View source for Karnataka

{{Short description|State in southwestern India}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Pp-semi-indef|small=yes}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2026}}
{{Infobox Indian state or territory
| name = Karnataka
| official_name = State of Karnataka
| type = State
| border = 
| size = 275
| perrow = 1|2|2|2|1
| caption_align = centre
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| photo1a      = Hampi virupaksha temple.jpg
| photo2a      = 7th - 9th century Hindu and Jain temples, Pattadakal monuments Karnataka 2.jpg
| photo2b      = Shravanabelagola Bahubali wideframe.jpg
| photo4a      = Hoysaleshwara temple, Halebidu 831.jpg
| photo3b      = DGTF2318.jpg
| photo3a      = GolGumbaz2 altered.jpg
| photo4b      = Gopura at Murdeshwar.jpg
| photo5a      =  UB City at night .jpg
| spacing      = 1
| color_border = white
| color        = white
| size         = 275
| foot_montage = ''From top, left to right:''<br />  [[Virupaksha Temple, Hampi]], [[Pattadakal]], [[Gommateshwara statue]], [[Gol Gumbaz]], [[Shivanasamudra Falls]], [[Hoysaleswara Temple]] at [[Halebidu]], [[Gopura]] at [[Murdeshwar]], and [[UB City]], [[Bengaluru]]
}}
| image_seal = Seal of Karnataka.svg
| nickname = 
| motto = [[Satyameva Jayate]] (Truth alone triumphs)
| anthem = [[Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate|Jaya Bhārata Jananiya Tanujāte, Jaya Hē Karnāṭaka Māte]]<ref name="anthem" /><br />(Victory to You Mother Karnataka, Daughter of Mother India)<ref>{{cite news |title=Poem declared 'State song' |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2004/01/11/stories/2004011103410400.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=11 January 2004 |access-date=22 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101052709/http://www.thehindu.com/2004/01/11/stories/2004011103410400.htm |archive-date=1 January 2016}}</ref>
| image_map = IN-KA.svg
| coordinates = {{coord|12.97|77.50|region:IN-KA_type:adm1st_dim:500000|display=inline,title}}
| region = South India
| before_was = [[Mysore State]]
| formation_date4 = 1 November 1956
| capital = Bengaluru
| largestcity = capital
| metro = Bengaluru
| districts = [[List of districts of Karnataka|31 (4 divisions)]]
| government_footnotes = <ref>{{cite news |title=Karnataka CM swearing in ceremony live updates: 'In larger interest of party,' says DK Shivakumar on becoming deputy CM and Siddaramaiah as new CM |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/karnataka-cm-news-live-siddaramaiah-dk-shivakumar-new-chief-minister-announcement/liveblog/100303122.cms |url-status=live |access-date=18 May 2023 |archive-date=18 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518061941/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/karnataka-cm-news-live-siddaramaiah-dk-shivakumar-new-chief-minister-announcement/liveblog/100303122.cms |work=The Times of India |date=18 May 2023}}</ref>
| Governor = [[Thawar Chand Gehlot]]
| Chief_Minister = [[D. K. Shivakumar]]
| party = [[Indian National Congress|INC]]
| judiciary = [[Karnataka High Court]]
| Chief_secretary = Rajneesh Goel (IAS)<ref>{{cite news |title=Rajneesh Goel Appointed As Karnataka's New Chief Secretary |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rajneesh-goel-appointed-as-karnatakas-new-chief-secretary-4593918 |publisher=NDTV |agency=Press Trust of India |date=22 November 2023 |access-date=3 February 2024 |archive-date=3 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203105657/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rajneesh-goel-appointed-as-karnatakas-new-chief-secretary-4593918 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| legislature_type = Bicameral
| council = [[Karnataka Legislative Council]]
| council_seats = 75 seats
| assembly = [[Karnataka Legislative Assembly]]
| assembly_seats = 224 seats
| rajya_sabha_seats = 12 seats
| lok_sabha_seats = 28 seats
| area_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web |url=http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/forestry/stat/Protected%20Areas%20of%20India.pdf |work=Wildlife Institute of India |publisher=Government of India |title=Protected Areas of India: State-wise break up of Wildlife Sanctuaries |access-date=24 August 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024130725/http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/forestry/stat/Protected%20Areas%20of%20India.pdf |archive-date=24 October 2016}}</ref>
| area_total_km2 = 191791
| area_rank = 6th
| length_km = 489
| width_km = 767
| elevation_m = 
| elevation_max_m = 1,925
| elevation_max_point = [[Mullayyanagiri]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 March 2014 |title=Udupi-Chikmagalur: A constituency that's beset by problems |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/udupichikmagalur-a-constituency-thats-beset-by-problems/article5801739.ece |access-date=24 March 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324205945/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/udupichikmagalur-a-constituency-thats-beset-by-problems/article5801739.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>
| elevation_min_m = 0
| elevation_min_point = [[Laccadive Sea]]
| population_footnotes = <ref name="popu">{{cite web |title=Figures at a glance |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/karnataka/3-figure-7.pdf |work=2011 Provisional census data |publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India |access-date=17 September 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024231951/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/karnataka/3-figure-7.pdf |archive-date=24 October 2011}}</ref>
| population_total = {{IncreaseNeutral}} 61,130,704
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_rank = 8th
| population_urban = 38.67%
| population_rural = 61.33%
| population_density = 320
| population_demonym = Kannadiga (gender neutral) <br/>
Kannadati (feminine)
| 0fficial_Langs = [[Kannada]]<ref>{{cite book |url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |title=50th Report of the Commission for Linguistic Minorities in India |publisher=National Commissioner Linguistic Minorities |page=123 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708012438/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |archive-date= 8 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/7524/1/26_of_1963_%28e%29.pdf |title=THE KARNATAKA OFFICIAL LANGUAGE ACT, 1963 |access-date=28 September 2022 |archive-date=15 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115104719/https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/7524/1/26_of_1963_%28e%29.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| official_script = [[Kannada script]]
<ref name="MOSPI">{{cite web|url=http://mospi.nic.in/sites/default/files/press_releases_statements/State_wise_SDP_15_03_2021.xls|title=MOSPI State Domestic Product, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India|date=15 March 2021|accessdate=28 March 2021}}</ref>
| GDP_total = {{Increase}} $361.19 billion (nominal)<br/>{{Increase}} $1.60&nbsp;trillion (PPP)
| GDP_year = 2025–26
| GDP_rank = 3rd
| GDP_per_capita = {{Increase}} {{INRConvert|477003|lk=r}} (nominal)<br/>{{Increase}} $23,161(PPP)
| GDP_per_capita_rank = 5th
| HDI = {{Increase}} 0.713 {{color|green|high}}
| HDI_year = 2023
| HDI_rank = 20th
| literacy = 82.7%<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/publication_reports/AnnualReport_PLFS2023-24L2.pdf |title=Annual Report, Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) (July 2023 – June 2024) |date=23 September 2024 |publisher=National Sample Survey Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India |pages=A-10 |chapter=Appendix-A: Detailed tables, Table (7): Literacy rate (in per cent) of persons of different age groups for each State/UT (persons, age-group (years): 7 & above, rural+urban (column 6))}}</ref>
| literacy_year = 2024
| literacy_rank = 24th
| sex_ratio = 938[[female|♀]]/1000 [[male|♂]]
| sexratio_year = 2025
| sexratio_rank = 6th
| iso_code = IN-KA
| registration_plate = KA
| website = karnataka.gov.in
| foundation_day = Karnataka Formation Day
| mammal = [[Indian elephant]]<ref name="handbook2015">{{cite book |editor1-last=Huq |editor1-first=Iteshamul |title=A Handbook of Karnataka |date=2015 |publisher=Karnataka Gazetteer Department |page=48 |edition=Fifth |chapter-url=http://www.karnataka.gov.in/Gazetteer/Publications/Special%20Publications/A%20Hand%20Book%20of%20Karnataka%202015/Chapter%2001%20Introduction.pdf |chapter=Introduction |access-date=22 May 2018 |archive-date=23 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180523095304/http://www.karnataka.gov.in/Gazetteer/Publications/Special%20Publications/A%20Hand%20Book%20of%20Karnataka%202015/Chapter%2001%20Introduction.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| bird = [[Indian roller]]
| flower = [[Nelumbo nucifera|Lotus]]
| tree = [[Santalum album|Sandalwood]]
| image_highway = SH IN-KA.png
| SH_numbers = [[List of state highways in Karnataka|KA SH1 - KA SH188]]
}}
'''Karnataka'''{{efn|{{Indic Transl|kn|Karnāṭaka|kəɾᵊˈnaːʈəkɐː|Karnataka-pronounciation.ogg}} {{respell|kər|NAH|tə|kə}}}} is a [[States and union territories of India|state]] in the [[Malabar coast|southwestern coast]] of India. It was [[Unification of Karnataka|formed]] as [[Mysore State]] on 1 November 1956, with the passage of the [[States Reorganisation Act, 1956|States Reorganisation Act]], and renamed ''Karnataka'' in 1973. The state is bordered by the [[Lakshadweep 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 southwest. With 61,130,704 inhabitants at the 2011 census, Karnataka is the [[List of states and union territories of India by population|eighth-largest state by population]], comprising 31 [[List of districts in India|districts]]. With 15,257,000 residents, the state capital [[Bengaluru]] is the largest city of Karnataka.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Population |url=http://www.demographia.com/db-worldua.pdf}}</ref>

The economy of Karnataka is among the most productive in the country with a [[gross state domestic product]] (GSDP) of {{INRconvert|25.01|t}} and a per capita GSDP of {{INRconvert|332926}} for the financial year 2023–24.<ref name="GSDP">{{cite report|url=https://esankhyiki.mospi.gov.in/datacatalogue/NASdata/SDP/SDP-as%20on%2001.08.2024/State_wise_SDP-01082024_GSDP_Current.xlsx|title=Gross State Domestic Product (Current Prices)|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 November 2024|archive-date=26 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241126172329/https://esankhyiki.mospi.gov.in/datacatalogue/NASdata/SDP/SDP-as%20on%2001.08.2024/State_wise_SDP-01082024_GSDP_Current.xlsx|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="NSDP">{{cite report|url=https://mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_releases_statements/State_wise_SDP_as_on_15032024.xls|title=Per Capita Net State Domestic Product (Current Prices)|publisher=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 November 2024}}</ref> The state experienced a GSDP growth of 10.2% for the same fiscal year.<ref name="GSDP"/> After [[Bangalore Urban district|Bengaluru Urban]], [[Dakshina Kannada]], [[Hubli–Dharwad]], and [[Belgaum district|Belagavi]] districts contribute the highest revenue to the state respectively. The capital of the state, Bengaluru, is known as the [[Silicon Valley of India]], for its immense contributions to the country's information technology sector. A total of 1,973 companies in the state were found to have been involved in the IT sector as of 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 April 2024 |title=Business News: Business News India, Business News Today, Latest Finance News, Business News Live |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/ |access-date=4 April 2024 |website=The Financial Express |language=en}}</ref>

Karnataka is the only southern state to have land borders with all of the other four southern Indian sister states. The state covers an area of {{cvt|191791|km2|mi2}}, or 5.83 per cent of the total geographical area of India.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Census Reference Tables, B-Series - Area |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_data_finder/A_Series/area.htm |access-date=25 December 2021 |website=censusindia.gov.in |archive-date=14 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614190614/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/Census_Data_2001/Census_data_finder/A_Series/area.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> It is the [[List of states and union territories of India by area|sixth-largest Indian state by area]].<ref name=":3" /> [[Kannada]], one of the [[Languages of India#Classical languages of India|classical languages of India]], is the most widely spoken and official language of the state. Other minority languages spoken include [[Urdu]], [[Konkani language|Konkani]], [[Marathi language|Marathi]], [[Tulu language|Tulu]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam]], [[Kodava language|Kodava]] and [[Beary]]. Karnataka also contains some of the only [[Sanskrit revival#Sanskrit villages|villages in India where Sanskrit is primarily spoken]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://detechter.com/seven-sanskrit-speaking-villages-in-india/ |title=Seven Indian villages where people speak in Sanskrit |access-date=7 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407102822/https://detechter.com/seven-sanskrit-speaking-villages-in-india/ |archive-date=7 April 2019 |url-status=live |date=24 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://mdaily.bhaskar.com/news/NAT-TOP-4-indian-villages-where-sanskrit-is-a-primary-language-4848406-PHO.html |title=Know about these 4 Indian villages where Sanskrit is still their first language |access-date=7 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106055308/https://mdaily.bhaskar.com/news/NAT-TOP-4-indian-villages-where-sanskrit-is-a-primary-language-4848406-PHO.html |archive-date=6 January 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cteindia.org/five-indian-villages-where-sanskrit-is-spoken/ |title=Five Indian villages where Sanskrit is spoken |access-date=7 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407145917/https://www.cteindia.org/five-indian-villages-where-sanskrit-is-spoken/ |archive-date=7 April 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Though [[Etymology of Karnataka|several etymologies]] have been suggested for the name Karnataka, the generally accepted one is that ''Karnataka'' is derived from the Kannada words ''karu'' and ''nādu'', meaning "elevated land". ''Karu Nadu'' may also be read as ''karu'', meaning "black" and ''nadu'', meaning "region", as a reference to the [[Vertisol|black cotton soil]] found in the [[Bayalu Seeme]] region of the state. The [[British Raj|British]] used the word [[Carnatic region|Carnatic]], sometimes ''Karnatak'', to describe both sides of peninsular India, south of [[Krishna River|the Krishna]].<ref>See [[Lord Macaulay]]'s life of Clive and James Talboys Wheeler: ''Early History of British India'', London (1878) p.98. The principal meaning is the western half of this area, but the rulers there controlled the [[Coromandel Coast]] as well.</ref> With an antiquity that dates to the [[Paleolithic]], Karnataka has been home to some of the most powerful [[Political history of medieval Karnataka|empires of ancient and medieval India]]. The philosophers and musical bards patronised by these empires launched socio-religious and literary movements which have endured to the present day. Karnataka has contributed significantly to both forms of Indian classical music, the [[Carnatic music|Carnatic]] and [[Hindustani classical music|Hindustani]] traditions.

==Etymology==
{{Further|Etymology of Karnataka}}

== History ==
{{Main|History of Karnataka|Political history of medieval Karnataka}}

{{For timeline}}
[[File:Mallikarjuna and Kasivisvanatha temples at Pattadakal.jpg|left|thumb|alt=Photo of brown cone-topped temple ruins|Mallikarjuna temple and Kashi Vishwanatha temple at [[Pattadakal]], built successively by the kings of the [[Chalukya Empire]] and [[Rashtrakuta Empire]], is a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]].]]
Karnataka's pre-history goes back to a [[Paleolithic]] hand-axe culture evidenced by discoveries of, among other things, [[hand axe]]s and [[Cleaver (tool)|cleavers]] in the region.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Paddayya |first1=K. |last2=Blackwell |first2=B. A. B. |last3=Jhaldiyal |first3=R. |last4=Petraglia |first4=M. D. |last5=Fevrier |first5=S. |last6=Chaderton |first6=D. A. |last7=Blickstein |first7=J. I. B. |last8=Skinner |first8=A. R. |title=Recent findings on the Acheulian of the Hunsgi and Baichbal valleys, Karnataka, with special reference to the Isampur excavation and its dating |journal=Current Science |date=2002 |volume=83 |issue=5 |pages=641–647 |jstor=24107141 }}</ref> Evidence of [[Neolithic]] and [[megalithic]] cultures have also been found in the state. Gold discovered in [[Harappa]] was found to be imported from mines in Karnataka, prompting scholars to hypothesise about contacts between ancient Karnataka and the [[Indus Valley Civilisation]] {{Circa|3300 BCE}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://metalrg.iisc.ernet.in/~wootz/heritage/K-hertage.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070121024542/http://metalrg.iisc.ernet.in/~wootz/heritage/K-hertage.htm |archive-date=21 January 2007 |title=THE Golden Heritage of Karnataka |author=S. Ranganathan |work=Department of Metallurgy |publisher=Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore |access-date=7 June 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ancientindia.co.uk/staff/resources/background/bg16/home.html |title=Trade |access-date=6 May 2007 |publisher=[[The British Museum]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070526202851/http://www.ancientindia.co.uk/staff/resources/background/bg16/home.html |archive-date=26 May 2007}}</ref>

Prior to the third century BCE, most of Karnataka formed part of the [[Mauryan Empire]] of [[Emperor Ashoka]]. Four centuries of [[Satavahana Dynasty|Satavahana]] rule followed, allowing them to control large areas of Karnataka. The decline of Satavahana power led to the rise of the earliest native kingdoms, the [[Kadambas]] and the [[Western Gangas]], marking the region's emergence as an independent political entity. The [[Kadamba Dynasty]], founded by [[Mayurasharma]], had its capital at [[Banavasi]];<ref name="origin">From the [[Talagunda]] inscription (B. L. Rice in Kamath (2001), p. 30.)</ref><ref name="origin1">Moares (1931), p. 10.</ref> the [[Western Ganga Dynasty]] was formed with [[Talakad]] as its capital.<ref name="gan">Adiga and Sheik Ali in Adiga (2006), p. 89.</ref><ref name="gan1">Ramesh (1984), pp. 1–2.</ref>

