The national
Newspapers, like The Hindu, New India and a series of informative articles
published by Bala Gangadhara Tilak, in the newspaper ‘Kesari’ in Marathi
language, influenced the minds the people of Mysore kingdom also. The
Kannada newspapers from Mysore, ‘Karnataka Prakasika’ (1874), and ‘Suryodaya
Prakasika’ (Mysore 1888), and the ‘Vrithantha Chintamani’ (1884), started by M.
Venkatakrishnaiah, were the then popular newspapers. ‘Karnataka Prakasika’
not only published in 1896, the activities of the Indian National Congress, but
also insisted on providing representation in the British House of Commons to
the local kingdoms. Writing on the excesses committed by the police on the
activists working against the bubonic plague, at Poona, the ‘Suryodaya Prakasika’
being then published from Mysore, comdemned the incident severely. For the
first time, this paper gave expression to the Nationalistic feelings by highlighting
 History 131

the short comings in the Government of India Act 1890. Certain basic principles
of nationalism, published by Tilak in his paper ‘Kesari’ on 6.10.1897, were
published in his Kannada paper by M. Venkatakrishnaiah of Mysore. Influenced
by the Swadesi Movement, which began in different parts of the country,
Swamy Rao Deshpande spoke at a public assembly in Mysore and called in to
question the partition of Bengal in 1905. That public speech had a serious
impact, and took the form of a struggle, boycotting foreign goods in the
national market. At an annual gathering for (Vanabhojana) feasting at Mysore,
organized by K. Jeevan Rao, use of sugar manufactured by foreigners completely
was condemned. Demanding representation in the administrative council of
the Dewan, pressure was brought on the Dewan himself at the meetings of the
Peoples’ Representative Council held in 1890, 1892 and 1893. At the same time
Srinivasa Rao, a member in the Peoples’ Representative Council joined hands
with another member M. Venkatakrishnaiah and moved a resolution demanding
the admission of three more additional members in to the Dewans administrative
council.
During the course of the World War I, Tagadur Ramachandra Rao in
Mysore began the first movement against the Christian Missionaries un-
necessarily condeming the Hindu society. The Home Rule Movement that took
place through out India set in motion the demand for responsible Government
in Mysore. The news paper called the Satyavadhi, in Mysore, published, for the
first time, such a demand in its issue dated March 1918. The Prjamithra
Mandali established in 1917 was not yet satisfactorily organized to present the
demand for responsible government. As a part of this movement Tagadur
Ramachandra Rao sold in his circulatory shop a large number of copies of
photographs of the 1919 Jalianwalabagh tragedy. After the death of
Balagangadhar Tilak in 1920, processions for peace all over the kingdom, and
assemblies to mourn through out the province of Mysore, had been organized.
M. N. Jois of Mysore, the senior man Tathaiah, Tagadur Ramachandra Rao
and Agaram Rangaiah, had launched a movement against the religious
conversions, and right from 1920 they had taken part in activities like the
promotion of Khadi and Sevadal activities. Tathaiah who was working as a
teacher at Mari Mallappa High School gave them a formal initiation into
patriotism. Along with him, Tagadur Ramachandra Rao, Agaram Rangaiah,
Palahalli Sitaramaiah came from the same gymnasyum. Mysore Tilak
132 Mandya District Gazetteer

Association, established in Mysore around 1920, had begun the activities

connected with the Swadesi movement, and encouraged the participation
of the youth in all types of patriotic activities. The real spirit behind
these activities were Swamy Rao, Ramaswamy Iyengar, Virupaksha, Narayana
(Journalist) etc.
The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) began its activities
in old Mysore province in 1921, and stage by stage brought to the fore front
the demand for responsible Government, that had taken over the whole of
India by that time. Gangadhar Rao Deshpande, popularly known as ‘Lion of
Karnataka’ became the first president of the Pradesh Congress Committee.
Gadag in Dharwad district became the centre of the Karnataka Congress
Committee. Gradually, Congress Committees came to be established in Tumkur,
Bangalore, Mysore, and Kadur during 1921-22 in the provincial kingdom of
Mysore ruled by the Wodeyar royal family. Justice Setlur became the first
president for the Mysore District Congress (state division). But, the attitude of
the Congress in the Kingdom of Mysore was different from its participation,
which was not immediately possible, in the Movements that were taking shape
in the state. In 1923, Seal Committee came to be appointed. Its report carried
a hint that, The Peoples’ Representative Council that had already been
established in Mysore should have legislative approval. Its membership was
increased from 250 to 275. It was decided that only those who were paying
Land Revenue of Rupees Fifty or a sum of Rupees Ten as Tax to the
Municipality alone were eligible to vote. Women for the first time got the voting
rights. To increase the number of Non-official members in the Legislative
Assembly, the membership strength was increased to fifty. Prof K N V Sastry
is of the opinion that the constitution that took shape in 1923 is a unique step
in the direction of constitutional progress in Mysore. Yet; that did not establish
responsible government. S C (Somanahalli Chikke Gowda) Mallaiah, of Maddur
taluk, at the age of 28 years, got elected to Mysore Peoples’ Representative
assembly, and remained there as a representative for over twenty years. He
was the most prominent among those who argued for the creation of an
independent Mandya district. M.C Linge Gowda from the same area was also
a Member of Peoples’ Representative Assembly and Council. For a short period
of time he was the Vice-President of the Council and had fought for independent
district for Mandya.
 History 133

Early Movements
During the course of struggle for Responsible Government, the
establishment of the State Congress Unit in the province of Mysore came after
the Prajamithra Mandali, the Peoples Party (Prajapaksha), and the Peoples
Alliance parties had taken their birth and conducted many struggles. The Praja
Mithra Mandali came into existence in 1917 and fought for the reservation in
the Government jobs for the non-Brahmins. Thereafter, the Praja Mithra
Mandali was merged in 1934 with Peoples Party (Prajapaksha) established in
1930, by K C Reddy and V Venkatappa. Thus, the Peoples Alliance Party (after
the Merger), was not enthusiastic to participate in the fight, with the Congress
Party, for Responsible Government. But, the Congress Party was already in the
administration. Therefore, the freedom struggle of that province assumed a
separate identity. It is important to note here that, many earlier movements in
this province were not verile enough to have been strongly influential because,
the Mysore province was under the British administration indirectly. As a
result, before 1937-38 there were no direct programmes of action relating to the
freedom struggle in the province of Mysore The younger generation of the
province went to the other parts of Karnataka as Swayamsevakas and rendered
service. At this juncture the names of the following shall be remembered: T S
Subbanna of Mysore, N 0 Rangachar, L V Rajagopal, M N Jois etc. Under the
leadership of Agaram Rangaiah, a committee was created for the purpose of
helping the movement in Karnataka. M N Jois was also on the committee. After
1932 a very great struggle took place in Karnataka also. The responsibility of
providing men, money, materials and guidance devolved upon people of
Mysore. For that purpose a secret committee was created comprising the
following members: S Venkatapathiah, Nittor Srinivasa Rao, S K Venkaranga
Iyengar etc. Opposed to that, after Gandhi-Irwin pact, the Maharaja of Mysore
wrote a letter inviting Nehru for a one day visit to Mysore. At the same time,
Dewan Sir Mirza Ismail invited Nehru to attend the Peoples Representative
party. That was indeed the first time that Nehru participated along with the
Dewan, in the deliberations of the Committee.
In 1921 at the Nagpur session of the Indian National Congress, when the
decision was taken to form the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, The
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee came into existence. M.
134 Mandya District Gazetteer

Venkatakrishnaiah was appointed as the first president of the Mysore Pradesh

Congress. Alur Venkata Rao, the famous leader of the state, Cuddapah
Raghavendra Rao, Mudavidu Krishna Rao and S. Satya Murthy, the
representatives from Madras etc, made their publicity campaign speeches in
1920 in Mysore district and at many parts of Mandya. Mudavidu Krishna Rao
travelled widely in Mysore state and spoke at many places calling upon the
audience to renounce the use of foreign goods. As a result of these speeches
through the kingdom of Mysore, the movement for the boycott of foreign
goods was organized widely under the leadership of . Tagadur
Ramachandra Rao. Congress office was begun in the Landsdown building at
Mysore. By that time, Tagadur Ramachandra Rao had got the Swarajya
Mandir built in the kingdom, at Nanjangud, and had activated the Harijan
upliftment activities in 1919. Many congressmen, under the able leadership of
Hosakoppa Krishna Rao, had arranged the All Mysore Harijan Conference in
1924 at Hariharapura in Chickmagalur district and forcefully presented the
demand for Representative Government. Many Kannada News papers
supported these demands. Dr. N S Hardikar established in Mysore a unit of
Hindustan Sevadal, before the meeting of the Belgaum Congress took place.
Under the auspices of that unit, M N Jois, Agaram Rangaiah, L V Rajagopal
and others arranged for the performance of the weekly Flag Salute at Mysore,
by the Swayam Sevaks of the Sevadal.
The All India Congress Session held at Belgaum in 1924 is considered as
a mile stone in the freedom struggle of this Province. As a preparatory step to
that event, many workers from Karnataka had participated in the Maharashtra
Flag Satyagraha held at Nagpur, on First of May 1913. Among them Dr. N S
Hardikar and Srinivasa Rao Loga, were the most important. That apart, many
workers trom Dharwad, Bangalore etc, had participated in that Satyagraha. It
had been decided to hold the first Karnataka Congress Conference at Belgaum.
Gangadhar Rao Deshpande was the president of the Reception Committee.
That was the first session where Gandhiji had presided. “Udaya Vagali namma
cheluva Kannada Nadu” the Kannada State Anthem written by Huilagola
Narayana Rao, and sung at that session, by celebrated musician Gangubai
Hangal became the prologue for the future unification movement. Commenting
on the Belgaum session of the Congress, held in December 1924, Dr. Pattabhi
 History 135

