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After voluntarily accepting the onus of perceiving subaltern studies, so far, I have published half a dozen books and some more papers dealing with minor and very minor dynasties of Karnataka. This monograph, one more in the series, again aims at concisely recording the major achievements of a minor principality.
I should place on record that I was really glad when I was complimented from the veteran historians that this is the first exhaustive write up on the Mandali-Thousand rulers. I hope such appreciations will continue to inspire me to take up similar projects and to properly utilise my retired life. I can never forget the enthusiastic villagers who extended their co-operation during my field work. P.S. Ramabhatt, a research scholar, K. Vasudevachar, Jeweller and a Kannada activist, Ratnaiah, education officer, Krishna Murthy - photographer, Dr. Kamala Hampana, who has been a constant source of inspiration for my research work, and M/s Satyasri Printers, have helped me in one way or the other in preparing this book. I remember with gratitude the excellent services of Mr. Benjamin Lewis Rice, who has meticulously edited the volumes of Epigraphia Carnatika (VII-i. 1902, and VIII, 1902), which has helped me as the source book. Similarly I owe my obligation to the Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi, whose valuable financial assistance has helped both the author and the publisher. Last, but not least, I am obliged to the young entrepreneur Prakash Kambathalli, my publisher, for assigning this project to me unhesitatingly, and to the authorities of the Government Museum, Shimoga, who so kindly permitted me to take the photos.
Dr. M.A. Dhaky, Director, American Institute of Indian Studies, Dr. S.A. Bhuvanendra Kumar, editor of Jinamanjari, a journal published from Canada and U.S.A., and Dr. S. Settar, Chairman of ICHR, have never allowed me to relax! It is their affection that is generating extra energy in me to concentrate on the quality of production, March, 1999
Nagarajaiah Hampa. Bangalore
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