These were also the first kingdoms to use [[Kannada]] in administration, as evidenced by the [[Halmidi inscription]] and a fifth-century copper coin discovered at Banavasi.<ref name="first">From the Halmidi inscription (Ramesh 1984, pp. 10–11.)</ref><ref name="hal">Kamath (2001), p. 10.</ref> These dynasties were followed by imperial Kannada empires such as the [[Badami Chalukyas]],<ref name="cha">The Chalukyas hailed from present-day Karnataka (Keay (2000), p. 168.)</ref><ref name="cha1">The Chalukyas were native ''[[Kannadigas]]'' (N. Laxminarayana Rao and S. C. Nandinath in Kamath (2001), p. 57.)</ref> the [[Rashtrakuta Empire]]<ref name="rash">Altekar (1934), pp. 21–24.</ref><ref name="rash1">Masica (1991), pp. 45–46.</ref> and the [[Western Chalukya Empire]],<ref name="west">Balagamve in Mysore territory was an early power centre (Cousens (1926), pp. 10, 105.)</ref><ref name="west1">Tailapa II, the founder king was the governor of Tardavadi in modern Bijapur district, under the Rashtrakutas (Kamath (2001), p. 101.).</ref> which ruled over large parts of the [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]] and had their capitals in what is now Karnataka. The Western Chalukyas patronised a unique style of [[Western Chalukya Architecture|architecture]] and Kannada [[Western Chalukya literature|literature]] which became a precursor to the [[Hoysala]] art of the 12th century.<ref name="unique">Kamath (2001), p. 115.</ref><ref name="flow">Foekema (2003), p. 9.</ref> Parts of modern-day Southern Karnataka (Gangavadi) were occupied by the [[Chola Empire]] at the turn of the 11th century.<ref name="A History of South India">Sastri (1955), p.164</ref> The Cholas and the Hoysalas fought over the region in the early 12th century before it eventually came under [[Hoysala Kingdom|Hoysala]] rule.<ref name="A History of South India" />

At the turn of the first millennium, the [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysalas]] gained power in the region. [[Hoysala literature|Literature]] flourished during this time, which led to the emergence of distinctive Kannada [[Meter (music)|literary metres]], and the construction of temples and sculptures adhering to the [[Vesara]] style of architecture.<ref name="sang1">Kamath (2001), pp. 132–134.</ref><ref name="sang">Sastri (1955), pp. 358–359, 361.</ref><ref name="chenna">Foekema (1996), p. 14.</ref><ref name="chenna1">Kamath (2001), pp. 122–124.</ref> The expansion of the Hoysala Empire brought minor parts of modern [[Andhra Pradesh]] and [[Tamil Nadu]] under its rule. In the early 14th century, [[Harihara I|Harihara]] and [[Bukka Raya]] established the [[Vijayanagara empire]] with its capital, ''Hosapattana'' (later named [[Vijayanagara]]), on the banks of the [[Tungabhadra River]] in the modern Bellary district. Under the rule of [[Krishnadevaraya]], a distinct form of [[Vijayanagara literature|literature]] and [[Vijayanagara architecture|architecture]] evolved.<ref>{{Cite book |author=Kāmat, Sūryanātha |title=A concise history of Karnataka: from pre-historic times to the present |oclc=993095629}}</ref><ref>Prof K.A.N. Sastri, ''History of South India'' pp 355–366</ref> The empire rose as a bulwark against Muslim advances into South India, which it completely controlled for over two centuries.<ref name="vij">Kamath (2001), pp. 157–160.</ref><ref name="vij1">Kulke and Rothermund (2004), p. 188.</ref> In 1537,  [[Kempe Gowda I]], a chieftain of the [[Vijayanagara Empire]], widely held as the founder of modern Bengaluru, built a [[Bangalore Fort|fort]] and established the area around it as [[Bengaluru Pete]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 July 2003 |title=The Hindu: A grand dream |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/07/18/stories/2002071800480200.htm |access-date=27 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030701030020/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/07/18/stories/2002071800480200.htm |archive-date=1 July 2003}}</ref>

In 1565, Karnataka and the rest of South India experienced a major geopolitical shift when the Vijayanagara empire fell to a [[Deccan sultanates|confederation of Islamic sultanates]] in the [[Battle of Talikota]].<ref name="bin">Kamath (2001), pp. 190–191.</ref> The [[Bijapur Sultanate]], which had risen after the demise of the [[Bahmani Sultanate]] of Bidar, soon took control of much of the Deccan; it was defeated by the [[Mughal Empire|Mughals]] in the late 17th century.<ref name="conf">Kamath (2001), p. 201.</ref><ref name="erst">Kamath (2001), p. 202.</ref> The Bahmani and Bijapur rulers encouraged Urdu and Persian literature and [[Indo-Saracenic]] architecture, the [[Gol Gumbaz]] being one of the high points of this style.<ref name="gol">Kamath (2001), p. 207.</ref> During the sixteenth century, [[Konkani people|Konkani]] Hindus migrated to Karnataka, mostly from [[Salcette]], [[Goa]],<ref name="konk">{{cite book |last=Jain |first=Dhanesh |author2=Cardona, George |title=The Indo-Aryan languages |editor=Jain, Dhanesh |editor2=Cardona, George |publisher=Routledge |year=2003 |series=Routledge language family series |volume=2 |page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=jPR2OlbTbdkC&pg=PA757 757] |isbn=978-0-7007-1130-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jPR2OlbTbdkC&pg=PP1}}</ref> while during the seventeenth and eighteenth century, [[Goan Catholics]] migrated to [[North Canara]] and [[South Canara]], especially from [[Bardez|Bardes]], Goa, as a result of food shortages, epidemics and heavy taxation imposed by the [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]].<ref>{{cite book |last=Pinto |first=Pius Fidelis |author-link=Pius Fidelis Pinto |publisher=Samanvaya Prakashan |location=Mangalore |year=1999 |title=History of Christians in coastal Karnataka, 1500–1763 A.D. |page=124}}</ref>

In the period that followed, parts of northern Karnataka were ruled by the [[Nizam of Hyderabad]], the [[Maratha Confederacy|Maratha Empire]], the [[British Raj|British]], and other powers.<ref>A History of India by [[Burton Stein]] p.190</ref> In the south, the [[Mysore Kingdom]], a former [[vassal]] of the Vijayanagara Empire, was briefly independent.<ref name="ind">Kamath (2001), p. 171.</ref> With the death of [[Krishnaraja Wodeyar II]], [[Haidar Ali]], the commander-in-chief of the Mysore army, gained control of the region. After his death, the kingdom was inherited by his son [[Tipu Sultan]].<ref name="tip">Kamath (2001), pp. 171, 173, 174, 204.</ref> To contain European expansion in South India, [[Hyder Ali]] and later Tipu Sultan fought four significant [[Anglo-Mysore Wars]], the last of which resulted in Tippu Sultan's death and the incorporation of Mysore into [[Company rule in India|British India]] in 1799.<ref name="tip1">Kamath (2001), pp. 231–234.</ref> Mysore was restored to the Wodeyars, and the [[Kingdom of Mysore]] became a [[princely state]] outside but in a [[subsidiary alliance]] with [[British India]].<ref name="tip" />

[[File:karnataka declaration.jpg|thumb|left|Chief Minister [[D. Devaraj Urs|Devaraj Urs]] announcing the new name of the Mysore state as 'Karnataka']]
As the "[[doctrine of lapse]]" gave way to dissent and resistance from princely states across the country, [[Kittur Chennamma]], Queen of [[Kittur]], her military leader [[Sangolli Rayanna]], and others, spearheaded rebellions in part of what is now Karnataka in 1830, nearly three decades before the [[Indian Rebellion of 1857]]. However, Kitturu was taken over by the British [[East India Company]] even before the doctrine was officially articulated by Lord Dalhousie in 1848.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=148944 |title=Rani Chennamma of Kittur |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418163405/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/printrelease.aspx?relid=148944 |archive-date=18 April 2017}}</ref> Other uprisings followed, such as the ones at [[Joida|Supa]], [[Bagalkot]], [[Shorapur]], [[Nargund]] and [[Dandeli]]. These rebellions—which coincided with the Indian Rebellion of 1857—were led by Mundargi Bhimarao, [[Bhaskar Rao Bhave]], the Halagali Bedas, [[Raja Venkatappa Nayaka]] and others. By the late 19th century, the independence movement had gained momentum; Karnad Sadashiva Rao, [[Aluru Venkata Raya]], [[S. Nijalingappa]], [[Kengal Hanumanthaiah]], [[Nittoor Srinivasa Rau]] and others carried on the struggle into the early 20th century.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/May202007/sundayherald200705192574.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080602004353/http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/May202007/sundayherald200705192574.asp |archive-date=2 June 2008 |title=The rising in the south |publisher=The Printers (Mysore) Private Limited |date=20 May 2007 |access-date=20 July 2007 |first=Suryanath |last=Kamath}}</ref>

After the [[Indian independence movement|independence of British India]], the Maharaja, [[Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar]], signed an [[instrument of accession]] to accede his state to the new India. In 1950, Mysore became an Indian state of the same name; the former Maharaja served as its ''Rajpramukh'' (head of state) until 1975. Following the long-standing demand of the [[Unification of Karnataka|Ekikarana Movement]], Kodagu- and Kannada-speaking regions from the adjoining states of Madras, Hyderabad and Bombay were incorporated into the Mysore state, under the [[States Reorganisation Act]] of 1956. The thus expanded state was renamed Karnataka, seventeen years later, on 1 November 1973.<ref name="Unification">{{cite news |url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/images/Rajyotsava12352120051031.asp |title=History in the making |newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]] |date=1 November 2005 |first=Prem Paul |last=Ninan |access-date=24 July 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222111458/http://archive.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/images/Rajyotsava12352120051031.asp |archive-date=22 December 2015}}</ref> In the early 1900s through the post-independence era, industrial visionaries such as Sir [[Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya]], played an important role in the development of Karnataka's strong manufacturing and industrial base.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gowda |first=Chandan |date=15 September 2010 |title=Visvesvaraya, an engineer of modernity |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/Visvesvaraya-an-engineer-of-modernity/article15926009.ece |access-date=17 December 2021 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=17 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217021541/https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/Visvesvaraya-an-engineer-of-modernity/article15926009.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Gupta, Jyoti Bhusan Das, ed. (2007). ''Science, Technology, Imperialism and War''. History of Science, Philosophy and Culture in Indian Civilization. XV(1). Pearson Longman. p. 247.</ref>

== Geography ==
{{Main|Geography of Karnataka|Rainfall in Karnataka|List of beaches in Karnataka}}
[[File:Jog Falls 05092016.jpg|thumb|[[Jog Falls]], formed by Sharavathi River, are the second-highest plunge waterfalls in India.]]

The state has three principal geographical zones:

# The coastal region of [[Karavali]] and [[Tulu Nadu]]
# The hilly [[Malenadu]] region comprising the [[Western Ghats]]
# The [[Bayaluseeme]] region comprising the plains of the [[Deccan Plateau]]

The bulk of the state is in the [[Bayalu Seeme|Bayaluseeme]] region, the northern part of which is the second-largest [[arid]] region in India.<ref name="arid">{{cite web |url=http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl1817/18170420.htm |first=Parvathi |last=Menon |title=Karnataka's agony |work=The Frontline, Volume 18 – Issue 17, 18–31 August 2001 |access-date=4 May 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101052709/http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl1817/18170420.htm |archive-date=1 January 2016}}</ref> The highest point in Karnataka is the [[Mullayanagiri]] hills in [[Chikmagalur district]] which has an altitude of {{cvt|1925|m|ft|0}}. The two main river systems of the state are the [[Krishna River|Krishna]] and its tributaries, the [[Bhima River|Bhima]], [[Ghataprabha River|Ghataprabha]], [[Vedavathi River|Vedavathi]], [[Malaprabha River|Malaprabha]] and [[Tungabhadra River|Tungabhadra]] in North Karnataka, and the [[Kaveri]] and its tributaries, the [[Hemavati River|Hemavati]], [[Shimsha]], [[Arkavati]], [[Lakshmana Tirtha|Lakshmana Thirtha]] and [[Kabini River|Kabini]], in South Karnataka. Most of these rivers flow out of Karnataka eastward, reaching the sea at the [[Bay of Bengal]]. Other prominent rivers such as the [[Sharavati]] in [[Shimoga]] and [[Netravati River|Netravati]] in [[Dakshina Kannada]] flow westward to the [[Lakshadweep Sea]]. A large number of [[List of dams and reservoirs in Karnataka|dams and reservoirs]] are constructed across these rivers which richly add to the [[irrigation]] and [[hydroelectricity]] power generation capacities of the state.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hydropower generation doubled in 5 yrs but poor monsoon brings bad news |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/hydropower-generation-doubled-in-5-yrs-but-poor-monsoon-brings-bad-news-1233623.html |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/591861468257957047|title=India - Karnataka Irrigation Project|publisher=World Bank}}</ref>

Karnataka consists of four main types of geological formations<ref name="geology">{{cite web |url=http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/paper/TR109/TR109_TVR.pdf |author1=Ramachandra T.V. |author2=Kamakshi G.|name-list-style=amp |title=Bioresource Potential of Karnataka |work=Technical Report No. 109, November 2005 |publisher=Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore |access-date=5 May 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070615001648/http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/energy/paper/TR109/TR109_TVR.pdf |archive-date=15 June 2007}}</ref> – the ''[[Archean]] complex'' made up of [[Dharwad]] [[schist]]s and granitic [[gneiss]]es,<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Naha |first1=K. |last2=Srinivasan |first2=R. |last3=Jayaram |first3=S. |title=Structural evolution of the Peninsular Gneiss — an early Precambrian migmatitic complex from South India |journal=Geologische Rundschau |date=February 1990 |volume=79 |issue=1 |pages=99–109 |doi=10.1007/BF01830449 |bibcode=1990GeoRu..79...99N }}</ref> the ''[[Proterozoic]]'' non-fossiliferous sedimentary formations of the Kaladgi and Bhima series,<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Dey |first1=Sukanta |title=Chapter 19 Geological history of the Kaladgi–Badami and Bhima basins, south India: sedimentation in a Proterozoic intracratonic setup |journal=Geological Society, London, Memoirs |date=30 March 2015 |volume=43 |issue=1 |pages=283–296 |doi=10.1144/M43.19 |bibcode=2015GSLMm..43..283D }}</ref> the ''Deccan trappean and intertrappean deposits'' and the tertiary and recent [[laterite]]s and alluvial deposits.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Radhakrishna |first=B. P. |title=Geology of Karnataka |date=1997 |publisher=Geological Society of India |others=R. Vaidyanadhan |isbn=81-85867-08-9 |edition=2nd |location=Bangalore [India] |oclc=39707803}}</ref> Laterite cappings that are found in many districts over the [[Deccan Traps]] were formed after the cessation of volcanic activity in the early tertiary period. Eleven groups of soil orders are found in Karnataka, viz. [[Entisol]]s, [[Inceptisol]]s, [[Mollisol]]s, [[Spodosol]]s, [[Alfisol]]s, [[Ultisol]]s, [[Oxisol]]s, [[Aridisol]]s, [[Vertisol]]s, [[Andisol]]s and [[Histosol]]s.<ref name="geology" /><ref name=":1">National Informatics Centre. "Traditional Soil Groups of Karnataka and their Geographic Distribution". ''Official Website of the Department of Agriculture, Govt. of Karnataka''. Govt. of Karnataka. Retrieved 25 March 2007.</ref> Depending on the agricultural capability of the soil, the soil types are divided into six types, ''[[viz.]]'' red, [[Lateritic soil|lateritic]], black, alluvio-colluvial, forest and coastal soils.<ref name=":1"/>

About {{cvt|38284|km2|sqmi|0}} of Karnataka (i.e. 16% of the state's geographic area) is covered by forests.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |title=Forest Survey of India- Karnataka |url=http://fsi.nic.in/isfr19/vol2/isfr-2019-vol-ii-karnataka.pdf |journal=Forest Survey of India |volume=2 |access-date=25 December 2021 |archive-date=22 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222042807/https://fsi.nic.in/isfr19/vol2/isfr-2019-vol-ii-karnataka.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=India. Directorate of Economics and Statistics |title=Agricultural statistics at a glance 2014 |date=2015 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-945965-0 |edition=1st |location=New Delhi, India |oclc=905588033}}</ref> The forests are classified as reserved, protected, unclosed, village and private forests.<ref name=":2"/> The percentage of forested area is slightly less than the all-India average of about 23%,<ref name=":2"/> and significantly less than the 33% prescribed in the National Forest Policy.<ref name="forest_area">{{cite web |url=http://www.kar.nic.in/kla/karnataka.htm |title=Karnataka – An Introduction |work=Official website of the Karnataka legislature |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070807055904/http://www.kar.nic.in/kla/karnataka.htm |archive-date=7 August 2007 |access-date=4 October 2007}}</ref>

