Chowta dynasty (Tulu Nadu)

The Chowta dynasty was a Digambara Jain Bunt dynasty that ruled parts of the Tulu Nadu region during the 12th – 18th centuries.[1][2]

Chowtas of Moodabidri

12th century–18th century
CapitalPuthige, Ullal & Moodabidri
Religion
Jainism
GovernmentMonarchy
History 
• Established
12th century
• Disestablished
18th century
Preceded by		Succeeded by
Alupa dynasty
Nayakas of Keladi
Portuguese India
British Raj
Today part ofKarnataka

History

The Chowtas had migrated from Gujarat in probably the 12th century. The succession to the throne was as per the Bunt custom of matrilineal inheritance (Aliyasantana).[3][2] Their kingdom was very small, containing around only 200 villages, but the land was very fertile.[3] They initially ruled from their capital at Ullal, which was a very prosperous city and busy centre of trade[3][2] The first known king of the Dynasty was Tirumalaraya Chowta I (1160 – 1179). His successor, Channaraya Chowta I (reign 1179 – 1219), moved it inland to the city of Puthige.The principality of Chowta split in 1544, with two separate capitals, one at Ullal, under the renowned Queen Abbakka Chowta,[2] and another at Puttige.

Decline

The Ullal branch seems to have become extinct and c. 1603, the Chowta moved their capital to Moodabidri. In succeeding years Chowta power had greatly diminished due to invasions by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan with whom they signed treaties. Chandrasekhara Chikkaraya Chowta V was the last Chowta king who had some authority. He reigned from 1783 to 1822. Following the conquest of South Canara by the British the Chowtas lost all their power except that they received a small pension from the then government. Descendants of the chowta rulers still survive and inhabit the Chowtara Aramane (Chowta Palace) of Moodabidri, which is known for its ornate carvings such as the Nava Nari Kunjara (Nine Damsel Elephant).[4]

See also

References
  1. 34:XVIII,10; Bhatt, Tuluva:68-78; Mahalingam, Mackenzie MSS:II,491-496; Ramesh, A History of South Kanara:159-160; Stuart, South Canara:257; Sturrock, South Canara:54-56,73,75,83,189
  2. Hinge, Shrinivas (July 31, 2019). Indians Must Know: Let's Be Proud (Paperback ed.). Notion Press. p. 140. ISBN 9781645872962. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  3. Ponvannan, Gayathri (January 15, 2019). Unstoppable: 75 Stories of Trailblazing Indian Women. Hachette India. p. 272. ISBN 9789388322010. Retrieved December 27, 2020.
  4. M.K. DHARMA RAJA. "Enchanting Woodcraft of a Medieval Palace in Karnataka". January 2002. India Perspectives, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Retrieved January 6, 2012.
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