WHY KARNATAKA IS UNIQUE?

Rajyotsava Day

The Rajyotsava Day is the state festival of Karnataka and is observed on November 1^st every year. The day is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Karnataka as the state was formed on this day. The Rajyotsava day is marked as a government holiday in the state of Karnataka.

History

In 1950, India became republic and different provinces were formed in the country on the basis of language spoken in the particular region and this gave birth to the state of Mysore including various places in south India, which were earlier ruled by the kings.

Later in the year 1956, all Kannada speaking regions of South India were merged into one state. The new state was named after Mysore, which by itself was a princely state. The name Mysore was not accepted by some regions like North Karnataka and Hyderabad of the present time and people residing these areas demanded the change in the name of the state.

Finally after the prolonged discussion over the issue, in the year 1973 the state of all kannada speaking people was renamed as Karnataka on1st November. The credit for this landmark decision owes to Late Devaraj Urs the then Chief Minister of state and every year the November 1st is celebrated as Kannada Rajyotsava or Karnataka Rajyotsava meaning "State festival" of Karnataka.

History of Karnataka

Origin of Karnataka's name

Kadambas and Gangas

Chalukya Empire

Rashtrakuta Empire

Western Chalukya Empire

Southern Kalachuri

Hoysala Empire

Vijayanagara Empire

Bahmani Sultanate

Bijapur Sultanate

Kingdom of Mysore

Unification of Karnataka

History and Geography:
Karnataka has a recorded history of more than 2,000 years. Apart from its subjection to the rule of Nandas, Mauryas and the Satavahanas, Karnataka came to have indigenous dynasties like the Kadambas of Banavasi and the Ganges from the middle of the 4th century AD. The world renowned Gomateshwara monolith at Sharavanabelagola was installed by a Ganga minister Chavundaraya. The Chalukyas of Badami (500-735 AD) reigned over a wider area, from the Narmada to the Kaveri from the days of Pulikeshi II (609-642 AD) who even defeated the mighty Harshavardhana of Kanauj. This dynasty created fine, everlasting and the most beautiful monuments of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal, both structural and rock-cut. Aihole has been one of the cradles of temples architecture in the country. The Rashtrakutas (753-973 AD) of Malkhed who succeeded from heaped tributes on the rulers of Kanauj successively in the so-called 'Age of Imperial Kanauj'. Kanada literature developed during this period. Outstanding Jain scholars of India lived in their court. The Chalukyas of Kalyana (973-1189 AD) and their feudatories, the Hoysalas of Halebidu built exiquisite temples, encouraged literature and various fine arts. Noted jurist Vijnaneshwara (work:Mitakshara) lived at Kalyana. The great religious leader Basaveshwara was a minister of Kalyana. Vijayanagar empire (1336-1646) patronised and fostered indigenous traditions and encouraged arts, religion and literature in Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu and Tamil. Revolution in transport, communication and industries was ushered in. The urban middle-class emerged. Mysore dynasty initiated and helped industrialisation and cultural growth.
Freedom Movement was followed by the movement for the unification of Karanataka. After Independence, the Mysore State was created in 1953, wherein all the Kanada dominant areas under different dispensations were unified and the enlarged Mysore state carved in 1956 and was renamed Karnataka in 1973. Karnataka State is situated between 11⁰31' and 18⁰14' north latitudes and 74⁰12' and 78⁰10'.

Rich Folk Heritage of Karnataka

Karnataka has very rich folkloric traditions which have been kept alive for centuries. Every part and community of karnataka created and enjoyed the folk music and dance suitable for society. Folk dance in karnataka reflects the rural culture and traditions of the kannadigas. These were many ritual dance, devotional dance, historical dance and rural entertainment dance appeared as traditional way of life.

Yakshagana: Yakshagana is one of the most living art traditions in the Karnataka.

Dollu Kunitha: It is a popular drum dance. The large drums are decorated with coloured cloth, and are slung around the necks of men. The dances are at times accompanied with songs relating to religious praise or wars.

Veeragase: Veeragase is popular folk dance. It is a symbolic presentation of the heroism and valour of God Veerabahadhra.

