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Introduction to Karnataka History

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Click here for the Kannada Version of this Article.

OurKarnataka.Com (OKC) would like to thank Vani Srikanta for translating some of the Pages of History of Karnataka.

There can be no history without substantial proof. There are several sources of information that provide the foundation for Karnataka’s history. There is no satisfactory collection of these resources, unfortunately because our ancestors neglected to record their lives and times. This holds true for all of India. The Muslim historian Al-Baruni, who came to India in 11 AD has written “ Even though Indians are very well versed in a number of subjects, they show marked ignorance about their own history. They have neglected to chronicle their kings’ endeavors. Ask about any past event and you will hear different stories from different people”.

There is truth to what Al-Baruni says. Early Indians were very knowledgeable about many things. They have produced masterpieces in literature. Yet they have overlooked their history. That is why it is tough to chronologize Indian and Karnataka’s history. But still, there are some literary works, ancient sites, archaic inscriptions and records that report historic events. We have to gather data from these sources.

Written Sources:
1. Kadathas(ancient scrolls)
2. Literary works
3. Ancient inscriptions
4. Local authors’ writings
5. Foreign authors’ writings

Non-Written Sources:
1. Archeological Sites
2. Utkhanana
3. Coins
4. Monuments-Art-Sculpture

Kadathas(scrolls):
The ancient writings on folds of black cloth are called “kadatha”. They are black cloth sheets with words written in white ink. These scrolls depict the political, economic, religious, financial and judicial systems of their times and were found in the temples of Shringeri, Gubbi etc.. They are the records maintained by temple administrators during their period.

Literary Sources:
Ramayana & Mahabharatha, epics written in Sanskrit, portray the Aryan-Dravidian cultural confluence. But they provide very little insight into historical events. “Kavirajamarga” is the first known Kannada literary work. It’s author was the Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha-I. He describes the geographical limits of Karnataka. According to “Kavirajamarga”, “Karnataka region ranged from Godavari river in the north to Kaveri river in the south.” One more notable work from those times is “Kalyana Karakam”, a book on medicine from Pandit Ugraditya. It helps us understand and appreciate the medical advancement in those times. Gangarasa Shivamaara’a “Gajaashtaka” describes the Gangan history. Gangan king Chavundaraya’s ‘Chavundaraya Purana” is also very useful.

Here are some books that illustrate Karnataka’s history.

These are some of the most informative compositions on Karnataka’s history. Every book has shed light on the political, economic, social and religious conditions of those times. But some books present a totally different picture of the kings and the period. Historians have to do an in depth research on these books to get to the truth. In the next section, we will learn about ancient inscriptions.

English Translation  by Vani Srikanta

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