Nanyadeva
Nanyadeva (IAST: "") was the founder of the Karnata dynasty of Mithila. He was the ancestor of Harisimhadeva. He established his capital in Simraungadh and ruled the greater Mithila region for 50 years. He is known for his generosity, courage, and patronage of scholars. He was from Karnat Kshatriya Kula and began to rule Mithila from Simraungadh in 1097 CE. The stone inscription found at Simraongarh and Nepālavaṃśāvalī clearly states that he made an erection in a Singha Lagna of a Saturday in a Sravana, the tithi being Sukla seven and the Naksatara Svati in the year 1019 Shaka (July  10, 1097 AD). Etymology and names. Nanya is a word of Karnatic origin and Sanskritised form of "Nanniya". Nanyadeva means "the dearest of god" ("Nanya" means "dearest" and "deva" means "god"). The Andhratharhi inscription of his minister, Shridhardas refers Nanyadeva as Mahasamantadhipati, Dharmamavaloka and Sriman Nanyapati. Early life. It is believed that Nanyadeva arrived in the region as part of the Chalukaya invasions of the North during the second half of the 11th century. The Chalukyas would likely have been accompanied by many military adventurers who carved out small principalities of their own in North Bihar and Nanyadeva would have  been among them. His original stronghold was Nanapura in Champaran district of Bihar however he later shifted his capital to Simraungadh in modern-day Nepal which would remain as the main capital until the end of the Karnat dynasty. Rule of Mithila. In Vidyapati's "Purush Pariksa", Nanyadeva is confirmed to have gained control of Mithila by 1097 CE. During his rule, Mithila came into conflict with the Pala dynasty of Bengal. Legacy. Many modern scholars, as well as the people of the region, view Nanyadeva as a "son of Mithila" who liberated the region following the fall of the  Videhan monarchy. The Karnata rule is not viewed as foreign as they established their power in Mithila itself, unlike others who ruled from outside. he was succeeded by two sons, Gangadeva and Malladeva. Literary works. He cultivated several melodies and recorded his knowledge in the Sanskrit musicological treatise called the "Sarasvati Hridayalankara" and the "Grantha-Maharnava". These works are an in-depth assessment of different musical notes and how they can lead to certain feelings and sentiments ranging from heroism to anger. He completed these works following his ascendance to power in Mithila. Descendants. Many Rajput zamindars in North Bihar  (which is part of the Mithila region), especially in Saharsa district claim Nanyadeva to be their ancestor. Pratap Malla of the Malla dynasty of Kathmandu also declared Nanyadeva to be his "Pradhan Purva Purasha" (founding father).