Kamsale kunitha: The Kamsale dance is named after the instrument held in the hands of the dancer. This instrument comprises a shoola held in one hand and a bronze disc in the other. The main element in the art is the rhythmic clang which blends with melodious music of the Lord Mahadeswara epic.

Nandikolu kunitha: This art form is the domain of male devotees of Lord Siva. The Nandi pole is about 18 cubits in length, each cubit representing a 'dharma'. The length of the pole is fitted with brass pots and plates, and ornate silver or brass umbrella at the top with a silk tassel, which is the flag.

Jodu halige: Halige meaning two percussion instruments used by two artists to produce rhythmic notes of astounding energy and power. Their movements along the stage expressive of their physical energy harmonizes with the notes produced by the instrument.

Boothada Kola: In the Coastal Karnataka, the Bhootha kola (Dance) is very popular among the rural folks. it is mainly intended to ward off evil spirits, pacify devils, and appease whatever detrimental forces around for ensuring both health and happiness and a hearty existence.

Lambani nruthya: Lambani women dressed colourfully and move circularly with clapping and singing. This dance is out of the common. In dress, mode of living and dwelling, they dance on important festivities in a free manner.

Veerabhadra kunitha: The dance form depicts the story of Veerabhadra, the legendary minor god created by Lord Siva to teach a lesson to his father-in-law Daksha.

Gombeyatta: Leather puppeteers are scattered all over the interior of Karnataka. Puppetry stories are taken from the Puranas. It resembles exactly like yakshagana. It need great craftsmanship, stage technique and background music and song. They are called Togalu Gombeyaata because these puppets are made from leather.

Karadi kunitha:Bring a life to these ethnic dance and help to awake these folk dance back to our society to enjoy and develop good society. Preserve these traditional folk life.

Festivals of Karnataka

1. Makar Sankranti

2. Mysore Dasara                                                     
3. Lakshadeepotsava at Dharmasthala 
4. Mahamastakabhisheka to Bhagawan Bahubali 
5. Ganesh Chaturthi

6. Ugadi

7. Deepavali
8. Varamahalakshmi Vratha  
9. Mahashivarathri
10. Krishnajanmasthami
11.  Ramanavami
12. Main Rivers of Karnataka

1. Cauvery or Kaveri River: Kaveri river, also called Dakshina Ganga (the Ganges of the south), is one of the great and sacred rivers of India. It has many tributaries including Shimsa, Hemavati, Arkavathi, Kapila, Honnuhole, Lakshmana Tirtha, Kabini, Bhavani, Lokapavani, Noyyal and Amaravati. It is also considered sacred by the Hindus as water will purify all sin. The origin of river Kaveri is Talakaveri located in the Western Ghats in Coorg (Kodagu) district. Talakaveri is a famous pligrimage and tourist spot set amidst Bramahagiri Hills near Mercara (Madikeri) in Coorg (Kodagu) district of Karnataka. It flows south and east for around 765 km, emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
2. Tungabhadra River: The Tungabhadra is a chief tributary of the Krishna River. The Tungabhadra is formed north of Shimoga at an elevatibn of about 610 metres by the union of twin rivers, the Tunga and the Bhadra, which rise in the eastern slope of the Western Ghats, in the state of Karnataka
3. Krishna River: The Krishna River is one of the longest rivers of India. It originates at Mahabaleswar in Maharashtra, passes through Karnataka and meets the sea in the Bay of Bengal at Hamasaladeevi in Andhra Pradesh.
4. Ghataprabha River: The Ghataprabha river rises in the Western Ghats and flows eastwards for a length of 283 km before joining the Krishna. The river debouches by 53 metres at Gokak Falls in Belgaum (Belagaavi) District.
5. Malaprabha River: The river Malaprabha also rises in Western Ghats at an altitude of 792 metres in Belgaum (Belagaavi) district. The river flows first in easterly and then in north-easterly directions and joins the Krishna at Kudalasangama, about 304 km from its source.
6. Bhima River: The river Bhima originates in the forest of Bhimashankar in Pune, and flows through the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. It flows for 861 km before joining the Krishna near Kudlu in Raichur taluk.
7. Hemavati River: The river Hemavati rises in the Western Ghats at an elevation of about 1,219 metres and joins the river Kaveri near Krishnarajasagar.
8. Kabini River: Kabini River is a tributary of river Kaveri, it originates in Wayanad District of Kerala state, south India from the confluence of the Panamaram and Mananthavady rivers, and flows eastward to join the Kaveri River at Tirumakudal Narasipur. The total length of the river is about 230 km.
9. Sharavathi River: The Sharavathi is a river in India that originates at Ambuthirtha in Thirthahalli taluk, flows north-west through the Western Ghats forming the Jog Falls before joining the Arabian Sea at Honavara.

