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Karnataka boasts
a diverse flora and fauna, which make it a nature tourist's paradise.
The state's long and colourful history, and the many forts, temples,
mosques, and churches make Karnataka a great place to explore.
Garden city
Bangalore, Jog Falls,the beaches of Karwar and Malpe, Golgumbuz in
Bijapur, the stone temples of Belur and Halebid, Mysore Palace, the list
is endless.
Capital of
Karnataka:
Bangalore, the capital goes by many names -- the Garden City of India,
India's Manhattan and Silicon Valley. One of the most industrialized
cities of the country, its pleasant climate makes it the seat of much
commercial and cultural enterprise.
Rich in
Sandalwood, Rosewood and Silk, it has a lot to offer than a day or two
of sight seeing. Founded by the local Chieftain Kempe Gowda in sixteenth
century, Bangalore came into its own after it was converted into the
summer capital of Mysore by Tipu Sultan.
The Wodeyars also
contributed in the city's beautification. Bangalore, is undoubtedly the
trump card of Karnataka.
History of
Karnataka:
Karnataka's history takes us back to pre-historic times. The
earliest find of the Stone Age period in India was an hand axe at
Lingasugur in Raichur district. Chandra gupta Maurya, the great Indian
emperor abdicated his throne to embrace Jainism at Shravanabelagola.
In 1956, the
Kannada-speaking areas were grouped along with the princely state of
Mysore to form what we now call Karnataka in 1973. Karnataka has the
imprint of many dynasties.
Prominent among
them were the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas and the mighty Vijayanagara
Empire.
Culture in
Karnataka:
Karnataka possesses a rich cultural heritage. The folk theatre has
an ancient and rich tradition, the two principal forms being Yakshagana
and the puppet theatre.
'Yakshagana' is
akin to Kathakali of Kerala in the choice of its elaborate costumes and
vigorous dancing. 'Bhootada Kunita' (Dance of the Divine Cult), 'Nagamandala'
and the demon dance are some quaint rituals prevalent only in Dakshina
Kannada coastal area.
Sravanabelagola,
near Mysore, has a giant 1,000-yr-old stone statue of Bahubali, the Jain
saint. Huge monolithic Jain statues are peculiar to the Kannada culture.
Occupation in
Karnataka:
While agriculture
is the major occupation, the state boasts some of the most significant
industrial growth in post independence India. Karnataka is as well known
for its silk and sandalwood as for its high tech industry.
Bangalore, among
the fastest growing cities in Asia is home to many industries. The state
is rich in mineral ore, and supplies all of India's gold.
Other ores mined
in the state include iron, chromite, magnesite, mica, copper, etc. The
Sharavati, Kali, and the Cauvery rivers have been harnessed for electric
power.
Rich silks,
wooden toys, leather puppets, Bidriware and other artefacts make ideal
mementos.
Climate of
Karnataka:
Best time to visit Karnataka is September to February.
Population in Karnataka: 50 million
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