Demography
The Karnataka state has an equable climate particularly in those areas which are hilly or a high plateau. Climate is the chief attractions of the capital city, Banglore. It is known as the air conditioned city. Bangalore receives its quota of rainfall from both the winter and summer monsoons. Sometimes its share of winter rain, from October to January, may be greater. Thus, the dust is laid and the atmosphere is kept invigoratingly cool or agreeably warm. The climate is pleasant throughout the year.
The Mysore University (1916) was the first University to be started in Karnataka. (Also see Restoration of Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion). This was followed by the Karnatak University (1949), the Bangalore University (1964), the Mangalore University (1980), the Gulbarga University (1980), and the Kuvempu University (1987). The two Universities of Agricultural Sciences - the one at Bangalore (1965) and the other at Dharwad (1986), cater to the needs of students aspiring for specialization in the different branches of agriculture. Recently in 1991 Kannada University at Hampi has also been started to promote the study of the Kannada language, art and culture.
In Bangalore there are other centres of higher learning like the Indian Statistical Institute (1978), Indian Institute of Science (1911), Indian Institute of Management (1972), the National Law School of India University (1987) and Institute for Social and Economic Change (1972).
Bangalore, Mysore and Gulbarga Universities have been awarded 5 star status by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an autonomous institution of the University Grants Commission.
Cuisine of Karnataka is not about flashing and showing off but simple touches of perfection. With delicacies like the world famous Masala Dosa and sizzling Chicken Pulao, Cuisine of Karnataka has left an indelible impact on the cuisine of entire India. Visit the shores of Karnataka for some exquisite varieties of sea food that might fill your stomach but your heart will only get hungrier.
Karnatakas contribution to the cultural blending of India is no way inferior as compared to other parts of the country. The states contribution in the fields of art, music, dance, religion, literature and celebration of fairs and festivals.
The culture of Karnataka has nurtured indigenous elements and has embraced new dimensions from the neighboring states. Classical dances and music are a way of life in Karnataka and the state has contributed immensely to the pan-Indian scenario. The people of the state are amiable in nature and have proven to be great hosts for tourists. The culture of Karnataka is a unique blend of all these elements and much more. Come to this land and explore the cream of Karnataka culture.
Karunadu of the ancient times and Karnataka of today has a rich culture and history that goes back as far as the pre-historic times. In fact the history of Karnataka is traceable to the stone ages and a stone axe unearthed at an excavation site near Raichur confirms this fact.
History records indicate that the people of Karnataka were competent with iron instruments and iron implements that date back to the 1200 B.C. have been discovered near Dhaward and Hallur in Karnataka, South India.
Maurya rulers played a very important role in the history of Karnataka followed by the cultural influence of Chalukyan kings. Hoysalas, Bahamani and the Adil Shahi kings, have played a very important role in the history of Karnataka, South India. The Sattavahanas, Nandas, Pallavas and Ganga rulers have made their contribution to the culture and history of Karnataka.
Kannada is the State Language of Karnataka. Kannada - aptly described as 'sirigannada' (known to few as Kanarese) is one of the oldest Dravidian languages and is spoken in its various dialects by roughly 45 million people worldwide.
The Kannada language has been spoken for about 2500 years, with the Kannada writing system being in use for about the last 1900 years. The initial development of the Kannada language is similar to that of other Dravidian languages, notably Tamil and Telugu. During later centuries, Kannada, along with Telugu, has been highly influenced by Sanskrit vocabulary and literary styles.
The Kannada language belongs to the Dravidian family of languages and is the second oldest language currently spoken in India. Kannada literature is also one of the oldest literary tradition in India. Kannada literature includes early writing dating from 2000 years ago to modern literature.
The Old Kannada phase marks the period from the ninth century to approximately the 12th century. This period consists mainly of Jain religious literature. The most famous poet from this period is Adikavi Pampa (902-975 CE), one of the most famous writers in the Kannada language.
Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Sikhism and Christianity are the major religions in Karnataka.
Hinduism enjoys an omnipresent stature. The succession of Hindu dynasties in Karnataka has patronized religious activities to a great extent while emphasizing on the building of temples and shrines.
Islam flourished in Karnataka with the emergence of powerful Muslim kingdoms. Besides spawning a plethora of monuments and forts, these dynasties established some of the magnificent mosques of Karnataka.
Karnataka has been a hotbed for the religion of Jainism. Some of the most sacred Jain pilgrimages like Mudabidri and Shravanabelagola are located in Karnataka.
Sikhs are found in scattered locations of the state. The Gurudwara Nanak Jhira in Bidar is a prominent Sikh pilgrimage and this shrine was supposed to have been consecrated by Guru Nanak.
Christianity is very much prevalent in Karnataka and some of India's most splendid churches are found in Mysore and Bangalore.