Mysore and Coorg from the Inscriptions c8.s3.19

c8.s3.19

The first Ganga king, Konguṇivarmma, who is assigned to the second century, is said (SII. ii. 187) to have been consecrated to conquer the Bāṇa country, and in DB 67 to be a wild-fire in consuming the stubble of the forest Bāṇa. Mayūraśarmma, the progenitor of the Kadambas, at about the same time is said (Sk 176), when an outlaw in the forests of Śrīparvata (Karnūl District), to have levied tribute from Bṛihad Bāṇa (the great Bāṇa¹) and other kings. The Chōla king Killi-Valavan, who reigned about 105 to 120, married the princess Sithathakai, claiming descent from Mahābali. She was probably the daughter of a king in the Mysore country² (no doubt a Bāṇa). The Kolar volume gives an account of such details as the various inscriptions there supply regarding the Bāṇas. The first Nandivarmma is said to have promoted the fortunes of his family, and obtained the crown and the throne amid the blessings of Brāhmans. He was possessed of mighty elephant and other forces, which secured him against conquest by the most powerful kings. Malladēva Nandivarmma is said to have been like a sun in waking up the lotus lake of the Bāṇa family, and in compassion for all living things in the three worlds was like Bōdhisattva or Buddha.