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From Wikipedia, the free
encyclopedia
Karnataka (Kannada: ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ, pronounced [kəɾˈnɑːʈəkɑː] (help·info)) is a
state in the southern part of India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with
the passing of the States Reorganisation Act. Originally known as the State
of Mysore, it was renamed Karnataka in 1973.
Karnataka is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, Goa to the northwest,
Maharashtra to the north, Andhra Pradesh to the east, Tamil Nadu to the
southeast, and Kerala to the southwest. The state covers an area of 74,122
sq mi (191,976 kmē), or 5.83% of the total geographical area of India. It is
the eighth largest Indian state by area, the ninth largest by population and
comprises 29 districts. Kannada is the official and most widely spoken
language.
Though 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
(black) and nadu (region), as a reference to the black cotton soil found in
the Bayaluseeme region of Karnataka. The British used the word Carnatic
(sometimes Karnatak) to describe both sides of peninsular India, south of
the Krishna River.[3]
With an antiquity that dates to the paleolithic, Karnataka has also been
home to some of the most powerful 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 (Karnataka Music) and Hindustani traditions.
Writers in the Kannada language have received the most number of Jnanpith
awards in India. Bangalore is the capital city of the state and is at the
forefront of the rapid economic and technological development that India is
experiencing
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