Keladi Nayaka

Keladi Nayaka

Keladi Nayaka Kingdom (1499–1763) were an important ruling dynasty of post-medieval Karnataka, India. They initially started to rule as a feudatory of the Vijayanagar Empire. After the fall of the empire in 1565, they gained independence and ruled significant parts of Karnataka including Shimoga, practically the whole of coastal districts and parts of central districts of present day Karnataka till 1763 when they were overthrown by Hyder Ali,the ruler of Mysore.

They played an important part in the history of Karnataka, during a time of confusion and fragmentation that generally prevailed in South India after the fall of the Vijayanagar Empire. They were Veerashaivas (Lingayats) but devoted to the Shringeri peetha.