Mangalore-Geography and History

Mangalore-geography and history provides a wide range of information on the cultural heritage, as well as the physiography of Mangalore. The history and geography of Mangalore provides a vivid picture of the socio-cultural background of Mangalore.

Geography of Mangalore

Mangalore is situated in Karnataka and forms a part of the Konkan coast which lies at a vicinity to Goa. An estimate of the geography of Mangalore is as follows:

Area - 8441 square kilometers.

Latitude - 12º-52' North.

Longitude - 74º-49' East.

Population - 4,25,800. (data of year 2000)

National Highways - NH-17, NH-13 and NH-48.

Major Rivers - Netravati and Gurupura.

Major Industries - Kudhuremukh Iron Ore Company Limited, Mangalore Chemical and Fertilizers Limited, etc.

History of Mangalore

Mangalore is known to possess a rich historical past. Mangalore finds reference in the history books written by Ptolemy and Pliny. Both the historians have referred to Mangalore as Mandegora. It is said that Samudraja rewarded Mangalore to Parashurama. It is also believed that many sages namely Vysa, Vashista, Kanva, Vishwamitra, etc, had spent their days meditating in the Sahayadri mountains.

The ancient history of Mangalore proves that till the 14th century, the territory had been the capital of the Alpa Dynasty. From the accounts of Ibn Batuta, it is evident that the territory of Mangalore had been a major trading center. Abdul Rajak, a Persian Ambassador, is said to have passed through Mangalore, on his journey to Vijayanagar. Besides, the inscriptions situated at Moodabidri suggest that the governor of Mangalore was King Mangaras Odeya. Deeva Raaja Odeya is also said to have ruled Mangalore in 1429.

It goes without mention that many dynasties have fought over Mangalore. But among the major dynasties that ruled Mangalore were:

• Kadambas
• Alupas
• Western Chalukyas
• Hoysalas
• Rastrakutas

Moreover, as the history of Mangalore maintains, Mangalore was occupied by the Portuguese in 1520; but, in 1695, the territory was completely ravaged by the Arabs. In 1763, Mangalore was captured by Hyder Ali. Mangalore was annexed by the British in the succeeding years. Later in 1794, Mangalore was again restored by Tipu Sultan; but, with the fall of Seringapatnam, it was again re-conquered by the British. Ultimately, Mangalore became a part of the territory of Karnataka in 1956.

To know more about the Mangalore, geography and history, click on the given link:

• Mangalore Rivers