Haleri Dynasty was a dominant power in the
Kodagu region during the medieval times, following the fall of the
Vijayanagar Empire. This dynasty was established by a prince named Vira Raja in the 16th century. He came to power by eliminating the local chieftains.
Haleri Dynasty is also referred as Paleri Dynasty owing to its capital city of Paleri. This dynasty ruled over Kodagu for about 234 years. During the reign of Muddu Raja, the grandson of Vira Raja, the capital was shifted to
Madikeri. His reign, which lasted for 54 years, brought prosperity to the land. Following him, the region was ruled by Dodda Vira Raja (1687 – 1736), Vira Rajendra (1780 – 1809) and Linga Raja II (1811 – 1820). Under Dodda Vira Raja’s rule, the region was divided into villages and districts for administrative convenience.
The dynasty came to a decline during the 18th century. Haleri Dynasty was then headed by a weak ruler called Chikkaveerappa. The kingdom was attacked by
Hyder Ali, but was duly reciprocated . Following the death of Chikkaveerappa, the kingdom spilt into two bringing to an end the illustrious rule of the Haleri dynasty.