=== Climate ===
Karnataka experiences four seasons. The winter in January and February is followed by summer between March and May, the [[monsoon]] season between June and September and the post-monsoon season from October till December. [[Meteorology|Meteorologically]], Karnataka is divided into three zones&nbsp;– coastal, north interior and south interior. Of these, the coastal zone receives the heaviest rainfall with an average rainfall of about {{cvt|3638.5|mm|in|0}} per annum, far in excess of the state average of {{cvt|1139|mm|in|0}}. [[Amagaon]] in [[Khanapur|Khanapura taluka]] of [[Belgaum district]] received {{cvt|10068|mm|in|0}} of rainfall in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/RAINFALL%202010.pdf |title=Rainfall Statistics of Karnataka 2010 |publisher=Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Karnataka |access-date=16 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217030241/http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/RAINFALL%202010.pdf |archive-date=17 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014 Kokalli in [[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi taluka]] of [[Uttara Kannada district]] received {{cvt|8746|mm|in|0}} of rainfall.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%20RAINFALL%202014.pdf |title=Rainfall Statistics of Karnataka 2014 |publisher=Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Karnataka |access-date=16 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311130816/http://des.kar.nic.in/sites/ANNUAL%20RAINFALL%202014.pdf |archive-date=11 March 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Agumbe]] in [[Thirthahalli|Thirthahalli taluka]] and [[Hulikal]] of [[Hosanagara taluk]]a in [[Shimoga district]] were the rainiest cities in Karnataka, situated in one of the wettest regions in the world.<ref name="second">Agumbe's receiving the second highest rainfall in India is mentioned by {{cite web |url=http://www.centralchronicle.com/20070328/2803302.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013130243/http://www.centralchronicle.com/20070328/2803302.htm |archive-date=13 October 2007 |title=Link Godavari, Krishna & Cauvery |first=Arabinda |last=Ghose |work=The Central Chronicle, dated 2007-03-28 |publisher=2007, Central Chronicle |access-date=16 May 2007}}</ref>

The state is projected to warm about {{cvt|2.0|°C-change|°F-change|lk=on|0}} by 2030. The monsoon is set to provide less rainfall. Agriculture in Karnataka is mostly rainfed as opposed to irrigated, making it highly vulnerable to expected changes in the monsoon.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kumar |first1=Suresh |last2=Raizada |first2=A. |last3=Biswas |first3=H. |last4=Srinivas |first4=S. |last5=Mondal |first5=Biswajit |title=Application of indicators for identifying climate change vulnerable areas in semi-arid regions of India |journal=Ecological Indicators |date=November 2016 |volume=70 |pages=507–517 |doi=10.1016/j.ecolind.2016.06.041 |bibcode=2016EcInd..70..507K }}</ref> The highest recorded temperature was {{cvt|45.6|°C|°F|lk=on|0}} in [[Raichur|Raichuru district]]. The lowest recorded temperature was {{cvt|2.8|°C|°F|0}} at [[Bidar|Bidar district]].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=December 2016 |title=Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (up to 2012) |url=https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf |journal=India Meteorological Department, Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012) |page=40 |access-date=29 May 2021 |archive-date=5 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Flora and fauna ===
{{Main|Wildlife of Karnataka}}

[[File:Coraciasbenghalensis.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Photo of olive-winged bird with sky-blue head/vest.|The state bird, [[Indian roller]]]]
[[File:Tigers at the water hole.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Bengal tiger]]s at [[Bannerghatta National Park]] near Bengaluru]]

Karnataka is home to a variety of wildlife. It has a recorded forest area of {{cvt|38720|km2|sqmi|0}} which constitutes 12.3% of the total geographical area of the state.<ref name="forestdept">Statistics related to forests in Karnataka is provided by {{cite web |title=Statistics |url=http://karnatakaforest.gov.in/English/forest_glance/forest_at_glance.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927093340/http://karnatakaforest.gov.in/English/forest_glance/forest_at_glance.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007 |access-date=6 May 2007 |work=Online Webpage of the Forest Department |publisher=Government of Karnataka}}</ref> These forests support 25% of the [[Indian elephant]] and 10% of the [[tiger]] population of India. Many regions of Karnataka are as yet unexplored, so new species of flora and fauna are found periodically. The [[Western Ghats]], a [[biodiversity hotspot]], includes the western region of Karnataka. Bandipur and [[Nagarhole National Park]]s were included in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in 1986, a UNESCO designation.<ref name="unesco1">{{cite web |url=http://www.unesco.org.uy/mab/documentospdf/sevilla5.pdf |title=Seville 5, Internal Meeting of Expects, Proceedings, Pamplona, Spain, 23–27 October 2000 |publisher=[[UNESCO]] |access-date=1 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609231736/http://www.unesco.org.uy/mab/documentospdf/sevilla5.pdf |archive-date=9 June 2007}}</ref> The Indian roller and the Indian elephant are recognised as the state bird and animal while [[sandalwood]] and the [[Lotus (genus)|lotus]] are recognised as the state tree and flower respectively. Karnataka has five national parks: [[Anshi National Park|Anshi]], [[Bandipur National Park|Bandipur]], [[Bannerghatta National Park|Bannerghatta]], [[Kudremukh National Park|Kudremukh]] and Nagarhole.<ref name="book">A Walk on the Wild Side, An Information Guide to National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of Karnataka, Compiled and Edited by Nima Manjrekar, Karnataka Forest Department, Wildlife Wing, October 2000</ref> It also has 27 wildlife sanctuaries of which seven are bird sanctuaries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wiienvis.nic.in/Database/wls_8230.aspx |title=Wildlife Sanctuaries |website=ENVIS Centre on Wildlife & Protected Areas |access-date=17 February 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223175631/http://wiienvis.nic.in/Database/wls_8230.aspx |archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref><ref name="forestdept" />

Wild animals in Karnataka include the Indian elephant, tiger, [[leopard]], [[gaur]], [[sambar deer]], [[chital]], [[Indian muntjac]], [[bonnet macaque]], [[slender loris]], [[Asian palm civet]], [[small Indian civet]], [[sloth bear]], [[dhole]], [[striped hyena]], [[Bengal fox]] and [[golden jackal]]. Some of the birds present include the [[great hornbill]], [[Malabar pied hornbill]], [[Ceylon frogmouth]], herons, ducks, kites, eagles, [[falcon]]s, [[Old World quail|quails]], [[partridge]]s, [[lapwing]]s, [[sandpiper]]s, pigeons, doves, [[parakeet]]s, cuckoos, owls, [[nightjar]]s, [[Swift (bird)|swift]]s, [[kingfisher]]s, bee-eaters and [[munia]]s.<ref name="book" /><ref>[https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(iplgz1hkulaidh3dcg0smd5x))/English/Wildlife.aspx Threatened Fauna of Karnataka] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227032232/https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(iplgz1hkulaidh3dcg0smd5x))/English/Wildlife.aspx |date=27 December 2021 }} By the Karnataka Forest Department</ref><ref>[https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(iplgz1hkulaidh3dcg0smd5x))/English/EndemicFauna.aspx Endemic fauna of Karnataka] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227032233/https://aranya.gov.in/aranyacms/(S(iplgz1hkulaidh3dcg0smd5x))/English/EndemicFauna.aspx |date=27 December 2021}} By the Karnataka Forest Department</ref> Some species of trees are ''[[Calophyllum tomentosum]]'', ''[[Calophyllum apetalum]]'', ''[[Garcinia cambogia]]'', ''[[Garcinia morella]]'', ''[[Alstonia scholaris]]'', ''[[Flacourtia montana]]'', ''[[Artocarpus hirsutus]]'', ''[[Artocarpus lacucha]]'', ''[[Cinnamomum zeylanicum]]'', ''[[Grewia tiliifolia]]'', ''[[Santalum album]]'', ''Shorea talura'', ''[[Emblica officinalis]]'', ''[[Vitex altissima]]'' and ''[[Wrightia tinctoria]]''. Wildlife in Karnataka is threatened by [[poaching]], [[habitat destruction]], [[Human–wildlife conflict|human-wildlife conflict]] and [[pollution]].<ref name="book" />

== Sub-divisions ==
[[File:Political map of Indian state of Karnataka.png|thumb|Political map of Indian state of Karnataka with the official names of its 31 districts.]]
{{Main|List of districts of Karnataka}}

There are 31 districts in Karnataka. Each district (zila) is administered by a [[District magistrate|Deputy Commissioner]] (also known as the ''District Collector''), who is typically an officer of the [[Indian Administrative Service]] (IAS). The districts are further divided into revenue sub-divisions, which are administered by assistant commissioners. These sub-divisions are further divided into [[Tehsil|taluks]] (or talukas), which are administered by [[Tehsildar|Tahsildars]]. Taluks comprise [[hobli]]s (clusters of adjoining villages), which include revenue villages.

Karnataka has around 6,022 Gram Panchayats, 226 Taluk Panchayats, and 31 Zilla Panchayats in rural areas.
In urban areas, there are 318 urban local bodies, including 1 [[Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike|BBMP]], 13 Municipal Corporations, 60 City Municipal Councils, 126 Town Municipal Councils, 114 Town Panchayats and 4 notified area committees.<ref>{{Cite web |title=List of City Corporations/Municipal Corporations in Karnataka- Directorate of Municipal Administration |url=http://www.municipaladmn.gov.in/en/cc}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=City Municipal Council's {{!}} Directorate of Municipal Administration |url=http://www.municipaladmn.gov.in/en/cmc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716223522/http://www.municipaladmn.gov.in/en/cmc |archive-date=16 July 2020 |access-date=7 August 2025 |website=www.municipaladmn.gov.in |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Town Municipal Council's {{!}} Directorate of Municipal Administration |url=http://www.municipaladmn.gov.in/en/tmc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714043550/http://www.municipaladmn.gov.in/en/tmc |archive-date=14 July 2020 |access-date=7 August 2025 |website=www.municipaladmn.gov.in |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=List of Town Panchayats in Karnataka - Directorate of Municipal Administration |url=http://www.municipaladmn.gov.in/en/tp}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
! Sl. no.
! Divisions
! Capital
! Sl. no.
! Districts
! Capital
|-
| rowspan="7" style="text-align: center" | 1
| rowspan="7" | [[Kitturu Karnataka Division|Kitturu Karnataka]]
| rowspan="7" | [[Belgaum]]
| style="text-align: center" | 1
| [[Bagalkot district|Bagalkot]]
| [[Bagalkot]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 2
| [[Belagavi district|Belgaum]]
| [[Belgaum]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 3
| [[Dharwad district|Dharwad]]
| [[Dharwad]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 4
| [[Gadag district|Gadag]]
| [[Gadag-Betageri]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 5
| [[Haveri district|Haveri]]
| [[Haveri]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 6
| [[Uttara Kannada]]
| [[Karwar]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 7
| [[Bijapur district, Karnataka|Bijapur]]
| [[Bijapur]]
|-
| rowspan="9" style="text-align: center" | 2
| rowspan="9" | [[Bangalore division|Bengaluru]]
| rowspan="9" | [[Bengaluru]]
| style="text-align: center" | 8
| [[Bangalore Urban district|Bengaluru Urban]]
| [[Bengaluru]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 9
| [[Bangalore Rural district|Bengaluru Rural]]
| [[Doddaballapura]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 10
| [[Ramanagara district|Bengaluru South]]
| [[Ramanagara]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 11
| [[Chikkaballapura district|Chikkaballapura]]
| [[Chikkaballapur]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 12
| [[Chitradurga district|Chitradurga]]
| [[Chitradurga]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 13
| [[Davanagere district|Davanagere]]
| [[Davanagere]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 14
| [[Kolar district|Kolar]]
| [[Kolar, Karnataka|Kolar]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 15
| [[Shimoga district|Shimoga]]
| [[Shimoga]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 16
| [[Tumakuru district|Tumakuru]]
| [[Tumkur]]
|-
| rowspan="7" style="text-align: center" | 3
| rowspan="7" | [[Kalaburagi division|Kalyana Karnataka]]
| rowspan="7" | [[Kalaburagi|Kalabuargi]]
| style="text-align: center" | 17
| [[Ballari district|Ballari]]
| [[Ballari]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 18
| [[Bidar district|Bidar]]
| [[Bidar]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 19
| [[Gulbarga district|Kalabuargi]]
| [[Kalaburagi|Kalabuargi]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 20
| [[Koppal district|Koppal]]
| [[Koppal]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 21
| [[Raichur district|Raichur]]
| [[Raichur]]
|-

| style="text-align: center" | 22
| [[Yadgir district|Yadagiri]]
| [[Yadgir|Yadagiri]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 23
| [[Vijayanagara district|Vijayanagara]]
| [[Hospet]]
|-
| rowspan="8" style="text-align: center" | 4
| rowspan="8" | [[Mysore division|Mysore]]
| rowspan="8" | [[Mysore]]
| style="text-align: center" | 24
| [[Chamarajanagar district|Chamarajanagara]]
| [[Chamarajanagar]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 25
| [[Chikmagalur district|Chikmagalur]]
| [[Chikmagalur]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 26
| [[Dakshina Kannada]]
| [[Mangaluru]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 27
| [[Hassan district|Hassan]]
| [[Hassan, Karnataka|Hassan]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 28
| [[Kodagu district|Kodagu]]
| [[Madikeri]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 29
| [[Mandya district|Mandya]]
| [[Mandya]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 30
| [[Mysore district|Mysore]]
| [[Mysore]]
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 31
| [[Udupi district|Udupi]]
| [[Udupi]]
|}

== Demographics ==
{{Main|Demographics of Karnataka|Karnataka ethnic groups}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" align="right"
|-
! Rank
! City
! District
! Population (2011)
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 1
| [[Bengaluru]]
| [[Bangalore Urban|Bengaluru Urban]]
| 10,456,000
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 2
| [[Hubli–Dharwad]]
| [[Dharwad district|Dharwad]]
| 943,857
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 3
| [[Mysore]]
| [[Mysore district|Mysore]]
| 920,550
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 4
| [[Belgaum]]
| [[Belagavi district|Belagavi]]
| 610,350
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 5
| [[Kalaburagi]]
| [[Kalaburagi district|Kalaburagi]]
| 543,147
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 6
| [[Mangaluru]]
| [[Dakshina Kannada district|Dakshina Kannada]]
| 484,785
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 7
| [[Davanagere]]
| [[Davanagere district|Davanagere]]
| 435,128
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 8
| [[Ballari]]
| [[Ballari district|Ballari]]
| 409,444
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 9
| [[Bijapur]]
| [[Bijapur district, Karnataka|Bijapur]]
| 330,143
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 10
| [[Shimoga]]
| [[Shimoga district|Shimoga]]
| 322,650
|-
| style="text-align: center" | 11
| [[Tumkur]]
| [[Tumakuru district|Tumakuru]]
| 305,821
|}
According to the 2011 census of India,<ref name="LiteracyandSexCensus">{{cite web |url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/karnataka.html |title=Karnataka Population Sex Ratio in Karnataka Literacy rate data |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807185033/http://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/karnataka.html |archive-date=7 August 2013}}</ref> the total population of Karnataka was 61,095,297 of which 30,966,657 (50.7%) were male and 30,128,640 (49.3%) were female, or 1000 males for every 973 females. This represents a 15.60% increase over the population in 2001. The population density was 319 per km<sup>2</sup> and 38.67% of the people lived in urban areas. The literacy rate was 75.36% with 82.47% of males and 68.08% of females being literate.<ref name="LiteracyandSexCensus" />

In 2007 the state had a birth rate of 2.2%, a death rate of 0.7%, an infant mortality rate of 5.5% and a maternal mortality rate of 0.2%. The [[total fertility rate]] was 2.2.<ref name="health">{{cite web |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2118/stories/20040910002909100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101008002526/http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2118/stories/20040910002909100.htm |archive-date=8 October 2010 |title=Envisaging a healthy growth |work=The Hindu |access-date=21 June 2007 }}</ref>

Karnataka's private sector speciality health care competes with the best in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kanathanda |first=ManuAiyappa |date=18 October 2017 |title=Karnataka to standardize costs of medical tourism services |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/karnataka-to-standardize-costs-of-medical-tourism-services/articleshow/61127801.cms |access-date=27 December 2021 |website=[[The Times of India]] |archive-date=27 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227031221/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/karnataka-to-standardize-costs-of-medical-tourism-services/articleshow/61127801.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="healthcare">{{cite web |url=http://www.blonnet.com/2004/11/24/stories/2004112402271700.htm |title=Karnataka bets big on healthcare tourism |work=The Hindu Business Line, dated 2004-11-23 |publisher=2004, The Hindu |access-date=21 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929184911/http://www.blonnet.com/2004/11/24/stories/2004112402271700.htm |archive-date=29 September 2008}}</ref> Karnataka has also established a modicum of public health services having a better record of health care and child care than most other states of India. In spite of these advances, some parts of the state still suffer from the lack of primary health care.<ref name="childcare">{{cite web |url=http://www.educationworldonline.net/eduworld/article.php?choice=prev_art&article_id=336&issueid=28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080317085248/http://www.educationworldonline.net/eduworld/article.php?choice=prev_art&article_id=336&issueid=28 |archive-date=17 March 2008 |title=Ticking child healthcare time bomb |work=The Education World |publisher=Education World |access-date=21 June 2007}}</ref>

Karnataka ranked tenth in the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025, with a score of 40.8.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gupta |first=Cherry |date=28 January 2025 |title=India's top 10 best-performing states in the Fiscal Health Index 2025 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/top-10-listing/indias-top-10-best-performing-states-in-the-fiscal-health-index-2025-9801341/ |work=The Indian Express |access-date=20 February 2025}}</ref>

=== Religion ===
{{Main|Religion in Karnataka}}

{{pie chart
|caption=Religion in Karnataka (2011)<ref name="census2011">{{cite web |title=Population by religion community – 2011 |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS |website=Census of India, 2011 |publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825155850/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-01/DDW00C-01%20MDDS.XLS |archive-date=25 August 2015}}</ref>
|label1=[[Hinduism]]|color1=darkorange|value1=84.00
|label2=[[Islam]]|color2=green|value2=12.92
|label3=[[Christianity]]|color3=dodgerblue|value3=1.87
|label4=[[Jainism]]|color4=brown|value4=0.72
|label5=[[Buddhism]]|color5=gold|value5=0.16
|label6=[[Sikhism]]|color6=DarkKhaki|value6=0.05
|label7=Other|color7=pink|value7=0.02
|label8=Not religious|color8=black|value8=0.27
}}
[[File:Vishnu image inside cave number 3 in Badami.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Vishnu]] image inside the [[Badami cave temples|Badami Cave Temple Complex]] number 3. The complex is an example of [[Indian rock-cut architecture]].]]
[[File:Gomateswara.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Giant grey stone statue of nude man with vines climbing legs to his arms |[[Bahubali|Gomateswara]] (982–983) at [[Shravanabelagola]] is an important centre of [[Jain]] pilgrimage.]]

