Chauta Rulers of Tulunadu

Summary

The Chowta dynasty, a Jain Bunt lineage, governed parts of Tulu Nadu (present-day Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts in Karnataka, and Kasaragod district in Kerala) from the 12th to the 18th centuries. Adhering to the matrilineal inheritance system (Aliyasantana), their rule was marked by administrative acumen, military engagements, and cultural patronage. Key Rulers and Developments i) Tirumalaraya I (1160–1179 CE): Reestablished the Chowta dynasty by reclaiming Ullala, adopting Somesvara as the family deity, and consolidating power through local assemblies. ii) Cennaraya I (1179–1219 CE): Expanded the kingdom with the assistance of his son-in-law, Varadaiah, who annexed neighboring territories and enhanced administrative structures by appointing key officials and establishing military reserves. iii) Devaraya (1219–1245 CE): Ascended the throne as Cauta Devaraya, continuing the dynasty's consolidation efforts. iv) Tirumalaraya II (1245–1283 CE): Emphasized religious symbolism by adopting the bull insignia of Tirthankara Rsabha. v) Abbakkadevi I (1283–1316 CE): One of the early female rulers, she maintained stability and continued the dynasty's traditions. vi) Bhojaraya I (1316–1335 CE): Strengthened political alliances through marriage to Mulike Savanta's daughter. vii) Padumaladevi I (1335–1382 CE): Oversaw a period of relative peace and succession planning. viii) Cennammadevi I (1382–1403 CE): Continued the dynasty's lineage and governance. ix) Cennaraya II (1403–1470 CE): Engaged in military alliances, notably supporting the Banga king against Mutarasa of Nilesvara, leading to territorial gains and temple oversight. x) Tirumaladevi (1582–1606 CE): Faced invasions from the Bhairava king Pandya Dhavani of Karkala; died in battle at Sanur valley. xi) Chandrashekara Chikkaraya (1606–1628 CE): Avenged his mother's death by allying with Ikkeri's Venkatappa Nayaka, leading to the annexation of Karkala and expansion of the kingdom. xii) Chennammadevi II (1628–1630 CE): Faced increased tributes imposed by the Ikkeri kingdom. xiii) Bhojaraja III (1630–1644 CE): Imprisoned by Ikkeri for non-payment of tribute; upon release, constructed a new palace in Mudabidire, marking the beginning of the dynasty's decline. xiv) Chennammadevi III (1644–1687 CE): Maintained the dynasty's presence amidst growing external pressures. xv) Chandrashekara Chikkaraya II (1687–1715 CE): Continued efforts to sustain the dynasty's autonomy. xvi) Padumaladevi II (1715–1726 CE): Faced challenges from the Ikkeri kingdom. xvii) Abbakkadevi II (1726–1749 CE): Resisted Ikkeri's advances; eventually sought refuge in Malabar, leading to temporary loss of control over the kingdom. xviii) Chandrashekara Chikkaraya III (1749–1769 CE): Witnessed the weakening of Ikkeri and the rise of Mysore under Hyder Ali, resulting in increased tributes and reduced autonomy. xix) Chennaraya I (1769–1781 CE): Served as a nominal ruler under Mysore's dominance. xx) Chandrashekara Chikkaraya IV (1781–1783 CE): Continued as a figurehead with limited power. xxi) Chandrashekara Chikkaraya V (1783–1822 CE): Witnessed the transition of Tulunadu into British control. xxii) Chandrashekara Chennaraya (1822–1833 CE): Died without an heir; his queen adopted Gummanna as Chikkaraya Chowta, who died in 1867, marking the end of the dynasty.