Shivappa Nayaka was a notable and famous ruler in Nayaka Dynasty in Southern part India. He belongs to Keladi Nayaka Kingdom ruled the entire part of Karnataka from 1645 to 1660. He was also known as KELADI SHIVAPPA NAYAKA and SISTINA SHIVAPPA NAYAKA.

Successors of the Vijayanagara Empire:

The Keladi Nayakas were successors of the Vijayanagara Empire in the coastal and Malnad (hill) districts of Karnataka, India, in the late 16th century. By 1653, the Portuguese threat had been eliminated, and the ports of Mangalore, Kundapura, and Honnavar had been placed under Keladi authority. Shivappa Nayaka built the forts of Chandragiri, Bekal, Adka Fort, Arikkady, and Mangalore. He also instituted the Sist tax system.

In the late 16th century, the Keladi Nayakas were the successors of the Vijayanagara Empire in Karnataka’s coastal and Mainad (hill) districts. The Nayakas constructed a niche empire that included the coastal hills and some of modern-day Karnataka before surrendering to the Kingdom of Mysore in 1762, which was governed by Hyder Ali at the time. He was known as Sistina Shivappa Nayaka because he established the Sistina Shivappa Nayaka tax system.

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Some Key Points:

• The rulers of this dynasty were Lingayat who effectively wielded Shastra and Shaastra! He ascended the throne when the Vijayanagar Kingdom was at its weakest, ruled by one of its last rulers!
• He was an able administrator and an exceptional soldier
• He introduced ‘Sist’, a very effective revenue settlement system. This system taxed lands according to the soil, water supply and crops growing so that it was truly fair for farmers.
• He captured the Dharwad territory from the Bijapur Sultanate effectively.
• the south, he fiercely attacked the Portuguese and captured several of their forts and ports (Mangalore, Kundapura and Honnavar) and brought them under his administration that was fair to his people.
• He effectively destroyed Portuguese dominance over Karnataka and Kerala.
• Although tolerant towards all religions, the Hindu Advaita order and philosophy flourished in his rule. Several “Muthths’ were established under his patronage.

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