Sitaramayya in his work History of the Indian National Congress has stated
that, in the history of Non-Co-operation Movement the Belgaum Congress is an
important stage. The opposition that had raised its head against the boycott
system of Gandhism got silenced there. Having developed into two factions, the
Congress was on the verge of a split. Should Congress stand divided and
mutually opposing, or should they reach an agreement forgetting their differencs
and walk hand in hand? In case of the necessity of such an agreement, who
should take the initiative? were the questions that had cropped up. Such a kind
of agreement could have been brought about only by Gandhiji and none else.
Therefore, Gandhiji became the president of the Belgaum Congress.This decision
was most appropriate viewed from the angle of the developments of those
days. It was decided that the future Congress Sessions should be held with a
view to facilitate the local participants by way of holding the conferences in
diference to the wishes of the larger number of participants in the respective
regions. The place where the conference was held was named as ‘Vijayanagara’.
H K Veeranna Gowda, V Venkatappa, A. Arya Murthy trom Mandya, and H
G Lingappa and B L Ramaiah, from Chennapattana had gone to the Congress
Session at Belgaum with great enthusiasm. By that time, Ramayana Sidde
Gowda (Seetha Sutha) of Mandya, who had been serving in the Sabaramathi
Ashrama, had participated in the Belgaum congress session also. The earstwhile
Mysore government, at their own expence, had sent some articles from their
collection for exhibition at the Belgaum Session. For the entertainment of the
participants and the guests, Asthana Vidwan Veena Seshanna had been sent
as a special cultural Ambassador by the Mysore Government.
Due to his ill-health, Gandhiji had come to Nandidurg near Bangalore,
and stayed there on 7-4-1927. KT Bashyam, the prominent Congressman from
Mysore, M G Lakshminarasu, Mir-Hanza-Hussain, Nageswara Iyer, Subbarama
Setty etc, were in the reception committee. During the period of Gandhiji’s stay
at Nandidurg a large number of youngsters had been inspired by him to plunge
in the freedom struggle. The then Dewan of Mysore Sir Mirza Ismail, went to
Nandi Hills and enquired about the health of Gandhiji. At the same time,
Gandhiji had paid a visit to Mysore in 1927. A reception committee for the
purpose of taking care of Gandhiji had been formed consisting of advocate
Lakshminarayana, C Narasimhaiah, Agaram Rangaiah etc. During the period
of their three days stay, they had paid a visit to Yedathore (KR Nagara) and
136 Mandya District Gazetteer

Srirangapattana and had returned. At Srirangapattana they were presented

with a purse. There visit to Krishnarajasagar dam is also documented in the
Young India dated 11.8.1927. Gandhiji at that time had remarked after having
viewed the Krishnarajasagar dam that it was the wonderful result of an
extraordinary engineering education of Sir M. Visveswaraya. Gandhiji who
had undertaken a tour of the erstwhile Mysore in 1927, received contributions
in Tagadur, Badanavala, Nanjanagud, Mandya and Maddur and passing
through Kanakanahalli, Kengeri and reached Bangalore. This tour is called the
Harijan Tour. At that time when he visited Mandya he was presented with a
falicitation. Then Gandhiji came to the Abhaya Kuteer in Channapattana.
Having received the reverential thanks of the Harijans, Gandhiji walked in
those streets viewing the homes of the Harijans. After inaugurating the Bhajan
Mandir near the Harijan colony, he called upon all of them to become the
devotees of God.
Addressing a huge public gathering at Chennapattana, Gandhiji requested
all the citizens to work for the up-liftment and peaceful living of the Harijans.
Hundreds of people from the nearby Mandya had enthusiastically participated
in that public gathering. Arya murthy, the Secretary of the Harijan Sevak
Samaj, Chennapattana, had donated half an acre of land in his Abhaya Kuteer
for the construction of Gandhiji Memorial Hall. In that visit Jamanlal’s daughter
Smt. Krishna Bai Patanjikar, Smt. Maganti Annapurnamma etc, were also
present with Gandhiji. Activities for the promotion of Harijans in the Mysore
province had begun much before the visit of Gandhiji. It is the opinion of
M N Jois, that the Theosophical Society of Mysore was running Harijan
upliftment programmes before the arrival of Gandhiji. Gopalaswamy Iyer the
famous Harijan welfare worker was also present with M N Jois. Tagadur
Ramachandra Rao was bringinging out several publications relating to the
Backward Classes. Just as it was going on in Mysore, in Mandya district also
M N Jois and his associates undertook in 1934 the propagation of the Harijan
Samithi Programmes. Demanding unrestricted temple entry to the people of
the Kaniya caste a revolution was launched under the leadership of
Govindacharya swamy a vaishnavite. The Government of Mysore opposed
that. With a view to prevent that demand from being realized a number of
prohibitive orders were issued. By that time, the influence of the ‘Harijana
Sevaka’ association started by Gandhiji was felt in Mysore also. The Congress
 History 137

men and others extended support to that movement. Seshadri an advocate was
the president of Harijana Sevaka Sangha. A movement was launched demanding
a provision for the entry of Harijans into Srikanteswara temple at Nanjanagud.
The general public of Nanjanagud, by way of protest, indulged in violence
against the participants in the movement. Yet the movement went ahead
briskly. After some time, an agreement took place between the temple officials
and the participants in the movement accepting the success of the movement
and calling that to a halt. In this movement there were Mysore M N Jois,
Tagadur Ramachandra Rao etc, and other prominent people present. In
addition to Harijan upliftment movement, the Khadi movement that began in
the province was a popular revolution. Khaddar Mutual Help Association was
also established in Mysore city. The Tagadur Ashrama became responsible for
the development of Khadi Industries. Because of these activities people of the
Mysore province gained awareness. National consciousness among the people
gained great momentum. Many national leaders like Gandhiji and others from
different parts of India visited Mysore and through their public speeches
awakened the common people. Taking advantage of all these conditions it was
decided to organize an exhibition of representing the swadesi (local) products
under the leadership of M N Jois. With M Subramanya Iyer, the retired
Inspector General of Police as the president and a committee was formed.
M N Jois, G A Acharya (Bengal Lamps), and two others were appointed to
work as Secretaries. For the first time that exhibition was organized in the
premesis of Sahukar Banumaiah High School. The palace establishment extended
their co-operation in this venture. All these activities having taken place in the
Mysore province had resulted in the growth of national consciousness among
the people and at that time in 1930 Gandhiji through the Dandi March further
strengthened the war of independence.
Irwin Canal Movement
The Irwin Canal Movement (1931-32), was the first show off of the
organised effort of the ryots that took place in Mandya district prior to the
freedom struggle: Irwin Canal (Present Visveswaraya Canal) is a branch of
River Cauvery and River Shimsa that flow from the Krishnarajasagar
(Kannambadi). Consequent upon the development of irrigational facilities in
that area, the Government had notified its orders pertaining to the irrigation
138 Mandya District Gazetteer

system that had to be followed by the ryots, the revenue they had to pay on
the lands irrigated by the canal water, and the rate of interest payable on the
belated payment of the contributions etc. Such a publication had naturally
created a sense of strong disaffection among the ryots. In such a situation, H.
Honnaiah of Mandya, K Puttanna of Honaganahalli and H K Veeranna
Gowda of Maddur, by way of organizing the ryots, had taken a lead in the
Irwin Canal movement. H K Veeranna Gowda, who belonged to the Mandya
District, having found that none of the taluks in the Mandya district had a
representation in the Mysore Representative Assembly, and expressing his dis-
approval on the stand taken by the government on the disturbances that had
taken place in Bangalore Sultanpete Ganapathi celebrations, gave expression to
his protest in his paper the ‘Chitraguptha’. As a result of that he came to be
looked upon with suspision, by the Government. Puttanna who knew all these,
using his influence brought pressure on H K Veeranna Gowda and convinced
him to take up the leadership of the struggle. He visited every village, of the
taluks that had come under the irrigation system of the Irwin Canal impressed
upon them about hardships and losses caused by the government according to
the notification already issued. They were highly successful in creating the
necessary awareness in the minds of the ryots, going by walk to every village.
H K Veeranna Gowda, began his first publicity campaign by organizing the
ryots at a grove in Muthithaleswara in Malavalli taluk. Thereafter, the members
undertook to walk by foot and organized publicity campaigns at Chikka
Arasinakere, Gejjalagere, Gowdagere and Hosaholalu villages, Mandya,
Madduru, Malavalli, Srirangapattana, Frenchrocks (Pandavapura), taluks and
many other bigger villages. In addition to that three days of campaigning at a
Jatha in Mudukuthore, where the ryots had assembled in large numbers and at
Chunchanakatte Jatha publicity campaigns had been undertaken. Like that the
publicity campaign went on for fourteen months, hundreds of assemblies were
organized and strong awareness among the ryots had been created.
In the cultivable area under Irwin Canal water supply the ‘Block system
of crop cultivation’ was introduced. It meant that a specified area of cultivation
he canal or its subsidiaries should follow the rotation system in the cultivation
of crops, like cultivating sugar cane in one year, followed by paddy cultivation
during the next and cultivation of dry crops during the third year, thus
forming a block period of three years. This was the rough enunciation that was
 History 139

made by Sir Mirza Ismail. The Government had directed Heads of all the
departments concerned to prepare the details required for the implementation
of the suggestions made by the Dewan. The then Director of Agriculture, Dr.
Leslie Colemn, justified the suggestions of the Dewan as the situation demanded.
Accordingly, after the completion of the survey of lands under the Canal by the
officials, Dr. B. Narasimha Iyengar, an expert in the Department of Agriculture
submitted a lengthy report recommending the introduction of a nine point
system. According to that it was indicated that the interest on agricultural
loans should be waived. But, the government had taken a different stand.
Therefore, the Nrasimha Iyengar report was kept confidential as decided by
Dr. Colemn However, H K Veeranna Gowda managed to get a copy of the
report through an official called M L Linganna, working for the Government
in the office of the Executive Engineer. Among the important demands of the
ryots, the demand for the implementation of the Narasimha Iyengar report
became popular. The leaders of the ryots movement insisted on presentation of
the details of that report in the legislative Assembly by D S Mallappa, its
member. When he began to deal with the report, the Government brushed
aside his question stating that there was no such report at all. Therefore, it
became inevitable to strengthen the movement against the government. The
persons like H K Veeranna Gowda, H. Honnaiah, and Honaganahalli K.
Puttanna, who had taken up the leadership of that movement, had decided
after understanding all possible pros and cons of the government order on the
ryots, to gather some 10,000 ryots from the public meeting that was being held
at Gejjalagere, organized them to go in a jatha by walking to Bangalore and
present their demands to the Dewan. Yielding to the demands of the leaders,
the Dewan accepted to meet the ryots at the Attarakatchery in Bangalore on
January 4th 1932, at about two 0' clock in the afternoon. To make that jatha
a success necessary programmes had been drawn up. The procedure and the
discipline to be followed by the ryots while on their walk had been fixed. On
the early morning of first January 1932, when the Jatha of the ryots began in
the Gandu grove, near Kodihalli, at Maddur, a gathering of 10,000 ryots had
taken part. After a consecutive journey of three days the Jatha had arrived at
Attarakatcheri in Bangalore on 4.1.1932, at about 12 noon. The participation
of disciplined ryots in large numbers in the Jatha, the first time in the History
of Mysore, and the then Dewan Sir Mirza Ismail also felt highly impressed. The
140 Mandya District Gazetteer

