The Karnats of Mithila[3] or Karnata dynasty (Karṇāṭa) was a dynasty established in 1097 CE by Nanyadeva. The dynasty controlled the areas we today know as Tirhut or Mithila in India and adjoining parts of South Eastern Nepal.[4][5] The main power centre of the Karnats was the citadel of Simraungadh which was situated on the India - Nepal border.[6]
The city of Darbhanga also became the second capital during the reign of Gangadeva.[7]
Under the Karnats, Mithila enjoyed almost full sovereignty from 1097 until 1324.[14] The Karnat kings referred to themselves with the title of Mithileśwara[15] and the first recorded piece of Maithili literature, the Varna Ratnakara was also composed during their rule.[16]
^CPN Sinha (1974). "A Critical Evaluation of sources for identification of Gangeyadeva of Tirabhukti". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 35: 39–42. JSTOR44138754.