The Political History of the Shilahara Dynasty of Koppal

Abstract

Koppal district is historically, mythologically, and politically famous. As described in Sri Vijaya’s Kavirajamarga, it was a celebrated place where the essence of the Kannada language resonated. Today, Koppal is an independent district. When observing from an ancient political perspective, no single independent dynasty took birth solely within the limits of this district; however, it is identified that many dynasties that took birth in other parts of Karnataka ruled here as subordinates to another independent dynasty. The Sindhas of Yelburga, the Shilaharas of Koppal, the Palegars of Anegundi, the Kings of Kampli, and the Palegars of Kanakagiri have given an extraordinary contribution to the political organization of Koppal. In this article, an attempt is made to examine the history of the Shilahara family which made Koppal city its headquarters for administration.