History of Karnataka
Pre History :
Karnataka has a hoary past. It is blessed with
innumerable inscriptions, memorial (viz. Hero,
Mahasati and Self immolation) stones and
monuments of rich historical and cultural
heritage. It has many sites of Prehistoric period
and most of them are found scattered on the river
valleys of Krishna, Bhima, Malaprabha,
Ghataprabha, Cauvery, Hemavathi, Shimsha,
Tungabhadra, Manjra, Pennar, Netravati etc. and
their tributaries. It is very interesting to note that
the Pre-historic studies in India started with the
discovery of ashmounds at Kupgal and Kudatini
in 1836 by Cuebold, a British officer in Bellary
region, which then formed part of Madras
Presidency. Subsequent discoveries have revealed
the existence of stone age man with innumerable
Pre-historic sites in Karnataka. The Pre-historic
culture of Karnataka viz., the Hand-axe culture,
compares favourably with the one that existed in
Africa and is quite distinct from the Pre-historic
culture of North India. Places like Hunasagi,
Gulbal, Kaladevanahalli, Tegginahalli, Budihal,
Piklihal, Kibbanahalli, Nittur, Anagavadi,
Kaladgi, Khyad, Nyamati, Balehonnur and
Uppinangadi (Lower Palaeolithic) ; Herakal,
Tamminahal, Savalgi, Salvadgi, Menasagi,
Pattadakal, Vajjala, Naravi and Talakad (Middle
Palaeolithic); Kovalli, Ingaleshvara, Yadwad and
Maralabhavi (Upper Palaeolithic); Begaumpur,
Vanamapurahalli, Hingani, Ingaleshwara,
Tamminahal, Sringeri, Jalahalli, Kibbanahalli,
Sanganakal, Brahmagiri, Uppinangadi, Mani and
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Doddaguni (Mesolithic); Maski, T. Narasipur,
Banahalli, Hallur, Sanganakal, Hemmige,
Kodekal, Brahmagiri, Kupgal, Tekkalkote,
Kurnal, Srinivasapura,Beeramangala,
Frenchrocks (Pandavapura) and Uttanur
(Neolithic and Chalcolithic); Rajana Kolur,
Bachigudda, Aihole, Konnur, Terdal, Hire
Benakal, Kumaranahalli, Tadakanahalli, Maski,
Banahalli, Badaga-Kajekaru, Belur, Borkatte,
Konaje, Kakkunje, Vaddarse and Hallingali
(Megalithic) are some of the important
Prehistoric sites of Karnataka. The ragi grain is
found commonly in Pre-historic sites of Africa
and Karnataka. The early inhabitants of
Karnataka knew the use of iron, far earlier than
the North and iron weapons dating back to circa
1500 B.C have been found at Hallur, now in
Hirekerur Tq. of Haveri district.
Traditionally, it is believed that parts of
Karnataka subjected to the rule of the Nandas and
the Mauryas. Maurya Chandragupta (either
Chandragupta I „Ashoka‟s Grandfather or
Samprati Chandragupta, Ashoka‟s Grandson) is
believed to have visited Shravanabelgola and
spent his last years there. Fourteen Ashokan (10
minor and 4 major) Rock Edicts are found in
Karnataka (two each at Nittur and Udagolam in
Bellary district; one at Maski in Raichur district;
one each at Gavimutt and Palkigundu in Koppal
district; one each at Brahmagiri, Jattinga
Rameshwara and Siddapura in Chitradurga
district; and four (viz., 13th and 14th) major
edicts at Sannati in Gulbarga district) testify to
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the extent of the Mauryan Empire. It is interesting
to note that, Emperor Ashoka‟s name occur for
the first time in his Maski minor rock edict
wherein, his familiar epithet “Devanampiya
Piyadasi” is accompanied with his personal name
Ashoka. Hence his Maski edict has a unique
place among all his royal edicts. The language
used in these Ashokan inscriptions is prakrit and
the script used therein is Brahmi. Brahmi, has
been regarded as the mother of all Indian scripts,
including the Devanagari script. Places like
Brahmagiri, Chandravalli, Maski, Sanganakallu,
Piklihall, Banavasi, Hallur, T.Narasipur,
Vadagoan-Madhavapur, Banahalli, Sannati, etc.,
have yielded rich remnants of Early (Proto)
historic period, datable to C 3rd Century B.C. -
1st Century A.D.
The Shatavahanas
The Shatavahanas (circa 30 B.C to 230 A.D.) of
Paithan (also called Pratishtana) in Maharashtra
have also ruled over extensive areas in Northern
Karnataka; some scholars even argue that this
dynasty hailed from Karnataka, as in early times,
Dharwad and Bellary districts were called
Satavahanihara (or the satavahana region). Some
of their rulers were called kings of Kuntala. At
Sannati in Gulbarga district, Vadgaon-
Madhavpur near Belgaum, Hampi in Bellary
district, Brahmagiri in Chitradurga district and
several other places, remains of their period have
been found. Banavasi in Uttara Kannada has an
inscription of their queen, and at Vasana in
Nargund Tq. remains of a brick temple of Shaiva
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order is noticed. Kanaganahalli near Sannati has
the ruins of Buddhist Stupas of their times
covered with sculptures on them. Among the
findings at Sannati, images of Lord Buddha (both
in sitting and standing postures) is
significant.Moreover the figures of eight
Satavahana rulers is also unearthed from this
place. Later, Karnataka fell into the hands of the
Pallavas of Kanchi. Their feudatories, the Chutu
Satakarnis, ruling from Banavasi after the fall of
the Shatavahanas, also seem to have accepted the
overlordship of the Pallavas. Pallava domination
was ended by two indigenous dynasties, namely
the Kadambas of Banavasi and the Gangas of
Talakad, who divided Karnataka between
themselves.
Kadambas of Banavasi (C.345-C.540)
The Kadamba Dyanasty was founded by
Mayuravarma, son of Bandhushena in c. 345
A.D. He was a brahmin student from the
celebrated Talagunda Agrahara (an Agrahara is a
settlement of scholarly brahmins, engaged in
religious and academic pursuits) in Shikaripur
taluk of Shimoga district. He had gone with his
grand father Veerasharma to the Ghatika of
Kanchi for higher studies. Subjected to some kind
of humiliation at the Pallava capital Kanchi,
Mayuravarma gave up his hereditary priestly
vocation (but his brahmin origin has been
questioned often by several research scholars in
recent days) and took to the life of a warrior and
revolted against the Pallavas. The Pallavas were
forced to recognise him as a sovereign, when he
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crowned himself at Banavasi in Uttara Kannada
district. His Chandravalli inscription speaks about
the construction or repair of a tank at
Chandravalli by mayura varma near Chitradurga.
One of his successors, Kakustha Varman (c. 435-
55) was such a powerful ruler that even the
Vakatakas and the Guptas cultivated marital
relationship with this family during his time. The
great poet Kalidasa seems to have visited his
court. The earliest Kannada record found at
Halmidi (C.450 A.D.) in Belur Taluk, Hassan
district, was issued by this dynasty. The
Kadambas built fine temples and bastis and the
Kadamba Nagara style stepped Shikharas is their
contribution. They also created first rock-cut
shrines of Vedic tradition at Aravalem (in Goa
which was then under their control) in a laterite
hill range. The tanks at Chandravalli and
Gudnapur are among the many irrigation tanks
they built. They had Lion as their royal insignia.
They were overthrown perhaps by the Chalukyas
of Badami in c. 540 and at later stages, two
branches of Kadamba family (one from Hanagal
and the other from Goa) ruled during medieval
period, as subordinates of the Chalukyas of
Kalyana. A branch of the Kadambas was also
ruling from Orissa as subordinates of the Gangas
of Kalinga in medieval times.
Alupas of Tulunad:
The Alupas who ruled over parts of coastal and
adjacent region between 4th and 16th century
A.D. with Udyavara, Mangalore, and Barakur as
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their capitals, had good cultural contact with the
contemporary imperial dynasties of Karnataka
like the Chalukyas of Badami, Rashtrakutas,
Chalukyas of Kalyana and other subsequent
dynasties, is worth mentioning. Inscriptions of
this dynasty found at Kadri, Someshwara,
Udyavara, Barakur, Belmannu, Vaddarse etc.
speak about their rule in coastal Karnataka. The
metal sculpture of Avalokeshwara seen in the
Manjunatha temple at Kadri near Mangalore,
installed by Alupa Kundavarma in 968 A.D. is
unique in South India.
Gangas of Talakad (C.350-C.1024 A.D.)
The Gangas seem to have started their rule in c.
350 from Kolar and later their capital is said to
have been shifted to Talakad (Mysore district).
Elephant was their royal insignia. Till the advent
of the Badami Chalukyas, they were almost a
sovereign power. Many Ganga princes were not
only scholars and writers, but also great patrons
of scholarship. Later they continued to rule over
Gangavadi (which comprised major parts of
South Karnataka and parts of Tamilnadu) till the
close of 10th century, as subordinates of the
Badami Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas. It is the
Gangas who withstood the onslaught of the
Pallavas and the Cholas, who tried to subjugate
South Karnataka. Durvinita (c.529-579) was one
of the great kings of this dynasty. He, being a
scholar wrote both in Kannada and Sanskrit. The
Sanskrit poet Bharavi is said to have lived in his
court for some time. The ancient Punnata
Kingdom (the modern Heggadadevanakote taluk
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region) was merged in his Kingdom. His great elucidated in Atkur inscription, a unique
grandson Bhuvikrama (c.654-79) was a strong memorial stone erected to commemorate the
ally of the Chalukyas, and at the Battle of demise of Kali, a hound, while fighting against a
Vilande (c.670) which was fought between the wild boar, now displayed in the Bangalore
Chalukyas and the Pallavas, he helped the former Visveswaraya museum. Finally their territory
to gain victory over Pallava Parameshwara came to be subdued by the Cholas in 1004, and
Varman and snatching as a war trophy, the thus the Ganga rule ended. The Cholas who ruled
Pallava ruler‟s necklace called „Ugrodaya‟ for major part of Gangavadi-96,000 with Talakadu as
himself. Mankunda in Channapatna taluk is said its provincial head quarters, were ultimately
to have been his royal residence for sometime. expelled from Gangavadi in 1114 by
Vishnuvardhana. However, a branch of the
A later prince of this family, Sripurusha (c.725-
Gangas ruled from Orissa from 496 A.D. and
88) was not only a strong ally of the Chalukyas,
became celebrated in history as the Eastern or the
but also resisted the Rashtrakutas who tried to
Kalinga Gangas. Among their feudatories, the
subdue him, after the overthrow of the Chalukyas
Nalambas played a vital role in the regional
of Badami by them in 753. Sripurusha, as a
politics in accordance with the political
Chalukyan ally killed Pallava Nandi Varman II at
vicisitudes of the day. Gangas dotted the country
Vilande in 731 and assumed the Pallava ruler‟s
with many tanks. Kolar, said to be the core
title Permanadi. This great ruler also wrote a
country of their initial rule, and Mysore district
Sanskrit work „ Gajashasthra‟, a treatise on theme
have many irrigational sources of their times.
of taming the elephants. He shifted his capital to
Ganga Hero Stones found at Begur, Doddahundi
Manne (Manyapura) in Nelamangala Taluk. His
etc and the masti stones found at places like
son Shivamara II (788-816) and grandson
Mankunda, Settihalli etc. are worth mentioning.
