History of Coorg

Kodagu has a rich and varied history. Initially a kingdom ruled by the Hoysalas from the 11th to the 14th century A.D., Kodagu then became part of the Vijayanagara Empire. Thereafter, Kodagu was ruled by the Chengalvas. From the 17th to the 19th century, the Wodeyars ruled Kodagu. During the reign of Chikkavirappa Wodeyar (1736-1766) Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore tried to capture Kodagu but failed. Finally, Hyder Ali was able to capture Kodagu after the death of Linga Raja. However, in 1782, the Kodavas defeated the Muslim army and declared independence. Tipu Sultan, who succeeded Hyder Ali tried to conquer Kodagu several times but was unsuccessful. Finally, in 1834, the British annexed Kodagu after dethroning Chikkaveerarajendra Wodeyar. In 1956, Kodagu became a district of Karnataka State.