The Alupa dynasty (ಅಳುಪೆರ್, ಆಳ್ವೆರ್) (circa 2nd century C.E to 15th century C.E)[3] was an ancient ruling dynasty of India. The kingdom
they ruled was known as Alvakheda Arusasira and its territory spanned the coastal districts of the modern Indian state known as Karnataka.[4] The Alupas in their prime
were an independent dynasty, centuries after reigning due to the dominance of Kadambas from Banavasi,
they became feudatory to them. Later they became the vassals of the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas with the change in political scenario of
Southern India. Their influence over coastal Karnataka lasted for about 1200
years.[3] There is evidence that the Alupas
followed the law of matrilineal inheritance (Appekatt/Aliyasantana) since the Alupa king Soyideva was succeeded by his nephew Kulasekhara Bankideva (son of Alupa princess Krishnayitayi and Hoysala Veera Ballala III).[5] The legendary king who is credited with introducing matrilineality in Alva Kheda|Tulu Vishaya Kheda is named Bhuta Alupa Pandya[6] The descendants of this dynasty still survive to this
date and have spread in the karavali region and they
are widely called as Bunt[7][8] The Buntfollows Matrilineality,
unlike any other warrior community, they can be identified with their surnames
such as Shetty, Rai, Hegde, Alva, Chowta etc., even though most Bunt are hindus by faith now, The sizeable section of the
community still follows Jainism and they are called Jain
Bunt[9] The last Alupa king to have
ruled is Kulasekharadeva Alupendradeva
whose inscription dated 1444 CE have been found in Mudabidri[10] Jain Basadi.