[citation needed] Mattur is located by the Tunga River around 4 kilometres from Shivamogga and has long been known as a centre of learning for Sanskrit and Vedic studies.

According to copper plate inscriptions preserved by the archaeology department, Mattur along with neighbouring Hosahalli, were gifted to the people by the emperor of Vijayanagara in 1512.

[3] Sanskrit is the main language of a majority of the 5,000 residents of this village and is a required subject in schools.

This rare trait received a significant boost in 1982 when Vishvesha Theertha, pontiff of Udupi's Pejawara Matha, visited the Mattur and dubbed it, "the Sanskrit village".

[4] Mattur and Hosahalli are known for their efforts to support Gamaka art, which is a unique form of singing and storytelling in Karnataka.