The name of this town was originally Chinna Ballaporum. Originating from either Tamil or Telugu for Chinna meaning small while "balla" means the measure to quantify food grains, and "porum" means "town". The ruler of Avathi Mallabiregowda's daughter Marigowda was hunting one day in Kodimanchanahalli forest. A rabbit stood in front of the fierce hunting dogs without fear. Seeing this, ruler was elated and told his son that the strength of the rabbit is due to the valor of the region's citizenry. As such the ruler took permission from King of Vijaynagar and built an elaborate fort and formed a city which is now known as Chikkaballapura. Baichegowda, King of Mysore later attacked the fort but had to withdraw due to the valiant efforts of the Chikkaballapura citizenry and aid from the Marathas. Sri Dodda Byregowda who came to power after Baichegowda acquired the land, which was taken by Mysore king. In 1762 during the ruling of Chikkappanayaka, Hyder Ali captured the town for a period of 3 months. Then Chikkappanayaka agreed to pay 5-lakhs pagodas, and then the army was taken back.
After this, Chikkappa Nayaka with the help of Murariraya of Guthy tried to restore his powers. He was hiding at Nandi Hills along with Chikkappa Nayaka. Immediately, Hyder Ali acquired Chikkaballapura and other places and arrested Chikkappa Nayaka. Then with interfere of Lord Corn Wallis, Chikkaballapura was handed over to Narayanagowda. After knowing this, Tippu Sultan again acquired Chikkaballapura . In 1791 British occupied Nandi & left Narayanagowda to rule the town. Due to this trechery, a fight broke out between the Britishers and Tippu Sultan. Narayanagowda lost his administration. Later, the British defeated Tippu in a bitter battle which led to tremendous loss of life on both sides. The citizens of Chikkaballapura, however, refused to be subjugated and maintained their warrior pride. Chikkaballapura later came under the administration of Wodeyars of Mysore, who later
