History of Coorg (Kodagu)

 

                                  History of Coorg (Kodagu) 

1. Early Rulers (Before the 1600s)

Many South Indian dynasties ruled Coorg in ancient times, including:

• The Gangas

• The Kadambas

• The Cholas

• The Hoysalas

• The Nayakas

These kings ruled the land at different times, and Coorg was part of bigger kingdoms in the south.

2. Haleri Dynasty (Around 1600 to 1834)

• In the 1600s, the Haleri kings, who were related to the Ikkeri Nayakas and followed the Lingayat religion, took control of Coorg.

• They ruled for more than 200 years.

• The Haleri kings built a strong army and united the Kodava people.

3. Battles with Mysore (1700s)

• Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan from Mysore tried to take over Coorg.

• Tipu managed to occupy it for a short time, but Dodda Vira Rajendra, a Haleri king, fought back and got Coorg’s freedom.

• He later worked with the British against Tipu Sultan.

4. British Takeover (1834)

• The last Haleri king, Chikka Virarajendra, did not agree with British rule and rebelled.

• The British defeated him and took control of Coorg in 1834.

5. Coorg under British Rule (1834–1947)

• Coorg became a small British province.

• A British official called a Commissioner governed the region.

• The British brought new schools, started coffee plantations, and improved how Coorg was run.

6. After India Became Free

• 1950: Coorg became a Part-C state of India with its own Chief Commissioner and Chief Minister.

• 1956: Coorg was merged with Mysore State, which is now called Karnataka.

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Important People

• Dodda Vira Rajendra – A brave king who fought Tipu Sultan and helped the British.

• Chikka Virarajendra – The last king of Coorg, removed by the British in 1834.