Called Mecara during the British Raj, which hill town is the headquarters of the Kodagu district?

Madikeri (also known by its former name Mercara) is a hill station town in Madikeri taluk in Kodagu district, India. It is the headquarters of the district of Kodagu.

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.

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 like Karnambahu (Palegars) started ruling their areas directly. 

As of 2011 India census, Madikeri had a population of 33,381. Males constitute 57.2% of the population and females 42.8%. Madikeri had an average literacy rate of 85%, higher than the national average of 57.2: male literacy was 83%, and female literacy 80%. 11% of the population was under 6 years of age. This town is situated at an elevation of over 3770 ft above sea level.

 

Picture Credit : Google