[[Adi Shankaracharya|Adi Shankara]] (788–820 CE) chose [[Sringeri]] in Karnataka to establish the first of his four ''[[matha]]s'' (monastery). [[Madhvacharya]] (1238–1317) was the chief proponent of [[Dvaita Vedanta|Tattvavada]] (philosophy of reality), popularly known as [[Dvaita]] or Dualistic school of Hindu philosophy&nbsp;– one of the three most influential [[Vedanta]] philosophies. Madhvacharya was one of the important philosophers during the [[Bhakti movement]]. He was a pioneer in many ways, going against standard conventions and norms. According to tradition, Madhvacharya is believed to be the third incarnation of [[Vayu]] (Mukhyaprana), after [[Hanuman]] and [[Bhima]]. The [[Haridasa]] devotional movement is considered one of the turning points in the cultural history of India. Over a span of nearly six centuries, several saints and mystics helped shape the culture, philosophy, and art of South India and Karnataka in particular by exerting considerable spiritual influence over the masses and kingdoms that ruled South India.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

This movement was ushered in by the Haridasas (literally "servants of Hari") and took shape in the 13th century – 14th century CE, period, prior to and during the early rule of the Vijayanagara empire. The main objective of this movement was to propagate the Dvaita philosophy of Madhvacharya (Madhva Siddhanta) to the masses through a literary medium known as [[Dasa Sahitya]]. [[Purandara Dasa]] is widely recognised as the ''"Pithamaha"'' of [[Carnatic Music]] for his immense contribution. [[Ramanujacharya|Ramanuja]], the leading expounder of ''[[Vishishtadvaita]]'', spent many years in [[Melkote]]. He came to Karnataka in 1098 CE and lived here until 1122 CE. He first lived in Tondanur and then moved to Melkote where the [[Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple]] and a well-organised ''matha'' were built. He was patronised by the Hoysala king, [[Vishnuvardhana]].<ref name="Kamath">Kamath (2001), pp. 150–152</ref>

In the twelfth century, [[Lingayatism]] emerged in northern Karnataka as a protest against the rigidity of the prevailing social and caste system. Leading figures of this movement were [[Basava]], [[Akka Mahadevi]] and [[Allama Prabhu]], who established the [[Anubhava Mantapa]] which was the centre of all religious and philosophical thoughts and discussions pertaining to Lingayats. These three social reformers did so by the literary means of ''"Vachana Sahitya"'' which is very famous for its simple, straight forward and easily understandable Kannada language. Lingayatism preached women equality by letting women wear ''Ishtalinga'' i.e. Symbol of god around their neck. Basava shunned the sharp hierarchical divisions that existed and sought to remove all distinctions between the hierarchically superior master class and the subordinate, servile class. He also supported inter-caste marriages and Kaay Ta tTatva of Basavanna. This was the basis of the [[Lingayat]] faith which today counts millions among its followers.<ref name="basava">Kamath (2001), pp. 152–154.</ref>

The [[Jain]] philosophy and literature have contributed immensely to the religious and cultural landscape of Karnataka.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

[[Islam]], which had an early presence on the west coast of India as early as the tenth century, gained a foothold in Karnataka with the rise of the Bahamani and Bijapur sultanates that ruled parts of Karnataka.<ref name="bam">Sastri (1955), p. 396.</ref> [[Christianity]] reached Karnataka in the sixteenth century with the arrival of the [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] and [[St. Francis Xavier]] in 1545.<ref name="chris">Sastri (1955), p. 398.</ref>

[[Buddhism]] was popular in Karnataka during the first millennium in places such as [[Gulbarga]] and [[Banavasi]]. A chance discovery of edicts and several [[Maurya]]n relics at [[Sannati]] in [[Kalaburagi district]] in 1986 has proven that the [[Krishna River]] basin was once home to both [[Mahayana]] and [[Hinayana]] Buddhism. There are [[Refugees in India|Tibetan refugee]] camps in Karnataka.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.vagabondjourney.com/90-in-002-tibetan-refugees-in-india.shtml|title=Tibetan Refugees in India}} Seekers of Refuge in a Land of No Return: Conversations with Tibetan Refugees in Bylakuppe</ref> 

==== Festivals ====
[[Mysore Dasara]] is celebrated as the ''Nada habba'' (state festival) and this is marked by major festivities at Mysore. [[Bangalore Karaga|Bengaluru Karaga]], celebrated in the heart of Bengaluru, is the second most important festival celebrated in Karnataka.<ref name="nada-habba">{{cite news |title=Dasara fest panel meets Thursday |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/88517.cms |work=The Times of India, dated 2003-07-22 |publisher=Times Internet Limited. |access-date=17 July 2007 |date=22 July 2003 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012174112/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/88517.cms |archive-date=12 October 2007}}</ref> ''[[Ugadi]]'' (Kannada New Year), [[Makara Sankranti]] (the harvest festival), [[Ganesh Chaturthi]], [[Gowri Habba|Gauri Habba]], [[Ram Navami|Rama Navami]], [[Nagaradhane|Nagapanchami]], [[Basava Jayanthi|Basava Jayanti]], [[Diwali|Deepavali]], and [[Balipadyami]] are the other major festivals of Karnataka.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

=== Language ===

[[File:Language Map of Karnataka (2011 Census).svg|left|200px|thumb|Languages spoken by district '''Kannada'''
{{legend|#fbf5d0|30–40%}}
{{legend|#f5e8a3|40–50%}}
{{legend|#f0db75|50–60%}}
{{legend|#e9cb35|60–70%}}
{{legend|#d3b418|70–80%}}
{{legend|#b89d14|80–90%}}
{{legend|#9c8411|90–100%}}

'''Tulu'''
{{legend|#e5b8b3ff|40–50%}}
]]

{{Main|Kannada|Kannada literature|Tulu language|Konkani language|Urdu|Kodava language|Beary language}}

[[File:Halmidi oldKannada inscription mounted.JPG|thumb|upright|left|alt=Monument with black plaque of inscribed writing |[[Halmidi inscription]] (450 CE) is the earliest attested inscription in the [[Kannada language]].]]
{{Pie chart
| caption = Languages of Karnataka ([[2011 Census of India|2011 census]])<ref name="census2011-langreport">{{cite web |title=Language – India, States and Union Territories |url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/C-16_25062018_NEW.pdf |work=Census of India 2011 |publisher=Office of the Registrar General |pages=12–14, 49 |access-date=8 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114073412/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/C-16_25062018_NEW.pdf |archive-date=14 November 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| label1 = [[Kannada]]
| value1 = 66.46
| color1 = darkslateblue
| label2 = [[Deccani language|Urdu]]
| value2 = 10.83
| color2 = green
| label3 = [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| value3 = 5.84
| color3 = steelblue
| label4 = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| value4 = 3.45
| color4 = royalblue
| label5 = [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
| value5 = 3.29
| color5 = red
| label6 = [[Tulu language|Tulu]]
| value6 = 2.61
| color6 = lightskyblue
| label7 = [[Lambadi]]
| value7 = 1.59
| color7 = darkgoldenrod
| label8 = [[Hindi]]
| value8 = 1.43
| color8 = orange
| label9 = [[Konkani language|Konkani]]
| value9 = 1.29
| color9 = firebrick
| label10 = [[Malayalam]]
| value10 = 1.22
| color10 = cornflowerblue
| label11 = Others
| value11 = 1.99
| color11 = grey
}}
[[Kannada]] is the official language of the state of Karnataka, as the native language of 66.46% of its population as of 2011 and is one of the [[classical languages of India]]. [[Urdu]] is the second largest language, spoken by 10.83% of the population, and is the language of Muslims outside the coastal region. [[Telugu language|Telugu]] (5.84%) is a major language in areas bordering Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka as well as Bengaluru, while [[Tamil language|Tamil]] (3.45%) is a major language of Bengaluru and in the Kolar district. [[Marathi language|Marathi]] (3.29%) is concentrated in areas of Uttara Kannada, Belgaum and Bidar districts bordering Maharashtra. [[Lambadi]] is spoken by the [[Banjara|Lambadis]] scattered throughout North Karnataka, while [[Hindi]] is spoken in Bengaluru. [[Tulu language|Tulu]] (2.61%), [[Konkani language|Konkani]] (1.29%), and [[Malayalam]] (1.27%) are all found in linguistically diverse Coastal Karnataka, where a number of mixed and distinct dialects such as [[Arebhashe dialect|Are Bhashe]], [[Beary language|Beary Bhashe]], and [[Nawayathi dialect|Nawayathi]] are found. [[Kodava language|Kodava Takk]] is the language of Kodagu.<ref name="census2011-langreport" /><ref name="OfficialLang">{{cite web |url=http://dpal.kar.nic.in/30%20of%201981%20(E).pdf |title=The Karnataka Local Authorities (Official Language) Act, 1981 |work=Official website of Government of Karnataka |publisher=Government of Karnataka |access-date=26 July 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070810094855/http://dpal.kar.nic.in/30%20of%201981%20(E).pdf |archive-date=10 August 2007}}</ref><ref name="antiquity">{{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=44340 |title=Declaration of Telugu and Kannada as classical languages |work=Press Information Bureau |publisher=Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India |access-date=31 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216124306/http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=44340 |archive-date=16 December 2008}}</ref>

[[Kannada]] played a crucial role in the creation of Karnataka: linguistic demographics played a major role in defining the new state in 1956. [[Tulu language|Tulu]], [[Konkani language|Konkani]] and [[Kodava language|Kodava]] are other minor native languages that share a long history in the state. [[Urdu]] is spoken widely by the [[Muslim]] population. Less widely spoken languages include [[Beary bashe]] and certain languages such as [[Sankethi language|Sankethi]]. Some of the regional languages in Karnataka are [[Tulu Language|Tulu]], Kodava, Konkani and [[Beary dialect|Beary]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Karnataka Tulu Sahithya Academy |url=http://www.tuluacademy.org/en/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125032615/http://www.tuluacademy.org/en/ |archive-date=25 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Karnataka Beary Sahithya Academy |url=http://www.karnatakabearysahithyaacademy.org/about_academy.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212001322/http://www.karnatakabearysahithyaacademy.org/about_academy.html |archive-date=12 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Karnataka Konkani Sahithya Academy |url=http://www.konkaniacademy.org/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222153408/http://www.konkaniacademy.org/ |archive-date=22 December 2015}}</ref><!--Not official but regional languages of Karnataka. i.e. Native to Karnataka. Note:Telugu, Tamil, Marati etc aren't native to Karanataka-->

Kannada features a rich and ancient body of [[Kannada literature|literature]] including religious and secular genre, covering topics as diverse as [[Jainism]] (such as ''[[Purana]]s''), [[Lingayatism]] (such as [[Vachana]]s), [[Vaishnavism]] (such as [[Haridasa|''Haridasa Sahitya'']]) and [[Modern Kannada literature|modern literature]]. Evidence from edicts during the time of [[Ashoka]] (reigned 274–232 BCE) suggest that Buddhist literature influenced the [[Kannada alphabet|Kannada script]] and its literature. The [[Halmidi inscription]], the earliest attested full-length inscription in the Kannada language and script, dates from 450 CE, while the earliest available literary work, the ''[[Kavirajamarga]]'', has been dated to 850 CE. References made in the ''Kavirajamarga'', however, prove that Kannada literature flourished in the native composition metres such as ''Chattana'', ''Beddande'' and ''Melvadu'' during earlier centuries. The classic refers to several earlier greats (''purvacharyar'') of Kannada poetry and prose.<ref name="kavi5">Narasimhacharya (1988), pp. 12, 17.</ref> [[Kuvempu]], the renowned Kannada poet and writer who wrote [[Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate]], the state anthem of Karnataka<ref name="anthem">{{cite web |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2004/01/11/stories/2004011103410400.htm |title=Poem declared 'State song' |work=The Hindu |access-date=15 July 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012200650/http://hinduonnet.com/2004/01/11/stories/2004011103410400.htm |archive-date=12 October 2007}}</ref> was the first recipient of the [[Karnataka Ratna]], the highest civilian award bestowed by the [[Government of Karnataka]]. Contemporary Kannada literature has received considerable acknowledgement in the arena of Indian literature, with eight Kannada writers winning India's highest literary honour, the [[Jnanpith award]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jnanapeeta Award Recipients |url=https://www.karnataka.gov.in/page/Awards/State+Honours/Jnanapeeta+Awards/en |access-date=6 March 2022 |website=karnataka.gov.in |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306153612/https://www.karnataka.gov.in/page/Awards/State+Honours/Jnanapeeta+Awards/en |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 October 2018 |title=The anatomy of Indian literary prizes: Who writes the award-winning books in India? |url=https://www.firstpost.com/living/the-anatomy-of-indian-literary-prizes-who-writes-the-award-winning-books-in-india-5306241.html |access-date=6 March 2022 |website=Firstpost |language=en |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306153559/https://www.firstpost.com/living/the-anatomy-of-indian-literary-prizes-who-writes-the-award-winning-books-in-india-5306241.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Tulu language|Tulu]] is the majority language in the [[Kanara|coastal district]] of [[Dakshina Kannada]] and is the second most spoken in the [[Udupi district]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=India |first=Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-2900.XLSX |access-date=20 October 2020 |website=censusindia.gov.in |archive-date=22 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122232045/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-2900.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref> This region is also known as [[Tulu Nadu]].<ref>
{{Cite book |author=Anthropological Survey of India (Department of Anthropology) |title=Bulletin of the Anthropological Survey of India, Volume 25 |date=1980 |publisher=Director, Anthropological Survey of India, Indian Museum |page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=C3hDAAAAYAAJ&q=Tuluva 41]}}</ref> ''Tulu Mahabharato'', written by Arunabja in the [[Tigalari alphabet|Tigalari]] script, is the oldest surviving Tulu text.<ref name="tuluold">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/11/13/stories/2004111302140500.htm |author=Raviprasad Kamila |title=Tulu Academy yet to realise its goal |access-date=5 May 2007 |location=Chennai, India |date=13 November 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012153132/http://hindu.com/2004/11/13/stories/2004111302140500.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=12 October 2007}}</ref> Tigalari script was used by Brahmins to write [[Sanskrit]] language. The use of the [[Kannada script]] for writing Tulu and non-availability of print in Tigalari script contributed to the marginalisation of Tigalari script.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}} In Karnataka [[Konkani language|Konkani]] is mostly spoken in the [[Uttara Kannada]] and Dakshina Kannada districts and in parts of Udupi, Konkani use the Devanagari Script (which is official) Kannada script (Optional) for writing as identified by government of Karnataka.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay.aspx?newsID=35720 |title=News headlines |website=daijiworld.com |date=14 July 2007 |access-date=28 December 2020 |archive-date=11 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311074935/http://daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=35720&n_tit=mangalore:+konkani+textbooks+in+devanagari+released |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/Konkani-script-row-may-now-reach-Supreme-Court/articleshow/50888646.cms |title=Konkani script row may now reach Supreme Court |date=2 February 2016 |work=The Times of India |access-date=14 March 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208031341/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/Konkani-script-row-may-now-reach-Supreme-Court/articleshow/50888646.cms |archive-date=8 February 2016}}</ref>

The [[Kodava people|Kodavas]] who mainly reside in the [[Kodagu district]], speak Kodava Takk. Kodagu was a [[Coorg State|separate State]] with its own [[C. M. Poonacha|Chief Minister]] and Council of Ministers till 1956.  Two regional variations of the language exist, the northern ''Mendale Takka'' and the southern ''Kiggaati Takka''.<ref name="takk">{{cite web |url=http://www.languageinindia.com/oct2001/kodavarajyashree.html |author=K.S. Rajyashree |title=Kodava Speech Community: An Ethnolinguistic Study |work=Online webpage of languageindia.com |publisher=M. S. Thirumalai |access-date=6 May 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070625093611/http://www.languageinindia.com/oct2001/kodavarajyashree.html |archive-date=25 June 2007}}</ref> [[Kodava language|Kodava Takk]] has its own script, ''Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy'' has accepted [[I. M. Muthanna]]'s script which was developed in 1970 as the official script of Kodava Thakk. English is the medium of education in many schools and widely used for business communication in most private companies.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}} All of the state's languages are patronised and promoted by governmental and quasi-governmental bodies. The ''[[Kannada Sahitya Parishat]]'' and the ''Kannada Sahitya Akademi'' are responsible for the promotion of Kannada while the ''Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Akademi'',<ref name="konkani">{{cite web |url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/sep162005/district1814202005915.asp |title=Konkan Prabha released |work=Online webpage of The Deccan Herald, dated 2005-09-16 |publisher=2005, The Printers (Mysore) Private Ltd. |access-date=6 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302094115/http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/sep162005/district1814202005915.asp |archive-date=2 March 2016}}</ref> the ''[[Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy|Tulu Sahitya Academy]]'' and the ''[[Kodava Sahitya Academy]]'' promote their respective languages.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy to launch campaign to promote Tulu literature |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/karnataka-tulu-sahitya-academy-to-launch-campaign-to-promote-tulu-literature-3244660 |work=Deccan Herald |date=23 October 2024 |access-date=25 March 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Kodava Sahitya Academy Silver Jubilee in June |url=https://starofmysore.com/kodava-sahitya-academy-silver-jubilee-in-june/ |work=Star of Mysore |date=5 May 2019 |access-date=25 March 2026}}</ref>