Rachamalla I (816-53) continued to resist
Their fine temples are seen at Kolar, Talakad,
Rashtrakuta power. In the end, Rashtrakuta
Begur, Nagavara, Gangavara, Nandi, Aretippur
Amoghavarsha Nrupatunga I (814- 78) sought
and Narasamangala. The last named has
reconciliation with the Gangas by marrying his
wonderful stucco figures of remarkable beauty.
daughters to the Ganga princes. At a later date,
They also built Jaina bastis at Kambadahalli and
when the Cholas became strong, the Ganga king
Shravanabelagola. The tall Gommata monolith at
Butuga II (938- 61) allied himself with the
Aretippur near Koolagere in Maddur Taluk. of 10
Rashtrakutas against the Cholas, and helped
ft. erected in 918 AD; and the other at
Rashtrakuta Krishna III (939-67) to humiliate the
Shravanabelgola, 58ft. in height is the creation of
Cholas by killing the Chola crown prince
their minister Chavundaraya in c. 982 A.D. are
Rajaditya in the battle held at Takkolam (949) as

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outstanding. Excavations held during the
preceding decades at Talkad, have brought to
light rich remnants of Ganga Period.
Chalukyas of Badami (C. 540-757)
It is the Chalukyas of Badami (also called Vatapi
in inscriptions) who brought the whole of
Karnataka under a single rule. They are also
remembered for their contributions in the field of
art and architecture. Their monuments are
concentrated at Badami, Nagaral, Aihole, B.N.
Jalinal, Pattadakal, old and new Mahakuta in
Karnataka and at Alampur, Gadwal, Satyavolal
and Bichavolu in Andhra Pradesh. They are both
rock-cut and structural, with wonderful sculptures
wrought in hard red sandstone. Their Shiggaon
copper plates, speak of 14 tanks in Haveri
district. The first great prince of the dynasty was
Polakeshi I (c. 540-66 A.D) who built the great
fort of Badami and performed Ashwamedha
Yaga (horse sacrifice) as elucidated in his
Badami cliff inscription of 543 AD (so far the
earliest saka dated (Saka 465) inscription of
Karnataka) after subduing many rulers including
the Kadambas. His grandson, Polakeshin II
(c.608-42 A.D.) built a vast empire, which
extended from the Narmada in the north, to the
Cauvery, in the south. In the east, he overthrew
the Vishnukundins and appointed his younger
brother Vishnuvardhana, as the Viceroy of Vengi.
This prince founded the Eastern Chalukya
Dynasty which ruled for five centuries in Andhra.
(A later prince of this Vengi line, Kulottunga,
even succeeded to the Chola throne in 1070).
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Harsha of Kanauj was defeated by Polakeshin II.
The Chalukyan army has been called
„Karnatabala‟ and described as invincible in
contemporary inscriptions. He exchanged
embassies with Persia and the Chinese piligrim
Hiuen Tsiang visited his court. Ultimately, the
Pallavas conquered Badami in c. 642 A.D. after
defeating Polakeshin II‟s army. His Aihole
inscription, a prashasti composed by his courtpoet
Ravikirti in 634 A.D. not only eulogises the
political campaigns of Polakeshi II in glorious
terms but also refers to poet Kalidasa of early
times. Later his son Vikramaditya I (655-81)
reconquered the Chalukyan capital and
reorganised his father‟s empire and restored the
fame of their army „Karnatabala‟ as „invincible‟.
The earliest representative carving of a measuring
rod of 18 spans of his period found on a rock
(Kattebande) at Kurugodu in Bellary Taluk, an
unique example even now visible. Vikramaditya
I‟s son Vinayaditya (681-96) defeated the ruler of
Kanauj, who claimed to be the paramount lord of
the North (Sakalottarapathanatha). He even sent
an expedition to Cambodia. He was succeeded by
Vijayaditya (696-733). The Arabs who had
conquered Sindh (711) under the leadership of
Mohamed Khasim, tried to make inroads into the
Deccan. They were defeated by the Chalukya
feudatory in South Gujarat called Avanijashraya
Polakeshin in 739. The Arabs were forced to
leave Sindh after this defeat. The Chalukyan
empire included not only the whole of Karnataka
and Maharashtra, but a greater part of Gujarat,
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Madhya Pradesh and Andhra, and also parts of
Orissa and Tamilnadu. Vikramaditya II (733-744)
in the line, defeated the Pallavas and entered the
Pallava capital Kanchi victorious. But he did not
loot Kanchi, like the Pallavas who had done at
Badami in C. 642. Instead after inspecting its
Jewels and Treasures, he redonated them to the
Rajasimheshwara temple of Kanchi, as elucidated
in a kannada inscription found carved on one of
the pillars of the above said temple at Kanchi. His
queens Lokamahadevi and Trailokyamahadevi
built the Virupaksha and Mallikarjuna temples at
Pattadakal to commemorate this victory. But the
Chalukyan power was weakened in the long run
by its frequent wars with the Pallavas and
ultimately dismembered during Kirtivarma II‟s
regime in 757 A.D.
Rashtrakutas of Malkhed (C.753-973)
In 753, Dantidurga, a feudatory chieftain of
Rashtrakuta origin overthrew the Chalukyan king
Keerthivarman II, and his family inherited the
fortunes of the Chalukyas. He claims that he did
this by defeating the „Karnatabala‟ of the
Chalukyas, described as „invincible‟ in those
days. We owe the engraving of the celebrated
monolithic Kailasa temple at Ellora (now in
Maharashtra) to Dantidurga‟s uncle, Krishna I
(756-74). Krishna‟s son, Dhruva (780-93) crossed
the Narmada, and after defeating the celebrated
princes like Vathsaraja of the Gurjara Prathihara
family and Dharmapala, the Gouda King of
Bengal, and extracted tribute from the ruler of
Kanauj, „the seat of India‟s Paramountcy‟. His
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son Govinda III (793-814) also repeated the feat
when he defeated Nagabhata II, the Gurjara
Prathihara, and Dharmapala of Bengal and again
extracted tribute from the king of Kanauj. His
„horses drank the icy liquid bubbling in the
Himalayas‟ says a record, testifying to his
victorious march in the North. The achievements
of the Chalukyas of Badami and Rashatrakutas by
defeating the rulers of Kanauj have made the
name of their era the “Age of Imperial Kanauj”, a
misnomer. Instead it should be called the “Age of
Imperial Karnataka” as Dr. Suryantha Kamath
righily points out. Amoghavarsha Nripatunga
(814- 78), the renowned son of Govinda III, had
to face the threat of the Eastern (Vengi)
Chalukyas, who challenged his very existence.
But he succeeded in subduing them after
defeating Vengi Chalukya Vijayaditya II at
Vinagavalli. He was a peace-loving monarch who
used matrimony as one of the weapons in
diplomacy. Although he killed as many as six
contemporary political potentates who created
trouble for him, he did not conduct Digvijayas
like his father and grandfather. He succeeded in
maintaining the Empire intact. Himself a scholar,
Amoghavarsha patronized scholarship and great
Jaina savants like Veerasena, Jinasena,
Gunabhadra, grammarian Shaktayana and
Mathematician Mahaveera adorned his court.
Adipurana and commentaries on the
Shatkhandagamas called as Dhavala, Jayadhavala
and Mahadhavala written in his court were the
great Jaina works of all India importance.
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 History of Karnataka
Kavirajamarga, the first extant Kannada work is
of his times composed by his court poet Srivijaya
in C. 850 A.D. His great grandson Indra III (914-
29) even captured Kanauj and held it under his
control for two years. One of his feudatories,
Arikesari of Vemulavada patronised Sanskrit
writer Somadeva (of Yashastilaka fame) and the
famous early Kannada poet Pampa.
Rashtrakuta Krishna III (936-67) subdued the
Cholas in the South and established a pillar of
victory at Rameshwaram. In fact the so-called
„Age of Imperial Kanauj‟ in Indian history was
the Age of Imperial Karnataka, when the prowess
of the Kannadiga was felt all over India. Even
Rajashekhara, the celebrated Sanskrit writer, has
called the Karnatas as great experts in the
technique of war. Soldiers from Karnataka were
employed by the Pala rulers of Bengal. One such
Kannada warrior founded the Sena Dynasty of
Bengal and the other Karnata Dynasty of Mithila
(modern Tirhath in Bihar). The Rashtrakutas
sponsored the engraving of many Hindu rock-cut
temples on the Buddhist model like the
Dashavatara Shrine at Ellora, the Jogeshwara
near Bombay and the one at the Elephanta Island.
(Some scholars ascribe the last named to their
Kalachuri feudatories). Arab traveller Suleiman
who visited India in 851 A.D, tell us that the
Rashtrakuta Empire was the largest in India and
he ranks it with the then greatest Empires of the
world viz., the Eastern Roman, the Arab and the
Chinese Empires. The Rashtrakutas constructed
many tanks and their temples are found at places
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like Sirivala, Sulepet, Gadikeshwar, Adaki,
Sedam, Handarki, Mogha, etc., in Gulbarga
district; Naragund, Nidagundi, Naregal, Ron and
Savadi in Gadag district; Badami, Banashankari,
Pattadakal etc. in Bagalkot district; and at Hampi
also. Some Rashtrakuta Hero Stones of exception
are seen at Ron, Kaujageri, Karmadi, Belvanaki,
Gadag, Betageri, etc. in Gadag district, needs a
special mention. These two dynasties viz., the
Chalukyas of Badami and the Rashtrakutas
popularised animal husbandry by donating cows
in thousands. The stones commemorating such
grants (gosasakallu) are seen all over.
Chalukyas of Kalyana (C.973-1189)
The Chalukyas of Kalyana who claim to be the
scions of the Badami Chalukyas, overthrew the
Rashtrakutas in 973, and Taila II (Trailokya
Malla), the first ruler of the dynasty, later
defeated the Chola rulers like Uttama and
Rajaraja I, and even killed Paramara Munja of
Dhara. His son Satyashraya (997-1008)
patronised the great Kannada poet Ranna.
