The Western Ganga Dynasty (350–1000 CE) is an important ruling dynasty of ancient Karnataka in India.
They are known as Western Gangas to distinguish them from the Eastern Gangas who in later centuries ruled over modern Orissa.
The general belief is the Western Gangas began their rule during a time when multiple native clans asserted their freedom due to the weakening of their overlords, the Pallava empire in South India, a geo-political event sometimes attributed to the southern conquests of Samudra Gupta.
The Western Ganga sovereignty lasts from about 350 to 550 CE, initially ruling from Kolar and later moving their capital to Talakad on the banks of the Kaveri River in modern Mysore district.After the rise of the imperial Chalukyas of Badami, the Gangas accept Chalukya overlordship and fight for the cause of their overlords against the Pallavas of Kanchi.
The Chalukyas are replaced by the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta in 753 CE as the dominant power in the Deccan.
After a century of struggle for autonomy, the Western Gangas finally accepte Rashtrakuta overlordship and successfully fight alongside them against their foes, the Chola Dynasty of Tanjavur.
In the late 10th century, north of Tungabhadra river, the Rashtrakutas are replaced by the emerging Western Chalukya Empire and the Chola Dynasty sees renewed power south of the Kaveri river.
The defeat of the Western Gangas by Cholas around 1000 results in the end of the Ganga influence over the region.Though territorially a small kingdom, the Western Ganga contribution to polity, culture and literature of the modern south Karnataka region is considered important.
The Western Ganga kings show benevolent tolerance to all faiths but are most famous for their patronage towards Jainism resulting in the construction of monuments in places such as Shravanabelagola and Kambadahalli.
The kings of this dynasty encourage the fine arts, due to which literature in Kannada and Sanskrit flourishes.
Chavundaraya's writing, the Chavundaraya Purana, of 978 CE, is an important work in Kannada prose.
Many classics are written on various subjects ranging from religion to elephant management.