Language

Halmidi inscription (450 CE) is the earliest attested inscription in Kannada language .

The Kannada language serves as the official language of the state of Karnataka, as the native language of approximately 65% of its population and as one of the classical languages of India. Kannada played a crucial role in the creation of Karnataka: linguistic demographics played a major role in defining the new state in 1956. Tulu, Kodava Takk and Konkani are other minor native languages that share a long history in the state. Kannada features a rich and ancient body of literature covering topics as diverse as Jainism, Vachanas, Haridasa Sahitya and modern literature. Evidence from edicts during the time of Ashoka the Great (reigned 274–232 BCE) suggest that Buddhist literature influenced the 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 Chattana, Beddande and Melvadu metres during earlier centuries.

Karnataka food

Karnataka food is extremely rich in variety. From the strict vegetarian delicacies of Udipi to the non-vegetarian gourmets of Kodava, food in Karnataka has something to bring water to everybody's mouth. Rice is the staple of Karnataka food. However, rotis made of wheat, jowar and ragi are also widely consumed in the northern districts of the state.

Karnataka food is typically non-greasy. There is very little use of oil and food items are largely steamed. Fruits, in their fresh as well as pickled forms, feature prominently in the food of Karnataka. Rice is cooked in a variety of ways. There are red grain rice, sannas, rice rotis and pancakes made of rice. Mangalore presents some of the richest varieties of rice-based delicacies. The paper thin akki rotis of Malnad called talipattus are also extremely popular and a widely sought after item.

Mysore pak

 Special delicacies of Karnataka from different regions



Dharwad peda



Maddur vada

Mangalore bonda

Jola roti

 

Belgavi kunda


PLACES OF INTEREST IN KARNATAKA

Uniqueness of Karnataka

THE uniqueness of Karnataka lies in the variety of  attractions it offers. The State is a veritable mini India: it showcases modern cities alongside heritage and pilgrim centres of the old world. At one end, some of its monuments are recognized as the “cradle of stone architecture” of the old civilization; at the other, it boasts the “Silicon Valley of India”.

The State government's Department of Tourism has divided the tourist attractions into five sectors. The first targets the budding historian and is titled “Heritage Karnataka”. In this sector the tourist can visit places like Hampi (see separate story) and savour the beauty of the ancient temples of Badami.
The richness of Chalukyan architecture in the cluster of 10 beautifully chiselled temples at Pattadakal and the cradle of Hindu temple architecture at Aihole will also fascinate tourists. Bijapur's Gol Gumbaz and Mysore's Royal Palace are majestic structures that cannot be missed.

For the wildlife enthusiast, Karnataka is a smorgasbord of delight. Among the sanctuaries and national parks are the Bannerghatta National Park, the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary and the B.R. Hills Sanctuary. There are several tiger habitats. A variety of migratory birds are found at the Kokkrebellur pelicanry, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and the Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary.

For the “romantic” tourist, Karnataka has several hill stations with vistas of unmatched beauty – Madikeri, the little coffee capital of India; Kudremukh; Agumbe; Kodachadri; and Kemmangundi. Mangalore and Karwar are only two of the major coastal towns in Karnataka that one must visit.

“Divine Karnataka” offers spiritual succour for the religiously minded. Shravanabelagola is a prominent Jain pilgrimage centre and home to Asia's largest monolithic statue, which towers up to a height of 58 feet (7.4 metres). Dharmasthala, Sringeri, Gulbarga and Udupi are also prominent pilgrim centres.