Someshwara I (1043-1068), Satyashrya‟s grand
nephew, succeeded in resisting the efforts of the
Cholas to subdue Karnataka, and made Kalyana
as his new capital (modern Basava Kalyana in
Bidar district). The Chola king Rajadhiraja was
killed by him at Kuppam in 1054.
His son Vikramaditya VI (1076-1127) proudly
called as the Lord of more than 1000 inscriptions,
is the king who started the Vikrama Saka
Samvatsara on his coronation, celebrated in
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history as the patron of the great jurist
Vighnaneshwara, who wrote Mithakshara, a
standard work on Hindu law, and the emperor has
been immortalised by poet Bilhana (hailing from
Kashmir) who chose his patron as the hero for his
Sanskrit work, viz., Vikramankadeva Charitam.
Vikramaditya defeated the Paramaras of Central
India thrice and even plundered their capital
Dhara once. In the South he captured Kanchi
from the Cholas in 1085, and in the East, he
conquered Vengi in 1093. One of his
commanders, Mahadeva built the Mahadeva
temple at Itagi (Koppal district), one of the finest
Chalukyan monument, eulogised in an inscription
as “Devalaya Chakravarthy” (Emperor among
Temples). His son Someshwara III (1127-39) was
a great scholar. He has compiled Manasollasa, a
Sanskrit encyclopaedia and
Vikramankabhyudayam, a poem to which his
father is the hero. Manasollasa, a great work of
multi-dimensions, which depicts the cultural
conditions in South India, has sections on
administration, medicine, architecture, painting,
jewellery, cookery, dance, music, sports etc. It
has 100 sections discussing various aspects of
human activity.
The Kalachuris, who were the feudatories of the
Chalukyas, overthrew the Chalukyas and
captured Kalyana in 1162. Bijjala, the first
emperor of the dynasty, was the grand son of
Vikramaditya VI, through his motherside. He had
Basaveshwara, the celebrated Veerashaiva
religious leader, a rebel against Vedic tradition,
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who was the illustrious son of Madarasa, the head
of Bagewadi Agrahara, as his treasurer. Though
the Chalukyas staged a comeback in 1184 under
Someshwara IV, their power was overshadowed
by their feudatories, the Hoysalas and the
Sevunas of Devagiri, who encroached upon the
Chalukyan territory, and finally divided
Karnataka between themselves. The
representative carving of measuring rods used
during this period are being discovered on the
temples at Dambala, Kodikop, Bhairapura and
Shirasagi. The Chalukyas were great builders,
and their beautiful temples renown for fine and
intricate engravings are found at many places like
Itagi, Ron, Naregal, Gadag, Dambal, Lakkundi
(Gadag District), Lakshmeshwara, Bankapur,
Hangal, Haveri, Abbaluru, Hamsabhavi,
Chikkerur in Haveri District; Balligavi (Shimoga
District), Kuruvatti, Chaudadanapura
(Ranebennur Taluk), Unakal, Annigeri,
Kundagol, Moraba, etc. in Dharwar District; and
at Nagavi, Adki, Yewur, Sedam, Kulageri,
Kollur, Diggavi, Madiyala and Kalagi (in
Gulbarga Dt); Saudatti, Okkunda, Hulsi,
Belgaum etc. in Belgaum district; Badami,
Pattadakal, Aihole, Mahakoota, etc. in Bagalkot
district; Gabbur, Devadurga in Raichur district;
Koppal, Kukkanur, Itagi, Yelburga in Koppal
District; Kurugodu, Hadagili, Hampi, Kogali,
Bagali in Bellary District; and Kadlewada,
Chattaraki, Teradal, Nimbala, Muttagi etc. in
Bijapur district. They were great patrons of
scholars, and Sanskrit writers like Vadiraja and
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Kannada poets like Ranna, Durgasimha and
Nayasena lived in their times. The Veerashaiva
movement saw the advent of Vachana literature
in Kannada, initiated by Jedara Dasimayya and
Kembhavi Bhoganna. It grew during the
Kalachuri Interregnum when more than 770
Sharanas including Basava, Allama, Siddarama,
Channabasava, Akkamahadevi and others lived.
Veerashaivism preached equality of men, tried to
emancipate women, and stressed the importance
of bread-labour concept by calling it as „Kayaka‟,
for worshipping God.
Sevunas of Devagiri (C 1173-1318)
The Sevunas (Yadavas) who were the feudatories
of both the Rastrakutas and the Chalukyas of
Kalyana, became a sovereign power from the
days of Bhillama V (1173-92) who founded the
new capital Devagiri (modern Daulathabad in
Maharashtra). Earlier they ruled from Sindhinera
(modern Sinnar) near Nashik.
Hoysalas of Dwarasamudra (C.1052-1342) The
Hoysalas continued the great tradition of their art-
loving overlords, viz., the Kalyana Chalukyas,
and their fine temples are found at Beluru,
Halebidu and Somanathapura. The first great
ruler of the dynasty, Vishnuvardhana (c.1108-
1152) freed Gangavadi from the Cholas (who had
held it since 1004), in 1114 A.D. and in
commemoration of his victory, built the
celebrated Keertinarayana temple at Talakad, and
Vijayanarayana (Chennakeshava) Temple at
Belur, His kingdom was visited by
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Ramanujacharya, who stayed at Saligrama,
Tonnur, and Melkote in Karnataka for long.
Vishnuvardhana patronised the saint and believed
to have earlier influenced by Srivaishnava Chola
officers in Gangavadi. As he wanted to be an
Emperor by challenging his overlords, the
Kalyana Chalukyas expediency forced him to
perform certain Vedic rituals like Agnishtoma
and Hiranyagarbha sacrifices (yajnyas). Jainism
did not sanction such performances. But he
continued to patronise Jainism, as many of his
commanders and his accomplished queen
Shantala were Jains. His commander Ketamalla
built the famous Hoysaleshwara
(Vishnuvardhana) temple at Halebidu.
Vijayanagara Empire (C.1336-1646)
When the armies of the Delhi Sultanat destroyed
the four great Kingdoms of the south viz., the
Sevunas of Devagiri, Kakatiyas of Warangal,
Hoysalas and the Pandyas of Madhurai, it looked
as if a political power following a religion quite
alien to the South was going to dominate the
peninsula. Many princes including Kumara
Rama, the brave and heroic son of Kampilaraya,
a Seuna feudatory from Kampli in Bellary
district, perished while resisting the muslim
onslaughts. The people were bewildered over the
attack on their religious places and the barbaric
crudities perpetrated on the vanquished cities by
these invaders from the North. Poems and ballads
on Kumara Rama illustrate this bewilderment.
When the Vijayanagara kingdom was founded by
the Sangama brothers, viz. Harihara, Bukka,
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Kampana, Muddappa, and Marappa, people
whole-heartedly supported them. Tradition says
that sage Vidyaranya had even caused a shower
of gold to finance the Sangama brothers. Perhaps
the sage succeeded in securing financial help
from various quarters to the founders of
Vijayanagara. To Vidyaranya‟s guru
Bharatiteertha, Harihara and his brothers made
some grants at Sringeri in 1346. This grant had a
supplementary donation on the same day by
Hoysala Queen Chikkayi Tayi a Alupa queen,
who appears to have been present on the
occasion. Harihara (1336-56) of the Sangama
dynasty (1336-1485) founded the kingdom in
about 1336 and secured control over northern
parts of Karnataka and Andhra from coast to
coast. After the death of Ballala III (1343) and his
son Virupaksha Ballala in 1346, the whole of the
Hoysala dominion came under his control. The
above grant noted at Sringeri with the Hoysala
queen, Chikkayitayi and the kingdom glorifying
Kumara Rama, demonstrates its efforts as
successors of these potentates that had perished.
His brother Bukka (1356-77) succeeded in
destroying the Madhurai Sultanate: He even sent
an embassy to China. It is this prince who
sponsored the writings of the monumental
commentary on the Vedas viz., Vedarthaprakasha
by engaging several scholars, working under the
celebrated scholars Sayana and Madhava. The
work was completed in the days of his son
Harihara II (1377-1404). Harihara II extended his
domination in Konkan, beyond Goa upto Chaul.
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In the East, he conquered Pangal to the north of
the Krishna. Efforts made by Firuzshah Bahmani
to conquer this fort were foiled by Devaraya II
(1424-49), the greatest of the Sangamas, who
defeated the Bahamanis when he was the crown
prince, and this resulted in the shifting of the
Bahamani capital to the North i.e. Bidar in c.
1426. He defeated the Gajapatis of Orissa twice
and foiled the efforts of the Bahamanis to wrest
Mudgal. One of his commanders even invaded
Ceylon and extracted tribute, and the princes of
Pegu and Tenesserim in Burma also owed him
allegiance. He highly patronized the
Veerashaivas. The Hazara Rama Temple at
Hampi is his creation. Abdul Razak, the Persian
traveller who visited his court, says of the capital
that “nothing in the world could equal it.”
Himself a scholar, Devaraya II patronized Gunda
Dindima, a Sanskrit poet and Shrinatha, a Telugu
poet. The Hampi inscription of Davaraya II of
1420 A.D exolls the good qualities of his famous
commander Lakshmidhara poetically in glorious
terms.
The weak and vicious kings who followed
Devaraya II in the Sangama dynasty would have
caused the dismemberment of the empire, had not
Saluva Narasimha, an able commander assumed
power (1485). It paved way for the rule of Saluva
dynasty(1485-1505) for a short while. It was
during this period Purtuguese navigator Vasco-
da-Gama landed on the western coast at Calicut
in 1498 and thus opened a new vista for foreign
rule. Later, there was a second usurpation, under
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the leadership of Tuluva Vira Narasimha. He was
succeeded by the Tuluva Krishnadevaraya (1509-
1529) a great warrior, scholar and administrator
of Tuluva dynasty (1509-1570). He secured
Raichur doab in 1512, and later marched
victorious into the capitals of his enemies like
Bidar (1512) Bijapur (1523) and in the East,
Cuttack (1518), the capital of the Gajapatis.
Being a great devotee of Tirumalai Venkatesha,
he visited Tirupati frequently (7 times) and made
lavish grants to Lord Venkatesha. As a token the
bronze statues of Raya with his two queens is
seen even today at Tirumalai. “A great ruler and a
man of great justice” (in the words of Portuguese
visitor Paes) Krishnadevaraya was a man of
letters and a great patron of scholars. He himself
wrote a Telugu work Amuktamalyada. He had
eight great Telugu poets called ashtadiggqjas in
his court, and among them was Allasani Peddana.
Raya built the Krishnaswamy Temple in the
capital. It was during his time that the Portuguese
conquered Goa from Bijapur rulers in 1510. They
had a flourishing trade with Vijayanagara, and to
whom they supplied Arab horses on priority.
