Shivamogga, crown of Malnad

Shivamogga is the crown of Malnad. The name Shivamogga came from the words Shiva-Mukha, which means lord Shiva’s face. Some people say the name is derived from Sihi-moge (Sweet Pot).

Shivamogga is the biggest city of Malnad (land of hills). Most of the hills are situated in Western ghat. Arecanut and rice are the main occupation of the district.

          Shivamogga was in the hands of Mauryan empire, later it was ruled by many empires such as Gangas, Chalukyas, Kadambas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas. Shimoga got its own individuality in the times of Keladi Nayaka. The very popular ruler of all time was Shivappa Nayaka. Later city came under the control of Mysore wodeyars until independence of India. In 2006, on the day of Kannada Rajyotsava Shimoga was renamed as Shivamogga.

          The river Tunga is the main source of water for Shivamogga city. The other rivers flow in Shivamogga district are Badra, Sharavathi, Kushavathi, Kumudavathi, Vedavathi and Varada.