History Of Kundapura

  A view of Kundapur's Entrance

The name Kundapura can be traced to the Kundeshwara temple built by Kundavarma in the vicinity of the Panchagangavalli river The name of the town may be derived from Kundavarma who ruled the area.

Kunda means 'pillar' in Kannada,which refers to the traditional method of constructing houses.Pura means town.

Kundapura is surrounded by water from three sides. To the north lies the Panchagangavali river. To the east lies the Kalaghar river. To the west lie the Kodi back waters and the Arabian Sea, leaving the south side as the main connecting land mass.

All connecting roads to Kundapura enter the city from southern direction. Northside of the town is vast backwaters of Panchagangavali river and it can be crossed by boat only.

It was the principal port of the Rajas of Byndoor who came to prominence after the decline of the Vijayanagara power. The Portuguese and German Missionaries settled here in the 16th century and built a fort. A well-built redoubt constructed by Hyder Ali commands the entrance to the river. After the fall of Tipu Sulthan in 1799, the town was taken over by the British.

Kundapur has a mythological past where its name is traced to the Kundeshwara temple built by Kundavarma in the vicinity of the Panchagangavalli river. Kundapur is also described as the 'town of the sun'. Up to 18th century, nearby Basrur was important town and Kundapur (a place in high place) was built later, particularly during British period. It was the principal port of the Rajas of Baindur who came to prominence after the decline of the Vijayanagar power. The Portuguese and German Missionaries settled here in the 16th century and built a fort. A well-built redoubt constructed by Hyder Ali commands the entrance to the river. After the fall of Tipu Sultan in 1799, the town was taken over by the British.

  

The Hoysalas, Vijayanagar Empire, the Cholas, Chalukyas, Rajas of Baindur, the Kadambaas and kings of Mysore & British.

Kundapur became famous for its temple structures and Dwaita Philosophy.

Kanakadasa, Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, Rajas of Baindur, Ramabhoja, Hemangada, Vasu, Mayuravarma, Kashyapa, Sri Madhwacharya etc.