Looking for some incredible facts about Karnataka? Well here are some. Formed in the year 1956, Karnataka is a state in the South Western Region of India. It was originally known as the State of Mysore, which later was renamed Karnataka. The state is famous for its traditional, cultural, and historic importance. It is the birthplace of various art forms performed all over the country. Here are few incredible facts about Karnataka that would be helpful on your trip to the state.
State Symbols
Like any other Indian state, Karnataka also has its state symbols derived from the cultural, historic, and geographical prominence of the place. These are the state symbols of Karnataka and are must-know facts about Karnataka for all those who love the state.
- State Tree: Sandalwood
- State Emblem : Gandaberunda
- State Bird: Indian Roller
- State Flower: Lotus
- State Animal: Asian Elephant
The Indian Flag Manufacture
The Karnataka Khadi Gramodyog Samyukta Sangha in Hubli is the only unit in the whole country that is authorized for the manufacture and supply of the National Flag of the Republic of India. The unit was found on 1 November 1957 at Garag village near Dharwad City in Dharwad district, Karnataka. Ever since then they remain the sole manufacturer of Indian flags approved by the Government of the country.
The 18 Meter Monolith Statue
With a height of 18 Meters, the Gomateshwara Statue is considered the world’s largest Monolith Statue. This colossus of Gommateshwarain is a famous pilgrimage spot of Jains in South India. The statue is situated in Shravanabelagola and was built by Thimmanna Ajila in 1604 AD.
Million-year-old Rock Formation
The city of Bangalore has one of the oldest rock formations in the world. The rock formation protected in Lalbagh Botanical Garden is 3000 million years old and hence a geological hotspot and protected area.
Raw Silk Production
The average milk production of the state is around 8,200 metric tonnes per year. This accounts for nearly one-third of the total silk production of the country making the state the largest raw milk producer in India. The Ramanagara district in Karnataka is the main hub of raw silk production in the state. It is also the is the largest market for silk cocoons in Asia.
Oldest Library
Built in the year1891, the Oriental Library, located in Mysore is the oldest in India.
The Oldest Manuscript
Arthashastra is an ancient Indian Sanskrit manuscript written by Kautilya aka Chanakya around 321–296 BCE. It is subjected to statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy. It is currently the Oldest Surviving Manuscript in India and is preserved in the Oriental Research Institute in Mysore, Karnataka
Bangalore Palace
The Bangalore Palace is known for its incredible structures and architecture, which was built and owned by Rev. J.Garrett for the then Royal Family. He was the first principal of the Central High School, Bangalore, which is now known as the Central College. The palace is in midst of a massive 454-acre premise and is spread over an area of over 45,000 sq. ft. That is around 1 acre of land. Its interiors are embellished with elegant wood carvings, motifs, and exotic paintings while the exterior of the palace is surrounded by well-maintained flower gardens with a lot of different species of flowering plants that keep the premise colorful throughout the year.
Origin Of Carnatic Music
The state is home to various ancient art forms that originated during different ancient dynasties and survived the test of time to exist even in the modern era. Carnatic music is one of them. Also known as Karnataka Sangeetham, (Geetham means song/Music), the branch of ancient music originated in the state of Karnataka.
Vijayanagara Empire
The famous and one of the most extravagant Kingdoms ever existed in the history of India the Vijayanagara empire existed in the place from a period of 1336–1646. Founded in 1336 by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama dynasty, the Empire was the most powerful and vibrant in South India.
Bangalore
Famous for its Tech world and multi-cultural migrant population, Bangalore is known by many names; ‘the tech city’, ‘the party capital of India’ and ‘the city of gardens’ being a few of them.
The Sanskrit Village
Sanskrit is a language of much prominence in the context of the history of India. Most of the ancient Indian manuscripts and sacred texts are written in the language, even though the language does not exist as a common means of communication as earlier. The Mattur or Mathur village in the state of Karnataka however still uses Sanskrit as a language of communication.
Festivals Celebrated In Karnataka
- Ganesh Chaturthi
- Ugadi
- Diwali
- Basava Jayanthi
Unesco Heritage Sites In Karnataka
- Hampi
- Pattadakal
- Western Ghats
Thermal Powerplants
- Raichur Thermal Power Station
- Bellary Thermal PowerStation
Gold Mine
Located about 100 kilometers from Bangalore, the Kolar Gold Fields used to be one of the largest gold mines in the country before its shutting down in 20011. With a depth of 3000m, the field was the world’s second deepest gold mine.
The Elephant And Tiger Population
The state has the highest population of Elephants and the Second largest population of Tigers in the country.
Jnanapith Awardees
The state has the second-highest number of Jnanapith Award winners in India.
Private Radio
The first private radio station in the country was set up by Professor MV Gopalaswamy in Karnataka in the year 1935.
The Mysore Palace
The palace is the second most popular royal tourist spot in India after the Taj Mahal.
Election Ink
Karnataka is known to be the producer of the black ink that is used for the elections in the country.
Waterfalls
The state has the most number of waterfalls in the country.
Aviary
The largest and the oldest Aviary in India is situated along Karanji Lake in Mysore. With a height of 20 m, length of 60 m, and width of 40 m it is the largest walk-through aviary in the country.
Mysore Dasara Festival
The 10-day Dasara festival is an extravagant event that attracts major tourists from all over the world to Mysore to witness the amazing lighted celebration.
Other Facts
- Karnataka has 5 free-flowing rivers through a single district, Bijapur.
- Karnataka is the largest exporter of coffee IN THE COUNTRY.
- Rani Chennamma, the Queen of Princely state of Kittur was the first woman to lead an army against the British 3 decades before Rani Laxmi Bhai.
- The father of Carnatic Music is Purandara Dasa.
- The Gol-Gumbaz in Bijapur is the second-largest pre-dome in the country.
- The city of Mysore was the first to publish a weekly newspaper in the language Kannada in the year 1859.
Conclusion
Karnataka is a land of diversities not just with its people but also with its vivid natural landscapes. Karnataka is home to numerous locations of scenic, historic and cultural importance to suit everyone’s interest.
From tropical beaches to cool hill stations to thick forests that are rich in flora and fauna to having one of the best waterfalls to thrilling and adventurous trekking locations, Karnataka has got it all. As you just scrolled down our list you would have got to know some of the incredible facts of Karnataka which many of you might be unaware of. These facts make Karnataka one of the most amazing states in the country.