“Cascading Karnataka” boasts the highest waterfall in Asia – the Jog Falls. The tiny island town of Shivasamudram, where forested hills and lush green valleys hold the Shivasamudram falls, forms a retreat of great natural beauty. The Abbey and Iruppu Falls are smaller but no less beautiful for that.

KARNATAKA

  ANIMAL-ELEPHANT

BIRD-INDIAN ROLLER

FLOWER-LOTUS

TREE-SANDAL WOOD






With Regards,
DIVYA.R.C

WEEKEND GETAWAY TO HIMAD GOPALASWAMY HILLS.

After a hustle and bustle city life I just took a break with my family to HIMAD GOPALSWAMY HILLS.

Himad Gopalswamy hills is the highest peak in Bandipur national park. We took a car to Mysore and headed towards Gundulpet which is a small town located in Chamarajnagar district .After a rustic journey I could see a chain of hills surrounded with lush green forests and the pleasant breeze all around. Just before starting of the hill there is a check post. The check post is open from morning 7.00am to evening 5.00pm.The forest guards checked our car and fee of Rs.50 was collected and a receipt is issued with the time of entry and exit with the permission of 1 and half hours was permitted without any hassle. The forest area is highly protected with electric fencing and it is no plastic zone this area is protected under project tiger. This place is adjacent to Western Ghats constituting Bandipur and Nagarhole.

After a few bends and curves we reached the top of the hill and was very excited to have a glimpse of nature with full of scenic surprises all around. It is the highest point which is about 1454m above sea level. Their’s a small temple at the top of the hill dedicated to lord GopalSwamy(lord Krishna).The sobriquet Himad (fog in kannada)is because most of the year, there is a veil of mist covering the whole area and the winds blowing through trees are like a song in praise of lord.

The view around is simply beautiful. It was kind of refreshing dose for me capturing those entire beautiful nature scene in my camera. It was perfect day out from Bangalore an ideal trekkers delight, a holy pilgrimage and an awesome place for nature lovers. I would like to visit this place once again. I hope even you too visit this place some time.

Please note: Taking food to the top of the hill is strictly prohibited.

with regards,

Divya.R.C

My visit to Gandhiji's Ancestral home at Porbandar in Gujrat

Most of the Indians Still think of Mahatma Gandhi as the real Birth of god. It is true also to some extent, as India would not have got freedom without him. Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2^nd October in the year 1869 in Porbandar, one of the cities of Gujarat State. The house where Gandhiji was born is called Kirti Mandir and is converted in to the national monument and many visitors visit this holy place in Porbandar everyday.

Kirti Mandir is situated in the middle of the city of Porbandar. It remains open for visitors on all days between 7.30 am to 1pm in the morning and 2 pm to 7 pm in the evening. As soon as you enter Kirti Mandir, the left hand corner is the actual birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. The free guide service is available to see this house. The exact place of birth is marked with a small painting of swastika on the floor. This room consists of a Gaumukh that is considered very holy in Hindu religion. There is a kitchen and the puja room of the grandmother of Gandhiji. There is an old design staircase going to first floor. Be very careful while climbing this staircase as it is maintained in the same condition that was before around 160 years.

The left hand side room on the first floor is a bedroom of Gandhiji's parents and a central kitchen of the house. This was the place where Gandhiji had learnt to walk and run. The further staircase will take you to the second floor. The room on the left hand side is his study room. Gandhiji's father was a minister in the Porbandar State. That is the reason their house is quiet big and is having three floors in all. The pictures of Lord Vishnu's ten births, painted by Gandhiji's father Karamchand can be seen even today. 1995 in the whole country of India. Gandhiji and his father perhaps already visualized this event before around 150 years. The house on the second floor has two main sections. Gandhiji's father used the front part of the house as the office and the family used the part behind as their residence.

                                             Gandhiji's Reading room

Mahatma Gandhi's birth place at Porbandar in Gujarat State have been preserved in the same condition as it was before 160 years. That is why it is interesting to see this holy place.

My trip to Gujrat with my family was an unforgettable one and was very lucky to visit the ancestral home of Mahatma Gandhiji.I hope that you also visit this beautiful place some time in your life time.

with regards,

DIVYA.R.C