Karnataka is a state in the south western region of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, with the passage of the States Reorganisation Act. Originally known as the State of Mysore, it was renamed Karnataka in 1973. Only a small part of the state corresponds to the Carnatic region. The capital and largest city is Bangalore (Bengaluru). Karnataka is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, Goa to the northwest, Maharashtra to the north, Telangana to the northeast, Andhra Pradesh to the east, Tamil Nadu to the southeast, and Kerala to the south. The state covers an area of 191,976 sq. km (74,122 sq mi), or 5.83 percent of the total geographical area of India.
Karnataka [] has multiple, colorful attractions which cater to tourists of different tastes. Heritage places like Hampi, the capital of Vijayanagar kingdom, Mysore, the place which was ruled by the 'Yaduvamsha' dynasty stand tall. Karnataka tops in the production of Sandalwood and is also known for its signature 'Mysore Silk' Sarees. The heritage of Mysore reflects royal grandeur with its well known Mysore Palace, Dasara Jambo Savari and Chamundi Hills.
Karnataka has contributed to the freedom struggle in a great way and has produced many great freedom fighters like Kitturu Chennamma, Sangolli Rayanna, Nittoru Srinivasa Rao, Karnad Sadashiva Rao, N.S. Hardikar et al who laid down their lives fighting against the Britishers.
Karnataka is also blessed by nature with Eastern and Western-ghats guarding it. Arabian sea adds a beautiful coastline to Karnataka. Coorg - The Scotland of Karnataka is a place thronged by tourists from all corners of the world. Coorg is also famous for producing the exceptional quality of spices like Black Pepper, Cardamom and Coffee.
The tourists also get to taste the unique delicacies of Karnataka like Masala Dosa, Idli, Mysore Pak, Akkirotti, Bisibele Bath etc.
Quotes
- The road to paradise begins in Karnataka – and ends there. There is nowhere else to go. It is, as the poet says, cheluva Kannada Nadu. The word cheluva defies clear definition. It suggests beauty, grace, athomeness. In Karnataka, a graceful girl is a cheluve, one who is pleasing who radiates charm, contentment, peace. The state's theme song says: Udayavagali namma cheluva kannada nadu. May the lovely land of the Kannadigas arise. The people of Karnataka do not take their land – or themselves – for granted. The romantic in them always strives for the ideal and like all ideals, it is a movable feast. To say that the land is already beyond comparison is to invite comparison. To wish it to be is to live eternally in hope.
- M. V. Kamath. Discovering Karnataka: Government of Karnataka. Vikas Publishing House Pvt., Ltd., New Delhi. p. 1.
- Cited in H S Gururaja Rao (20 November 2014). My Life, My Profession. Lulu Publishing Services. p. 9. ISBN 978-1-4834-1065-4.
- M. V. Kamath. Discovering Karnataka: Government of Karnataka. Vikas Publishing House Pvt., Ltd., New Delhi. p. 1.
'I want to take birth again in India and want to fight against the British and chase them away' - 'bharathadalliye matte hutti barabeku, britishara viruddha horadi avarannu deshadinda odisabeku' - These were the last words of Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna. He uttered these words when he was asked about his last wish. Sangolli Rayanna, who was the trusted fighter of Kittur Rani Chennamma, was hanged by the Britishers on 26th January 1931.