The Kadambas claimed descent from Harita.j According to the Talagunda pillar inscription their name was derived from a unique Kadamba tree near their dwelling which was sacred to their tutelary: deity Svami Mahasena (Karttikeya).
Mayurasharman, the first Kadama king, was crowned by the Pallavas. This happened in AD 350. He is known as Mayuravarman to medieval records that performed eighteen ashvamedhas.
Mayurasharman was succeeded by Kangavarman (AD 360-85). After him came bhagiratha (AD 385-410). Bhagiratha was by his son Raghu (AD 410-25). Raghu Jin turn was succeeded by his younger brother Kakusthavarman (AD 425-450). He had a prosperous reign. He is said to have given his (laughters in marriage to the Guptas and the akatakas.
Kakusthavarman was succeeded by his son hantivarman (AD 450-475). He is said to have won three crowns (pattatraya). He had to face ostilities of the Pallavas and, as a result of this, a branch of the royal family passed for a time under Pallava suzerainty.
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Shantivarman’s son and successor, Mrigeshvarman (AD 475-88) who ruled from Vanavasi, fought unsuccessful wars against the Gangas and the Pallavas. Mandhatrivarman (AD 488-5 00), perhaps a first cousin of Mrigesh, usurped the throne for a short period. Ravivarman (AD 500-5.38), son of Mrigesh secured the throne again.
A stone inscription records that his queen became a sati at his death. Ravivarman was followed by his son Harivarman (AD 538-50) who ruled from Vaijayanti (Banavasi). With him ended the elder branch of the Kadamba royal family.
After him Krishnavarman II (AD 550-565) came to the throne. He was succeeded by Ajavarman (AD 565- 600). Ajavarman became subordinate to Kirtivarman I Chalukya and with him the Kadambas ceased to exist as an independent kingdom. Later attempts at gaining independence were not successful.