The exact origins of the Karnatas of Mithila are still up for debate, however Sena dynasty inscriptions refer to Nanyadeva as Karnata-Kulabhusana indicating that he had his origins in the South and likely arrived in the North as part of the Chalukya invasions. His ancestors were petty chieftains and adventurers in Eastern India and Nanyadeva carved out his own kingdom in Mithila. When Nanyadeva first arrived in the region in 1093 A.D., he originally established his stronghold in Nanapura in Champaran of Bihar and referred to himself as Mahashamantadhipati as confirmed by the local traditions of Mithila. The title suggests that he was likely originally a commander in the Chalukaya army. He later shifted his capital to Simraungadh.
Downfall
, the sixth descendant of Nanyadeva was ruling the Tirhut Kingdom. At the same time the Tughlaq dynasty comes to power, which ruled the Delhi sultanate and whole Northern India from 1320 to 1413 CE. In 1324 CE, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty and Delhi Sultan, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq turned his attention towards Bengal. The Tughlaq army invaded Bengal and on his way back to Delhi, The sultan heard about the Simraungarh which was flourishing inside the jungle. The last king of the Karnata dynasty Harisingh Dev didn't show his strength and left the fort as he heard the news of approaching army of the Tughlaq Sultan towards the Simraungarh. The Sultan and his troop stayed there for 3 days and cleared the dense forest. Finally on day 3, the army attacked and entered into the huge fort whose walls was tall and surrounded by 7 big ditches. The remains are still scattered all over the Simroungarh region. The king Harisingh Deva fled northwards into the then Nepal. The son of Harisingh Dev, Jagatsingh Dev married the widow princess of Bhaktapur Nayak Devi. script made during the reign of Narsimhadeva
Legacy
Under the Karnatas, Mithila experienced a period of relative peace which allowed for authors, poets and artists to receive royal patronage. The Maithili language grew strongly during this period as new literature and folk songs were created. The philosopher, Gangeśa Upādhyāya, introduced the Navya-Nyāyaschool of thought which remained active in India until the 18th century. The general religious attitude of the people was conservative and the priestly aristocracy of Maithil Brahmins dominated the royal court. The Varna Ratnakara of Jyotirishwar Thakur was also composed during the reign of Harisimhadeva.
It is said that after his defeat, Harisimhadeva fled to Kathmandu where his descendants became the founders of the Malla dynasty of Kathmandu. The Mallas were noted as great patrons of the Maithili language. It is also said that another branch of the Karnats remained in Mithila and their descendants became the Gandhavariya Rajputs of North Bihar who held many chiefdoms in the region.