== Government and administration ==
{{Main|Government of Karnataka|Karnataka Legislature|Unification of Karnataka|List of taluks of Karnataka}}

Karnataka has a [[parliamentary]] system of government with two democratically elected houses, the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. The Legislative Assembly consists of 224 members who are elected for five-year terms.<ref name="legi">{{cite web |url=http://www.kar.nic.in/kla/legislature.htm |title=Origin and Growth of Karnataka Legislature |work=The Government of Karnataka |publisher=Government of Karnataka |access-date=5 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070526152743/http://www.kar.nic.in/kla/legislature.htm |archive-date=26 May 2007}}</ref> The Legislative Council is a permanent body of 75 members with one-third (25 members) retiring every two years.<ref name="legi" />

The [[government of Karnataka]] is headed by the [[List of Chief Ministers of Karnataka|Chief Minister]] who is chosen by the ruling party [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|members]] of the [[Legislative Assembly]]. The Chief Minister, along with the council of ministers, executes the legislative agenda and exercises most of the executive powers.<ref>Pylee, M. V. 2003. Constitutional government in India. New Delhi: S. Chand & Co, p. 365.</ref> However, the constitutional and formal head of the state is the [[Governors and Lieutenant-Governors of states of India|Governor]] who is appointed for a five-year term by the [[President of India]] on the advice of the Union government.<ref>"The Head of the State is called the Governor who is the constitutional head of the state as the President is for the whole of India", Pylee, M. V. 2003. Constitutional government in India. New Delhi: S. Chand & Co, p. 357.</ref> The people of Karnataka also elect 28 members to the ''[[Lok Sabha]]'', the lower house of the Indian Parliament.<ref name="loksabha">{{cite web |url=http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/intro/introls.htm |title=Lok Sabha-Introduction |work=The Indian Parliament |publisher=Govt. of India |access-date=4 June 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201063345/http://parliamentofindia.nic.in/ls/intro/introls.htm |archive-date=1 December 2008}}</ref> The members of the state Legislative Assembly elect 12 members to the ''[[Rajya Sabha]]'', the upper house of the [[Parliament of India|Indian Parliament]].{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}[[File:Vidhana Soudha 2012.jpg|thumb|400px|The [[Vidhana Soudha]] in [[Bengaluru]] is the seat of the [[Legislative Assembly]] of Karnataka.|left]]For administrative purposes, Karnataka has been divided into four revenue divisions, 49 sub-divisions, 31 districts, 175 ''[[taluk]]s'' and 745 ''hoblies'' / revenue circles.<ref name="split">{{cite web |url=http://karnatakaforest.gov.in/English/forest_glance/forest_at_glance.htm |title=Statistics – Karnataka state |work=The Forest Department |publisher=Government of Karnataka |access-date=4 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927093340/http://karnatakaforest.gov.in/English/forest_glance/forest_at_glance.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref> The administration in each district is headed by a [[Deputy Commissioner (India)|Deputy Commissioner]] who belongs to the [[Indian Administrative Service]] and is assisted by a number of officers belonging to Karnataka state services. The [[Superintendent of Police (India)|Superintendent of Police]], an officer belonging to the [[Indian Police Service]] and assisted by the officers of the Karnataka Police Service, is entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining law and order and related issues in each district. The Deputy Conservator of Forests, an officer belonging to the [[Indian Forest Service]], is entrusted with the responsibility of managing forests, environment and wildlife of the district, he will be assisted by the officers belonging to Karnataka Forest Service and officers belonging to Karnataka Forest Subordinate Service. Sectoral development in the districts is looked after by the district head of each development department such as Public Works Department, Health, Education, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, etc. The judiciary in the state consists of the [[Karnataka High Court]] (''Attara Kacheri'') in Bengaluru, Hubli–Dharwad, and Kalaburagi, [[District Courts of India|district and session courts]] in each district and lower courts and judges at the ''taluk'' level.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

Politics in Karnataka has been dominated by three political parties, the [[Indian National Congress]], the [[Janata Dal (Secular)]] and the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]].<ref name="politics">{{cite web |url=http://www.ourkarnataka.com/Articles/starofmysore/karnatakapolitics1.htm |title=Karnataka Politics – Suspense till 27 January |work=OurKarnataka.com |publisher=OurKarnataka.Com, Inc. |access-date=4 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003409/http://www.ourkarnataka.com/Articles/starofmysore/karnatakapolitics1.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref> Politicians from Karnataka have played prominent roles in [[Government of India|federal government of India]] with some of them having held the high positions of [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] and Vice-President. Border disputes involving Karnataka's claim on the [[Kasaragod district|Kasaragod]]<ref name="kasaragod-dispute">{{cite news |title=Government not keen on solving Kasaragod dispute |date=24 October 2005 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/10/24/stories/2005102417830300.htm |access-date=25 October 2007 |location=Chennai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080116160641/http://www.hindu.com/2005/10/24/stories/2005102417830300.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=16 January 2008}}</ref> and [[Solapur]]<ref name="solapur-dispute">{{cite news |title=Border row: Government told to find permanent solution |date=29 September 2006 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/29/stories/2006092902300300.htm |access-date=25 October 2007 |location=Chennai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001031711/http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/29/stories/2006092902300300.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=1 October 2007}}</ref> districts and [[Maharashtra]]'s [[Belagavi border dispute|claim on Belagavi]] are ongoing since the states reorganisation.<ref name="belgaummajority1">{{cite news |title=Border dispute saves NCP the blushes |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2030188.cms |newspaper=The Times of India |date=26 September 2006 |access-date=1 November 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112132644/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2030188.cms |archive-date=12 January 2009}}</ref> The official [[:File:Karnataka emblem.png|emblem of Karnataka]] has a [[Gandaberunda|''Ganda Berunda'']] in the centre. Surmounting this are four lions facing the four directions, taken from the [[Lion Capital of Ashoka]] at [[Sarnath]]. The emblem also carries two ''[[Sharabha]]s'' with the head of an [[elephant]] and the body of a [[lion]].{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

In 2025, the Karnataka Assembly passed the Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Bill, which threatens offenders with up to ten years of imprisonment and offending organisations with collective liability. Additionally, the bill also allows the state to remove or block content which it perceives to be hateful.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Karnataka clears hate speech bill: What counts as offence, punishment, exemptions — explained |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/126057783.cms |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257 |date=18 December 2025 |access-date=24 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bhalla |first=Vineet |date=8 December 2025 |title=All about Karnataka's new Hate Speech Bill, how the issue is regulated across India |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/karnataka-new-hate-speech-bill-provisions-10404437/ |work=The Indian Express |access-date=24 December 2025}}</ref>

== Economy ==
{{Main|Economy of Karnataka|Software industry in Karnataka|Banking in Karnataka|Economy of Bengaluru|Economy of Mangaluru}}

[[File:Infosys (4911287704).jpg|thumb|[[Infosys]], a [[Bengaluru]]-headquartered [[Information technology|information-technology]] company]]
Karnataka had an estimated GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) of about US$115.86&nbsp;billion in the 2014–15 fiscal year.<ref name="IBEF">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibef.org/states/karnataka-presentation |title=Industrial Development & Economic Growth in Karnataka |publisher=Indian Brand Equity Foundation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220064750/http://www.ibef.org/states/karnataka-presentation |archive-date=20 December 2016}}</ref> The state registered a GSDP growth rate of 7% for the year 2014–2015.<ref name="DES">{{cite web |title=State and district domestic product of Karnataka |url=http://des.kar.nic.in/docs/sip/State%20and%20District%20Domestic%20Product%20of%20Kar%2014-15.pdf |publisher=Directorate of Economics and Statistics |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707073813/http://des.kar.nic.in/docs/sip/State%20and%20District%20Domestic%20Product%20of%20Kar%2014-15.pdf |archive-date=7 July 2015}}</ref> Karnataka's contribution to India's GDP in the year 2014–15 was 7.54%.<ref name="IBEF" /> With GDP growth of 17.59% and per capita GDP growth of 16.04%, Karnataka is on the 6th position among all states and union territories.<ref>{{cite web |title=Indian states by GDP Growth |url=http://statisticstimes.com/economy/gdp-growth-of-indian-states.php |website=Statistics Times |access-date=19 August 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808054036/http://statisticstimes.com/economy/gdp-growth-of-indian-states.php |archive-date=8 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Indian states by GDP per capita Growth |url=http://statisticstimes.com/economy/gdp-capita-growth-of-indian-states.php |website=Statistics Times |access-date=19 August 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821040412/http://statisticstimes.com/economy/gdp-capita-growth-of-indian-states.php |archive-date=21 August 2015}}</ref> In an employment survey conducted for the year 2013–2014, the unemployment rate in Karnataka was 1.8% compared to the national rate of 4.9%.<ref>{{cite web |title=Report on employment-unemployment survey |url=http://labourbureau.nic.in/Report%20%20Vol%201%20final.pdf |publisher=Ministry of Labour and Employment |access-date=30 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305112141/http://labourbureau.nic.in/Report%20%20Vol%201%20final.pdf |archive-date=5 March 2015}}</ref> In 2011–2012, Karnataka had an estimated poverty ratio of 20.91% compared to the national ratio of 21.92%.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=15283 |title=Table 162, Number and Percentage of Population Below Poverty Line |publisher=Reserve Bank of India, Government of India |year=2013 |access-date=20 April 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407102043/http://www.rbi.org.in/scripts/PublicationsView.aspx?id=15283 |archive-date= 7 April 2014}}</ref> In 2024, Karnataka had a multi-dimensional poverty rate of 5.67%, compared to the all India average of 11.28%.<ref>[[List of Indian states and union territories by poverty rate#:~:text=Mobile view-,"MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY IN INDIA SINCE 2005-06",-(PDF).]]</ref>

Nearly 56% of the workforce in Karnataka is engaged in agriculture and related activities.<ref name="excel">{{cite web |url=http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_pdf/shdr_kar05.pdf |title=Karnataka Human Development Report 2005 |work=The Planning Commission |publisher=Government of India |access-date=4 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070615001643/http://planningcommission.nic.in/plans/stateplan/sdr_pdf/shdr_kar05.pdf |archive-date=15 June 2007}}</ref> A total of 12.31&nbsp;million hectares of land, or 64.6% of the state's total area, is cultivated.<ref name="stats">{{cite web |url=http://raitamitra.kar.nic.in/Agri%20Policy%20Eng.pdf |title=Karnataka Agricultural Policy 2006 |work=Department of Agriculture |publisher=Government of Karnataka |access-date=4 June 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070615001645/http://raitamitra.kar.nic.in/Agri%20Policy%20Eng.pdf |archive-date=15 June 2007}}</ref> Much of the agricultural output is dependent on the [[southwest monsoon]] as only 26.5% of the sown area is irrigated.<ref name="stats" />

According to most recent data, Karnataka is considered the third richest state in India.<ref>{{Cite news |last=GUpta |first=Cherry |date=21 February 2025 |title=Top 10 richest states in India by GDSP and GDP per capita, as of 2024 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/top-10-listing/top-10-richest-states-in-india-by-gdsp-and-gdp-per-capita-as-of-2024-9601172/ |work=The Indian Express |access-date=2 March 2025}}</ref>

Karnataka is the manufacturing hub for some of the largest [[public sector]] industries in India, including [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]], [[National Aerospace Laboratories]], [[Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited]], [[Bharat Earth Movers Limited]] and [[HMT (India)|HMT]] (formerly Hindustan Machine Tools), which are based in Bengaluru. Many of India's premier science and technology research centres, such as [[Indian Space Research Organisation]], [[Central Power Research Institute]], [[Bharat Electronics Limited]] and the [[Central Food Technological Research Institute]], are also headquartered in Karnataka. [[MRPL|Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited]] is an [[oil refinery]], located in Mangalore.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

The state has also begun to invest heavily in [[solar power]] centered on the [[Pavagada Solar Park]]. As of December 2017, the state has installed an estimated 2.2 gigawatts of block solar panelling and in January 2018 announced a tender to generate a further 1.2 gigawatts in the coming years: Karnataka Renewable Energy Development suggests that this will be based on 24 separate systems (or 'blocks') generating 50 megawatts each.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pv-magazine-india.com/2018/02/01/karnataka-kredl-tenders-1-2-gw-of-solar-pv/ |title=Karnataka: KREDL tenders 1.2 GW of solar PV |date=February 2018 |access-date=1 February 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202012405/https://www.pv-magazine-india.com/2018/02/01/karnataka-kredl-tenders-1-2-gw-of-solar-pv/ |archive-date=2 February 2018}}, KREDL tenders 1.2GW of solar PV</ref><ref>"[https://www.juwi.de/fileadmin/user_upload/01_Downloads/Energie-Allee/DE_Magazine_Energie-Allee-2017-09.pdf Juwi baut 40-Megawatt-Park in Indien] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121205117/https://www.juwi.de/fileadmin/user_upload/01_Downloads/Energie-Allee/DE_Magazine_Energie-Allee-2017-09.pdf |date=21 January 2022 }}". Energie-Allee, issue of 2017, september. Retrieved 4 February 2019. (german) (pdf)</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kotak Mahindra, EIB to Invest in India's SolarArise |last=Pearson |first=Natalie Obiko |date=9 October 2014 |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-10-09/kotak-mahindra-eib-to-invest-in-india-s-solararise |publisher=[[Bloomberg News|Bloomberg L.P.]] |access-date=27 December 2021 |archive-date=27 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227032230/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-10-09/kotak-mahindra-eib-to-invest-in-india-s-solararise |url-status=live }}</ref>

Since the 1980s, Karnataka has emerged as the pan-Indian leader in the field of IT ([[information technology]]). In 2007, there were nearly 2,000 firms operating in Karnataka. Many of them, including two of India's biggest software firms, [[Infosys]] and [[Wipro]], are also headquartered in the state.<ref name="it" /> Exports from these firms exceeded {{INRConvert|500|b|year=2006}} in 2006–07, accounting for nearly 38% of all IT exports from India.<ref name="it">{{cite web |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/old/fe_full_story.php?content_id=164868 |work=The Financial Express, dated 2007-05-22 |title=IT exports from Karnataka cross Rs 50k cr |publisher=2007: Indian Express Newspapers (Mumbai) Ltd. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212034256/http://www.financialexpress.com/old/fe_full_story.php?content_id=164868 |archive-date=12 February 2008}}</ref> The [[Nandi Hills, India|Nandi Hills]] area in the outskirts of [[Devanahalli]] is the site of the upcoming $22&nbsp;billion, 50&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> [[BIAL IT Investment Region]], one of the largest infrastructure projects in the history of Karnataka.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/29/stories/2010012953620400.htm |title=Karnataka / Bangalore News: State Cabinet approves IT park near Devanahalli airport |date=29 January 2010 |access-date=16 July 2010 |location=Chennai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100405143940/http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/29/stories/2010012953620400.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=5 April 2010}}</ref> All this has earned the state capital, Bengaluru, the sobriquet ''[[Silicon Valley of India]]''.<ref name="business">{{cite web |url=http://www.indiainbusiness.nic.in/know-india/states/karnataka.htm |work=Ministry of External affairs |title=India in Business |publisher=Government of India |access-date=11 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070805124658/http://www.indiainbusiness.nic.in/know-india/states/karnataka.htm |archive-date=5 August 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=India's silicon valley 'living the dream' |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/technology-23943861 |access-date=27 December 2021 |archive-date=27 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227032230/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/technology-23943861 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Majumdar Kar |first1=Suparna |title=Locating Bengaluru as India's Silicon Valley |journal=Artha Journal of Social Sciences |date=April 2016 |volume=15 |issue=2 |pages=49–68 |doi=10.12724/ajss.37.3 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