Dewan had called H K Veeranna Gowda, the leader of the Jatha, and informed
him to come for a discussion with eight to ten persons. But, he did not agree
to that. Rather he insisted on the Dewan to meet all the ryots who had come
walking all the way undergoing all tribulations. Sir Mirza Ismail happily
agreed, and some time afterwards addressed the ryots and assured that no
interest would be levied on the economic assistance extended in the form of
loans. The ryots were also informed about the suspension of the government
order. In response to that there was a strong clapping of hands the sound of
which appeared to be reaching the clouds. The jatha and the protest by the
ryots who had come from Maddur was the first struggle of the ryots in the
history of Karnataka. H K Veeranna Gowda’s book ‘The difficulties of the Irwin
Canal ryots’ written during the period of that protest was published from the
Rytha Sangha, and the government was hastening to seize that. But Veeranna
Gowda had taken all precautions to make that impossible.
After having given the assurance at the ryots assembly, The Dewan had
assured the ryots that he would personally visit Mandya to examine the
prevailing conditions on the spot yet, that did not materialize due to various
hindrances. There is an opinion that the Dewan had compromised on the
directions and pressures from the higher ups and wrote a confidential letter to
the district officers to keep his visit to Mandya confidential and bring about 50-
100 persons only who were more inclined to be considerate and remain obliged
to the government to the travelers bungalow. Somehow, that information also
came to the knowledge of Veeranna Gowda, resulting in his sending information
over night to the ryots and organizing a gathering of 10,000 persons on the
third day by about ten 0' clock. Dewan though expected to meet them at about
11 ‘0’ clock, he came late and was surprised to see an assemblage of such a
large number of ryots and after his stay for a while had returned to Mysore;
With a view to create awareness among the people, the Persian inscription of
Tipu on the main entrance (available today) to the Krishnarajasagara
mahamantapa was got translated in to Kannada, printed 10,000 copies and
distributed among those who had gathered. That inscription records that the
actual cultivators could pay only 12 anna as out of a Rupee of revenue that was
being paid by the ryots of other irrigated lands elsewhere while the remaining
four annas is left out as gratis in the name of God. After the departure of the
Dewan to Mysore, the government officials who had remained there expressed
 History 141

their frankness to give effect to the government order and that reached the
leaders in no time. That resulted in the violation of the prohibitory orders then
inforce and on that allegation arrest and imprisonment of H K Veeranna
Gowda and fifteen other leaders. Thus the government followed the same
policy applied to Sultanpet Ganapathi disturbances at Mandya also, according
to H K Veeranna Gowda. It was only in the provinces that were directly under
the British rule, the movements like Dandi March or Salt Satyagraha and Civil
Disobedience movements started by Gandhiji began briskly but, none of these
ever began in the subordinate princely provinces. Before 1937-38 no movements
directly connected with the freedom struggle were noticed in the Mandya
district. The Shivapura Satyagraha that took place near Maddur in 1938 was
the only prominent and first popular movement.
Shivapura Satyagraha
At the Mysore session the Allied People’s party changed its basic stand
and merged with the Congress on 16th of October 1937. Soon afterwards,
eminent person like H C Dasappa, senior leaders like K C Reddy etc, were
responsible for the merger with the Congress. Although the Shivapura
Satyagraha is a mile stone in the Freedom Struggle of the Mandya district, prior
to that on January 26th 1938, in Mysore, when Subbamma Jois, Tagadur
Ramachandra Rao, Agaram Rangaiah joined hands and hoisted a tricolour
flag, they were arrested and sent to jail. Subbamma is considered to be the first
woman, among those who were arrested in such movements. As a result of
that, Congress leaders rose in rebellion and called the Mysore District Congress
Session out side Mysore, which was in Shivapura near Maddur. Sahukar
Chennaiah, a senior social worker, was elected as the President of the reception
committee, for that session. Keeping in mind the anti-British movement that
was likely to materialize at the session, the Government had published prohibitory
orders against the flag hoisting at Shivapura. Palanahalli Ramaiah, a senior
Kannada Journalist, through his ‘Thainadu’ paper at Bangalore, had supported
that movement. The Shivapura session was named as ‘Rashtrakuta’. Shivapura
is located on the banks of River Shimsha, near Maddur on Mysore-Bangalore
highway. In the selection of that place for holding the session and in the
preparations of all kinds, H K Veranna Gowda, the then political leader from
Mandya taluk, had played a vital role. At a meeting of the district
142 Mandya District Gazetteer

Representatives, held on the first floor of the residential building that belonged
to certain Gopala setty, at Mandya, on March 11, 1938, the entire responsibility
for making all preparations for the session at Shivapura Rashtrakuta was
entrusted to H K Veeranna Gowda. M G Bandi Gowda was appointed to assist
him in the organization of the session. Both of them were appointed as
secretaries. H C Dasappa, Tirumale Gowda of Shivapura and S Rangaiah, as
Vice-Presidents, Jogi Gowda of Koppa as Treasurer, M N Jois as the General
Officer Commanding or Dalapathi were also appointed. Office of the Reception
Committee was established at the first floor in the residence of Tirumale
Gowda. The Government tried very hard to prevent the Rashtrakuta session
being held at Maddur.The Amildar of Maddur taluk promised to extend all the
required assistance to the Rashtrakuta session if that was held at Nanjanagud
instead of Maddur. Reacting to that, H K Veeranna Gowda, a senior leader
declared, ‘If Rashtrakuta was to be held at the instance of an Amildar, I for one
do not need that Rashtrakuta’. Thus the efforts of the Governmental opposition
did not succeed. After the Reception committee decided to hold the Rashtrakuta
session for a period three days, on 9th, 10th and 11 th of April 1938, H K
Veeranna Gowda had informed that all preparations were completed, in about
20-25 days time. To carry the on work at the office of the Reception Committee,
V S Narayana Rao had been appointed. That Conference in April 1938 was the
first session conducted by the Mysore Congress. The prohibitory order of the
British Government against the hoisting of the Flag was still in force. Women
representatives who had taken part in the session compelled for the violation
of the prohibitory order.
The president of the session T. Siddalingaiah had already discussed that
matter. It was exceptional that prominent representatives of women like
Smt. Yashodaramma Dasappa, Sunanda Iyengar, Palahalli Venkamma and
Subbamma Jois had participated in that session. Apart from these, there were
25 members from the self-help group. The daughter of Sahukar Chennaiah, the
daughter of Palahalli Sitaramaiah, and the sons of H C Dasappa, T
Siddalingaiah, as Swayam Sevakas had carried out all the work entrusted to
them with discipline and devotion. The Swayam Sevakas were divided into
several groups and each group was named after a national leader, for example
Tilak Dastha, Bhagath Singh Dastha, Patel Dastha etc. In the preparations for
the Congress Session, aimed at hoisting the Flag at the Shivapura Satyagraha,
 History 143

local people had done a great job. The service rendered by the following
persons is worth of remembering: K. Ramesh son of Koppada Jogi Gowda,
Besagarahalli Thammaiah, Sothelingegowda of Hanumanthapura,
Gurudevanahalli Kempaiah, Narasimhe Gowda, Palagraharada P N
Narasimhaiah, Kothanahalli Patel Mallaiah and Brothers, Araker A. Kenchappa,
Chikka Bili Gowda of Bellappana Koppa, Dodda Bili Gowda, Kudarugundi
Mariyappa, Nagarakere N P Linge Gowda, Malavalli Subbaiah etc. P. Tirumale
Gowda of Shivapura had donated his eight acres of land to organize the
Rashtrakuta. With a wide open air accommodation for seating 40,000 persons
a spacious forum was built, elevated six feet in height, and beautified with
electric lamps of varied colours and the state flag. At the place of the Session
the Khadi Exhibition, Medical shop, another row of shops etc, were kept open.
Under the leadership of H K Veeranna Gowda, members of the Mysore
Congress Executive Committee and the Reception Committee- Bellary Siddamma,
M N Jois, Subbamma Jois, T Sunandamma etc ladies; Veerakesari Sitarama
Sastry, KT Bhashyam Iyengar, T.Siddalingaiah etc, leaders had participated in
the publicity campaign.
On April 8th 1938, T. Siddalingaiah, who had been elected as the
president of the Rashtrakuta, was taken out in procession with all pomp and
pageantry. That procession started from the Maddur Traveller’s Bungalow
with an estimated number of 10,000 participants passing through the Maddur
town and the main streets of Shivapura reached the travellers bungalow of
Shivapura. Along the procession route the participants in the struggle shouted
slogans” Yene Barali Voggattirali” meaning come what may let there be unity.
Hail Mahathma Gandhi, Victory to Congress, and such other national leaders
by their names reverberated the incessantly. The procession began at six PM
and when it had reached Shivapura the clock had crossed eleven in the night.
On the same night, G M Mekhri, the district Majistrate at Mysore, had issued
prohibitory orders forbidding for a period of one month, effective from 10th
April; any processions, assemblies, and hoisting of Flag within a radius of eight
kilo-meters around Maddur That Prohibitory order was made especially
applicable to the following 20 leaders: H C Dasappa, S. Chennaiah,
K T Bhashyam, M N Jois, T. Siddalingaiah, H K Veeranna Gowda, K M
Krishne Gowda, A G Bandi Gowda, Palahalli Sitaramaiah, S. Rangaramaiah,
T. Mariyappa, T S Rajagopala Iyengar, N C Thimma Reddy, Veerakesari
144 Mandya District Gazetteer

Sitarama Sastry, Tagadur Ramachandra Rao, M. Shankaraiah, Changal Raya

Reddy, V Venkatappa, Y Parthanarayana Pandit and P Tirumal Shetty.
Majistrate’s order was publicized in the main streets of Shivapura and such
other places with greater density of population by way of beating tom tom.
Frightened Freedom fighters while they were unable to have their normal sleep
on 10th night, a Reserve Police contingent of about 600 police men armed with
guns entered Shivapura and undertook a flag march adding terror to the
already frightened people. Arrest warrents were served by the police on the
above named prominent men. Reacting to that incident the leaders said that
they had taken up Satyagraha or not on the Government land but on the
private property. They claimed that flag hoisting was their right. They opposed
the Government order that had scuttled their rights and shouted it down. They
went ahead with the Satyagraha, hoisted the flag, and did not stop their
programme. They said categorically that they would follow their dharma,
while the police should mind their duty. That news had spread fast through
out Maddur; people gathered in groups began whispering their arguments and
discussions. Unable to comprehend the future course of action the leaders
called for an emergency meeting of the executive committee at one ‘0’ clock in
the night. They discussed the pros and cons of the prohibitory orders. The aim
of the Congress was to establish responsible government under the leadership
of the Maharaja. Therefore, the hoisting of the State flag would not belittle the
official flag of the Maharaja. The committee also decided that the state flag was
an indivisible part of the Congress. Thereafter, the committee prepared a notice
in that context. Whatever might have been then decided programme of the
Rashtrakuta, some satyagrahis pointed out, that instead of flag hoisting it
might be appropriate to go ahead just with the conduct of the proceedings of
the session. But, M N Jois, the commandant of the Satyagraha roared "we are
here to break the orders of the Government. No purpose would be served in
conducting the session if we are afraid of the government. We should violate
the government orders, and we will hoist the flag”. As if to complete this stand
T Sunandamma, Yashodharamma Dasappa etc women Satyagrahis joined the
chorus. The place fixed for the flag hoisting was not the government land but
it was the private property. Prohibitory orders were serious and that brushes
aside the rights of the people. Therefore, the arguement that it would be most
appropriate to hoist the flag as decided earlier, gained majority. D H
 History 145

