Mangalore History, India

The current city of Mangalore has played an important role in shaping the medieval history of India and also the development of India after the medieval period was over. Many sculptures and documents of Hindu Mythology reflect the name of Mangalore in them thus acting as a proof that this city has been an important hub during those days. The reason of course is the port of Mangalore which makes it the most important city of Karnataka too.

Mangalore received its name from Mangaladevi, the famous Hindu deity of those days. A temple, named Mangaladevi Temple, was built in her memory when she died on the land which is now known as the city of Mangalore. The city is also famous by other names due to the multiple languages which are prevalent. In Konkani the city of Mangalore is called as Kodial, in Tulu it is called as Kudla, and in Beary the city is often called as Maikala. These are just the local names and not really the official ones.

Ramayana mentions that Lord Rama ruled the city of Mangalore while Mahabharata mentions that the youngest of all the Pandavas, Sahadeva, also used to rule Mangalore. Also, the hero of complete epic Mahabharata namely Arjuna is said to have visited the city during his journey from Gokarna to the region which is now known as Adur. All these points are enough to prove that the city of Mangalore has been an important hub for all the protagonists of Hindu Mythology.

Vasco Da Gama, the famous Portuguese explorer and traveler, landed on St. Mary’s Island somewhere in 1498. This Island in located very near to Mangalore and hence he visited this city too. This was the time when the European travelers slowly started to visit this port city. Official Portuguese rule started somewhere in 1520 and continued officially till 18th century although their grip over the city had started to loosen up much earlier. It was the Keladi Nayaka Kingdom which halted the rule of Portuguese somewhere in early 17th century when his army defeated the Portuguese army.

Mangalore has gained huge economical growth in last couple of years after the Indian Independence as it is a Port City and also a fairly good tourist spot.

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