Some anthropologists, such as Marija Gimbutas, believe matrilineal societies were common among early human societies.
Their influence over coastal Karnataka lasted for about 1000 years.There is evidence that the Alupas followed the law of matrilineal inheritance(Aliyasantana) since the Alupa king Soyideva was succeeded by his nephew Kulasekhara Bankideva(Son of Alupa princess Krishnayitayi and Hoysala Veera Ballala III).