Karnataka also leads the nation in [[biotechnology]]. It is home to India's largest biocluster, with 60% of the country's biotechnology firms being based here.<ref name="biotech">{{cite web |url=http://www.blonnet.com/2006/06/08/stories/2006060804710300.htm |work=The Hindu Business Line, dated 2006-06-08 |title=Bangalore tops biocluster list with Rs 1,400-cr revenue |publisher=2006, The Hindu Business Line |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929121144/http://www.blonnet.com/2006/06/08/stories/2006060804710300.htm |archive-date=29 September 2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Karnataka aims to become $50 billion bioeconomy by 2025 |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-bytes/karnataka-aims-to-become-50-billion-bioeconomy-by-2025/articleshow/79317913.cms?from=mdr |access-date=27 December 2021 |archive-date=27 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227032230/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-bytes/karnataka-aims-to-become-50-billion-bioeconomy-by-2025/articleshow/79317913.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 November 2020 |title=Karnataka aims at $50 billion bio-economy by 2025 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/karnataka-aims-at-50-billion-bio-economy-by-2025-7059173/ |access-date=27 December 2021 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=27 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227032230/https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/karnataka-aims-at-50-billion-bio-economy-by-2025-7059173/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The state has 18,000 hectares of land under [[Floriculture|flower cultivation]], an upcoming industry which supplies flowers and ornamental plants worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |author=Raggi Mudde |url=http://www.karnataka.com/industry/floriculture/about-floriculture/ |date=17 July 2007 |title=Floriculture |work=Karnataka.com |access-date=19 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317035610/http://www.karnataka.com/industry/floriculture/about-floriculture/ |archive-date=17 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Tejaswi |first1=Mini |last2=Tejaswibengaluru |first2=Mini |date=23 February 2021 |title=Karnataka set to add value to its flower power |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/karnataka-set-to-add-value-to-its-flower-power/article33908566.ece |access-date=27 December 2021 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=27 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227032230/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/karnataka-set-to-add-value-to-its-flower-power/article33908566.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

Seven of India's banks, [[Canara Bank]], [[Syndicate Bank]], [[Corporation Bank]], [[Vijaya Bank]], [[Karnataka Bank]], [[ING Vysya Bank]] and the [[State Bank of Mysore]] originated in this state.<ref name="cradle">{{cite web |url=http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2221/stories/20051021002509200.htm |work=The Frontline |volume=22 |issue=21 |date=21 October 2005 |title=Building on a strong base |author=Ravi Sharma |access-date=21 June 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101052709/http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2221/stories/20051021002509200.htm |archive-date=1 January 2016}}</ref> The coastal districts of [[Udupi]] and [[Dakshina Kannada]] have a branch for every 500 persons—the best distribution of banks in India.<ref name="fl">{{cite web |url=http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2015/stories/20030801002810400.htm |work=The Frontline volume 20 issue 15 |date=1 August 2003 |title=A pioneer's progress |author=Ravi Sharma |access-date=21 June 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101052709/http://www.frontline.in/static/html/fl2015/stories/20030801002810400.htm |archive-date=1 January 2016}}</ref> In March 2002, Karnataka had 4767 branches of different banks with each branch serving 11,000 persons, which is lower than the national average of 16,000.<ref name="rbi">{{cite web |url=http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Publications/PDFs/35585.pdf |title=State/Union Territory-Wise Number of Branches of Scheduled Commercial Banks and Average Population Per Bank Branch – March 2002 |work=Online webpage of the Reserve Bank of India |access-date=21 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070810094850/http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Publications/PDFs/35585.pdf |archive-date=10 August 2007}}</ref>

A majority of the [[Silk in the Indian subcontinent|silk industry in India]] is headquartered in Karnataka, much of it in [[Doddaballapura]] in Bengaluru Rural district and the state government intends to invest {{INRConvert|700|m|year=2011}} in a "Silk City" at [[Muddenahalli]] in Chikkaballapura district.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/31009/silk-city-come-up-near.html |title=Silk city to come up near B'lore |work=Deccan Herald |date=17 October 2009 |access-date=9 December 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715103600/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/31009/silk-city-come-up-near.html |archive-date=15 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?a=jg1rkmebjfi&title=Karnataka_silk_weavers_fret_over_falling_profits_due_to_globalisation&tag=Karnataka |title=Karnataka silk weavers fret over falling profits due to globalisation |work=Sify.com |date=27 June 2009 |access-date=16 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418235819/http://www.sify.com/news/fullstory.php?a=jg1rkmebjfi&title=Karnataka_silk_weavers_fret_over_falling_profits_due_to_globalisation&tag=Karnataka |archive-date=18 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Prakash |first=K. Bhagya |date=6 October 2019 |title=Odds galore, but Karnataka's silk city Ramanagara survives |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/odds-galore-but-karnatakas-silk-city-ramanagara-survives/article29604119.ece/photo/1/ |access-date=18 June 2021 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201103/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/odds-galore-but-karnatakas-silk-city-ramanagara-survives/article29604119.ece/photo/1/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

Karnataka also produces silver. The silver production of the state in 2018–19 was 214&nbsp;kg whereas in 2019–20 it was 187&nbsp;kg and in 2020–21 the silver production was 120&nbsp;kg.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Production of silver |url=https://ibm.gov.in/writereaddata/files/02132023162941Silver_2021.pdf}}</ref>

Karnataka has the only village in the country which produces authentic [[Flag of India|Indian national flags]] according to manufacturing process and specifications for the flag are laid out by the [[Bureau of Indian Standards]] at [[Hubli]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.khadifederation.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071031160457/http://www.khadifederation.com/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=31 October 2007 |title=Karnataka Khadi Gramodyog Samyukta Sangh (Federation), Hubli |publisher=Khadifederation.com |access-date=17 September 2013}}</ref>

== Transport ==
{{Main|Transport in Karnataka|List of National Highways in Karnataka|List of state highways in Karnataka}}

Air transport in Karnataka, as in the rest of the country, is still a fledgling but fast expanding sector. Karnataka has airports at Bengaluru, [[Mangalore International Airport|Mangalore]], [[Belgaum Airport|Belgaum]], [[Hubli Airport|Hubli]], [[Hampi]], [[Bellary Airport|Bellary]], [[Kalaburagi Airport|Gulbarga]], and [[Mysore Airport|Mysore]] with international operations from Bengaluru and Mangalore airports.<ref name="5airports">{{cite web |url=http://deccanherald.com/Content/Jun52007/district200706045625.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012193016/http://deccanherald.com/Content/Jun52007/district200706045625.asp |archive-date=12 October 2007 |access-date=29 June 2007 |title=5 airports to be functional soon |work=Online Webpage of The Deccan Herald, dated 2007-06-05 |publisher=2007, The Printers (Mysore) Private Ltd.}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Moudgal |first=Sandeep |date=4 October 2021 |title=Raichur: Four greenfield airports may be ready in 3-4 years in Karnataka |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/four-greenfield-airports-may-be-ready-in-3-4-yrs/articleshow/86738524.cms |access-date=27 December 2021 |website=[[The Times of India]] |archive-date=27 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211227032516/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/four-greenfield-airports-may-be-ready-in-3-4-yrs/articleshow/86738524.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Shimoga Airport|Shimoga]] and [[Bijapur Airport|Bijapur]] airports are being built under the [[UDAN|UDAN Scheme]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/karnataka-s-shivamogga-airport-to-be-completed-in-a-year-11592207289778.html |title=Karnataka's Shivamogga airport to be completed in a year |website=Livemint |date=15 June 2020 |last=Poovanna |first=Sharan |access-date=16 December 2020 |archive-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418075543/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/karnataka-s-shivamogga-airport-to-be-completed-in-a-year-11592207289778.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TNIE1">{{cite news |title=Vijayapura airport gets Karnataka cabinet nod, 18-month deadline to start operations |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2020/jul/10/vijayapura-airport-gets-karnataka-cabinet-nod-18-month-deadline-to-start-operations-2167937.html |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=10 July 2020 |access-date=28 July 2020 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728152100/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2020/jul/10/vijayapura-airport-gets-karnataka-cabinet-nod-18-month-deadline-to-start-operations-2167937.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=16 February 2021 |title=Karnataka to get brand-new airport at Vijayapura |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/karnataka-to-get-brand-new-airport-at-vijayapura/articleshow/80944514.cms |access-date=16 June 2021 |website=Bangalore Mirror |language=en |archive-date=18 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818170404/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/karnataka-to-get-brand-new-airport-at-vijayapura/articleshow/80944514.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":4" />
[[File:Mysore Airport.jpg|thumb|left|Mysore airport]]

Karnataka has a railway network with a total length of approximately {{cvt|3089|km|mi|0}}. Until the creation of the [[South Western Railway zone|South-Western Railway Zone]] headquartered at [[Hubli]] in 2003, the railway network in the state was in the [[Southern Railway zone]], [[South Central Railway zone|South-Central Railway Zone]] and [[Western Railway zone]]. Several parts of the state now come under the South Western Railway zone with 3 Railway Divisions at [[Bengaluru]], [[Mysore]], Hubli, with the remainder under the Southern Railway zone and [[Konkan Railway|Konkan Railway Zone]], which is considered one of India's biggest railway projects of the century due to the difficult terrain.<ref name="konkan">{{cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/archieve/lreleng/lyr98/l0498/PIBR220498.html |title=Prime Minister to Dedicate Konkan Railway Line to Nation on 1 May |work=Press Information Bureau |publisher=Government of India |access-date=18 July 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012205128/http://pib.nic.in/archieve/lreleng/lyr98/l0498/PIBR220498.html |archive-date=12 October 2007}}</ref> Bengaluru and other cities in the state are well-connected with intrastate and inter-state destinations.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}
[[File:Mumbai-banglore highway eagleeye view.JPG|thumb|241x241px|Bengaluru-Mumbai Highway]]
Karnataka has 11 [[Ports of Karnataka|ports]], including the [[New Mangalore Port]], a major port and ten minor ports, of which three were operational in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iddkarnataka.gov.in/docs/58.CaptivePort.pdf |title=Prefeasibility Report on Development of Captive Port at Padubidri |author=Feedback Infrastructure Services |date=May 2012 |publisher=Government of Karnataka, Infrastructure Development Department |access-date=3 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208054956/http://www.iddkarnataka.gov.in/docs/58.CaptivePort.pdf |archive-date=8 December 2015}}</ref> The New Mangalore port was incorporated as the ninth major port in India on 4 May 1974.<ref>{{cite web |title=Brief history |url=http://newmangaloreport.gov.in:8080/#!/history |website=New Mangalore Port Trust |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128051838/http://newmangaloreport.gov.in:8080/#!/history |archive-date=28 November 2016}}</ref> This port handled 32.04&nbsp;million tonnes of traffic in the fiscal year 2006–07 with 17.92&nbsp;million tonnes of imports and 14.12&nbsp;million tonnes of exports. The port also handled 1015 vessels including 18 cruise vessels during the year 2006–07. Foreigners can enter Mangalore through the New Mangalore Port with the help of [[Travel visa#Electronic visas|Electronic visa (e-visa)]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Foreigners-can-enter-India-through-five-ports-on-e-visa/article16738695.ece |title=Foreigners can enter India through five ports on e-visa |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=5 December 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205152812/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Foreigners-can-enter-India-through-five-ports-on-e-visa/article16738695.ece |archive-date = 5 December 2016}}</ref> [[Cruise ship]]s from Europe, North America and [[UAE]] arrive at New Mangalore Port to visit the tourist places across [[Coastal Karnataka]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/584097/nautica-norwegian-star-cruise-through.html |title=Nautica and Norwegian Star cruise through M'luru coast |access-date=3 December 2016 |newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303214137/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/584097/nautica-norwegian-star-cruise-through.html |archive-date=3 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151210/nation-current-affairs/article/aida-aura-arrives-mangaluru |title=Aida Aura arrives in Mangaluru |access-date=3 December 2016 |newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220065046/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/151210/nation-current-affairs/article/aida-aura-arrives-mangaluru |archive-date=20 December 2016}}</ref> The port of Mangalore is among the 4 major ports of India that receive over 25 international cruise ships every year.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/nmp-draws-up-big-plans-to-ramp-up-cruise-tourism/articleshow/71071006.cms |title=NMP draws up big plans to ramp up cruise tourism |date=11 September 2019 |access-date=6 October 2019 |work=The Times of India |archive-date=6 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106112626/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangaluru/nmp-draws-up-big-plans-to-ramp-up-cruise-tourism/articleshow/71071006.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

The total lengths of [[List of National Highways in Karnataka|National Highways]] and [[List of state highways in Karnataka|State Highways]] in Karnataka are {{cvt|3973|and|9829|km|mi|0}}, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nitin Gadkari inaugurates 33 highway projects worth Rs 11,000 crore in Karnataka |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/nitin-gadkari-inaugurates-33-highway-projects-worth-rs-11000-crore-in-karnataka/story/425440.html |access-date=18 June 2021 |website=businesstoday.in |date=19 December 2020 |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200713/https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/nitin-gadkari-inaugurates-33-highway-projects-worth-rs-11000-crore-in-karnataka/story/425440.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=5 June 2021 |title=NHAI developing four national highways in Karnataka: Karjol |language=en-IN |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/nhai-developing-four-national-highways-in-karnataka-karjol/article34737497.ece |access-date=18 June 2021 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624202207/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/nhai-developing-four-national-highways-in-karnataka-karjol/article34737497.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

The state transport corporations transport an average of 2.2&nbsp;million passengers daily and employ about 25,000 people.<ref name="ksrtc">{{cite web |url=http://ksrtc.in/about_ksrtc.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080822211002/http://ksrtc.in/about_ksrtc.htm |archive-date=22 August 2008 |title=About KSRTC |work=Online webpage of KSRTC |publisher=KSRTC |access-date=6 May 2007}}</ref> The four state-owned transport corporations are the [[Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation]] (KSRTC) and the [[Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation|Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation]] (BMTC), the [[Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation]] (KKRTC), and the [[North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation]] (NWKRTC).{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

== Culture ==
{{Main|Art and culture of Karnataka|Carnatic music|Karnataka cuisine|Kannadigas}}

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| caption1 = Official Portrait of Kannadamma<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kannada |first=TV9 |date=22 November 2022 |title=ಕನ್ನಡಾಂಬೆ ಭುವನೇಶ್ವರಿ ದೇವಿಯ ಅಧಿಕೃತ ಚಿತ್ರ ಜಾರಿಗೆ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಒಪ್ಪಿಗೆ |url=https://tv9kannada.com/karnataka/bengaluru/karnataka-govt-approved-new-kannadambe-bhuvaneshwari-devi-official-photo-ayb-au7-473831.html |access-date=1 November 2024 |website=TV9 Kannada |language=kn}}</ref>}}
The diverse linguistic and religious ethnicities that are native to Karnataka, combined with their long histories, have contributed immensely to the varied cultural heritage of the state. Apart from Kannadigas, Karnataka is home to [[Tuluva]]s, [[Kodava people|Kodavas]] and [[Konkanis]]. Minor populations of [[Tibetan Buddhist]]s and tribes like the [[Soliga tribe|Soligas]], Yeravas, [[Toda people|Todas]] and [[Siddhis of Karnataka|Siddhis]] also live in Karnataka. The [[Folk arts of Karnataka|traditional folk arts]] cover the entire gamut of music, dance, drama, storytelling by itinerant troupes, etc. ''Yakshagana'' of [[Tulu Nadu]], [[Uttara Kannada]], and Malnad regions Karnataka, a classical dance drama, is one of the major theatrical forms of Karnataka. Contemporary theatre culture in Karnataka remains vibrant with organisations like ''[[Ninasam]]'', ''[[Ranga Shankara]]'', ''[[Rangayana]]'' and ''[[Prabhat Kalavidaru]]'' continuing to build on the foundations laid by [[Gubbi Veeranna]], [[T. P. Kailasam]], [[B. V. Karanth]], [[K V Subbanna]], Prasanna and [[List of people from Karnataka#Theatre|others]].<ref>Chief Editor:H Chittaranjan. 2005. Handbook of Karnataka, Gazetteer Department of the Government of Karnataka, Chapter XIII, pp. 332–337.</ref> ''[[Veeragase]]'', ''[[Kamsale]]'', ''[[Kolata]]'' and ''[[Dollu Kunitha]]'' are popular dance forms. The [[Kingdom of Mysore|Mysore]] style of ''[[Bharatanatyam|Bharatanatya]]'', nurtured and popularised by the likes of the legendary Jatti Tayamma, continues to hold sway in Karnataka, and Bengaluru also enjoys an eminent place as one of the foremost centres of ''Bharatanatya''.<ref>H Chittaranjan (chief editor). 2005. Handbook of Karnataka, Gazetteer Department of the Government of Karnataka, Chapter XIII, pp. 350–352.</ref>

[[File:Kondadakuli.jpg|thumb|left|upright|alt=Person with painted eyes in ''yakshagana'' costume, as gold-spangled robe with red sheer scarf and spiked headress on gold crown |A ''[[yakshagana]]'' artist]]
Karnataka also has a special place in the world of [[Indian classical music]], with both Karnataka<ref>''Karnataka Music as Aesthetic Form/R. Sathyanarayana''. New Delhi, Centre for Studies in Civilizations, 2004, xiii, 185 p., {{ISBN|81-87586-16-8}}.</ref> ([[Carnatic music|Carnatic]]) and [[Hindustani music|Hindustani]] styles finding place in the state, and Karnataka has produced a number of [[List of people from Karnataka#Music|stalwarts in both styles]]. The [[Haridasa]] movement of the sixteenth century contributed significantly to the development of Karnataka (Carnatic) music as a performing art form. [[Purandara Dasa]], one of the most revered Haridasas, is known as the ''Karnataka Sangeeta Pitamaha'' ('Father of Karnataka a.k.a. Carnatic music').<ref name="father">{{cite web |title=Purandara Dasa |url=http://www.kamat.com/indica/faiths/bhakti/purandara.htm |author=Jytosna Kamat |publisher=Kamats Potpourri |access-date=31 December 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061208155920/http://www.kamat.com/indica/faiths/bhakti/purandara.htm |archive-date=8 December 2006}}</ref> Celebrated Hindustani musicians like [[Gangubai Hangal]], [[Mallikarjun Mansur]], [[Bhimsen Joshi]], [[Basavaraja Rajaguru]], [[Sawai Gandharva]] and [[List of people from Karnataka#Classical Music – Hindustani|several others]] hail from Karnataka, and some of them have been recipients of the [[Kalidas Samman]], [[Padma Bhushan]] and [[Padma Vibhushan]] awards. Noted Carnatic musicians include Violin T. Chowdiah, Veena Sheshanna, Mysore Vasudevachar, Doreswamy Iyengar and Thitte Krishna Iyengar.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