Portuguese rule in Goa had far reaching effects.
They introduced new floras like groundnut,
chilly, tobacco etc., besides bringing printing
technology from the New World. Mangalore and
Barakuru were the most important provinces in
Coastal area during the Vijayangara times and
they were administered by the governers
appointed by the Viajayanagara rulers from time
to time. During the rule of Sadashiva Raya (1543-
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70) the four Shahi Sultans attacked the Empire,
and after killing Aravidu Ramaraya (1542- 65),
the Vijayanagar minister and Krishnadevaraya‟s
sonin-law, at Rakkasa Tangadi (Rakkasagi-
Tangadagi) in 1565 and destroyed the capital
Vijayanagara. Later, his brothers Thirumalaraya
and Venkatapatiraya shifted the capital first to
Penugonda, and later Chandragiri and Vellore
became the subsequent capitals of late
Vijayanagara rulers. The Tuluva rule was set
aside by the Aravidu dynastry (1570-1646).
Srirangaraya III, its last ruler was given shelter by
Keladi rulers till his demise in 1670. During the
Vijayangara regime, local rulers like the Ajalas,
chauta, Banga, Mula, Hegde, Ballala, Domba and
other small principalities ruled almost
independently in the coastal region of Karnataka.
Venur, Moodabidre and Karkal prospered as
important Jaina Centres during this period.
Vijayanagara rulers patronized all religions. The
Portuguese traveller Barbosa testifies to this
catholic outlook of the emperors. Every existing
temple was provided with a strong enclosure, a
lofty tower at the entrance and vast mantapas.
Literary activity in all South Indian languages
was encouraged. The empire took upon itself the
responsibility of conserving Indian traditions in
philosophy, religion, science, literature and
culture. Vijayanagara played a greater role in
conserving local religion and cultural traditions.
In addition to the commentaries on the Vedas,
Sayana compiled many works like Yajnyatantra
Sudhanidhi, Ayurveda Sudhanidhi, Purushartha
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 History of Karnataka
Sudhanidhi, Subhashita Sudhanidhi and Alankara
Sudhanidhi to conserve Indian tradition.
Madhava (Vidyaranya) wrote Sarvadarshana
Sangraha introducing all religions of Indian
origin. His parashara madhaviya is a commentary
on parasharasmriti, a work on Hindu life, and law
and Parashara Madhaviya has clearly stated that
the Sati (suicide by a widow) is “kalivarjya”, to
be abhorred totally in Kaliyuga. The Emperors
not only built fine temples of all denominations
(Shaiva, Vaishnava, Srivaishnava, Jaina etc.,) but
renovated many temples destroyed prior to their
rule. All existing temples were provided with
huge prakaras (enclosures) and tall impressive
entrance towers called as rayagopuras found not
only at Hampi but also at Srishailam, Kalahasti,
Tirupathi, Srirangam, Chidambaram, Kanchi etc.
in Andhra and in Tamilnadu. In addition, they
also provided the existing temples with vast and
impressive Kalyana Mantapas and Sabha
Mantapas which were open pillared pavilions.
Each mantapa had scores of tall monolithic pillars
which were solid pieces of art. These public
works provided jobs to thousands. Their temples
seen at places like Hampi, Haravu, Belluru,
Kikkeri, Ambaligere, Holalkere, Sringeri,
Kurugodu, Bagali, Khandya, Kalasa etc. in
Karnataka are noteworthy. Besides, they have
also built innumerable temples in the
neighbouring states of Tamilnadu and
Andhrapradesh. Sanskrit, Kannada, Tamil and
Telugu literature flourished during this time. The
Veerashaiva religion saw a renaissance.
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Karnataka Music came to blossom by the works
of Vidyaranya, Kallinatha, Ramanamatya,
Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa. Purandaradasa
did a lot to popularise it by composing primary
compositions to teach this music and he has been
rightly called “the father of Karnataka Music” by
saint Tyagaraja. Foreign merchants and travellers
like Nicolo Conti(1420), Abdul Razak (1443),
Barbosa (1500-11), Paes (1520), Nuniz (1535),
and Caesar Fredrick (1567), who visited the
Empire give a vivid account on the flourishing
condition that prevailed in the empire in general
and the capital city Vijayanagara, in particular.
Bahamani Kingdom (c.1347-1520)
The Bahmani Sultans are remembered for the
great contribution they made in the field of Indo-
Sarcenic art in the South. Founded by Alla-Ud-
Din Hasan at Gulbarga in 1347, the Bahmani
Kingdom clashed with Vijayanagara all through
its history. Muhammed Bahaman Shah, built the
famous Jamia Maszid at Gulbarga fort in 1367. It
is a huge monument of enduring beauty. Domes,
vaultings and arches of mortar were introduced
by them in their buildings of Karnataka.
Adilshahis of Bijapur (1489-1686)
Of the five Shahi Kingdoms that rose from the
ruins of the Bahamanis, the Adilshahis of Bijapur
ruled over the greater part of Karnataka. It was
founded in 1489 by Yusuf Adil Khan, a
commander and governor under the Bahamanis.
The Adilshahis were great patrons of art and men
of letters. Yusuf has been called “a powerful and
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prosperous king” by Varthema, the Italian
Visitor. His son Ismail (1510-35) was recognised
as a ruler by the Shah of Iran and he sent an
embassy to Bijapur. Ismail‟s grandson, Ali
(1557-80) was in friendly terms with Ramaraya
of Vijayanagara, who had adopted Ali as his son.
But other Shahi Sultans forced Ali to join the
confederacy against the Vijayanagara Empire,
whose army was defeated in 1565. The Jami
Mosque at Bijapur with a wonderful design was
raised by him.
The Marathas :
The Marathas, who were encroaching upon the
Bijapur dominion came to have control over parts
of Karnataka to the North of the Tungabhadra.
Shivaji built forts at Ramadurg, Nargund,
Parasgad, Gajendragad, Katkol etc., in North
Karnataka. In the South they had their Bangalore
jahgir administered first by Shahji (1637-63) and
later by his son Ekoji. Mysore royal family
secured Bangalore and its surroundings from the
Mughals in 1689 on lease. The Mughals had
conquered these areas in 1686 from Maratha ruler
Ekoji, a feudatory of Bijapur. Later the Marathas
had secured the right of collecting chauth and
sardesmukhi, a part of the dues to the Mughals
from the southern feudatories in the days of
Chatrapati Shahu (Shivaji‟s grandson) from the
Mughal Emperor in 1719. In fact. Peshwa Balaji
Rao had conquered Dharwad in 1753. Later
Haidar and Tipu wrested Dharwad area from the
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Marathas. Although the Dharwad area was
restored to the Marathas in 1791, they finally lost
it after the fall of the Peshwa in 1818 to British.
Mysore Rulers
The Mysore royal family, which was also a
feudatory house under Vijayanagara, took
advantage of the weakening of the Empire and
became free. Raja Odeyar (1578-1617), secured
Srirangapattana (in 1610), the seat of the
Vijayanagara Viceroy.
Kantirava Narasaraja (1638-59), the first
sovereign ruler, successfully resisted the efforts
of Bijapur to subdue him, and extended his
territory. He built the Narasimha temple at
Srirangapattan. He issued his own coins called
„Kanthirayi panams‟. Chikkadevaraya (1673-
1704) not only resisted the Marathas at Bangalore
and Jinji successfully, but also extended his
dominions in Tamilnadu. He secured Bangalore
and its surroundings (which the Mughals had
conquered from Ekoji) from the Mughals on lease
and accepted Mughal suzerainty. He made
Mysore a rich principality by his able revenue
policies. Himself a great scholar and writer, he
patronized many Kannada writers like
Tirumalarya, Chikkupadhyaya and Sanchi
Honnamma. All these were Shrivaishnavas.
Weak rulers succeeded him and this finally led to
the usurpation of power by Haider Ali in 1761.
During this period places like
Chikkanayakanahalli, Madhugiri, Nidugal,
Anekal, Chickballapur, Gummanayakanahalli,
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Tarikere, Ranibennur, Belur, Harapanahalli etc.,
were ruled by local Chieftains of Karnataka.
Hydar Ali
The defeat of the Marathas at Panipat in 1761
helped Hydar to follow an aggressive policy. He
merged the Keladi Kingdom with Mysore and
extended Mysore in all directions. He
successfully used cavalry on a large scale.
Mysore came to have 80,000 square miles of
territory under him. Hydar built the palace at
Bangalore, strengthened its fort and began the
Lalbagh Garden. He built the Dariya Daulat
palace at Srirangapattana and laid a fine park all-
round it. He challenged the British in Tamilnadu
and defeated them. But he was humiliated by
Maratha Peshwa Madhavarao more than once.
Hydar allied himself with the French against the
British and successfully opposed them in the first
AngloMysore war. In the meantime Hydar Ali
captured and annexed the Chitradurga
Principality from the Madakari family of
Chitradurga in 1779. But he died at
Narasingarayapet, near Arcot, while fighting
against the British in 1782 amidst the second
Anglo-Mysore war. He had a strong Naval force
stationed at Sultan Bateri near Mangalore.
Tipu Sultan
Tipu Sultan (1782-99) who continued his father‟s
anti-British policy by fighting the third and fourth
Anglo-Mysore wars, dreamt of driving the British
out of India. He sought the assistance of
Napoleon, the French ruler and also the rulers of
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Turkey and Afghanistan. Tipu was a scholar and
a bold general. He introduced sericulture in
Mysore Kingdom; and took firm steps to
establish industrial centres producing quality
paper; steel wires for musical instruments, sugar
and sugar candy. He was very keen on promoting
overseas trade and initiated State trading and
founded stores not only in different centres of his
kingdom but also at Kutch, Karachi and Basrah in
the Middle East. He had a curious mind and was
keen on introducing novel things in every walk of
life. But his ambition of driving the British failed
and he died in 1799, fighting against the British
during the fourth Anglo-Mysore war at
Srirangapatna. Mysore fell into the hands of the
British who handed over parts of it to the
Marathas and the Nizams, their allies in this
venture, and crowned the Hindu prince,
Krishnaraja Odeyar III, as the ruler over Mysore
Kingdom, whose territories considerably reduced.
Later, under the instructions of the Madras
Presidency, Francis Buchanan visited the area
ruled formerly by Hydar and Tippu, during 1800-
01 immediately after the demise of Tippu, (1799).
He has left a vivid account in his Travelogue
worth to be noticed. British also secured the
territory to the north of the Tungabhadra by
defeating the Peshwa in 1818, and became
masters of Karnataka. Kodagu (Coorg) a small
princely tributary state, was also annexed by
them in 1834 by dethroning its ruler
Chikkavirarajendra of Haleri family. In 1834, the
feudatory monarchy in Kodagu (Coorg) was
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ended and the State was handed over to a
commissioner under the supervision of the
Madras Governor. Sullya region belonging to
Kodagu was transferred to Kanara.