Chandrasekharaiah from Davanagere did not agree with the decision. Yet the
committee did not change the stand they had already taken. Sunandamma
appealed to the president that she would hoist the flag and the rest may be
taken care of by the others. All the people gathered there appreciated that bold
stand and patriotism of the lady. T Siddalingaiah said in his speech recollecting
the incident that had occurred at Bangalore city Dharmambudi tank (1931)
where after the flag was hoisted by Nehru and after his return the police had
desecrated the flag by destroying the flag staff. If a similar incident were to
happen here, he cautioned that the leaders may have to hold their head in
shame on account their inability to hold the state level session properly and not
protecting the state flag from disrespect. Next there was a possibility of
Mahathma Gandhi mistaking for having allowed the women to take the front
line and leaders taking the second line. He was of the opinion that the leaders
should take the lead and the success of that Satyagraha would be a matter of
pride not only in the princely States but also at the all India level. It was
resolved that Siddalingaiah should hoist the flag.
In the history of Karnataka, and especially in the history of freedom
struggle in the Princely State of Mysore, April 11 th 1938 is a memorable day.
On that occasion before the day break the Satyagrahis had assembled at the
place where the well prepared forum was kept ready for the purpose of the
flag hoisting. It had already been decided that the flag hoisting should take
place at about 8.00 ‘0’ clock in the morning. The police having gathered that
information earlier to the scheduled time were present at that place well
prepared under the leadership of Muthoji Rao Scindhya, the Superintendent of
Police, French Rocks (Pandavapura), along with other officials. The Swayam
Sevakas and other prominent men, for the purpose of hoisting the flag, brought
Siddalingaiah the President, to the flag post. Next, M N Jois formally invited
the President to hoist the flag. Prominent personalities like Sahukar Chennaiah,
K T Bhashyam, K C Reddy, H K Veeranna Gowda, Kengal Hanumanthaiah,
Malavalli Veerappa, H Siddaih etc, Women Satyagrahis like Yashodaramma
Dasappa, Parvathamma Siddalingaiah, Venkamma Sitharamaiah, Subbamma
Jois, Indira Krishna Murthy, T Sunandamma etc, Swayam Sevakas and Swayam
Sevakis were all standing with great discipline. In front of the forum more than
40,000 people had gathered under the Pendal erected for the purpose. When
T. Siddalingaiah came near the flag post, the police Superintendent went to his
146 Mandya District Gazetteer

side, reminded him about the prohibitory orders that were in force and
informed him not to hoist the flag. But, the president made his decision to hoist
the flag clear. When the melee began on the forum, perceiving the inevitable
move of the police to prevent the flag hoisting, and the sequential possibility of
the impatient behaviour on the part of the masses, Siddalingaiah appealed to
them requesting for the maintenance of peaceful atmosphere. Obliging to the
request so made, the Satyagrahis went a little away from the forum. T.
Sunandamma sung ‘Vandematharam’ the National song in a most appealing
manner. Next, when Siddalingaiah tried to hoist the flag, the police officials
again prevented him. Then he said, “We are sure to violate the orders. You do
your duty, peacefully”. He requested the police officials not to give room for
violence by the show of their strength. The moment Siddalingaiah tried to hoist
the flag; the police surrounded the forum with great care. When the situation
grew highly tensed, Siddalingaiah himself declared that he would hoist the flag
and completed the sacred duty. The police arrested him. After completion of
his sacred duty he was so happy and willingly accepted the arrest. When the
flag was unfurled by M N Jois and the Satyagrahis who were with him,
charged with emotion Sunandamma gave a rendering of the flag song. The
patriotic atmosphere prevailing there inspired the Satyagrahis, as if it were an
instant electric charge. All the prominent leaders who had participated in the
Shivapura Satyagraha agreed to be arrested. Apart from that, the Satyagrahis by
rotation kept a watch on the flag post successively for three days, protected the
flag from police interference and its possible desecration and thus displayed
their impeccable nationalism. After that incident, such Satyagrahas were
organized through out the the Princely Mysore. After the completion of the
Shivapura session in a period of three consequtive days and the leaders
courting arrest every day, accepting their turn; speeches were addressed to the
masses gathered there by the prominent members. Sessions of the Mysore
Congress were being held in that wide spread pendal built for the purpose. At
that session it had been decided to name the organization as the Mysore
Congress and to fight peacefully for the establishment of Responsible
Government under the leadership of the Maharaja. Shivapura’s Rashtrakuta
came to an end on the evening of 11 th April 1938. Despite the prohibitory
orders preventing peoples assemblies were in force, the Satyagrahis violated the
orders on second December 1939, in the environs of Rangacharlu Town Hall
 History 147

in Mysore, and courted arrest. Prominent among those who courted arrest
were A. Ramanna, M. Shankaraiah, Chamundaiah, VN Dasappa and many
others.
The ‘Rashtrakuta’ or the Flag Satyagraha at Shivapura near Maddur is a
prominent Satyagraha fit to be recorded in golden letters in the history of
Freedom Struggle in Princely Mysore. At the place where such great struggle
took place, it was decided under the leadership of Kengal Hanumanthaiah to
build a memorial Hall. The outline plan for such a building emerged for the
first time under his leadership. When Kengal Hanumanthaiah entrusted the
planning of that Memorial to Laxman and Pawar, Engineers in the Indo-Swiss
Corporation, they succeeded in giving a definite shape to the plan.
Correspondence with the Government was initiated regarding the construction
of the building. The then Minister for Public Works, H M Chennabasappa, took
a lot of interest in the project and issued orderes, that its construction should
be undertaken by the Government itself. Kengal Hanumanthaiah took keen
interest in supervising at every stage of its construction. That building is
named as ‘Satyagraha Soudha ‘. That artistic Soudha was inaugurated
under the Presidentship of Kengal Hanumanthaiah, on October 26th 1979.
That memorial hall stands to this day as a live witness to the flag Satyagraha
at Shivapura, and has made the Satyagraha remain ever green in our memories.
Chain of movements
In the province of Mysore, that too in Mandya district, not only it was
possible to organize the people as never before at the Shivapura Flag Satyagraha,
but that also provided the first example of inspired and powerful anti-British
public opinion. That Satyagraha was an extraordinary political organization in
the princely state of Mysore. Shivapura Satyagraha brought before the
Government, for the first time, a compelling and widely accepted request for
Responsible Government. After the Shivapura Satyagraha, in February 1939
naming of the public buildings after the British officials was opposed. A similar
building in Mysore, when that was named after a police officer ‘Hamilton’
Satyagrahis tried to destroy the name board and they were arrested by the
police. In that movement Tagadur Ramachandra Rao, Javarappa Gowda,
Subba Rao Upadya, A N Suryanarayana Rao, M N Jois etc, had participated.
148 Mandya District Gazetteer

Under the Presidentship of HC Dasappa, the Second session of the Mysore

Congress was held at Viduraswatha in 1939. That session once again brought
up for discussion the request for Responsible Government. To bring pressure on
the same issue, The Forest Satyagraha was begun in 1939. Hundreds of
Satyagrahis participated in that movement on their own initiative and courted
arrest. The intensity of that movement was felt in Chitradurga, Tumkur,
Hassan and Shimoga districts. Forcefully requesting for the grant of Responsible
Government a Satyagraha was organized in 1939 at Mysore. In the same year,
during the month of September, in Turuvanur (Shimoga district) Siddavanahalli
Nijalingappa and others were arrested on the charges of cutting off of the palm
trees (Eechala mara). That Satyagraha was carried on with more vigour in the
Princely State of Mysore and more than 1200 satyagrahis courted arrest.
In the mining area of Kolar a Satyagraha programme was planned. At that
place prohibitory orders were in force forbidding entry in to the mining area.
Those orders were violated and hundreds people courted arrest. That movement
came to an end in February 1940. At the next elections to the taluk board the
Congress contested a total number of 133 seats and won 119. Bangalore,
Bhadravathi, Kolar Gold Fields and in other constituencies the workers got
organized under the congress flag. Such a situation gave good encouragement
to the freedom struggle in the princely Mysore. In 1941 Congress contested 142
seats to the Peoples Representative Assembly and won 106 seats.
Quit India Movement
In the struggle for India’s freedom, Quit India or Chalejav movement had
brought in peoples awareness through out Karnataka, never seen before. That
movement had found its best expression in Belgaum and Dharwd districts and
Bangalore and Mysore cities. All India Congress Committee at its Bombay
session on 8th August 1942 under Mahathma Gandhiji’s leadership had agreed
the programme of action of the Chalejav movement. Soon after its publication,
as a precautionary measure Government arrested the prominent leaders of the
Nation. Gandhiji through his Harijan paper gave a call to intensify the Quit
India movement widely through out the nation. Karnataka Pradesh Congress
Committee, for the implementation of that movement, formed an action
committee and appointed C J Ambali (President), R R Diwakar (Secretary),
U Srinivasa Malya, D P Karmakar and R S Hukkerikar as members. That
 History 149