''[[Gamaka (music)|Gamaka]]'' is another [[Indian classical music|classical music]] [[music genre|genre]] based on Carnatic music that is practised in Karnataka. ''[[Bhavageete#Kannada Bhavageete|Kannada Bhavageete]]'' is a genre of popular music that draws inspiration from the expressionist poetry of modern poets. The Mysore school of painting has produced painters like Sundarayya, Tanjavur Kondayya, B. Venkatappa and Keshavayya.<ref name="play2">Kamath (2001), p. 283.</ref> ''[[Chitrakala Parishat]]'' is an organisation in Karnataka dedicated to promoting painting, mainly in the [[Mysore painting]] style.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

''[[Saree]]'' is the traditional dress of women in Karnataka. Women in Kodagu have a distinct style of wearing the ''saree'', different from the rest of Karnataka. ''[[Dhoti]]'', known as ''Panche'' in Karnataka, is the traditional attire of men. [[Shirt]], [[Trousers]] and ''[[Salwar kameez]]'' are widely worn in Urban areas. ''[[Mysore Peta]]'' is the traditional headgear of southern Karnataka, while the ''pagadi'' or ''pataga'' (similar to the [[Pagri (turban)#Rajastani Pagari|Rajasthani turban]]) is preferred in the northern areas of the state.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

[[Rice]] and ''[[Finger millet|Ragi]]'' form the staple food in South Karnataka, whereas ''[[Jolada rotti]]'', [[Sorghum]] is staple to North Karnataka. ''[[Bisi bele bath]]'', ''Jolada rotti'', ''[[Ragi mudde]]'', ''[[Upma|Uppittu]]'', ''[[Benne Dose]]'', ''[[Masala dosa|Masala Dose]]'' and ''[[Maddur vada|Maddur Vade]]'' are some of the popular food items in Karnataka. Among sweets, ''[[Mysore Pak]]'', ''[[Karadantu]]'' of [[Gokak]] and ''[[Hunagunda|Amingad]]'', ''Belgaavi Kunda'' and ''[[Dharwad pedha]]'' are popular. Apart from this, [[coastal Karnataka]] and Kodagu have distinctive cuisines of their own. [[Udupi cuisine]] of coastal Karnataka is popular all over India.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Brien |first=Charmaine O' |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BGhBAgAAQBAJ&dq=udupi+cuisine&pg=PT438 |title=The Penguin Food Guide to India |date=15 December 2013 |publisher=Penguin UK |isbn=978-93-5118-575-8 |language=en}}</ref>

== Education ==
{{Main|Education in Karnataka}}
{{See also|List of institutions of higher education in Karnataka}}
[[File:Sheeju iisc.jpg|thumb|right|alt=3-storey stone building with taller ivory tower |[[Indian Institute of Science]] is one of the premier institutes of India.]]
As per the 2011 census, Karnataka had a [[literacy rate]] of 75.60%, with 82.85% of males and 68.13% of females in the state being literate.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/karnataka/PPT_Paper_1_2011_Karnataka_literacy_85_98.pdf |title=State of Literacy |website=Census of India - 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113233443/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/data_files/karnataka/PPT_Paper_1_2011_Karnataka_literacy_85_98.pdf |archive-date=13 November 2012 }}</ref>

The [[Indian Institute of Science]] and [[Manipal Academy of Higher Education]] were ranked within the top 10 universities of India by NIRF 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MHRD, National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) |url=https://www.nirfindia.org/2020/UniversityRanking.html |access-date=15 April 2021 |website=nirfindia.org |archive-date=28 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628054704/https://www.nirfindia.org/2020/UniversityRanking.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The state is home to some of the premier educational and research institutions of India such as the [[Indian Institute of Management|Indian Institute of Management – Bengaluru]], the [[Indian Institute of Technology Dharwad|Indian Institute of Technology – Dharwad]] the [[National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences|National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences – Bengaluru]], the [[National Institute of Technology Karnataka|National Institute of Technology Karnataka – Surathkal]] and the [[National Law School of India University|National Law School of India University – Bengaluru]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Education in Karnataka |url=https://www.karnataka.gov.in/new-page/Education/en |access-date=6 March 2022 |website=karnataka.gov.in |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306153609/https://www.karnataka.gov.in/new-page/Education/en |url-status=live }}</ref>

In March 2006, Karnataka had 54,529 primary schools with 252,875 teachers and 8.495&nbsp;million students,<ref name="school">{{cite web |url=http://www.schooleducation.kar.nic.in/pdffiles/SomeImportantStatistics.pdf |title=Number of schools in Karnataka on 31-03-2006 |work=Department of Public Instruction |publisher=Government of Karnataka |access-date=6 June 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070615001645/http://www.schooleducation.kar.nic.in/pdffiles/SomeImportantStatistics.pdf |archive-date=15 June 2007}}</ref> and 9498 secondary schools with 92,287 teachers and 1.384&nbsp;million students.<ref name="school" /> There are three kinds of schools in the state, viz., government-run, private aided (financial aid is provided by the government) and private unaided (no financial aid is provided). The primary languages of instruction in most schools are [[Kannada]] and [[English language|English]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Choudhary |first=Puran |date=17 June 2024 |title=Karnataka: 1,419 government schools to start bilingual education |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2024/Jun/17/karnataka-1419-government-schools-to-start-bilingual-education |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Karnataka stats.jpg|thumb|left|Literacy rates of Karnataka districts<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/districtlist/karnataka.html |title=List of districts of Karnataka |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825071854/http://www.census2011.co.in/census/state/districtlist/karnataka.html |archive-date=25 August 2013}}</ref>]]
The syllabus taught in the schools is either of [[Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board|KSEEB (SSLC)]] and [[Pre-university course|Pre-University Course (PUC)]] of the State Syllabus, the [[Central Board of Secondary Education|CBSE]] of the Central Syllabus, [[Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations|CISCE]], [[International General Certificate of Secondary Education|IGCSE]], [[International Baccalaureate|IB]], [[National Institute of Open Schooling|NIOS]], etc., are all defined by the Department of Public Instruction of the [[Government of Karnataka]]. The state has two Sainik Schools, including [[Sainik School Bijapur|Bijapur Sainik School in Bijapur]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=List of Sainik Schools in India- Complete Details of 33 Schools and Sainik School Admission 2024-25 |url=https://nationaldefenceinstitute.in/blog/complete-list-of-sainik-schools-in-india |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=National Defence Institute |language=en}}</ref>

To maximise attendance in schools, the Karnataka Government has launched a mid-day meal scheme in government and aided schools in which free lunch is provided to the students.<ref name="lunch">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Bangalore/Mid-day_meal_scheme_extended/articleshow/2050892.cms |title=Mid-day meal scheme extended |work=The Times of India, dated 2007-05-16 |publisher=Times Internet Limited |access-date=6 June 2007 |date=16 May 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070526220312/http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Bangalore/Mid-day_meal_scheme_extended/articleshow/2050892.cms |archive-date=26 May 2007}}</ref>

[[SSLC|Statewide board examinations]] are conducted at the end of secondary education. Students who qualify are allowed to pursue a two-year [[Pre University Course|pre-university course]], after which they become eligible to pursue [[bachelor's degree|under-graduate]] degrees.<ref name=":5" />

There are 481-degree colleges affiliated with one of the [[universities]] in the state, viz. [[Bangalore University|Bengaluru University]], [[Rani Channamma University, Belagavi]], [[Gulbarga University]], [[Karnatak University]], [[Kuvempu University]], [[Mangalore University]] and [[Mysore University]].<ref name="degree">{{cite web |url=http://www.dce.kar.nic.in/statistics/districtwise%20&%20universitywise.pdf |title=Districtwise and Universitywise degree college statistics for 2006–07 |work=The Department of Collegiate Education |publisher=Government of Karnataka |access-date=6 June 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070615001645/http://www.dce.kar.nic.in/statistics/districtwise%20%26%20universitywise.pdf |archive-date=15 June 2007}}</ref> In 1998, the engineering colleges in the state were brought under the newly formed [[Visvesvaraya Technological University]] headquartered in [[Belgaum]], whereas the medical colleges are run under the jurisdiction of the [[Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences]] headquartered in [[Bengaluru]]. Some of these baccalaureate colleges are accredited with the status of a [[deemed university]]. There are 186 engineering, 39 medical and 41 dental colleges in the state.<ref>{{cite book |title=Karnataka CET 2011 Brochure |year=2010 |publisher=Karnataka Examinations Authority |location=Sampige Road, Malleshwaram, Bangalore |url=http://cet.kar.nic.in/cet2011/Brochure_files/CET_Manual_Book_69-83.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021151457/http://cet.kar.nic.in/cet2011/Brochure_files/CET_Manual_Book_69-83.pdf |archive-date=21 October 2011}}</ref> [[Udupi]], [[Sringeri]], [[Gokarna, India|Gokarna]] and [[Melkote]] are well-known places of [[Sanskrit]] and [[Veda|Vedic]] learning. In 2015 the Central Government decided to establish the first [[Indian Institute of Technology]] in Karnataka at [[Dharwad]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/first-iit-karnataka-come-dharwad-645972 |title=First IIT in Karnataka to Come up in Dharwad |website=[[International Business Times]] |date=9 September 2015 |access-date=25 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927150407/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/first-iit-karnataka-come-dharwad-645972 |archive-date=27 September 2015}}</ref> Tulu and Konkani<ref>{{cite web |title=Konkani as a third optional language in Schools |url=http://www.konkaniacademy.org/news-events/news-events1/205-konkani-as-a-third-optional-language-in-schools |year=2011 |access-date= 3 August 2016 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161005181816/http://www.konkaniacademy.org/news-events/news-events1/205-konkani-as-a-third-optional-language-in-schools |archive-date= 5 October 2016}}</ref> languages are taught as an optional subject in the twin districts of [[Dakshina Kannada]] and Udupi.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=74609 |title=Mangalore: Tulu Enters Schools as a Language of Study |date=27 March 2010 |work=daijiworld.com |publisher=Daijiworld Media Pvt Ltd Mangalore |access-date= 18 January 2011 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111103220825/http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=74609 |archive-date= 3 November 2011}}</ref>

[[Christ University]], [[Jain University]], [[CMR University]], [[Dayananda Sagar University]], [[PES University]] and [[REVA University]] are notable private universities in Karnataka.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}

On 9 February 2022, Karnataka shut its schools for three days after the regional administration-backed schools imposed a [[2022 Karnataka hijab row|hijab ban]], leading to widespread protests and violence. Other universities in the state began enforcing prohibitions after Hindu students, supported by right-wing Hindu groups, argued that if hijabs were allowed in classrooms, they should wear saffron shawls. On 5 February 2022, the Karnataka state government advised colleges to guarantee that "clothes which disturb equality, integrity, and public law and order should not be worn" in apparent support of schools' ability to enforce a ban.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Petersen |first=Hannah Ellis |date=9 February 2022 |title=Violent clashes over hijab ban in southern India force schools to close |page=1 |work=The Guardian News |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/09/violent-clashes-over-hijab-ban-in-southern-india-force-schools-to-close |access-date=10 February 2022 |archive-date=10 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210124930/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/09/violent-clashes-over-hijab-ban-in-southern-india-force-schools-to-close |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Media ==
{{Main|Media in Karnataka}}

The era of Kannada newspapers started in the year 1843 when [[Hermann Mögling]], a [[missionary]] from [[Basel Mission]], published the first Kannada newspaper called ''[[Mangaluru Samachara]]'' in [[Mangalore]]. The first Kannada periodical, ''Mysuru Vrittanta Bodhini'' was started by Bhashyam Bhashyacharya in Mysore. Shortly after Indian independence in 1948, [[K. N. Guruswamy]] founded ''The Printers (Mysuru) Private Limited'' and began publishing two newspapers, ''[[Deccan Herald]]'' and ''[[Prajavani]]''. Presently ''[[The Times of India]]'' and ''[[Vijaya Karnataka]]'' are the largest-selling English and Kannada newspapers respectively.<ref name="toi">{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1061119/asp/look/story_7016875.asp |title=Battleground Bangalore |author=Shuma Raha |date=19 November 2006 |work=The Telegraph |access-date=8 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011172555/http://telegraphindia.com/1061119/asp/look/story_7016875.asp |archive-date=11 October 2007}}</ref><ref name="vk">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1651347.cms |title=Times Group acquires Vijayanand Printers |work=Online Edition of The Times of India dated 2006-06-15 |publisher=Times Internet Limited |access-date=8 June 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701070350/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1651347.cms |archive-date=1 July 2007}}</ref> A vast number of weekly, biweekly and monthly magazines are under publication in both Kannada and English. ''Vijay Karnataka, Vijayvani, Prajavani, Udaywani, Kannada Prabha'' are some popular dailies published from Karnataka.<ref>{{Cite web |title=India: most read Kannada publications |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/885754/india-most-read-kannada-publications/ |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=Statista |language=en}}</ref>

[[Doordarshan]] is the broadcaster of the [[Government of India]] and its channel [[DD Chandana]] is dedicated to Kannada. Prominent [[List of Kannada language television channels|Kannada channels]] include [[Colors Kannada]], [[Zee Kannada]], [[Star Suvarna]] and [[Udaya TV]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Data Insights - BARC India |url=https://www.barcindia.co.in/data-insights |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=barcindia.co.in |language=en}}</ref><!--Limiting to top four channels by viewers according to https://www.barcindia.co.in/statistic.aspx-->

Karnataka occupies a special place in the history of Indian radio. In 1935, ''Aakashvani'', the first private radio station in India, was started by Prof. M.V. Gopalaswamy in [[Mysore]].<ref name="gs">Named by Na. Kasturi, a popular Kannada writer {{cite news |author=Deepa Ganesh |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2006/03/09/stories/2006030901660100.htm |title=Still a hot favourite at 50 |access-date=8 June 2007 |location=Chennai, India |date=9 March 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012153231/http://hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2006/03/09/stories/2006030901660100.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=12 October 2007}}</ref> The popular radio station was taken over by the local municipality and later by [[All India Radio]] (AIR) and moved to Bengaluru in 1955. Later in 1957, AIR adopted the original name of the radio station, ''Aakashavani'' as its own. Some of the popular programs aired by AIR Bengaluru included ''Nisarga Sampada'' and ''Sasya Sanjeevini'' which were programs that taught science through songs, plays, and stories. These two programs became so popular that they were translated and broadcast in 18 different languages and the entire series was recorded on cassettes by the Government of Karnataka and distributed to thousands of schools across the state.<ref name="gs" /> Karnataka has witnessed a growth in FM radio channels, mainly in the cities of Bengaluru, Mangalore and Mysore, which has become hugely popular.<ref name="fm">{{cite web |url=http://www.asiawaves.net/india/karnataka-radio.htm |title=Radio Stations in Karnataka, India |work=Online webpage of asiawaves.net |publisher=Alan G. Davies |access-date=18 July 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070603101601/http://www.asiawaves.net/india/karnataka-radio.htm |archive-date=3 June 2007}}</ref><ref name="popfm">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/01/12/stories/2006011218120200.htm |title=Radio has become popular again |access-date=18 July 2007 |location=Chennai, India |date=12 January 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012153147/http://hindu.com/2006/01/12/stories/2006011218120200.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=12 October 2007}}</ref>

