Shimoga has seen many kingdoms from Karnataka fight over it for control because of its abundant natural resources. Trace its history and see who ruled over this Malnad land.

How did it get its name?

It is believed that Shimoga gets its name from the Kannada words - "Sihi Mogge" (sweer flower bud) or Shiva Mukha (face of the God Shiva). Not much is know about the background of these names. 

Many rulers - one land

Ashoka the great's empire of the Maurya dynasty had Shimoga at the Southern most tip during the 3rd century BC. In the succeeding centuries it was ruled by the Kadambas (4th century), Chalukyas (6th century), Gangas, Rashtrakutas (8th century), Hoysalas (11th century), and the Vijayanagara rulers (15th century).

Keladi Nayaka established an independant rule during the 16th century, reaching its pinnacle under the rule of Shivappa Nayaka.

From the late 17th century onwards, the city was a part of the Kingdom of Mysore until the independence of India in 1947, when Mysore merged into India.

The Mauryas and the Satavahanas

Before the beginning of the first millennium, the Shimoga region formed a part of the Maurya Empire. The Satavahanas then came to control in central India and Shivamogga must have formed one of the southern most provinces of the kingdom.

The Kadambas and the Chalukyas of Badami

After Shatavahana, Kadambas of Banavasi took control in 345 A.D. They were the earliest ones to administer in Kannada. Kadambas then gave in to Badami Chalukyas around 540 A.D. In the 8^th century, came the Rashtrakutas. 

The Rashtrakutas and the Hoysalas

Kalyani Chalukyas overthrew Rashtrakutas subsequently and brought Shimoga into prominence. In the 12^th century, Hoysalas annexed the area and Kannada continued to play an important role. In 1343, Khilji dynasty invaded Shimoga. 

Vijayanagar Kingdom and Keladi Nayakas

Later the Vijayanagar Empire brought Shimoga under their control without any bloodshed. After fall of Vijayanagar Empire in 1565 A.D., the local Keladi Nayakas took over control that fought their way through against the invasions of Mysore kings and Sultans of Bijapur.

Finally, in 1763, Shimoga became part of Mysore Kingdom and remained so until independence of India.

Disclaimer: Go Dakshin or its authors do not claim responsibility for the accuracy of this article. The content has been derived from various references. Some text has been republished here from the original article on the history of Shimoga in Wikipedia (with permission). Please consult historians and libraries to verify and know more.

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