Karnataka
Karnataka is a state in the southwestern region of India. Known for its rich cultural legacy, technological innovation, and diverse geography, Karnataka is one of the most progressive states in the country. The capital city, Bengaluru, is India’s IT and startup hub, often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India”.[1]
Geography
Karnataka shares borders with Goa, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The state features diverse landscapes:
- Western Ghats – a UNESCO World Heritage site[2]
- Coastal region – known as Karavali
- Inland plateau – part of the Deccan Plateau
History
- Ancient dynasties: Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire
- Hampi, the capital of Vijayanagara, is a UNESCO heritage site[3]
- 18th-century rule by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan
- The modern state was formed in 1956 and renamed from Mysore State to Karnataka in 1973[4]
Culture
Karnataka has a vibrant cultural identity rooted in:
- Classical music: Carnatic music
- Dance: Yakshagana, Bharatanatyam
- Language: Kannada (official state language)
- Cuisine: Dosa, Bisi Bele Bath, Mysore Pak[5]
Economy
- Key sectors: Information Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture, and Biotech
- Bengaluru is home to tech giants like Infosys, Wipro, and ISRO[6]
- Karnataka leads in innovation and digital infrastructure[7]
Education and Research
- Major institutions: Indian Institute of Science, IIM Bangalore, NLSIU, IIIT-Bangalore[8]
- Noted for contributions to aerospace and biotechnology research
Government and Politics
- Legislature: Karnataka Legislative Assembly
- Current Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah (as of 2024)
- Leading political parties: Indian National Congress, BJP, Janata Dal (Secular)
Tourism
Tourist attractions in Karnataka:
- Heritage: Hampi, Mysore Palace, Badami
- Nature: Coorg, Chikmagalur, Jog Falls, Bandipur National Park
- Pilgrimage: Udupi, Dharmasthala, Gokarna[9]
Notable Personalities
- M. Visvesvaraya – Engineer and Bharat Ratna awardee
- Kuvempu – Poet laureate and Jnanpith recipient
- Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble – Cricketers from Karnataka
- Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan – Historical rulers
See Also
- Bengaluru
- States and Union Territories of India
- Kannada language
- Vijayanagara Empire
- Indian IT Industry
References
- ↑ https://www.karnataka.gov.in/page/About+Karnataka/en
- ↑ https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1342/
- ↑ https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/241
- ↑ https://www.britannica.com/place/Karnataka
- ↑ https://www.karnataka.com/food/karnataka-cuisine/
- ↑ https://www.investkarnataka.co.in/
- ↑ https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/karnataka-tops-innovation-rankings-niti-aayog/articleshow/77696292.cms
- ↑ https://www.iisc.ac.in
- ↑ https://www.kstdc.co/about-karnataka/