Karnataka

Karnataka
	File:Vidhana Soudha Bangalore.jpg
	Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru
Capital	Bengaluru
Largest city	Bengaluru
Official languages	Kannada
Area	191,791 km²
Population	61,130,704 (2011 census)
Established	1 November 1956
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Vehicle code	KA
Website	[karnataka.gov.in Official site]

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”.

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
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
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

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

Economy

Key sectors: Information Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture, and Biotech
Bengaluru is home to tech giants like Infosys, Wipro, and ISRO
Karnataka leads in innovation and digital infrastructure

Education and Research

Major institutions: Indian Institute of Science, IIM Bangalore, NLSIU, IIIT-Bangalore
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

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

References