The Alupa dynasty (circa 5th–15th century CE) is the most significant historical link between Kasaragod and the ancient Tulu Kingdom. For over a millennium, the Alupas ruled a territory known as Alvakheda, which encompassed modern-day Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and the northern part of Kerala up to the Payasvini (Chandragiri) River in Kasaragod.
1. Geopolitical Connection
Historically, Kasaragod was an integral part of Tulunadu, with the Chandragiri River serving as the traditional southern boundary of the Alupa kingdom.
Territorial Extent: The Alupa kingdom, at its peak, stretched from Barkur (Udupi) in the north to Kasaragod in the south.
Administrative Capital: While the Alupas ruled from capitals like Mangalore, Udyavara, and Barkur, their administrative and cultural influence defined the socio-political structure of the Kasaragod region for centuries.
2. Epigraphical Evidence
The historical presence of the Alupas and their overlords in Kasaragod is documented through various stone and copper plate inscriptions:
Mochikabbe Inscriptions: As you noted, these early records provide a vital link to the 8th-century Tulu-Kannada identity of the region.
Adur Inscription: An inscription of the Chalukya King Kirti Varman II found at Adur (near Kasaragod) provides evidence of Alupa-Chalukya hegemony in northern Kerala.
Old Malayalam Inscriptions: Interestingly, an Old Malayalam inscription (Ramanthali inscriptions) dated to 1075 CE mentions King Kunda Alupa of Mangalore, showing that Alupa influence extended even further south into the North Malabar region (Ezhimala).
3. Cultural and Socio-Religious Legacy
The Alupa era established the unique Tuluva culture that persists in Kasaragod today:
Siri Cult and Bhootaradhane: Early Alupa inscriptions contain some of the first recorded mentions of the Siri Cult and folk traditions like Paddanas (oral folk songs). These traditions remain a core part of the ritual landscape in both Dakshina Kannada and Kasaragod.
Religious Architecture: The Alupas were prolific temple builders. Temples like the Ananthapuram Lake Temple (near Kumbala) are often associated with this era of Tuluva-Brahminical influence.
Social Structure: The Alupa dynasty is believed to have local origins, with many historians linking them to the Bunt and Jain communities. The matrilineal system (Aliya Santana), which is a hallmark of Tuluva society, became prominent toward the end of their reign and defines the heritage of many communities in Kasaragod.
4. Historical Shift
The Alupa reign eventually gave way to the Vijayanagara Empire, and later the Ikkeri (Keladi) Nayakas, who constructed many of the famous forts in Kasaragod (like Bekal and Chandragiri). Despite these later conquests, the linguistic and cultural foundation of Kasaragod remains deeply rooted in the Alupa-Tuluva period.
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