British Rule
The advent of British rule brought about many
changes in Karnataka, as elsewhere in India. The
districts of Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Bijapur,
Bagalkot and Belgaum taken from the Peshwa,
were merged into Bombay Presidency in 1818.
The Kanara District, now the districts of Uttara
Kannada, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi; and
Bellary taken from Tipu, were added on to the
Madras Presidency. In 1862, the Kanara District
was divided into two, while North Kanara (Uttara
Kannada} was tagged on to Bombay Presidency.
South Kanara remained in Madras Presidency.
Mysore was retained as a separate principality;
the prince of the Odeyar dynasty, Krishnaraja III,
was yet a boy when he became the ruler in 1799.
The areas in the modern districts of Gulbarga,
Raichur, Koppal and Bidar were handed over to
the Nizam of Hyderabad. In addition to the
Nawab of Savanur, there were over 15 other
princes, ruling over small Kannada principalities.
Most of them were Maratha rulers, they included
the princes of Jamkhandi, Aundh, Ramdurg,
Mudhol, Sandur, Hire Kurundawad, Jath, Sangli,
Kolhapur, Meeraj, Kiriya Kurundawada,
Akkalkote, etc.
Mysore, as the nucleus of Karnataka, grew to be a
progressive State. It nurtured Kannada culture
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and encouraged Kannada literature and
scholarship. But for the Mysore State, Karnataka
would have lost its identity. Purnayya was made
the Chief Administrator (Diwan) during the
minority of Krishnaraja III, and later in 1810,
Krishnaraja himself assumed administration. But
the Nagar Uprising of 1831, resulted in the East
India Company assuming the Mysore
administration in 1831, and Mysore came to be
ruled by the British Commissioners for 50 years.
The prince, who was a great scholar and lover of
literature, spent the rest of his life in literary and
artistic pursuits. The Mysore court became a
major centre of Rennaisance in Karnataka. He
founded the Raja School for teaching English in
1833, which became the nucleus of the
Maharaja‟s high school and later upgraded as
Maharaja‟s College (1879). He also started a
lithographic press called Ambavilasa (1841) and
started printing books in Kannada.
Commissioners Regime
Of the Commissioners that ruled Mysore between
1831 and 1881, two are the most notable viz.,
Mark Cubbon (1834-61) and Lewin Bowring
(1862-70). To these two goes the credit of
making Mysore a modern State by organizing the
administration on European lines and bringing it
on par with other districts in the British
Presidencies. They also encouraged education by
increasing the number of schools. By building
roads and railways, and by introducing the
telegraph, an infrastructure was provided for
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industrial progress, which they had not
anticipated.
Rendition
The year 1881 saw the Rendition, when
Chamarajendra Odeyar, the adopted son of
Krishnaraja III, secured the throne. He was
assisted by able Diwans like Rangacharlu and
Sheshadri Iyer. Rangacharlu, the first Diwan,
founded the Representative Assembly in Mysore
in 1881, with 144 nominated members thus
prepared the ground for responsible government.
In 1891, the members were elected from among
the revenue paying landlords and rich merchants
and graduates annually. Subsequently their office
of tenure was made three years in 1894. He
encouraged Kannada scholarship. The prince was
also a great lover of literature and fine arts. The
prince died in 1894, and young Krishnaraja
Odeyar IV was crowned the king, and the Queen-
Mother Vanivilas became the Regent. Sheshadri
Iyer continued as Diwan till 1901.
Economic Changes Diwan Purnayya, earlier had
raised a dam across the river Cauvery at
Sagarakatte to improve irrigation. The laying of
first railway line (Broad-gauge) between
Bangalore and Jolarpet initiated during the
regime of Cubbon, started functioning from 1864,
when Bowring was the Cmmissioner. Cubbon
was also responsible for the construction of new
roads exceeding 2560 kms. in length, with 300
bridges. Coffee plantations, also started by him
covered over 1.50 lakh acres. He also founded the
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Public Works and Forest Departments. District
Savings Bank were started in Princely Mysore in
1870. Rangacharlu got the Bangalore-Mysore
metre gauge rail line ready by 1882, (which was
initiated earlier during commissioners rule in
1877-78) by spending a sum of Rs.55.48 lakhs.
The work on the line was started as famine relief
during the severe famine of 1876-78, which took
the toll of one million lives in Mysore State
alone. Sheshadri Iyer who initiated gold mining
in Kolar region (K.G.F.) in 1886, created the
Departments of Geology (1894), Agriculture
(1898), and launched the Vanivilasa Sagara
Irrigation Scheme in Chitradurga district. The
Shivanasamudra Hydro-Electric Project, which
supplied power to Kolar Gold Fields in 1902,
later, also provided electricity to Bangalore city
in 1905 (first city to obtain electrical facilities in
the whole country) and for Mysore in 1907, was
the first major project of its kind in India.
Although it is interesting to note that in 1887, an
Hydro Electric project was started at Gokak in a
small scale by Gokak Spinning Mill, which then
formed part of Bombay Presidency. The
Bangalore Mill was started in 1884 and it was
taken over by the Binnys, Bangalore Woolen,
Cotton and Silk Mills in 1886. It was about this
time that elsewhere in Kamataka too, modern
industrialisation started and railway and road
transport facilities began to improve.
HariharaPune railway line was completed in
1888. Mangalore was connected by rail with
Madras in 1907. The Gokak Spinning Mill (1885)
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had been founded by securing power from the
Gokak Falls (1887) and Mangalore had some tile
factories, first initiated by the Basel Mission
(1865). A spinning and weaving mill was also
started at Gulbarga in 1888. Gold mining had
started in the Hatti region of Raichur District
after priliminary investigations in 1886. Hubli
and Gadag had many ginning mills by then. Thus
Industrialization gave impetus to urbanisation and
modernisation. Agriculture was also receiving
great filip because of better irrigation and demand
for raw materials. The „Cotton Boom‟ of the
1860s of the American Civil War days gave
impetus to raising cotton crop, and though
demand from Manchester fell after the 1860s,
new factories founded at Bombay and Sholapur
(Sollapur) did purchase cotton from North
Kamataka area. But spinning, a domestic industry
which provided hither-too jobs to lakhs of women
by assuring a wage equal to a farm worker, was
totally destroyed after the Industrial Revolution,
and so was weaving. Thus pressure on land
increased.
Anti-British Uprisings
Karnataka did not tamely submit to the foreign
rule of the British. There were anti-British violent
uprisings between 1800 and 1858. The earliest of
these was of Dhondia Wagh, who after the fall of
Tipu, unfurled the flag of revolt against the
British in 1800 from the Bidanur-Shikaripur
region; many former princes joined him. His
revolt spread from Jamalabad to Sode in Coastal
Districts and above the Ghats upto Belgaum and
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Raichur Districts. He was killed at Konagal in
September 1800, and his colleague Krishnappa
Nayak of Belur (Balam) was killed in February
1802. The Vellore (Tamilnadu) uprising of 1806
is to be recorded in the annuals of Karnataka,
because, the rebels invited Fathe Hyder, the son
of the deceased Tipusultan to assume the
leadership which he refused. Eventually it was
quelled within no time by the British. The Koppal
Rebellion led by one Virappa in 1819 was also
suppressed. The year- 1820 saw the Deshmukh
rebellion near Bidar. A strong revolt was
witnessed at Sindhagi in Bijapur District in 1824.
The revolt of Kittur Channamma in 1824 and of
Sangolli Rayanna of the same kingdom in 1829
are also famous. This was followed by the Nagar
Uprising of 1830-31 accompanied by similar
agrarian revolts in the Kanara District in 1831.
Sarja Hanumappa Nayak of Tarikere chieftains
also joined the insurgents. Though this revolt
failed, it cost Krishnaraja III his throne. There
was an uprising in Kodagu during 1835-37,
popularly known as „Kalyanappana katakayi‟ so
named because its leader was Kalyana Swamy,
(also called Swamy Aparamapara) projected
himself as the relative of Kodagu royal family,
which was also strong in Dakshina Kannada
(Sullya Puttur, Bantawala and Mangalore).
Ultimately Kalyanappa, Kumble Subbaraya
Hedge, Lakshmappa Banga and Biranna Bhanta
of Kasaragod were hanged to death in 1837. One
former official of the Peshwa called Narasappa
Petkar organized a revolt against the British in
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1840-41 popularly known as Badami revolt,
Karnataka responded to the 1857-58 uprisings
positively. The Chandakavate Deshmukhs joined
hands with the Venkatappanayaka of Surapur and
revolted against the British. In November 1857,
the Halagali Bedas revolted against the Arms
Act, They were ruthlessly suppressed by the
British army on 29th November midnight and
several people died. During the struggle more
than 300 persons were arrested and 32 persons
were hanged on Dec. 11 and 14 respectively at
Mudhol and Halagali. Jamakhandi also witnessed
an uprising. The rulers of Naragund and Surapur,
joined by Mundargi Bheemarao, a Zamindar, and
the Desais of Govanakoppa, Hammige, Soraturu
etc, also revolted in 1858. Mundargi Bheemarao
was executed and the rebellion was quelled.
Infact, 12 copies of Tatya Topi‟s Anti-British
proclamation chart is being recovered from
Mundargi Bheemarao‟s family. There was a long
revolt in Supa, jointly led by men from Goa and
Uttara Kannada, who included some Siddis
(Negroes) in 1858-59.
Though the uprisings were suppressed, their
lessons were not totally forgotten. It was the
Nagar Uprising (1830) which ultimately resulted
in the founding of Mysore Representative
Assembly in 1881. The British learnt to respond
to the grievances of the people quickly. Local self
governing bodies were founded in towns during
1850‟s and 1860‟s. People also learnt that
without proper organisation, it is not possible to
free the country from the British. The British also
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felt the need to improve the means of transport
and communication to enable them to meet
situations of breach of peace. The communication
facilities initiated by them mainly served their
colonial economic purposes.
Beginning of Renaissance
This new administration, everywhere helped the
spread of modern education. Christian
Missionaries also started education on Western
lines. There were over 2000 primary schools in
Mysore State by 1881. Bombay- Karnataka area
had over 650 primary schools by that time.