Committee’s central office was in Mumbai. In the old Mysore state the Quit
India movement began widely spread. Workers observed hertals condemning
the arrest of Gandhi, at Mysore, Bangalore, Bhadravathi, Kolar and other
places. Hundreds of students boycotted schools and colleges and took part in
the movement. At the weekly sandies in the village areas, the movement began
with the refusal to pay tax. At the French Rocks (Pandavapura) sandy when
picketing took place on 8th August, the people of Kyathanahalli, Lakshmisagara
and Inam Hiremarali had actively participated. About ten people were arrested.
Police reports confirm that the picketing had support from a large section
of the people. Chaluve Gowda of Lakshmisagara infoms that on 15th of
October the liquor brought to Pandavapura was spilled, wine shops were
burnt, and wide publicity was given not to pay tax at the sandy and a public
meeting was conducted in front of the Municipal office under the Chairmanship
of YC Mariyappa. By way of arresting the people the struggle was suppressed.
Thus 25 Persons at Pandavapura on October 15th, and seven persons in
Tandekere on October 11th were arrested. Because of the reason that senior
leaders were arrested in the beginning of the struggle, underground activities
were directed in princely Mysore by SardarK. Venkataramaiah, A G
Ramachandra Rao, N D Shankar, M V Krishnappa, Madanlal Shah, Kadidal
Manjappa, H S Doreswamy and others. In Mysore on August at an assembly
of students held in Subbarayanakere field , it was really special that 10,000
persons had participated. Due to the participation of Industrial workers of
Bangalore Binny Mills, Government Printing Press, Government Porcelain
factory, AMCO Batteries and Mysore Mills (in Bangalore) etc, the struggle got
intensified. Leaders of Princely Mysore K T Bhashyam, S. Nijalingappa, N C
Thimma Reddy, Talakere Subramanya, Malavalli Veerappa etc were arrested
soon after they alighted at Yashwanthpur Railway Station, having come from
Mumbai. The struggle had taken a serious shape in Bangalore and other places.
From all district centres hand bills, printed under ground, were being distributed.
At least 7000 persons suffered imprisonment in Karnataka during 1942-43.
Barracks had to be built to imprison people as the jails were full to their capacity.
Prominent persons from Mandya district who had participated in that
movement were Malavalli H K Ramachandraiah, Palagrhara P N Javarappa
Gowda, P O Obegowda, P T Krishnappa, Arakere M Putte Gowda, A.
150 Mandya District Gazetteer

Kenchappa, A G Lingappa, P. Chennappa, P. Krishnappa and B K Putte

Gowda; Melukote Srinivasa Iyengar, M.N. Shivaram, Kutty, P T Krishna
Iyengar, Malavalli Bandi Gowda, Subbiah etc. Senior leaders Sahukar Chennaiah,
H.C. Dasappa, Palahalli Sitaramaiah, Rangaramaiah, M N Jois, H K Veeranna
Gowda, H siddaiah, K T Bhashyam, T Subramanyam, Kengal Hanumanthaiah,
V Venkatappa etc, toured through out Mandya district and conducted publicity
campaigns successfully during the Chalejav movement. This movement came to
an end consequent upon the wide spread arrests of the Satyagrahis in different
parts of Karnataka and the arrest of Dr. Ranganath Diwakar and the remaining
under ground workers in 1944.
Mysore Chalo Movement
After India gained independence on 15th of August 1947, the Mysore
Congress Party had to organize the Mysore Chalo movement to bring pressure
on the Maharaja of Mysore to make way for the merger of Princely Mysore in
the Union of India. It had been decided that Swayam Sevakas from all parts of
Princely Mysore should come to Mysore, assemble in front of the palace and
undertake Satyagraha. The Mysore State Congress had appointed K.C. Reddy
as an all powerful officer (Sarvadhikari) in this matter. They had desired the
Swayam Sevakas to undertake Satyagraha commencing on 11 th September
1947. By way of bringing in prohibitory orders and Prohibiting the publication
of News Papers the Government had initiated its high handed measures. As a
precautionary measure in the struggle prominent leaders were arrested on 4th
September. On the same day the Satyagrahis from different parts of the
kingdom had arrived in Mysore. Under the leadership of KC Reddy, from
Bangalore also hundreds of Satyagrahis reached Mysore by walking the distance.
Because of the fact the Mysore Chalo Satyagrahis had marched through
Mandya district route under the leadership of K C Reddy, and by that time
they had also realized the need for Responsible Government, several hundreds
of people from Mandya district took part in that movement. Due to the reason
that Mandya district was an independent district (1939), the awareness among
them about the war of independence was also high. Shouting slogans such as
“Tambuchetty Chatta Katti, and Arcot Boycott Mysore kingdom belongs to the
people, Honour People’s Representative Government” etc, the masses surged
forward to impress the Maharaja. Yielding to the pressures of the masses, with
out exhibiting excessive opposition, the Maharaja of Mysore agreed on 24th
 History 151

September 1947 to join the Indian Union. On 24th September 1947, under the
leadership of K.C. Reddy, the Responsible Government was established in
Mysore. With H C Dasappa, from Mysore and H K Veeranna Gowda from
Mandya in his Cabinet, the Government was set up.
Unification Movement
Though thePrincely State of Mysore merged with the Union of India,
which had become independent of British administration, the borders of the
united Karnataka comprising all the expected places where the Kannadigas
lived had remained undefined. And that turned out to be a serious problem.
Towards that end, leaders in the state had to organize a unification movement
to unite comprehensively all Kannada speaking provinces. The idea of unification
emerged as a movement due to the work of the intellectuals. Alur Venkata Rao,
in his book ‘Karnatakada Gathavaibhava’ had envisioned the identity of Karnataka
within the Union of India which had remained the dream of all Kannadigas.
Poets, Talented writers and journalists nurtured the concept of Unification and
worked for its development. Mysore was prominent among all the Kannada
speaking provinces. But, many people who had been living under the prosperous
administration of the Maharaja did not like the union with the backward
provinces. H K Veeranna Gowda, K V Shankare Gowda, K Lakkappa etc,from
)

the district, started a movement against the unification. Certain groups in

Kodagu also opposed the unification. But, Goruru Ramaswamy Iyengar
undertook a tour through out the state and spoke on the public platforms in
support of the unification. K V Puttappa, in addition to his efforts of upholding
the pre-eminence of Kannada, through his most influential poetical writings
helped the Kannada speaking people imbibe the concept “Bharatha Jananiya
Thanujathe” in the song of the Kannada region ‘the Naadageethe 'State Anthem
C M Poonacha, the Chief Minister of Kodagu, worked with great enthusiasm
for the merger of Kodagu in Karnataka. Kengal Hanumanthaiah,
Nijalingappa, Sahukar Chennaiah, Advocate R. Anantharamu, etc, supported
the unification movement. After the death of Potti Sriramulu in Andhra
Pradesh fasting till his death in January 1953, the Government of India, had
accepted Andhra Pradesh as a separate state and had issued the notification.
Influenced by that incident the Kannada speaking people also developed a
craving for the United Karnataka. In December 1953, under the Chairmanship
152 Mandya District Gazetteer

of Fazal Ali, the State Reorganization Commission was set up by the Central
Government. The State Reorganisation Commission began to collect the opinion
with a view to reorganize the states on the basis of Languages. That Commission,
having accepted the Unification of Karnataka submitted its report to the
Central Government. As a result of that the long standing dream of the
Kannada speaking people became a reality in 1956. The Maharaja of Mysore
was appointed as the Rajpramukh (Governor). The New Mysore state came to
be called as Greater Mysore State. Seventeen years after the
unification, on First of November 1973, the Government, with the then Chief
Minister D. Devaraja Urs, renamed Mysore State as ‘Karnataka’ and had
issued necessary government orders.

ELECTIONS
Before the starting of election proceedure (1892) in British India, in the
then Princely Mysore, ‘People's Representative Assembly’ began in 1881. This
was a mile-stone in the election system of the country, and the first step in
Mysore State towards the establishment of Responsible Government. The
People's Representative Assembly established during the period of Dewan
Rangacharlu, at its beginning comprised of prominent Landlords, Agriculturists,
Wealthy Merchants and selected members from Local Boards, all nominated
for a period of one year. But, that Assembly had no legal powers, although it
met annually during the month of December. It is learnt that 144 persons had
participated in the first session of the People's Representative Assembly held in
Mysore on Seventh October 1881. Thereafter, in 1891 a system of selection
through an election procedure began. That was based on certain qualifications
like payment of a fixed total amount of land revenue, and revenue on houses/
shops, to become a member of the Mysore Representative Assembly. Permissions
for selection to the Representative Assembly was granted only to those persons
who had paid the pre-fixed amount of land revenue and revenue on houses
(Mohatharfa). Accordingly, the minimum land revenue fixed was as follows:
Srirangapattana and Krishnarajapete Taluks Rupees. 200/- Nagamangala
Taluk Rs.50/- Mandya and Malavalli Taluks Rs.100/- While the minimum
fixed tax on houses was as follows: Krishnarajapete Taluk Rs.17/- and for
Other Taluks Rs.13/- Minimum age was 18 years,and voting right was limited
to the village and city dwellers. Graduates also got voting rights.
 History 153

Thus there was scope for selecting 15 members from the district with
taluk-wise break up as follows: Srirangapattana (in Mandya district of the
present day)-04, Attikuppe (Krishnarajpete)-03, Nagamangala-03, Mandya-03,
Malavalli-02.
In 1892, the nominated members of the Melukote Sree Yadugiri
Sadbodhivardhini Sabha were members in the Mysore Representative Assembly,
as it is understood.
The following modifications were adopted to the voting rights and given
effect in 1894: The minimum Land revenue was fixed at Rs. 100/- in
Srirangapattana and Krishnarajapete taluks, Rs. 85/- in Nagamangala taluk,
Rs. 50/- in Mandya and Malavalli taluks.
The minimum House tax of Rupees 13/- .The voting rights were only for
those who had paid the taxes specified above. In addition to that, Srirangapattana
and Malavalli Municipal Boards were provided with an opportunity to send
one member each to the Mysore Representative Assembly. The duration of
office of the members was fixed as three years. The total members in the
Representative Assembly was fixed as 276 in 1897. The system of publishing
in the State Gazettee well in advance, a list of all eligible candidates for the
contest as members, and the Electoral rolls for that purpose, was brought into
force from 1907.
Diwan V P Madhava Rao introduced the bi-cameral Legislative system in
1907, with the starting of Legislative Council (On the model of modern
Vidhana Parishat) comprising 18 members by the upgradation of the Executive
Council introduced in1881, with three councilors and an Ex-officio Diwan as
president. The Membership of the Legislative Council was increased to 24 in
1913 by Diwan Sir M. Visveswaraya. He gave that body the power to
participate in the discussions of the annual budget of the state. That state of
affairs continued till 1915.
During the year 1915, revision was brought into the electoral qualifications
laid down earlier. So far as the voters were concerned the minimum land
revenue and tax payable on houses as the eligibility criteria was continued as
it existed earlier. The criteria in respect of the contestants to the Assembly had
been revised as follows:
154 Mandya District Gazetteer

