Karnataka
(2001 est. pop. 52.7 million). Karnataka, a land of natural beauty and historical monuments, is the eighth largest state in India in terms of area (191,791 square kilometers) and population. It is situated on the western edge of the Deccan plateau surrounded on three sides by the neighboring states of Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, with a coastline of approximately 300 kilometers on the western side along the Arabian sea. Karnataka got its name from a local word, karanadu, meaning lofty land, because it is located in a high plateau area.
Karnataka was formed in 1956 by combining territories from the erstwhile princely states of Mysore and Hyderabad and the British provinces of Bombay and Madras along with the small principality of Coorg. Originally named Mysore, it was given its present name on 1 November 1973. The state's formation marked the fulfillment of the aspirations of the Kannada-speaking people to merge in a cohesive sociopolitical unit.
The history of the area is associated with Bali and Sugreeva, characters from the popular Indian epic Ramayana. Subsequently, the region passed under the reigns of some of the most powerful Indian dynasties, including the later Muslim and British rules. Modern Karnataka bears traces of this long history in the form of well-preserved monuments and landmarks, of which the city of Mysore presents a good sample. Belur, Hampi, and Halebid contain remains of old buildings and rock carvings. The state is now divided into twenty-seven districts and it has a bicameral legislature. The Legislative Assembly has 224 members and the Legislative Council has 75 members.
The state's capital, Bangalore, is very attractive, with wide boulevards and modern shopping malls. Famous for key educational institutes and corporate offices, Bangalore is projected as the software capital of India. Apart from the fast-growing information technology industry, it has been a producer of telephones, aircraft, watches, and machine tools. The growth of Bangalore and similar industrial centers in the state has been facilitated by the steady generation of surplus hydroelectric power.
Karnataka's mineral resources include high-grade iron ore, copper, manganese, chromite china clay, limestone, and magnesite. The Kolar gold mines are a major Indian source for the precious metal. The state has a reputation for fine ivory and sandalwood handicrafts. The economy of Karnataka is predominantly rural and agrarian. Almost half of the state's income comes from the agricultural sector, with 71 percent of workers engaged in farming activities. The state accounts for a major share of coffee, millet, oil, and silk production in India. The people of Karnataka like to eat rice, fish, and a special pudding called hittu. Festivals celebrated in the state include Dasehra and, in particular, the Mysore Dasehra in the month of October, which draws huge crowds.
Ram Shankar Nanda
Further Reading
Sivapriyananda, Swami. (1995) Mysore Royal Dasara. Delhi: Abhinav Publications.
Srinivasan, L. K. (1983) Cultural Heritage of Karnataka. Mysore, India: Government of Karnataka.
Ward, Philip. (1998) Western India: Bombay, Maharastra, Karnataka. Oleander Press.
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