Though there were only Marathi schools in
Bombay-Karnataka, men like Elliot and Deputy
Channabasappa strove to introduce Kannada
medium. A college was started at Bellary in
1869. A Government college was founded at
Bangalore in 1870 (named Central College in
1875) and later Bangalore saw a second
institution, the St.Joseph‟s College, in 1882. The
Maharaja‟s College of Mysore was started in
1879. The Government College of Mangalore
was founded in 1869, followed by the St.Aloysius
College in 1879. Christian Missionaries started
printing in Kannada as early as 1817 (first from
Serampore near Calcutta) and the first newspaper
named „Mangaluru Samachara‟ was started by
the Basel Mission in 1843. Many old Kannada
classics were printed. All these developments
helped literary activity on new lines. Prose
became popular and secular themes appeared in
literature. Many newspapers and journals were
published in Kannada. They include „Kannada
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 History of Karnataka
Samachara‟ (Bellary 1844), „Chandrodaya‟
(Dharwad 1877), „Karnataka Prakashika‟
(Mysore 1865) and „Arunodaya‟ (Bangalore
1862). These are a few of the many such efforts.
Hitachi, a Urdu paper started its circulation since
1870 from Kaladgi, another named Karnataka
vritha, weekly from Bijapur (1892) was very
popular. Lyrical poetry in Kannada also came to
be composed, beginning with the prayer songs
composed by the Missionaries. Mysore royal
court also encouraged many writers.
Mudramanjusha (1823) by Kempunarayana was
the first important prose work. Many English and
Sanskrit plays were translated. The first original
Kannada social play was Iggappa Heggadeya
Prahasana (1887) by Venkatarama Shastry. The
first original Kannada social novel was
Suryakanta (1892) by Gadagkar, though social
novels had been translated from English, Marathi
and Bengali too by then. The stage art and music
also were influenced by these changes. New
drama troupes came into existence at Gadag
(1874) and Halasangi and there was a troupe at
Mysore too. The visit of Marathi troupe from
Sangli in 1876-77 and the Victoria Parsi
Company in 1878 to Karnataka, revolutionized
stagecraft here. Veena Venkatasubbayya,
Sambayya and Chikkaramappa were some of the
great veena masteroes in the Mysore court at this
time. A distinct Mysore school of Karnatak music
was evolved during this period.
In architecture, Western impact was seen. The
Central College building (1860) in Gothic style,
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the Athara Kachery (1867) with ionic pillars and
the Bangalore Museum Building (1877) in
Coranthian style were built during this period.
The Basel Missionary, introducing light tiles
from Mangalore revolutionised architectural
patterns. Churches too introduced the Western
style. Our Lady of Sorrow Church (Mangalore
1857), St.Mary‟s Church (Shivajinagar,
Bangalore, 1882), St. Joseph‟s Seminary Church
(Mangalore 1890) and St.Mary‟s Church
(Belgaum, 1896) are some such early examples.
Many social movements stirred Hindu society
and social changes received an impetus. The
propoganda of the Christian missions was also
responsible for this, especially of the newly
founded Protestant missions, though in a negative
way. The Theosophical Society started its work
in Mysore State in 1886, Brahma Samaj started
its activities at Bangalore in 1866 and also at
Mangalore in 1870. This was followed by the
Depressed Classes Mission, founded by Kudmul
Ranga Rao at Mangalore in 1897, which started
many schools for the depressed classes.
Bangalore had the Indian Progressive Union in
1894. Mysore State banned the marriage of girls
below eight. Sheshadri Iyer started separate
schools for the untouchables as they were
hesitating to attend other regular schools. The
Maharani‟s school for girls founded in 1881 at
Mysore by Palace Bakshi Ambale Narasimha
lyengar became a high school in 1891 and later
into College in 1901. The Ramakrishna Mission
was founded in Bangalore in 1904. These
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 History of Karnataka

developments mainly helped emancipation of in inculcating national feelings. He was the

women and attempted eradication of Father of the Karnataka Unification Movement
untouchability. It was in this atmosphere that the also.
history of the State also came to be written.
Fight for Freedom The Freedom Movement and
B.L.Rice‟s Mysore and Coorg; Fleet‟s Dynasties
the demand for Unification of Karnataka became
of Canarese Districts (1882), Bhandarkar‟s Early
very strong in Karnataka after 1920. They are the
History of Dakhan (1884), Rice‟s Epigraphia
climax of the trends witnessed in remnascent
Carnatica volumes (beginning from 1886), Indian
Karnataka. The freedom movement influenced
Antiquary volumes from 1872 and Sewell‟s A
literature, journalism, arts, industries and even
Forgotten Empire (1901) helped the recovery of
society. It sponsored with great zeal, the
Karnataka‟s history, and made the people of
programme of eradication of untouchability and
Karnataka, feel proud of their hoary past. This
emancipation of women. The achievement of
paved the way for the high renaissance and the
social unity and undoing on an large scale of
national awakening in the 20th century. In the
caste prejudices was also the work of the
Princely State, amidst all these developments, the
movement. The Veerashaiva Mahasabha (1904),
first ever Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition
the Okkaligara Sangha (1906) and other such
was organised at Mysore in 1888. The Karnataka
organisations helped to spread education and the
Vidyavardhaka Sangha of Dharwad (1890), the
creation of a consciouness of their rights among
Mythic Society of Bangalore (1909), the
the backward classes. In 1917 was founded the
Karnataka Ithihasa Samshodhana Mandala of
Praja Mitra Mandali in Mysore and in 1920
Dharwad (1914) further helped the Renaissance.
Brahmanetara Parishat at Hubli with similar goals
An all-Karnataka literary and cultural forum was
was started. Though these movements were
founded in 1915, and this was the Karnataka
against Congress which spearheaded freedom
Sahitya Parishat, with its headquarters in
struggle, but in the long run, they whole-
Bangalore. It had the active support of the
heartedly joined Congress in its struggle for
Mysore Government and its president, H.V.
freedom. Prior to it, Four persons (one from
Nanjundaiah also became the Vice-Chancellor of
Belgaum and three from Bellary) from Karnataka
the newly founded Mysore University (1916).
went to attend the first session of Congress at
Aluru Venkatarao wrote „Karnataka Gata
Bombay in 1885. The impact of Bala Gangadhara
Vaibhava‟ in 1917, introducing to the Kannadigas
Tilak and his journal „Kesari‟ on Karnataka was
in Kannada, the history and cultural achievements
great. The Bombay State Political Conferences
of Karnataka. Written in a tone, highly charged
were held at Dharwad (1903), Belgaum (1916)
with emotion, the work played an important role
and Bijapur (1918) in North Karnataka area,

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 History of Karnataka
which were then under the Bombay Presidency.
There was picketing of liquor shops in Belgaum
in 1907 (during the Swadeshi movement,
following „Vangabhanga‟ or Partition of Bengal)
and 15 people were imprisoned. National Schools
were founded at Belgaum, Dharwad, Hubli, and
Bijapur. Theosophists earlier had founded the
National High School at Bangalore in 1917.
Gandhiji’s Early Visits to Karnataka :
Meanwhile, on returning from South Africa in
1915, when Gandhiji (1869- 1948) visited
Madras, at the request of D.V. Gundappa, he
made a short visit to Bangalore on May 8th 1915
to unveil the portrait of Gopala Krishna Gokhale,
and on this travel to Bangalore, earlier he was
garlanded and honoured on the platform at the
Bangarapet Railway Station by the local Gujarati
merchants. In fact, this was his first visit to the
Princely State of Mysore. In 1916 he visited
Belgaum and stayed there for 5 days by
inaugurating the Bombay State Political
Conference. Later, the first Karnataka State
Political Conference was held at Dharwad in
1920, and according to its decision, nearly 800
people from Karnataka attended the Nagpur
Congress in 1920. At Nagpur, Karnataka secured
a separate provincial Congress Committee (1921)
and GangadharaRao Deshpande of Belgaum was
made the first K.P.C.C. President. In the
meantime, as a part of Khilafat Movement,
Gandhi visited Bangalore on 11-8-1920 and after
addressing the public speech, he left for Madras.
A week later, while returning from his Madras
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tour, Gandhi visited Kasaragod and Mangalore on
19-8-1920. During the same year, on November
7th, Gandhi visited Nippani, Chikkodi, Hukkeri,
Sankeshwar and halted at Belgaum. On 10th
November he visited Dharwad and on the
following day after addressing the gatherings at
Hubli and Gadag, he left for Miraj. During 1921,
he visizted Bagalkot, Bijapur and Kolhar on 27th
and 28th May. In the same year, unavoidable
circumstances forced him to stay at Bellary
Railway Station for few hours on 30th September
night. Later he proceeded to Guntkal in the
morning. Meanwhile, Non Co-operation
Movement of 1921-22 saw many lawyers giving
up their practice and many students boycotting
schools and colleges. Khilaphat Movement was
also launched with this. Nearly 50 National
Schools were started in Karnataka and over 70
persons from the British Districts courted arrest.
Picketeers were fired on in Dharwad and
Bangalore, and three Khilaphat workers died in
Dharwad and two in Bangalore Cantonment. In
the meantime Dr. Hardikar from Karnataka,
organised Hindusthani Seva Dal, a voluntary
corps with Hubli as its all-India headquarters.
The Belgaum (39th meet) Congress of 1924 (20th
December to 27th December), the only Congress
session ever presided over by Gandhiji was a
grand success, and was greatly responsible for
public awakening in the State. Gangadhara Rao
Deshpande, Hanumanta Rao Kaujalgi and
Shrinivasarao Kaujalgi of Bijapur, Tekur of
Bellary and Karnad Sadashiva Rao of Mangalore
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 History of Karnataka
were some of the early leaders of Congress from
Karnataka.
Civil Disobedience Movement
Later, the Civil Disobedience Movement
launched by Gandhiji in 1930, began in
Karnataka with Salt Sathyagraha at Ankola,
followed by various law breaking programmes
like Jungle Sathyagraha, Picketing of liquor
shops, Non-payment of Pasture Tax (hullubanni)
and finally No-Tax Campaign when peasants
refused to pay land revenue. Over 2,000 people
courted arrest in the British districts with the
Belgaum District‟s quota being the biggest i.e.,
750. The movement was resumed in 1932 after
the nine-months lull following the Gandhi-Irwin
Pact, with greater vigour. The No-Tax Campaign
launched in Siddapura and Ankola taluks was an
epic struggle. The lands of over 800 families
were confiscated and 1000 people went to jail in
Uttara Kannada alone; among them were one
hundred women, and most of them were illiterate
and even conservative widows with shaven
heads. They got their lands back only in 1939,
and till then they suffered in silence. Programmes
and propaganda to eradicate Untouchability were
launced in Karnataka, when Gandhiji undertook a
fast over the issue in 1932. The highlights of the
programme in Karnataka was to make the
Harijans to enter the Marikamba Temple of Sirsi
and the Basavangudi of Bangalore. Gandhiji also
toured Karnataka as a part of his programme of
upliftment of Harijans in 1934 and 1936. By then,
Harijan Sevak Sangh‟s Karnataka unit was
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founded with Sardar Veeranagauda Patil as the
President.