Srirangapattana taluk Rs.200/- Land Revenue; House Tax Rs.17/-

French Rocks (Pandavapura) Rs.200/- Land Revenue; House Tax Rs.17/-
Krishnarajpete taluk Rs.200/- Land Revenue; House Tax Rs.13/-
Nagamangala taluk Rs.150/- Land Revenue; House Tax Rs.13/-
Mandya & Malavalli Taluk Rs.100/- Land Revenue; House Tax Rs.13/-
The system of half yearly meetings (June & December) of the Mysore
Representative Assembly began in 1917. By that time Prajamithra Mandali had
been established The Prajamithra Mandali regarded the Congress party as
Brahmin dominated party, opposed the Congress and expressed its opposition
in the struggle for the establishment of responsible government. During
1918, the eligibility criteria for the contestants and the voters were revised and
refixed as follows: The amount was fixed at Rs. 50/- as land revenue or Rs. 10/
- as house tax for both contestants and voters.The differentiation between the
taluks was wiped off. The number of members in the Legislative Council was
increased to 30 in 1919. According to the decision made at the Nagpur
Congress session in 1921, the Karnataka Provincial Congress Committee had
come into existence in British Karnataka, while in the princely state, Mysore
State Congress Committee took its birth but remained inactive till 1928. During
that interval voting rights to women was given in 1922. By an enactment made
in 1923, the size of the Mysore Representative Assembly that comprised the
valued seats of the legislators and the provisions relating to their selection had
been altered. The resultant alterations are as follows: Srirangapattana-03,
Mandya-03, Malavalli-02, Nagamangala-02, and Krishnarajapete-02. A total
number of 12 members from the taluks through elections, one member each
from Srirangapattana and Malavalli Municipal Boards by nomination, were to
enter the Representative Assembly. The eligibility criteria of the tax amount
paid was revised, for both the contestants and voters in the elections. The
revised rates were Rs. 25/- as land Revenue or Rs.05/- as house tax. This step
helped in larger number of people to take part in the election process. The
minimum age of the voter was raised from 18 years to 21 years. Reservation
of seats for Muslims in the elections was introduced in the year 1923. Women
were given the right to contest elections in 1927.
For the welfare of the agriculturists in the Mysore kingdom ‘Raitha
Sangha’ had been established in the year 1927. Later, stalwarts like K C Reddy,
 History 155

V. Venkatappa etc, established afresh the ‘People's Party’ in 1930 and began to
pressurize for the grant of Responsible Government. During the same year,
when Maddur became a separate taluk, it was also given separate representation
in the Mysore Representative Assembly. The system of taking the oath of office
by the elected representatives to the Mysore Representative Assembly' was
introduced after 1930. The Prajamithra Mandali and People's Party sorted out
the differences between them at a later date and their merger that took place
in 1934, gave birth to the People's Alliance Party, and the Alliance Party
merged with the local Congress Party in 1937, leading to the emergence of the’
Mysore Congress Party. Yielding to the pressures brought by the political
parties for Responsible Government in the Kingdom, the Government of
Mysore, set up in March 1938 the K R Srinivasa Iyengar Committee and
requested to examine the scope for the introduction of Responsible Government.
S C. Mallaiah from Maddur was one among 20 of its members. During the
same year (1938) the first session of the Mysore Congress was held during
April at Shivapura. It Came to be well known in the history of the country as
‘Flag Satyagraha’. The report submitted by the Iyengar Committee was partly
accepted by the Mysore Government in 1940. Such an acceptance resulted in
the increase of membership in the Council from 50 to 98 and membership of
the Mysore Representative Assembly was enhanced to 325. The period of the
office of the members of the Assembly was enhanced from three years to four
years. The system of reservation of membership to women and the Christian
representatives was introduced. The ex-officio president, the Diwan and his
Executive Council became the Executive of the Government. In the elections
held in 1941 the Mysore Congress won 106 seats out of 142 seats they
contested and successfully established the Responsible Government. But,
due to the Quit India Movement against the British that was raging
through out the Nation, the leaders in the kingdom of Mysore also suffered
imprisonment.
Even after the Nation getting its independence, the king’s Government in
Mysore had discounted the request for the introduction of Responsible
Government made by the political parties. Insisting on the demand, Mysore
Congress organized the "Mysore Chalo Movement " on 11th October 1947.
Bowing its head to this movement, the Mysore Government, permitted the
Congress to form the Responsible Government. Accordingly on 24th October
156 Mandya District Gazetteer

under the leadership of K C Reddy an adhoc Responsible Government was

formed. Elections were held for the Mysore Constitutional Assembly in March
1948, and during April when its session was being held, although K C Reddy
was the sitting President, T Subramanya and Ganji Veerappa became the
President and Vice-President respectively for the next term. With the acceptance
of the Constitution of India on 15-12-1949, by the royal family of Mysore, the
Mysore Representative Assembly and the Legislative Councils were
abolished,and the Mysore Constituent Assembly transformed temporarily to be
the Legislature with K.C. Reddy as the first Chief Minister.
When the Constitution of India came in to effect in 1950 and the first
General elections were held through out the nation in 1952, Mandya district
had one Loksabha and eight Vidhana Sabha seats. Thereafter the Loksabha,
Vidhna Sabha election and bye-election results are furnished. In doing so
respective constituencies, elected candidates’ name, party, votes polled and its
comparative percentage are provided, along with that the parties in the second
and third places, votes polled and relative percentage are also provided. More
details are available from the Office of the Election Commission in Bangalore.
General Elections 1952
In the first General Elections held through out the Nation during January
1952, for the seats in Mandya district Indian National Congress (INC), Kishan
Mazdoor People's Party (KMPP), Schuduled Castes Federation (SCF), Socialist
Party and the Independents had also contested. The election results are as
follows:
Lok Sabha: M K Shivananjappa (INC) 1,25,566 (59.23%) elected; KMPP
86,449.
Vidhana Sabha : 1. Krishnarajapete: S M Lingappa (INC) 11,258 (43.27%)
elected; Independent 7552 (28.96%); KMPP 5433 (20.84%); 2. Pandavapura:
B Y Neele Gowda (INC) 7116 (34.87%) elected; KMPP 5407 (26.49%); Indepen-
dent 4264 (20.895), 3. Srirangapattana: K Puttaswamy (INC) 12581 (61.87%)
elected; Independent 7886 (38.53%),4. Mandya: K V Shankare Gowda (INC)
12980 (50.68%) elected; KMPP 6727 (26.27%), Independent 5903 (23.05%) 5.
Malavalli: (General) B P Nagaraja Murthy (KMPP 18314 (25.04%) elected; INC
18144 (28.81%), 6. Malavalli (Reserved) : N Chikkalingaiah (SCF) 13339
(18.24%) elected; Independent 11252 (15.39%), INC 7787 (10.65%); 7. Maddur:
 History 157

H K Veeranna Gowda (INC) 16724 (66.61 %) elected; KMPP 8389 (33.39%)

8. Nagamangala: M Shankaralinge Gowda (Independent) 14908 (63.04%)
elected; INC 11913 (36.96%).
Vidhana Sabha By-election: Nagamangala: As a consequence of the
death of M Shankaralinge Gowda, the seat fell vacant. By-election was held,
K Singari Gowda (INC) got 14458 (59.43%) votes- elected; Independent
Candidate got 9983 (40.57%) votes. Mandya: In that constituency
by-election was held in 1954, G S Bomme Gowda, Independent candidate
got elected.
General Elections 1957: The Indian National Congress (INC), Peoples
Socialist Party (PSP) and Scheduled Castes Federation (SCF) were the three
)

parties in the election fray. All Vidhana Sabha seats (08) of the district were
contested by the Indian National Congress. It got 05 seats (including Malavalli,
the double seat constituency) by winning elections in addition to winning the
Lok Sabha seat. Peoples Socialist Party out of 05 seats contested,it won the
Pandavapura seat only, and Scheduled Castes Federation had contested the
Malavalli Reserve Constituency without success. Out of the six independents
who had contested only two, one each from Srirangapattana and Mandya
constituencies got elected. The detail of the result is as follows:
Lok Sabha: M K Shivananjappa (INC) 142066 (61.36%) elected; PSP
89365 (38.64%)
Vidhana Sabha: 1. Krishnarajapete: M K Bomme Gowda (INC) 17419
(59.57%) elected; Independent 7333 (25.05%); PSP 4497 (15.38%), 2.
Pandavapura: B. Channaiah (PSP) 12677 (43. 92%) elected; INC 8837 (30.65%);
Independent 7339, (25.43%) 3. Srirangapattana: M G Chunche Gowda (Inde-
pendent) 18280 (61. 81%) elected; INC 11290 (38.19%), 4. Mandya: G S Bomme
Gowda (Independent) 17910 (46.81%) elected; INC 16035 (41.90%), Indepen-
dent 4309 (11.29%), 5. Malavalli (General) H V Veere Gowda (INC) 28454
(34.39%) elected; PSP 12449 (15.04%), 6. Malavalli (Reserve) M Mallikarjuna
swamy (INC) 27102 (32.76%) elected; SCF 9723 (11.75%) 7. Maddur:
H K Veeranna Gowda (INC) 19187 (59.80%) elected; PSP 12900 (40.20%),
8. Nagamangala: T Mariyappa (INC) 15985 (52.25%) elected; PSP 14607
(47.75%).
158 Mandya District Gazetteer

General Election 1962 :

According to Section 3 and 7 of the 1961 enactment relating to elections,
Malavalli Constituency earlier a double member constituency, was divided into
Malavalli and Kirugavalu constituencies, and Kirigavulu was declared as a
reserve constituency. All the eight Vidhana Sabha constituencies of the district
were in the Mandya Lok Sabha constituency. Indian National Congress,
Peoples Socialist Party and Socialist parties were the prominent parties which
had contested the elections. If the lone Lok Sabha and four Vidhana Sabha
constituencies went in favour of the Congress, the remaining four went with
the Independents while the other parties took the beating. The results are as
follows:
Lok Sabha: M K Shivananjappa (INC) 148523 (51%) elected; Indepen-
dent 74200 (25.52%), Independent 33674 (11.58%).
Vidhana Sabha : 1. Krishnarajapete: S Nanje Gowda (Independent)
18236 (53.20%) elected; INC 16040 (46.80%) 2. Pandavapura: B Y Neele
Gowda (INC) 14089 (45.32%) elected; Independent 11084 (35.65%), PSP
5914 (19.03%); 3. Srirangapattana: A G Bandi Gowda (INC) 23809 (70.81%)
elected; Independent 9389 (27.92%), 4. Mandya: J Devaiah (Independent)
23299 47.32%) elected; INC 23639 (45.97%), Independent 3304 (6.71 %),
5. Malavalli: G Made Gowda (INC) 21169 (64.10%), elected, PSP 11149
(33.76%), 6. Kirugavalu (Reserved): M Mallikarjuna Swamy (INC)
15039 (60.30%) elected, PSP 9901 (39.70%), 7. Maddur: S M Krishna
(Independent)24269 (50.07%) elected, H K Veeranna Gowda (INC) 22313
(46. 04%), Socialist Party 1884 (3.89%), 8. Nagamangala: TN Madappa
Gowda (Independent) 19275 (59.15%) elected, K. Singare Gowda (INC) 15050
(43.85%).
General Elections 1967: According to the modified election rules of 1965,
minor internal changes were made in the Vidhana Sabha constituencies of the
district. Instead of Kirugavulu, Malavalli was declared as a reserved constitu-
ency. In that election Congress, Peoples Socialist Party and Republican Party
(RPI) contested. If Congress got elected in Lok Sabha and five Vidhana Sabha
constituencies, the remaining three were taken by the Independents. Details of
the result are as follows:
 History 159

