Complete History of Mangalore:
The name Mangalore is usually derived from the name Mangala devi, the goddess Mangala, the main god of the managala devi temple which is in the heart of city
Mythological associations:
According to Hindu mythology Mangalore was a part of Tulunadu which is created by the Parashurama Shristi, the coastal belt reclaimed from the sea by the legendary Parshurama. As for other mythological associations, Rama was the Lord of Tulu Nadu during the days of the Ramayana.
Mangalore Rulers:
Mangalore has been ruled by a number of rulers like the Kadamba’s and Vira Harihararaya II. It was later conquered by the Portuguese, who lost it to Hyder Ali. Until India's independence Mangalore remained under the rule of the British who had taken over,by defeating Tippu Sultan. Mangalore which was a part of the Madras Presidency was merged into a Mysore State in 1956.
The Kadambas had ruled the mangalore from 200 to 600 A.D. The ancient history proved that Mangalore had been the capital of Alupa dynasty until the 14th century. A traveler, Ibn Battuta who had visited the town in 1342 stated that he arrived at a place named Manjurun or Mandjaur situated on a large estuary. He had mentioned that the town was a trading centre and Persian and Yemeni merchants disembarked at Mangalore.In 1448, Abdul Razak, a Persian Ambassador passed via this route to Vijayanagar. He said that he had seen a glorious temple here. The inscriptions at Moodabidri stated a King Mangaras Odeya was the governor of Mangaluru Raajya during the reign of Vira Harihararaya II of Vijayanagar dynasty. Another inscription stated that Deeva Raaja Odeya ruled the Mangaluru Raajya in 1429 during the reign of Vijayanagara King Veera Devaraya II. Various powers have fought for control over Mangalore. The major dynasties that ruled the town till the arrival of Portuguese were the Western Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas and Hoysalas.
The Alupas were one of the longest reigning dynasties of Tulu Nadu (in Karnataka). They have the distinction of running a continuous line of rulers for more than one thousand years. They switched their capitals between Mangalore and Udyavar, Barakuru. The Alupas ruled Tulu Nadu until the Vijayanagara kings finally dominated it from the 14th through the 17th century. The region became extremely prosperous during Vijayanagara period.
The European influence in Mangalore can be traced back to the year 1498, when the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama had landed at St Mary's Islands near Mangalore on his voyage from Portugal to India. In 1520 the Portuguese took control of the area from Vijayanagara rulers. In 1526, the Portuguese viceroy Lopo Vaz de Sampaio succeeded in defeating the Bangara king and his allies and the trade passed out of Muslim hands into Portuguese hands. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Portuguese commanded the Arabian Sea from the port of Mangalore and they intruded actively in the affairs of the local chieftains. In 1695, the town was burnt by the Arabs in retaliation for Portuguese restrictions on Arab trade.
Historical references:
There are many historical references regarding to the town. Cosmas Indicopleustes, a Greek monk referred to the port of Mangarouth. Pliny, a Roman historian made references of a place called Nithrias, and Greek historian Ptolemy referred to Nitre. Both the references were probably to the River Netravathi. Ptolemy had also mentioned this city of Mangalore in his work as Maganoore Roman writer Arien called Mangalore Mandegora. A 7th-century copper inscription referred to Mangalore as Mangalapura..
British ruling:
The city had a peaceful administration under British rule and permanent visible improvements effected during this period. It flourished gradually in education and in industry and became a commercial centre for export and import trade. The linking of Mangalore, in 1907, with the Southern Railway and later the advent of motor vehicles further increased the trade and communication with the rich hinterland. The opening of the Basel Mission in 1834 brought many industries into the city.
Freedom fight:
U Srinivas Mallya was the lead in the freedom fight from Mangalore.Ullal Srinivas Mallya (November 11, 1902 – January 19, 1965) who was also called Malliah in North India or Sheenappa Mallya in Dakshina Kannada is called the architect of modern Dakshina Kannada. In addition, during his 18 year tenure as member of Parliament, from 1946-1965 he played key roles in development of Dakshina Kannada.
At the age of 18 Mallya joined the freedom movement after being inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's call to action. He resigned from his family business in Mangalore, and began a life as a Satyagrahi, which resulted in him going to prison a number of times.
After independence:
After India's independence in 1947, Mangalore which was a part of the Madras Presidency was merged into a unified Mysore State in 1956. Thereafter, Mangalore gained a very important position in the state since it gave the erstwhile Mysore state the benefit of a coastline. The late twentieth century witnessed Mangalore develop as a business and commercial centre. In spite of this, Mangalore still retained its old world charm such as tile-roofed buildings amidst coconut groves, fishing boats silhouetted against the darkening skyline. The present day city bustles with great activity in the upcoming IT Sector and the prognosis of a prosperity in this international trade looms.