Gandhiji in Karnataka (1934)
During his 1934 tour, Gandhi visited
Vidhuraswatha, Gowribidanur, Doddaballapur,
Tumkur, Tyamagondalu, Nelamangala,
Bangalore and halted at Mysore on 4-1-1934 ;
visited Tagadur, Badanawal, Nanjanagud and
halted at Mysore (5th January); proceeded to
Mandya Sugar town, Maddur, Besagarahalli,
Shivapura, Somanahalli, Channapatna,
Ramanagar, Kanakapur, Bidadi, Kengeri and
reached Bangalore (6th January). On 10th left for
Vallavi Kote and after touring Tamil Nadu,
visited Mysore, Tittimatti, Ikkeri, Ponnampet,
and Hudigere (22nd Feb); visited Virajpet,
Bellur, Somwarpet, Gundagutti, and halted at
Madakeri (23rd Feb); Proceeded to Sampaje,
Sullia, Puttur, Uppinangadi, Vittala, Kannadaka,
Pane Mangalore, Bantwal and halted at
Mangalore (24th February); Next day visited
Gurupura, Bajpe, Katilu, Kengoli, Mulki,
Padabidri, Kapu, Katapadi, Udayavara, Udupi,
Brahmavara (25th February) and halted at
Kundapur (25th and 26th February); Left for
Bhatkal, Honnavara, Kadri and halted at Karwar
(27th); Next morning went to Binaga, Chandiya,
Ankola, Hiregutti, Mandageri, Kumta,
Ammanpalli, Hegde and halted at Sirsi (28th
February); Kanasur, Siddapur, Dasanakoppa,
Isur, Yakkambi, Samasagi, Akki Alur, Devi
Hosur, Haveri, Byadgi, Motebennur,
Murughamut and halted at Haveri (1st March);
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 History of Karnataka
next day visited Ranebennur, Harihara,
Davanagere, Duggatti, Bennihal, Harapanahalli,
Kottur, Kudligi, Kanavihalli and halted at Sandur
(2nd March); proceeded to Bellary, Hospet,
Bhanapura, Gadag, Jakkali and halted at Hubli
(3rd March); proceeded further to Dharwad,
Marewada, Amminabhavi, Moraba, Harobidi,
Inam Hongala, Uppina Betageri, Hirehullekere,
Saundatti, Gural Hosur, Bailhongal, Sampagaon
and Bagewadi (4th March) halted at Begaum (
4th and 5th March); visited Tondekatte and
returned to Belgaum (6th March); visited
Yamakanamaradi, Ontamuri, Hukkeri, Gokak,
and Sankeshwar, Gadi hingalga and
Hattikanagale in Maharashtra Nippani, Bhoj,
Havinhal, Kotahalli, Dholagarawadi, Chikkodi,
Ankali and halted at Shedbal (7th March). On 8th
March after visiting Mangasuli, Banahatti,
Athani, Honnawad, Tikota, Toravi, Bijapur and
Ilkal; via Jorapur proceeded towards Hyderabad.
This tour of more than two months duration
brought social awareness and the downtrodden
mass ( whom he called Harijans) started gaining
self-confidence and moral courage.
Gandhiji’s Later Visits to Karnataka (1936 &
1937)
Later in 1936, due to High Blood Pressure,
Gandhiji again fell ill. He was advised to take
rest. Hence he came to stay at Nandi Hills during
May 1936. During this stay (11th May-30th May)
he recovered speedily. On 31st May he left Nandi
and reached Bangalore, after visiting
Chikballapur, Sidlaghatta, Chintamani, Kolar,
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Bangarpet and KGF, the same night via Malur he
reached Bangalore and stayed there upto 10-6-
1936. After visiting Kengeri he left for Madras on
11-6-1936. This was his last visit to Bangalore
and Princely State of Mysore. Later during 1937
April, Gandhi visited Hudali (in Belgaum
District), an important Khadi Centre, to
inaugurate the Khadi Exhibition. He stayed there
from 16th April to 21st April. It was his last visit
to Karnataka. After this, till his death in 1948,
somehow he could not visit this region which was
one of his favourite and affectionate region in the
Country. But Gandhi‟s several visits to various
parts of Karnataka undoubtedly inspired the
people of Karnataka.
Flag Satyagraha
Amidst all these, although there were no
agitations in Princely State till 1937, the people
of Mysore State founded Mysore Congress in that
year, and launched the Flag Satyagraha in April
1938 by organising the first session of the
Mysore Congress at Shivapura (Mandya District).
The Vidhurashwatha (Kolar District) tragedy
followed soon (25th April 1938), in which 10
were killed by police fire. This was followed by
the forest satyagraha movement, also insisting for
responsible government in the princely state
(1939). Morethan 1200 persons were imprisoned
during the movement. T. Siddalingaiah, H.C.
Dasappa, S. Siddayya, K.C. Reddy, H.K.
Veeranna Gowda, K.T. Bhashyam,
T.Subramanyam, K. Hanumanthaiah, S.
Nijalingappa, M.N. Jois and Smt. Yashodhara
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 History of Karnataka
Dasappa were some of the important leaders of
Mysore Congress. Similarly the Hyderabad
Congress was launched in 1938, and it made a
strong demand for responsible government. In
KGF also this agitation was launched in 1939 and
curfew was clamphed in mines area. Likewise in
other Princely States of Karnataka also, a strong
demand for responsible government was
launched under the guidance of the National
Congress.
“Quit India Movement” 1942-43.
The Quit India Movement saw unprecedented
awakening in Karnataka. Students in all colleges
and schools went on strike. Labourers in
Bangalore and other places, numbering over
30,000, also struck work for over two weeks.
Over 50 people (of whom 11 from Bangalore
alone) fell victims to firing by the police. Seven
from Bailhongal, seven from Davangere, six from
Shravanabelgola were martyrs of the Quit India
Movement. Death of Mailara Mahadevappa and
two of his companions in Haveri District was a
serious tragedy. The Isur village in Shimoga
district which demonstrated unbridled fury
against the British had five of its heroes hanged.
A total of 15,000 people (out of which 10,000
from Princely Mysore alone) went to jail in 1942-
43 from Karnataka. Dharwad Bijapur, Belgaum,
South Kanara and North Kanara areas, evidenced
heroic sabotage and subversive works by
organised group of patriots, which became
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famous as “Karnataka Pattern” praised even by
Jayaprakash Narayan.
Mysore Chaloo (1947)
Even after India becoming free in 1947,
Hyderabad Karnatak region could be liberated
only after the Police Action in 1948. Among the
men who organised Congress, Ramananda
Teertha, Janardanrao Desai, G. Ramachar,
Krishnacharya Joshi, A. Shivamurthy Swamy and
Sharanagouda Inamdar were the noted leaders
from Hyderabad Karnatak area. In Mysore State
an agitation called “Mysore Chalo” was launched
for the establishment of responsible government.
The agitation succeeded, and a team of ministers
headed by K.Chengalaraya Reddy as the Chief
Minister, took charge of the administration in
October 1947. Later he was succeeded by K.
Hanumanthaiah (1952) and Kadidal Manjappa
(1956) as Chief Ministers in the erstwhile Mysore
State. To Hanumanthaiah goes the credit of
raising Vidhana Saudha, the biggest building in
granite of modern times. Daily newspapers like
the Taruna Kamataka‟ (Hubli), the „Samyuktha
Karnataka‟, (Belgaum, and later Hubli), the
„Janavani‟, the Tayinadu*, „Navajeevana‟,
„Veerakesari and Vishwa Karnataka‟ (all from
Bangalore) and „Kodagu‟ (Weekly) from
Madikeri rendered yeoman service to the
movement. Women also came to the fore and
participated in processions and the picketing of
liquor shops and pro-British establishments
braved lathi blows and went to jail with babies in
arm. Mention can be made of Kamaladevi
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 History of Karnataka
Chattopadhyaya, Umabai Kundapur, Krishnabai
Panjekar, Yashodhara Dasappa, Siddamma
Bellary and Gauramma Venkataramaiah who
were in the forefront of the movement.
Unification of Karnataka
After independence, a persistent effort had to be
made for the Unification of Karnataka. The
movement for Unification, had been, infact,
launched together with the movement for
freedom in Karnataka. Before independence,
Karnataka had been distributed among as many
as 20 different administrations like Mysore State,
Madras Presidenc, Bombay Presidency, Nizam
State, Kodagu, Kolhapur, Sangli, Meeraj,
Chikkameeraj, Kurundawada, Chikkurundawad,
Jamkhandi, Mudhol, Jath, Akkalakot, Aundh,
Ramdurg, Sondur and Savanur principalities,
Bangalore, Belgaum, and Bellary Contonment
and the handicaps and sufferings of the people of
Karnataka in those days were severe. In a
Kannada area like Mudhol, ruled by a Maratha
Prince, there were no Kannada schools and the
administration was conducted in Marathi. This
was the case with many Maratha States. In
Hyderbad State, Urdu dominated. In big British
Presidencies like Bombay or Madras, where
Kannada districts were few and the Kannadigas
were in a minority, their sufferings were many.
They had no just share in the development
activities. They could not secure minimum
facilities like roads or bridges. Everywhere the
voice of the Kannadiga was a voice in the
wilderness.
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The Renaissance had also created a strong
yearning for Unification. Dharwad was the centre
of the movement, and Alur Venkatarao was the
brain behind it. He had supporters like Mudavidu
Krishnarao, Kadapa Raghavendra Rao and
Gadigayya Honnapurmath. The Karnataka
Sahithya Parishat was founded (1915) at
Bangalore partially by the efforts of these people,
and it provided a forum for the writers and
intellectuals of Karnataka. The writers and
Journalists met annually at the Kannada Literary
Conference organised by the Parishat and finally
the first Karnataka State Political Conference
held at Dharwad (1920) decided to agitate for
Unification through the Congress organisation
too. The Nagpur Congress agreed to establish the
K.P.C.C. in that year. Thus Unification, initially
an idea of the Kannada writers and journalists,
secured the support of the politicians. The first
Unification Conference was held at Belgaum in
1924 during the Belgaum Congress, with
Siddappa Kambli as its president. Nine such
conferences were held between 1926 and 1947 at
Bellary (1926) and 1936) Dharwar (1928,1933,
1944), Belgaum (1929), Hukkeri (1931),
Solhapur (1940), Mumbai (1946) and Kasargod
(1947) respectively. In the meantime Hindustani
Sevadal founded (1923) by Dr.N.S.Hardikar
started the signature campaign for unification in
1926 and nearly 36,000 people signed for it. In
1928 the Jawaharlal Nehru Committee strongly
recommendedfor the formation of a separate
Karnataka Province Literary figures like D.R.
