Haleri Kingdom

Haleri Kingdom refers to the monarchistic dynasty that ruled the Kodagu region of Karnataka in India for over 200 years between 1600–1834 CE. The kingdom was named after a place called Haleri near Madikeri which they made as their capital. The Haleri kings were devout Lingayats^[1] and were an offshoot of the Keladi Nayakas, a prominent dynasty that ruled in post-medieval Karnataka. The kingdom's origin is traced to Veeraraja, a nephew of Sadashiva Nayaka of the Keladi dynasty.

Legacy

The present day Madikeri was formerly known as Muddu raja keri (meaning Mudduraja's town) and was named after the prominent Haleri king, Mudduraja who ruled Kodagu from 1633-1687. The present day Virajpet derived from Virarajendrapete was the town established by Haleri king Dodda Veerarajendra, after whose name the city derives its name.^[1]

Chikka Virarajendra,the last ruler of Kodagu was from the Haleri Kingdom. The famous Kannada litterateur and Jnanpith Award recipient, Masti Venkatesha Iyengar, wrote a critically acclaimed book, Chikavira Rajendra, based on the life and times of that ruler.

King Dodda Veerarajendra built the famous Nalknad Palace.

Gallery

A daughter of Dodda Vira Rajendra
Omkareshwara Temple built by King Linga Raja in Madikeri
Nalknad Palace at Madikeri
Gouramma, who would later become Victoria Gouramma, the daughter of Chikka Virarajendra, the last Haleri ruler, was adopted to be taken care by Queen Victoria.

References

1 2 On the Haleri Trail - Deccan Herald

Coordinates: 12°27′00″N 75°52′00″E / 12.4500°N 75.8667°E / 12.4500; 75.8667

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