== Sports ==
{{Main|Sports in Karnataka}}

Karnataka's smallest district, [[Kodagu district|Kodagu]], is a major contributor to [[Field hockey in India|Indian field hockey]], producing numerous players who have represented India at the international level.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mag/2004/06/13/stories/2004061300490800.htm |title=A field day in coorg |access-date=10 June 2007 |quote=Since Coorg (Kodagu) was the cradle of Indian hockey, with over 50 players from the region going on to represent the nation so far, seven of whom were Olympians... |location=Chennai, India |date=13 June 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070622070003/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mag/2004/06/13/stories/2004061300490800.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=22 June 2007}}</ref> The annual [[Kodava Hockey Festival]] is the largest hockey tournament in the world.<ref>{{cite news |author=Krishnakumar |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mag/2004/06/13/stories/2004061300490800.htm |title=A field day in coorg |access-date=10 June 2007 |date=13 June 2004 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |quote=...&nbsp;the festival assumed such monstrous proportions (one year, 350 families took part in the festival) that it found place in the Limca Book of Records. It was recognised as the largest hockey tournament in the world. This has been referred to the Guinness Book of World Records too. |location=Chennai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070622070003/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mag/2004/06/13/stories/2004061300490800.htm |archive-date=22 June 2007}}</ref> [[Bengaluru]] has hosted a [[Women's Tennis Association|WTA]] [[tennis]] event and, in 1997, it hosted the fourth National Games of India.<ref name="natlgam">{{cite news |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19970612/16350393.html |title=Curtains down on Fourth National Games |newspaper=[[The Indian Express]] |date=12 June 1997 |last=Rao |first=Roopa |access-date=5 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929124058/http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19970612/16350393.html |archive-date=29 September 2007}}</ref> The Sports Authority of India, the premier sports institute in the country, and the [[Nike, Inc|Nike]] Tennis Academy are also situated in Bengaluru. Karnataka has been referred to as the cradle of Indian swimming because of its high standards in comparison to other states.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=Karnataka re-asserts its overall supremacy |url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/magazine/karnataka-re-asserts-its-overall-supremacy/article29640706.ece |magazine=Sportstar |date=10 October 2003 |access-date=9 March 2024 |archive-date=9 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309025556/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/magazine/karnataka-re-asserts-its-overall-supremacy/article29640706.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Test Match Cricket India Vs. Pakistan.jpg|thumb|left|[[M. Chinnaswamy Stadium]] in [[Bengaluru]]]]
One of the most popular sports in Karnataka is [[cricket]]. [[Karnataka cricket team|The state cricket team]] has won the [[Ranji Trophy]] seven times, second only to [[Mumbai cricket team|Mumbai]] in terms of success.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ranji-trophy-2013-14/content/story/715131.html |title=Karnataka seal seventh Ranji Trophy title |publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |date=2 February 2014 |access-date=3 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140206075028/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ranji-trophy-2013-14/content/story/715131.html |archive-date=6 February 2014}}</ref> [[Chinnaswamy Stadium]] in Bengaluru regularly hosts [[International cricket|international Cricket matches]] and is also the home of the [[National Cricket Academy]], which was opened in 2000 to nurture potential international players. Many [[Karnataka cricket team#Famous players|cricketers]] have represented [[India national cricket team|India]] and in one international match held in the 1990s; players from Karnataka composed the majority of the national team.<ref name="odi">[[Sujith Somasunder]], [[Rahul Dravid]], [[Javagal Srinath]], [[Sunil Joshi]], [[Anil Kumble]] and [[Venkatesh Prasad]], all from Karnataka played in this match: {{cite web |url=http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/63848.html |title=ODI no. 1127, Titan Cup – 1st Match India v South Africa 1996/97 season |publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |access-date=5 June 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014000236/http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/63848.html |archive-date=14 October 2007}}</ref><ref name="test">[[Vijay Bharadwaj]], [[Rahul Dravid]], [[Javagal Srinath]], [[Sunil Joshi]], [[Anil Kumble]] and [[Venkatesh Prasad]], all from Karnataka played in this match: {{cite web |url=http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/66059.html |title=Test no. 1462 New Zealand in India Test Series – 1st Test India v New Zealand 1999/00 season |publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]] |access-date=5 June 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017145728/http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/66059.html |archive-date=17 October 2007}}</ref> The [[Royal Challengers Bangalore|Royal Challengers Bengaluru]], an [[Indian Premier League]] franchise, the [[Bengaluru Football Club]], an [[Indian Super League]] franchise, the Bengaluru Yodhas, a [[Pro Wrestling League]] franchise, the [[Bengaluru Blasters]], a [[Premier Badminton League]] franchise and the [[Bengaluru Bulls]], a [[Pro Kabaddi League]] franchise are based in Bengaluru. The [[Karnataka Premier League]] is an inter-regional [[Twenty20]] cricket tournament played in the state for eight seasons till 2019.<ref name=":6">{{Cite magazine |last=Sudarshan |first=N. |date=16 July 2022 |title=KSCA to organise Maharaja Trophy T20 cricket tournament |url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/domestic/ksca-new-t20-tournament-maharaja-trophy-karnataka/article65647609.ece |magazine=Sportstar |access-date=9 March 2024 |archive-date=9 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309025556/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/domestic/ksca-new-t20-tournament-maharaja-trophy-karnataka/article65647609.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> After 2019, it was replaced by Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament.<ref name=":6" />

Notable sportsmen from Karnataka include [[B.S. Chandrasekhar]], [[Roger Binny]], [[E. A. S. Prasanna]], [[Anil Kumble]], [[Javagal Srinath]], [[Rahul Dravid]], [[Venkatesh Prasad]], [[Robin Uthappa]], [[Vinay Kumar]], [[Gundappa Vishwanath]], [[Syed Kirmani]], [[Stuart Binny]], [[K. L. Rahul]], [[Mayank Agarwal]], [[Manish Pandey]], [[Karun Nair]], [[Ashwini Ponnappa]], [[Mahesh Bhupathi]], [[Rohan Bopanna]], [[Prakash Padukone]] who won the [[All England Badminton Championships]] in 1980 and [[Pankaj Arjan Advani|Pankaj Advani]] who has won three world titles in [[cue sport]]s by the age of 20 including the amateur [[World Snooker Championship]] in 2003 and the World Billiards Championship in 2005.<ref name="prak">{{cite web |url=http://www.tatapadukoneacademy.com/faculty.asp |title=Faculty |work=Online Webpage of the Tata Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy |publisher=2007 TATA Padukone Badminton Academy |access-date=5 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070521084204/http://tatapadukoneacademy.com/faculty.asp |archive-date=21 May 2007}}</ref><ref name="cue">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/12/stories/2005071204242000.htm |title=Pankaj Advani is a phenomenon: Savur |date=12 July 2005 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=5 June 2007 |location=Chennai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001064601/http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/12/stories/2005071204242000.htm |archive-date=1 October 2007}}</ref>

[[Bijapur district, Karnataka|Bijapur district]] has produced some of the best-known road cyclists in the national circuit. Premalata Sureban was part of the Indian contingent at the Perlis Open '99 in [[Malaysia]]. In recognition of the talent of cyclists in the district, the state government laid down a cycling track at the B.R. Ambedkar Stadium at a cost of {{INRConvert|4|m}}.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/26/stories/2009052651250300.htm |title=Front Page News: Friday, 16 July 2010 |date=26 May 2009 |access-date=16 July 2010 |location=Chennai, India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510085455/http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/26/stories/2009052651250300.htm |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=10 May 2011}}</ref>

== Tourism ==
{{Main|Tourism in Karnataka}}

{{See also|Architecture of Karnataka}}
[[File:The Chennakeshava temple at Somanathapura.jpg|left|thumb|alt=Brown temple on 5-step platform with 2 cone-topped side chambers |[[Chennakesava Temple, Somanathapura|Chennakesava Temple]] is a model example of the [[Hoysala architecture]], later repaired in the 16th century with financial support and grants by the Vijayanagara Emperors.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}]]
[[File:GolGumbaz2.jpg|thumb|alt=7-storey domed building with 4 domed corner towers |[[Gol Gumbaz]] at [[Bijapur, Karnataka|Bijapur]] has the second largest pre-modern dome in the world after the Byzantine [[Hagia Sophia]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gol Gumbaz (Section) |url=https://etc.usf.edu/clipart/58200/58280/58280_gol_gumbaz.htm |access-date=6 March 2022 |website=etc.usf.edu |language=en |archive-date=5 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305183044/https://etc.usf.edu/clipart/58200/58280/58280_gol_gumbaz.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gouder |first=Mahesh M |date=6 June 2019 |title=Vijayapura: Rs 1 crore sought to carry out work on Gol Gumbaz |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2019/jun/06/vijayapura-rs-1-crore-sought-to-carry-out-work-on-gol-gumbaz-1986574.html |access-date=6 March 2022 |work=The New Indian Express |archive-date=5 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305202716/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2019/jun/06/vijayapura-rs-1-crore-sought-to-carry-out-work-on-gol-gumbaz-1986574.html |url-status=live }}</ref>]]

By virtue of its varied geography and long history, Karnataka hosts numerous spots of interest for tourists. There is an array of ancient sculptured temples, modern cities, scenic hill ranges, forests and beaches. Karnataka has been ranked as the fourth most popular destination for tourism among the states of India.<ref name="toptour">{{cite web |url=http://www.blonnet.com/2002/02/15/stories/2002021500501200.htm |date=15 February 2002 |title=Karnataka to turn on tourism charms |work=Business Line |access-date=29 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929120855/http://www.blonnet.com/2002/02/15/stories/2002021500501200.htm |archive-date=29 September 2007}}</ref> Karnataka has the second highest number of nationally protected monuments in India, second only to [[Uttar Pradesh]],<ref name="protect">{{cite web |title=Alphabetical list of Monuments |url=http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_alphalist_karnataka.asp |work=Protected Monuments |publisher=Archaeological Survey of India |access-date=13 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130808023916/http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_alphalist_karnataka.asp |archive-date=8 August 2013}}</ref> in addition to 752 monuments protected by the State Directorate of Archaeology and Museums. Another 25,000 monuments are yet to receive protection.<ref name="protected_monuments">{{cite news |title=Plan to conserve heritage monuments, museums |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/06/stories/2007010606360500.htm |access-date=13 June 2007 |location=Chennai, India |date=6 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724023146/http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/06/stories/2007010606360500.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=24 July 2013}}</ref><ref name="mp">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/17/stories/2007081755371000.htm |title=Mysore Palace beats Taj Mahal in popularity |author=R. Krishna Kumar |access-date=31 October 2007 |location=Chennai, India |date=17 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017032724/http://hindu.com/2007/08/17/stories/2007081755371000.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=17 October 2007}}</ref>

The districts of the [[Western Ghats]] and the southern districts of the state have popular eco-tourism locations including [[Kudremukh]], [[Madikeri]] and [[Agumbe]]. Karnataka has 25 wildlife sanctuaries and five national parks. Popular among them are [[Bandipur National Park|Bandipura National Park]], [[Bannerghatta National Park]] and [[Nagarhole National Park]]. The ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire at [[Hampi]] and the monuments of [[Pattadakal]] are on the list of [[UNESCO]]'s [[World Heritage Site]]s. The cave temples at [[Badami]] and the rock-cut temples at [[Aihole]] representing the Badami Chalukyan style of architecture are also popular tourist destinations. The [[Hoysala Empire|Hoysala]] temples at [[Belur, Karnataka|Beluru]] and [[Halebidu]], which were built with Chloritic schist ([[soapstone]]) are proposed UNESCO World Heritage sites.<ref name="heritage">{{cite news |title=Belur for World Heritage Status |url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/07/25/stories/2004072501490300.htm |access-date=17 November 2006 |location=Chennai, India |date=25 July 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312061918/http://www.hindu.com/2004/07/25/stories/2004072501490300.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=12 March 2007}}</ref> The [[Gol Gumbaz]] and [[Ibrahim Rauza]] are famous examples of the [[Deccan sultanates|Deccan Sultanate]] style of architecture. The monolith of Gomateshwara [[Bahubali]] at [[Shravanabelagola]] is the tallest sculpted monolith in the world, attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims during the [[Mahamastakabhisheka]] festival.<ref name="mono">Keay (2000), p. 324.</ref>

[[File:Mysore palace illuminated.jpg|left|thumb|alt=Golden 5-storey Mysore Palace building with 21 domed towers and central spire |[[Mysore Palace]] in the evening, the official residence and seat of the [[Wodeyar dynasty]], the [[Maharaja of Mysore|rulers of Mysore]] of the [[Mysore Kingdom]], the royal family of [[Mysore]].]]

The waterfalls of Karnataka and [[Kudremukh]] are considered by some to be among the "1001 Natural Wonders of the World".<ref name=":0">Michael Bright, ''1001 Natural Wonders of the World'' by Barrons Educational Series Inc., published by Quinted Inc., 2005.</ref> [[Jog Falls]] is [[List of waterfalls in India|India's tallest single-tiered waterfall]] with [[Gokak Falls]], [[Unchalli Falls]], [[Magod Falls]], [[Abbey Falls]] and [[Shivanasamudra Falls]] among other popular waterfalls.<ref name=":0" />

Several popular beaches dot the coastline, including [[Murudeshwara]], [[Gokarna, India|Gokarna]], [[Malpe]] and [[Karwar]]. In addition, Karnataka is home to several places of religious importance. Several Hindu temples including the famous [[Udupi Sri Krishna Matha]], the [[Marikamba Temple, Sirsi|Marikamba Temple]] at [[Sirsi, Karnataka|Sirsi]], the [[Mookambika|Kollur Mookambika Temple]], the Sri Manjunatha Temple at [[Dharmasthala]], [[Kukke Subramanya Temple]], Janardhana and Mahakali Temple at [[Ambalpadi]], Sharadamba Temple at [[Shringeri]] attract pilgrims from all over India. Most of the holy sites of [[Lingayatism]], like [[Kudalasangama]] and [[Basavana Bagewadi]], are found in northern parts of the state. [[Shravanabelagola]], [[Mudabidri]] and [[Karkala]] are famous for Jain history and monuments. Jainism had a stronghold in Karnataka in the early medieval period with Shravanabelagola as its most important centre. The [[Shettihalli Rosary Church]] near [[Shettihalli]], an example of French colonial [[Gothic architecture]], is a rare example of a Christian ruin, is a popular tourist site.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Drowning Church |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/schools/the-drowning-church-123938 |access-date=18 June 2021 |website=Tribuneindia News Service |language=en |archive-date=24 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624195757/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/schools/the-drowning-church-123938 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 June 2006 |title=Karnataka's hotbed of Jain religion – Deccan Herald – Internet Edition |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/apr92005/arts11423200548.asp |access-date=18 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060618070508/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/apr92005/arts11423200548.asp |archive-date=18 June 2006}}</ref>

Karnataka has become a center of [[health care tourism]] and has the highest number of approved health systems and alternative therapies in India. Along with some [[ISO 9000|ISO certified]] government-owned hospitals, private institutions which provide international-quality services, Hospitals in Karnataka treat around 8,000 health tourists every year.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web |url=http://www.blonnet.com/2004/11/24/stories/2004112402271700.htm |title=Karnataka bets big on healthcare tourism |work=Online webpage of the Hindu Business Line, dated 2004-11-23 |publisher=2004, The Hindu |access-date=21 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080929184911/http://www.blonnet.com/2004/11/24/stories/2004112402271700.htm |archive-date=29 September 2008}}</ref>
{{clear}}

== Notes ==
{{noteslist}}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Geography|Asia|India|Bengaluru
}}
*[[Outline of Karnataka]]
*[[LGBTQ rights in Karnataka]]
*[[Media in Karnataka]]
*[[List of governors of Karnataka]]
*[[List of districts of Karnataka]]
*[[List of people from Karnataka]]
*[[List of butterflies of Karnataka]]
*[[List of airports in Karnataka]]
*[[2025 Bengaluru cash van robbery]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== General sources ==
{{Refbegin|30em}}
*John Keay, ''India: A History'', 2000, Grove publications, New York, {{ISBN|0-8021-3797-0}}
*Suryanath U. Kamath, ''Concise history of Karnataka'', 2001, MCC, Bangalore (Reprinted 2002) {{OCLC|7796041}}
*Nilakanta Sastri, K. A. (1955). ''A History of South India from Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar'', OUP, New Delhi (Reprinted 2002) {{ISBN|0-19-560686-8}}.
*R. Narasimhacharya, ''History of Kannada Literature'', 1988, Asian Educational Services, New Delhi, Madras, 1988, {{ISBN|81-206-0303-6}}.
*K.V. Ramesh, ''Chalukyas of Vātāpi'', 1984, Agam Kala Prakashan, Delhi. {{OCLC|13869730}}. {{OL|3007052M}}. {{LCCN|84900575}}. <!-- ISBN (invalid) 3987-10333, probably correct: {{ISBN|978-93-987103-3-3}} or {{ISBN|93-987103-3-1}}. -->. {{OCLC|13869730}}.
*Malini Adiga (2006), ''The Making of Southern Karnataka: Society, Polity and Culture in the Early Medieval Period, AD 400–1030'', Orient Longman, Chennai, {{ISBN|81-250-2912-5}}
*{{cite book |last=Altekar |first=Anant Sadashiv |title=The Rashtrakutas and Their Times; Being a Political, Administrative, Religious, Social, Economic and Literary History of the Deccan During C. 750 A.D. to C. 1000 A.D.|year=1934 |publisher=Oriental Book Agency |location=Poona |oclc=3793499}}
*{{cite book |last=Masica |first=Colin P. |title=The Indo-Aryan Languages |orig-date=1991 |year=1991 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |isbn=978-0-521-29944-2}}
*{{cite book |author=Cousens, Henry |title=The Chalukyan Architecture of Kanarese District|orig-date= 1926 |year=1996 |publisher=Archaeological Survey of India |location=New Delhi |oclc=37526233}}
*Hermann Kulke and Dietmar Rothermund, ''A History of India'', fourth edition, Routledge, 2004, {{ISBN|0-415-32919-1}}
*Foekema, Gerard [2003] (2003). ''Architecture Decorated with Architecture: Later Medieval Temples of Karnataka, 1000–1300 AD''. New Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Ltd. {{ISBN|81-215-1089-9}}.
{{Refend}}

== External links ==
; Government
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.karnatakatourism.org/ Official tourism site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125061904/https://www.karnatakatourism.org/ |date=25 January 2022 }}    
; General information  
* {{GovPubs|Karnataka}} 
* {{Britannica|312566|Karnataka}}  
* {{Wikiatlas|Karnataka}} 
* {{osmrelation-inline|2019939}}

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{{Languages of Karnataka}}
{{Karnataka topics}}
{{States and territories of India}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Karnataka| ]]
[[Category:South India|.]]
[[Category:1956 establishments in India]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1956]]
[[Category:States and union territories of India]]