Introduction
City in Karnataka, IndiaMadikeri
MercaraCity
From top, left to right: Raja's Seat View Point, Grasslands in Kumara Parvatha, Omkareshwara Temple, Gaddige (Raja’s tomb), Abbey Waterfalls, Madikeri PalaceNickname: Misty City of KarnatakaInteractive map of MadikeriCoordinates: 12°25′15″N 75°44′23″E / 12.4209°N 75.7397°E / 12.4209; 75.7397Country IndiaState KarnatakaDistrictKodaguMuddurajana Keri1681Founded byMuddurajaGovernment • BodyCity Municipal Council • CMC CommissionerRamesh H RArea • City17.04 km2 (6.58 sq mi) • Rural1,435.32 km2 (554.18 sq mi)Elevation1,170 m (3,840 ft)Population (2011) • City33,381 • Density1,959/km2 (5,074/sq mi) • Rural113,202Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)PIN571201, 571202 Telephone code08272Vehicle registrationKA-12Official languageKannadaWebsitemadikericity.mrc.gov.in
Madikeri (Kodava: [mɐɖikeːri]), earlier called as Mercara is city and headquarters of Kodagu district in the Karnataka state of India. It is recognised as one of the world's eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is ranked 1st in India for clean air and air quality index in 2024.
Etymology
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Madikeri was known as Muddu Raja Keri, which meant Mudduraja's town, was named after the prominent Haleri king Mudduraja who ruled Kodagu from 1633 to 1687. From 1834, during the British Raj, it was called Mercara. It was later renamed to Madikeri by the Government of Mysore.
History
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Map c. 1854
The history of Madikeri is related to the history of Kodagu. From the 2nd to the 6th century AD, the northern part of Kodagu was ruled by Kadambas. The southern part of Kodagu was ruled by Gangas from the 4th to the 11th century. After defeating the Gangas in the 11th century, Cholas became the rulers of Kodagu. In the 12th century, the Cholas lost Kodagu to the Hoysalas. Kodagu fell to the Vijayanagar kings in the 14th century.
After their fall, the local chieftains from kodava community (Palegars) started ruling their areas directly. They appointed Haleri Dynasty founder Veeraraju, (Nephew of Ikkeri Sadashiva Nayaka who were descendants of Talakadu Ganga Dynasty) as ruler. In the year 1700 AD Ikkeri Somashekara Nayaka gifted Puttur and Amara Sullia Magnes of Tulunadu to Haleri Kings.
Descendants of Veeraraju who are known as "Haleri Dynasty" ruled Kodagu from 1600 to 1834 AD. Haleri king Mudduraja built the Fort in Madikeri and made it as their capital. Mudduraja, the third Haleri king started levelling the land around Madikeri and built a fort in the year 1681. Madikeri Fort which was original built of mud and was replaced by Tipu Sultan. Kodagu became a part of British India after 1834 AD.
