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History of Coorg

Coorg has not been under the rule of one kingdom, for long as other places in Karnataka.  It has seen a mix of rulers from different kingdoms of South India writing its history. Read below to get an account of the history of Coorg.

Early mention of Kodagu

There is a mention of Kodagu (Coorg) as early as the second century itself in the Tamil literature. It has been said that the Pandyas Kingdom had been extended up to “Kudukam”. The Pandyas were the rulers of parts of Tamilnadu, their capital being Madurai. This Kudukam is nothing but Kodagu (Coorg). The name “Kudumalai” mentioned in Tamil “Shilappadikaram” is about this place only. The western border of Kodagu (Coorg) is just like the bend of a sword, the name Kudumalai is a more appropriate word to mention this place.

Many Rulers

Kodagu (Coorg) has a chequered history. Kodagu (Coorg), as a whole, was never under any particular ruler. Many kingdoms have ruled Kodagu (Coorg). From 2nd century to 6th century the Kadambas ruled the northern part. The “Kiggattunadu” and other southern parts were in the hands of Gangas from 4th century to 11th century. The local Nayaks, the Palegars were ruling different parts of Kodagu (Coorg).

The Gangas and the Changalvas  

The early accounts of Coorg seem purely legendary, and it was not till the 9th and 10th centuries that its history became the subject of authentic record. During this period according to inscriptions found, the country was ruled by the Gangas of Talakad, under whom the Changalvas, the kings of Changanad, Nanjarayapatna or Nanjarajapatna, held part of Coorg, together with the Hunsur taluk in Mysore.

Hoysalas and the Vijayanagar empire take over

After the Gangas were defeated by Cholas, Changalvas became subservient of Cholas. When the Cholas in their turn were driven from the Mysore by the Hoysalas in the 12th century, the Changalvas claimed independence but were subdued by the Hoysala kings.

In the 14th century, after the fall of the Hoysala rule, they region passed under the supremacy of the Vijayanagar Empire. During this period, at the beginning of the 16th century, Nanja Raja founded the new Changalva capital Nanjarajapatna.

In 1589 Piriya Raja or Rudragana rebuilt Singapatna and renamed it Piriyapatna (Periapatna). The power of the Vijayanagar Empire was broken in 1565 by the conquering Muslims. In 1610 Viceroy of Seringapatam (representative of Vijayanagar Empire) was ousted by the Raja of Mysore in 1644 and captured Periapatna. Vira Raja, the last of the Changalva king Vira Raja & his family fell in the ensuing war. 

Hyder  Ali and Tipu Sultan

The capital was shifted in 1681 by the Chieftain Muddu Raja to Madikeri or Mercara. In 1770, during a dispute for succession, Hyder Ali of Mysore intervened in favour of Linga Raja. Linga Raja was made the king of the region.

On Linga Raja's death in 1780, Hyder Ali ruled the area with a proxy governor supported by a Muslim garrison. In 1782, however, the Coorgis rose in rebellion and drove out the Muslims. Two years later Tipu Sultan conquered the area despite the continuing rebellion by the Coorgis. He partitioned Coorg amongst Muslim garrison commanders in four forts. 

The Coorg  Rebellion of Vira Raja and the influence of the British

In 1788, however, Vira Raja (or Vira Rajendra Wodeyar), with his wife and his brothers Linga Raja and Appaji, succeeded in escaping from Tipu’s captivity at Periapatna and led the Coorg rebellion against him. They finally succeeded in driving Tipu out of Coorg.

The British, who actually wanted to support Tipu cleverly now entered into a treaty with Vira Raja. They were proved right as the Coorgis were proved invaluable allies in the subsequent war that followed. The British commander, General Abercromby, founded the city of Virarajendrapet as token of his association with Vira Raja. 

Vira Raja died in 1809 without any male heirs, but leaving his favourite daughter Devammaji to succeed him. Since she was a minor, his brother Linga Raja was appointed the regent. But in 1811, Linga Raja renounced her and declared himself the ruler.

Linga Raja's son takes over Coorg

He died in 1820, and was succeeded by his son Vira Raja, a youth of twenty, spoilt and thoroughly sadistic. The Raja was frequently warned by the British regarding his atrocities. At last, after an enquiry of charges of treason against him, a British contingent marched into Coorg in 1834 and removed him.

In 1852 the Vira Raja, who had been deported to Vellore in the meantime, with British permission left for England with his favourite daughter Gowramma. His daughter later got married to a British officer. After the death of Gowramma nothing was heard of the family. Vira Raja died while in England.  

Coorg in the Independant India (post 1947)

India became independent in 1947 and got rid of the English. In 1950 Kodagu (Coorg) was made into a state. During the re-organisation of states in 1956, Kodagu (Coorg) was merged with Mysore State (which later came to be known as Karnataka) as one of the districts. 

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 Disclaimer: Go Dakshin or its authors do not claim responsibility for the accuracy of this article. The content has been derived from various references. Please consult historians and libraries to verify and know more.