Lok Sabha: M K Shivananjappa (INC) 192 706 (56.80%) elected; Inde-

pendent 146222 (43.14%).
Vidhana Sabha: 1. Krishnarajapete: M K Bomme Gowda (Independent)
28512 (70.69%) elected; INC 11048 (27.39%), 2. Pandavapura: N A Chenne
Gowda (Independent) 19460 (52.18%) elected; INC 15599 (41.83%), Indepen-
dent 2234 (5.99%), 3. Srirangapattana: B Dodda Bore Gowda (Independent)
13883 (33.92%) elected; INC 13794 (33.11%) Independent 9651 (23.17%),
4. Mandya: Nagappa (INC) 25462 (53.54%) elected; Independent 22099
(46.46%), 5. Malavalli (Reserve) M Mallikarjuna Swamy (INC) 21077 (65.32%),
PSP 7316 (22.78%) RPI 1237 (3.96%), 6. Kirugavalu: G Made Gowda (INC)
17377 69.46%) elected; Independent 12039 (30.54%), 7. Maddur: M.
Manchegowda (INC) 27148 (52.16%) elected; PSP 22714 (43.64%), Indepen-
dent 1771 (4.17%), 8. Nagamangala: K Singari Gowda (INC) 24428 (57.59%)
elected; Independent 16219 (38.24%).
Lok Sabha by-election 1968: Due to the death of Lok Sabha member M
K Shivananjappa, his seat fell vacant. To fill it, by-elections were held on 24th
January 1968. Praja Samajavadi Party candidate SM Krishna got elected.
Result is as follows: SM Krishna (PSP) 184054 (59.85%) elected; BRK 120101
(39.05%) Independent 3394 (1.10%).
Mid-Term Lok Sabha Election 1971
Before the completion of the term, the IV Lok Sabha had been dissolved.
During that period, the Indian National Congress that was in Power got
divided in 1969, into Indian National Congress- R, under the leadership of
Jagjeevanram, and Indian National Congress- 0 (Organisation Congress) or
NCO, under the leadership of Nijalingappa. Both of them contested the Lok
Sabha elections held during March 1971. Bharathiya Janasangha had also
contested the elections. The results are as follows: S M Krishna, Congress-R,
272174, (71.21%) elected; NCO 110012, (28.79%).
Mandya Lok Sabha By-Election 1972: Consequent upon the resignation
tendered by SM Krishna, the Mandya Lok Sabha fell vacant necessitating the
by-election which was held on 22nd October 1972, and the results are as
follows: K. Chikkalingaiah, Congress-R , 123405 (49.90%) elected; NCO 103293
(41.73%), Independent 14832 (5.99%).
160 Mandya District Gazetteer

Vidhana Sabha Election 1972

1. Krishnarajapete: SM Lingappa, (Congress-R) 29424, (65.63%) elected;
Independent 15410 (34.37%); 2. Pandavapura: D Halage Gowda, (Congress-R)
36900 (70.89%) elected; NCO 15156 (29.11%); 3. Sriranapattana: Smt. Damayanthi
Boregowda(Congress-R) 25965(49.71%) elected; NCO 18826(33.86%), Indepen-
dent 10801 (19.43%); 4. Mandya: MH Boraiah (Congress-R) 28552 (49.30), NCO
28405, (49.05%), BJS 953 (1.65%); 5. Malavalli (Reserve): M Mallikarjuna Swamy
(Congress-R) 26231 (64.06%) elected, NCO 14717 (35.94%); 6. Kirugavalu: J
Made Gowda (NCO) 25829 (51.06%) elected, (Congress-R) 23819 (47.08%), In-
dependent 493 ((0.97%); 7. Maddur: AD Bili Gowda (Conggress-R) 27550 (48.54%)
elected, Independent 23458 (41.33%) NCO 4940 (8.70); 8. Nagamangala: TN
Madappa Gowda (Congress-R) 24729, NCO 15365 (35.88%), Independent 2733
(6.38%).
Vidhana Sabha By-Election 1972: Due to the untimely death of TN
Madappa Gowda the Nagamangala Legislature seat fell vacant, and by elec-
tions was held during October 1972. Results are as follows: HT Krishna (NCO)
28896 (56.38%) elected; Congress-R 22384 (43.62%).
Lok Sabha Election 1977
The duration of the 5th Lok Sabha ended during 1976. Smt. Indira
Gandhi, the then Prime Minister, by a declaration of Emergency, had extended
the Lok Sabha term till 1977, and the general elections were held during 1977.
Congress (0), Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS) and political parties, Socialist Party,
Swatantra Party etc, united to fonn Bharatiya Lokdal or Janatha Party. Under
Indira Gandhi’s leadership the Indian National Congress (I) or Cong-I, con-
tested the 1977 elections. With the 1977 elections the Reserved Malavalli
Vidhana Sabha constituency came under Kanakapura Lok Sabha Constitu-
ency. Details of the election results's given below. K Chikkalingaiah (Cong-I)
200360 (48.39%) elected; Janatha 195039 (47.11 %), Independent 16009 (3.86%).
Vidhana Sabha Election 1978: According to the Delimitation Act
1976, Keragodu became the 9th Vidhana Sabha Constituency of the District.
The term of the 5th Vidhana Sabha ended in 1977. During February 1978
elections to the 6th Vidhana Sabha was held. In the meanwhile the Indian
National Congress had again undergone a split. As a result, if one group came
 History 161

under the leadership of Brahmananda Reddy, another group went under the
leadership of Indira Gandhi. Under her leadership the Cong-I contested the
elections against Janatha Party. Accordingly, the detailed constituency wise list
of elected candidates is furnished below.
1. Krishnarajapete: SM Lingappa (Janatha) 26352, (43.36%) elected;
Cong-I 20040, (32.97%); Cong-O 12373, (20.36%); Independent 2016 (3.31%);
2. Pandavapura: KR Rajagopala (Janatha) 27341 (45.16%) elected; Cong-I
17885 (26.54%), Cong-O 11323 (18.70%), Independent 2647 (4.37%); 3.
Srirangapattana M Srinivasa (Janatha) 20127 (33.67%) elected; Cong-I 18647
(31.19%), Cong-O 17576 (29.40%). 4. Mandya: MS Athmananda (Janatha)
31041 (48.69%) elected; Cong-I 28294 (44.38%), Cong-O 2808 (4.40%), 5.
Malavalli (Reserve): KL Mariswamy (Janatha) 27774 (45.92%) elected, Cong-I
27712 (45.82%), Cong-O 4998 (8.26%) 6. Kirugavalu: G Made Gowda (Janatha)
40711 (64%) elected, Cong-I 19470 (30.62%), Cong-O 3420 (5.38%); 7. Maddur:
M Manchegowda (Janatha) 37261 (57.16%) elected, Cong-I 14700 (22.55%),
Cong-R 11765 (18.05%) 8. Nagamangala: HT Krishnappa (Independent) 23721
(39.73%) elected; Janatha 18479 (30.93%), Cong-I 14586 (24.42%) 9. Keragodu:
HD Chowdaiah (Janatha) 34515 (61.62%) elected; Cong-I 14556 (25.99%),
Cong-O 6266 (11.19%).
Mid-Term Lok Sabha Election 1980
Lok Sabha was dissolved due to a split in the Janatha party in power,
while the Lok Sabha had two more years to complete its term. By the time of
the elections, at the state level the Congress Party got divided in to two
factions, one under the leadership of Brahmananda Reddy, with D. Devaraj
Urs entering that and became its leader in due course resulting in the
emergence of Urs-Cong under his leadership. Indian National Congress (I)
(Cong-I), and Janatha Party contested the elections. The result is given below:
SM Krishna (Cong-I) 223675 (52.02%) elected, Janatha party 108333 (25.20%),
Congress-(Urs) 86245 (20.06%).
Vidhana Sabha Election 1983: After the completion of the term of the
6th Vidhana Sabha, elections were held for the 7th Vidhana Sabha during
January 1983. By that time with a split in the Janatha Party, Bharathiya
Janatha Party and Lok Dal under the leadership of Charan Singh raised their
head. The results of the election are given below:
162 Mandya District Gazetteer

1. Krishnarajapete: M. puttaswamy Gowda (Cong-I) 31499 (51.81 %)

elected; Janatha 25766 (42.38%), LKD 2200 (3.62%) 2. Pandavapura: K Kempe
Gowda (Janatha) 29030 (45.55%) elected; Cong-I 22371 (35.10%),3.
Srirangapattana: AS Bandi Sidde Gowda (Janatha) 36634 (57.78%) elected;
Cong-I 25843 (40.76%) 4. Mandya: B Dodda Bore Gowda (Janatha) 378984
(57.66%) elected; Cong-I 26335 (39.97%) 5. Malavalli (Reserve): Somasekhar
(Janatha) 31966 (51.51%) elected; Cong-I 25345 (40.84%), Independent 1167
(1.88%); 6. Kirugavalu: G. Madegowda (Cong-I) 36310 (55.92%) elected;
Janatha 25454 (39.20%), Independent 1062 (1.64%); 7. Maddur: M.
Manchegowda (Cong-I) 33600 (50.99%) elected; Independent 19758 (29.98%)
Janatha 10371 (15.73%), 8. Nagamangala: Chigari Gowda (Independent) 36966
(59.04%) elected Cong-I 15332 (24.48%), Janatha (16.02%), 9. Keragodu: HD
Chowdaiah (CongI) 32483 (54.64%) elected; Janatha 29966 (45.36%).
Mid-Term Lok Sabha Election 1984: Before the 7th Lok Sabha com-
pleted its full term, it was dissolved in 1984 and elections were held during
December 1984. There were eight Independents in addition to Cong-I and
Janatha Parties in the contest. Results are as follows: KV Shankare Gowda
(Janatha party) 319176 (58.55%) elected; Cong-I 198730 (36.46%).
Mid- Term Vidhana Sabha Elections 1985: Three years before the
completion of its full term the VIIth Vidhana Sabha, due to unexpected
developments in the state politics, was dissolved, and in the mid-term elections
held during March 1985 Cong- I, Janatha, BJP, Janatha Dal and Lok Dal (LKD)
along with the Independents had contested the elections. Election results are
given below: 1. Krishnarajapete: Krishna (Janatha) 43817 (61.45%) elected;
Cong-I 27482 (38.54%); 2. Pandavapura: K. Kempegowda (Independent) 27780
(36.75%) elected; Cong-I 27300 (36.11 %), Janatha 19339 (25.58%); 3.
Srirangapattana: AS Bandi Sidde Gowda (Janatha) 39 163 (52%) elected;
Cong-I 33416 (44.37%), LKD 1807 (2.39%); 4. Mandya: SD Jayaram (Janatha)
37672 (51.89%) elected; Cong-I 33668 (46.38%); 5. Malavalli (Reserve): B
Somasekhar (Janatha) 43497 (58.27%) elected; Cong-I 28951 (38.79%); 6.
Kirugavalu: G Madegowda (Cong-I) 36519 (49.17%) elected; Janatha 35747
(48.13%), Independent 1242 (1.67%); 7. Maddur: B Appaji Gowda 37381
(50.93%) elected; Cong-I 34047 (46.39%); 8. Nagamangala: H T Krishnappa
(Janatha) 36856 (57.88%) elected; Cong-I 14645 (23%) Independent 5160
 History 163

