Question

Which of the following are famous kings of the Palepattu of Chitradurga.
A. Kasturi Rangappa Nayaka-I
B. Kasturi Nayaka
C. BichchugatthiBharamanna Nayaka
D. All

Answer 1

Hint: Nayakas of Chitradurga ruled over Karnataka after the decline of the Vijaynagar Kingdoms. They served as the feudatory chiefdoms during the zenith period of the Vijayanagar and Hoysala empires.

Complete answer: The Nayaks of Chitradurga were local chieftains under the Hoysala empire. They were later recognized by the rulers of Vijaynagar Kingdoms for their bravery and were appointed as governors under their rule. The Chitradurga fort was their citadel and was located in the center of the province.
Kasturi Rangappa Nayaka was one of the prominent kings of the Palepattu of Chitradurga. He defeated the Sultan of Bijapur. He fought numerous battles with his neighboring kingdoms which eventually became a part of the Chitradurga territory. He won Mayakonda, Santebennur, Holalkere, Anaji, and Jagalur from the Paleyagar (chief) of Basavapattana.
Bichchugatthi Bharamanna Nayaka was the last in the succession of the great Nayaks. He supported Marathas during the battle of Dodderi. Unfortunately, he had to pay tribute later to the Mughals for allying with the Marathas. He was a brave warrior and led many famous battles against the Mughals. Architecture flourished during his rule and many temples were built during his rule, which includes the famous Ranganatha Swamy at Niratadi. He also built several irrigation tanks across his kingdom.
Kasturi Nayaka retook the Mayakonda territory. He allied with the Maratha Sardar Murari Rao and the Subedar of Advani. He is believed to have carried out various expeditions to the north and south to expand his kingdom. He died without an heir and was succeeded by Madakeri Nayaka the son of one Bharamappa Nayaka.

Hence, option D is the correct choice.

Note: Thirteen kings of this Palepattu ruled for over 210 years. Matthi Timmanna Nayaka [1568-1589 CE] established this Palepattu.