The Kodavas were the earliest agriculturists in Kodagu, having lived there for centuries. During this time, South Indian dynasties such as the Kadambas, the Gangas, theCholas, the Chalukyas, the Rastrakutas, the Hoysalas, the Vijaynagar Rayas and Kodagu was a separate kingdom . Despite the Kodavas being known in India as "brave warriors" and members of the Indian warrior caste, Kodagu did not have indigenous rulers for long they appointed outsider as an administrator still answerable to the kodava chiefs