(8.15%), BJP 3663 (5.75%); 9. Keragodu: HD Chowdaiah (Cong-I) 35837

(52.08%) elected; Janatha 32101 (46.65%), Independent 864 (1.23%).
Lok Sabha Election 1989: The nineth Lok Sabha elections were held
during November 1989. In that election, Cong I, Janatha, Janatha Dal and
Independents had contested. Results are as follows: G. Made Gowda (Cong-I),
337024, (47.7%) elected; Janatha 262135 (37.1 %), Janatha Dal 74548 (10.6%).
Mid-Term Vidhana Sabha Elections 1989: The eighth Vidhana Sabha
was dissolved one year before the completion of its full term. In the meantime
,at the National level a number of changes had taken place politically. The
Janatha Dal that was administering the state got divided into two groups. One
group, at the National level united with Janatha Dal, another group decided
to continue as the original Janatha Party.At the National level, V P Singh and
Chandrasekhar respectively became the leaders of those parties. In the mid-
term elections held during the month of November 1989 for the nineth
Vidhana Sabha, the Indian National Congress, Janatha (JP), Janatha Dal,
Bharathiya Janatha Party, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, and Lok Dal (B)
along with Independents, in considerable number, had contested the elections.
The election results are furnished here:
1. Krishnarajapete: M. Puttaswamy Gowda (INC) 35963 (40.51 %)
elected; Janatha (JP) 30391 (34.69%), Janatha Dal 22015 (24.80%), 2.
Pandavapura: D Halage Gowda (INC) 30520 (32.92%) elected; KRRS 27121
(29.26%), Janatha (JP) 18176 (19.61%), Janatha Dal 16164 (17.44%),3.
Srirangapattana: Smt. Damayanthi Bore Gowda (INC) 29159 (34%) elected;
Janatha (JP) 25876 (30.17%), KRRS 18851 (21.96%), Janatha Dal 7457 (8.69(%),
4. Mandya: MS Athmananda (INC) 50332 (55.81 %) elected; Janatha (JP) 22503
(24.95%), Janatha Dal 9945 (11.03%), KRRS 6173 (6.86%); 5. Malavalli (Re-
serve): Smt. Mallajamma (INC) 35723 (41.24%) elected; Janatha (JP) 17936
(20.70%), Janatha Dal 17768 (20.51%), Independent 7153 (8.26), KRRS 4792
(5.54%); 6. Kirugavalu: KM Puttu (INC) 42391 (48.36%) elected; Janatha (JP)
35102 (40.04%), KRRS 7103 (8.10%); 7. Maddur: SM Krishna (INC) 37935
(42.68%) elected; KRRS 27474 (27.89%), Janatha (JP) 17520 919.71 %), Inde-
pendent 5607 (6.31 %); 8. Nagamangala: LR Shivaramegowda (Independent)
48654 (56.80%) elected; INC 17185 (20.07%), Janatha Dal 13576 (15.85%),
Janatha (JP) 4214 (4.92%); 9. Keregodu: N Thammanna (INC) 30575 (40.31 %)
164 Mandya District Gazetteer

elected; Janatha (JP) 22634 (29. 84%), KRRS 15493 (20.63%) Janatha Dal 6392
(8. 43%).
Mid-Term Lok Sabha Election 1991: The nineth Lok Sabha that entered
office due to unexpected political measures was dissolved with in a short
period. In the mid-term elections to the tenth Lok Sabha held in June 1991 the
Indian National Congress, Janatha Dal, Bharathiya Janatha Party, Bharatiya
Krishi Udyoga Sangha, Karnataka Rajya Raith Sangha and Independents
contested. Results are as follows: G.Madegowda (INC) 259500 (42.48%) elected;
BJP 164153 (26.87%), Raitha Sangha 117136 (19.17%).
Vidhana Sabha Elections 1994: When the General Elections to the tenth
Vidhana Sabha were held during December 1994, Indian National Congress,
Janatha Dal, Bharatiya Janatha Party, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha,
Karnataka Congress, Kannada Chalavali (Vatal) Party, Bahujan Samaj Party
along with socialist party., Independents also in considerable number
contested. Janatha Dal gained seven seats and the remaining two were bagged
by Raitha Sangha and Independents. Details of the result is as follows:
1. Krishnarajapete: Krishna (Janathadala) 59841 (55.06%) elected; BJP
22779 (20.97%), INC 19773 (18.19%), Bahujan 3798 (3.49%), Karnataka Con-
gress 1625 (1.50(1’0), 2. Pandavapura: KS Puttannaiah (KRRS) 43323 (40.71 %)
elected; Independent30739 (28.88%), INC 19720 (18.53%), Karnataka Congress
4567 (4.29%); 3. Srirangapattana: Smt Vijayalakshmi Bandi Sidde Gowda
(Janathadal) 43062 (41.88%) elected; KRRS 19635 (19.10%), Independent 16193
(15.75%), INC 11728 (11.42%), 4. Mandya: SD Jayaram (Janathadal) 57216
(57.95%) elected; INC 27183 (27.43%), BJP 4727 (4.79%), Bahujan 3589 (3.63%);
5. Mala va lli (Reserve): B Somasekhar (Janathadal) 63808 (64.09%) elected; INC
27435 (27.64%), Karnataka Congress 2909 (2.93%), BJP 2396 (2.2%); 6.
Kirugavalu: KN Nagegowda (Janathadal) 36348 (37.19%) elected; INC 28866
(29.53%), Independent 21453 (21.95%), KRRS 4035 (4.13%); 7. Maddur: Dr. M
Mahesh chand (Janathadal) 40695 (40.80%) elected; INC 37231 (37.33%),
KRRS 19016 (19.07%); 8. Nagamangala: LR Shivaramegowda (Independent)
44719 (45.41 %) elected; BJP 27768 (28.21 %), Janathadal 17157 (17.37%),
Bahujan 4006 (4.07%); 9. Keragodu: JP Shivakumar (Janatha Dal) 48124
(56.98%) elected; INC 14838 (17.57%), KRRS 10106 (11.97%), Bahujan 4602 (5.
45%0 Kamataka Congress 2456 (2.92%).
 History 165

Lok Sabha Election 1996: After the completion of the full term of the
tenth Lok Sabha, , elections to the eleventh Lok Sabha were held in the month
of April 1996 and the following Parties had contested: Cong-I, Janatha Dal,
Janatha Party, Bharatiya Jantha Party, and Independents. Janatha Dal was
successful. Results are as follows: Krishna Janatha Dal, 335852 (45.97%)
elected; INC 302466 (41.40%) BJP 70829 (9.69%).
By Election to Krishnarajapet Assembly (1996): Due to the resignation
of its member viz. Krishna, the by election was conducted in october 1996 and
the result is as follow. B.Prakash (Ind). 29,524, Elected ; J.D.26,969, INC 18,868,
BJP 11,684 Raitha Sangha 6,551 and Independents 6,60%.
Mid Term Elections to Loksabha - 1998 : Due to the changes occured in
the political arena at national level, the 11th Loksabha was dissolved and
elections to the 12th Loksabha was conducted in February 1998. Here is the
result. Ambarish (JD) 4,31,439 (54.97%), Elected ; INC 2,50,916 (31.95%), BJP
1,02,456 (13.06%).
By Election to Mandya Vidhanasabha Constituency (1998) : Due to the
untimely demise of its MLA, S.D.Jayaram, by-election was organised in August
1998 and the result is as follow Smt.K.R.Prabhavathi (JD) 35,654, Elected ; INC
26,880, Lokashakti, 19,586 Independents 223.
Vidhanasabha General Election 1999 : In the elections conducted
during September 1999, to the 11th Vidhanasabha INC, JD(S), JD(U), BJP, BSP,
KRRS (Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha) and independents were in the
Election fray. The result is as follows.
1) Krishnarajapet : K.B.Chandrashekar (INC) 45,683 (43%), Elected :
(JD(S)) 28,802 (27%), Independents 18,502 (17%), 2) Pandavapura :
K.Kempegowda (INC) 41,661(38%) Elected, (KRRS) 33,803 (31%) JD(S)
21,192(24%) 3) Srirangapattana : Smt. Parvathamma Srikantaiah (INC) 47,866
(47%) Elected : KRRS 25,273 (25%), JD(S) 14,428 4) Mandya : M.S.Athmananda
(INC) 52,703 (55%) Elected ; JD(U), 34,647(35%), BSP 2,721 5) Malavalli (Res)
: B.Somashekar, JD(U), 27,335(29%), Elected : INC 22,054 (23%) JD(S) 20,826
(22%) Ind.16,804 (18%) 6) Kiragavalu : D.C Thammanna (INC) 44,523(44%)
Elected, JD(S), 43,799 (43%) JD(S) 5801 7) Maddur : Smt.Krishna (INC) 56,907
(59%) Elected, JD(U) 27,448 (28%) KRRS 11,775 8) Nagamangala :
N.Chaluvarayaswamy alias Swamigowda JD(S) (54%) Elected : INC 40,484(39%)
Ind. 2109. 9) Keragodu : H.D.Choudaiah (Ind) 35,579 (42%) Elected : INC
34,543(41%) BJP 12,780. In this election, congress obtained majority and
S.M.Krishna assumed the office of chief minister on 11-10-1999.
Loksabha Mid-term Election-1999 : Due to the political changes oc-
curred during 1999 at National Level, the 12th Loksabha was dissolved
immediately and mid term elections were held to the 13th Loksabha during
September 1999. The INC JD(S) BJP, BSP and indepedents contested the
election and the result is as follows : Ambarish (INC) 4,18,110 (52%) Elected
: JD(S) 2,65,930 (33%) BJP 82,522 (10%).
For 2004 Loksabha and Vidhanasabha Elections, and 2008 Vidhanasabha
Elections see Addenda.

*****
CHAPTER II
HISTORY