Source : Dakshina Kannada Jilleya Pracheena itihasa by M Ganapathy Rao Aigal
Elaborate & Translation : Mahi Mulki
Mulki, also known as a Moolikapura is a Taluk in South Canara district was once ruled by Savanthas.
Kingdom of Mulki was spread from Mulki river to the Pavanje river, Arabian sea to the eastern Chowta Kingdom of Puttige.It had Padubidri kingdom to the north, Chowta’s kingdom to the east and Kuttettur Pergade kingdom to the south. Mulki kingdom had 9 Maganes(administrative divisions); they are 1)Aikala 2)Atturu 3)Kodetur 4)Panja 5) Valalanke 6) Karnad 7)Kubevoor 8)Bappanad and 9)Talipady.
Shimanthur was once the capital of Mulki Savanthas, later they shifted their capital to the Mulki Kotekeri. We can still find the ruins of their palace, fort and Hanuman temple in that region, Basadi and Manasthamba are the monuments of historic importance. Finally they shifted their capital to Padupanambur. It is also said that during the early stages of their reign they had thier capital at Elinje.
Shimanthur Adi Janardhana Temple is an important temple, coronation of King is still done on the purview of this temple. Bappanad Durgaparameshwari temple is considered as the Magane temple of Mulki KIngdom, presence of Mulki Savantha is must during the temple fair.
Mulki Savanthas had two names as their Patta name 1) Dugganna Savantha 2) Chennaraya Savantha. They had commanders from various communities. From bunts commander was chosen from Puttur Bava and from Biruvas Bankinayaka, Guddenayaka clan were the one holding the authority of command. Mundala community had association with Mulki Savanthas with their chief named as ‘Tukra Mukari’.
During AD 1710, when Tirumala Savantha was ruling Mulki,a poet named Padmanabha Bhatta had written a book titled ‘Padmavathi Mahathme’. This book gives reference to some of the historical rulers of Mulki Kingdom.
When Portuguese occupied Goa and started converting the people into Christianity, many Gaud Sarswats, Saraswats fled from there and sought shelter in various parts of Tulunad and Kerala. Few family came to Mulki port and requested the Savantha for protection. He assured their safety and provided them with a land near his capital, also he built a temple for them to worship Narasimha. Upon knowing this Portuguese started troubling Mulki kingdom near Karnad in AD 1524. Mulki Savantha served 800 Mudi rice to Portuguese every year to protect those who came under his shelter.
Historic biruva twin heros named Kantabare- Budabare lived in this Kingdom, they are now worshipped as Daivas across various Garadi of Mulki. Agoli Manjanna is one more such historic folk hero had held great reverence among folks, he is believed to be one of the giant strongest figure. Mulki Savanthas were the follower of Jainism but their generosity for all religions of the region was well documented across various monuments.