History of Karnataka

Better known as 'Elevated Land' or Karunadu, the history of the state of Karnataka dates back to pre-historic times. An archaeological finding in the form of a hand axe at Lingasugur in Raichur district supports this fact. A very major chunk of Northern Karnataka was ruled by Mauryans as per the rock edicts of King Ashoka. After Chandragupta Maurya's abdication of the throne, to follow Jainism at Shravanabelagola, the land came to be ruled by many mighty dynasties. These dynasties namely the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas and the mighty Vijayanagara Empire added new dimensions to the cultural and spiritual ethos of the land and thus left an indelible imprint upon the aesthetic development of Karnataka's art forms. But the credit of bringing the entire state under a single rule goes to the Chalukyas of Badami. Also remembered for their immaculate contributions in the field of art, they built several historical monuments at Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal.

After the destruction of four great kingdoms of the south by the armies of the Delhi Sultanate, it appeared that the peninsula was going to be ruled over by a religious political power. Many kings tried to resist this ambush but in vain. It was then that Sangama brothers came to the rescue of this great land and founded the mighty Vijayanagara Kingdom.Financed by Sage Vidyaranya, the brothers were greatly supported by the masses too. It was in the year 1336 that Harsha founded his kingdom and secured control over northern Karnataka and Andhra iron coasts. He also overtook the Hoysala dominion in 1346 after the death of Ballala III and Virupaksha Ballala.

The great Vijaynagar Empire also saw the reign of a great warrior, scholar and administrator Krishnadevaraya. He expanded his territory by securing Raichur Doab and in 1512, Cuttack in 1518 and Bijapur in 1523. This supremacy of peace and prosperity was taken over by Aravidu Ramaraya, Krishnadevaraya's son-in-law. This was the culmination of this mighty empire as the four Shashi Sultans attacked the empire, and after killing Ramarya at Rallasathangadi in 1565, destroyed the capital Vijayanagara.

Mughal emperors are known to be the last rulers of Karnataka. But as the Mughal power got weakened in North, Maratha warriors took over the northern districts of Karnataka. Haidar Ali, a great warrior of Mysore, merged the Keladi Kingdom in Mysore in 1763. His son Tipu Sultan took Mysore to unforeseen political heights.

After a constant struggle, Tipu was overthrown by the British army in 1799 and Karnataka came under British rule. This state was coined as new Mysore and its king was the Governor appointed by Independent India. This unified state was renamed as Karnataka on November 1, 1973.