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 History of Karnataka
Bendre, Shamba Joshi, Betgeri Krishnasharma,
Sriranga, Panje Mangeshrao, Govindapai,
Shivaramakaranth, Ti.Tha Sharma,
D.V.Gundappa, Kapataral Krishnarao,Taranath,
B. Shivamurthy Shastry, V.N.Gokak,
A.N.Krishna Rao, B.M.Sri, Kuvempu, Gorur
Ramaswamy Ayangar, and others gave
inspiration through their writings Kannada
Newspapers and Kannada organisations also
worked hard for unification later. Karnataka came
under five administrations in 1947,viz., (1)
Bombay (2) Madras (3) Kodagu (4) Mysore and
(5) Hyderabad states (instead of 20). Minor
Princely States like Jamkhandi, Ramadurg,
Mudhol, Sandur etc. numbering 15 have been
merged with neighbouring districts soon after
independence. At the time of its merger,
Jamkhandi state had B.D. Jatti as its Chief
Minister. From 1947, Unification was a demand
that had to be urged upon the Government of
India. At the same the legislatures of Mumbai and
Madras States accepted the resolution for the
creation of linguistic provinces in 1947.
The Karnataka Ekikarana Maha Samiti was
formed in 1947 with S.Nijalingappa as its
president with A.J.Doddameati and Mangalavede
Srinivasa Rao as its secretaries. Later it was
renamed as Karnataka Ekikarana Sangha in 1952.
But, the Dhar Committee appointed by the
Central Government to look into this issue, gave
adverse report. This was strongly criticized at the
Jayapur Congress Session in 1948. To find
solution, a new committee (JVP) under Nehru,
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Vallabhabhai Patel and Pattabhi Seetharamaiah
was constituted in 1948 and in 1949, it
recommended for the creation of Andhra Pradesh
only. The Kannadigas continued the agitation
further, when in 1953 Andhra Pradesh was
formed, Bellary district was handed over to
Mysore State. People like Gorur, Kuvempu and
others inspired through their speech and writings.
C.M.Poonaccha, worked for the merger of
Kodagu state with Mysore. Political leaders like
S.Nijalingappa, Andanappa Doddameti,
K.Hanumantaiah, Thinkers like Sir.M.V. and
others propogated for the unification in old
Mysore State. In 1953, the Akhanda Karnataka
Rajya Nirmana Parishat, a newly founded party
with K.R. Karanth as the President, had to launch
a major Sathyagraha and more than 5,000 people
courted arrest. Leaders like Jinaraja Hedge,
Channappa wali, Chinmayaswamy Omkarmath
were its members. Finally, the Fazl Ali
Commission was appointed, in December 1953
and according to its recommendations,
linguistically united Mysore State (Karnataka)
came into existence on the 1st November 1956
and S.Nijalingappa became its Chief Minister.
Later, during D. Devaraj Urs‟s regime, the state
was named „Karnataka‟, a long cherished
aspiration of the Kannadigas in 1973.
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 History of Karnataka
Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar –
Contributions; The Nayakas of Keladi
and Chitradurga; Rani Chennamma &
Sangolli Rayanna of Kittur, The
Yalahanka Nadaprabhu; Hyder Ali
and Tippu Sultan (1761-1799).
Much of Karnataka experience
immedicable social and political turmoil
in the centuries between the collapse of
the Vijayanagara Empire in the late
1500s and the death of Tipu Sultan in
1799. It was an era of dynamic change,
during which inconsiderable rulers and
chiefs, variously called “little kings,”
nayakas, and poligars in historical
accounts, fought war after war against
outsiders and each other. Mysore was
ultimately the most successful of these
upheavels and its glorious history
dominates what has been written about
this long period. Several smaller
kingdoms, most notably Chitradurga and
Keladi (Bednur, Bednore), undergone
into the middle 1700s and were of
considerable territorial importance.
The kingdom of Mysore was founded by
the Wodeyar dynasty, who was
feudatories under the Vijayanagar
rulers, in 1399 AD as a vassal states.
The founder of this dynasty was
Yaduraya Wodeyar. The decline of
Vijaynagar empire after the battle of
Talikota in 1565, the Wodeyars became
independent kingdom. During the reigns
of Narasaraja Wodeyar I and Chikka
Devaraja Wodeyar, the territory of the
kingdom extended to what is now
southern Karnataka and nearby large
tracts of Tamil Nadu to become a
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powerful state in the southern Deccan.
This Hindu Royal Dynasty produced
great rulers ‘who were not only
interested in extending their kingdom
but also administered well.
The rule of Chikka Devaraja
Wodeyar (1673-1704) is considered as
the golden period in Mysore history. His
administrative skills were excellent.
Chikka devaraja assumed the
title Karnataka Chakravarthi. He made a
few effective campaigns against Madura,
Ikkeri, Bijapur, Golconda and the
Marathas (1673-1686). The Nayakas of
Ikkeri, the Qutub Shahis of Golconda and
the Marathas under Sambhaji, shaped a
triple union against him yet they were
crushed at Banavara (1682). It was
during this time that the Mughal
Emperor Aurangzeb annexed Bijapur and
Sira was made as the Mughal capital.
After Mughal conquest, Mysore became a
tributary state. Chikka Devaraja bought
the city of Bangalore from Qasim Khan,
the Governor of Sira, in 1687. He
procured Avaniperur, Arasaravani,
Hoskote, Mannargudi and in 1689,
Dharmapuri and Kaveripatnam. After the
passing of Qasim Khan, keeping in mind
the end goal to get Mughal
acknowledgment of his Southern
successes, Chikka Devaraja sent an
embassy to Emperor Aurangzeb. The
Mughal emperor received it with and
bestowed upon Devaraja, the title of Jaga
Deva, and permission to sit on an ivory
throne. Devaraja was influenced by
Aurangzeb's style of administeration, he
reorganized the administration of his
empire by dividing it into 18 devisions
called Atharkacheri or Chavadis and also
introduced a coherent system of
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 History of Karnataka
taxation. For the first time, regular
postal system was developed. Historians
believed that the king himself had taken
a personal interest in the regular
collection of revenues he accumulated in
the treasury to 90,000,000 Pagoda (a
unit of currency) – earning him the
epithet "Nine crore Narayana" (Navakoti
Narayana).After his death in 1704
plunged the kingdom into a period of
political upheaval.
Nayaks of Keladi (Ikkeri)
After the disintegration of the
Vijayanagar empire in the drastic battle
of Talikota in 1565, Tirumala Raya
accepted the new states of the Nayaka s
of the south. He maintained the
allegiance of Mysore and Keladi.
Tirumala appointed his three sons as
governors of the three linguistic regions
of the new states—Telugu, Kannada, and
Tamil. Then in 1570, he had himself
crowned and thus officially founde d the
Aravidu dynasty, the fourth and last
dynasty of Vijayanagar empire. At the
same time, the Nayaks of Keladi (Ikkeri)
controlled much of Tulu Nadu. Keladi is
a temple town in Shimoga district of the
state of Karnataka in India. The town
Shimoga, on the banks of the Tunga
River, was once the home and stronghold
of the Keladi Nayakas during 16 th
century AD. The Shimoga city got an
independent identity under the Nayaka
of Keladi rule during 16th century,
reaching its zenith under the reign of
Shivappa Nayaka. The Nayakas made
Keladi the capital city of their Kingdom.
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Earlier they were the feudatories of
Vijayanagara Empire. After the
disintegration of Vijayanagara Empire in
the Battle of Talikota, the Keladi
Nayakas established an independent
kingdom and it remained so until it was
conquered to by Hyder Ali. Shimoga
Kanara was under the rule of the Keladi
or Ikkeri Nayakas, who ruled first from
Keladi, then Ikkeri and finally Bednur
(modern day Nagar). It has great
temples such as Kenchamma temple,
Veerabhadra temple, Mahalingeshvara
temple, Ganapati temple and
Venkataramana temple belonging to the
later Vijayanagara period. Kallianpur
had its hey days during the reigns of the
Keladi Nayakas.
Keladi Chennamma was a great and
heroic queen who ruled over a small
kingdom, Keladi, for twenty five years.
Keladi Channammaji (1672-1697)
succeeded her husband, Somasekhar
Nayaka. Chennamma ruled wisely and
ably and gained the love of her people. A
special bond was formed between the
Marathas and the Keladi kingdom during
her time. She offered political asylum
and protection to the son of the famous
Maratta warrior Shivaji, Raja Ram in
1685. She tactfully thwarted the
rivalries and other enemies and
restored the rule and order. When the
British wanted to secede the kingdom to
their empire by putting forward the
doctrine of lapse as Rani Chennamma's
son was adopted. The queen bravely
refused to secede her kingdom after her
husband's death. Aided by Rayanna, she
fought against Britisher bravely but was
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 History of Karnataka
defeated and imprisoned. Rayanna is
considered by many scholars as the
pioneer of Guerrilla warfare in India. He
continued this struggle until 1829.
Finally he was captured by treachery
and hanged.
The Nayakas of Chitradurga
Chitradurga was one of numerous
central Karnataka provinces governed by
local chieftains a long time before the
rise of Vijayanagara empire. By the 15th
century, it was mainly administered by
Bedar (Valmiki) families who traced
their origins to southern Andhra
Pradesh ( Srikalahasti region of Bedara
Kannappa). Like most of the families
that rose to power in the 15th century,
the Chitradurga nayakas associated with
the Vijayanagara rulers, who appointed
them local governors. The Vijayanagara
ruler attracted by their acts of daring
and bravery. They were tributaries of
the Hoysalas and Vijaynagar rulers for a
long time but after the fall of Vijaynagar
empire, the nayakas of chitrdurga, like
the nayakas of Keladi and Wodeyars of
Mysor, established themselves
independent rulers of the region.
Timmanna Nayaka was earlier a
feudatory of Vijayanagar empire and
later became the first ruler of
independent Chitradurga kingdom. The
greatest of the Chitradurga Nayakas was
Bharamappa Nayaka of Bilichodu (1689 -
1721). He became a Maratha ally and
fought alongside Marathas in the battle
of Dodderi in 1695 but had to pay
tribute later to the Mughals for helping
the Marathas. He fought many pitched
battles against the Mughals and
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constructed many temples and irrigation
tanks. Madakari Nayaka V (1758 -
1779) was a brave soldier and a
excellent administrator. He aligned
himself with Haider Ali of Mysore
Kingdom on occasion and at different
circumstances with the Marathas. It was
amid his chance that Haider Ali attacked
the Chitradurga Fort which prompt the
heroics of Onake Obavva. Later having
been deceived by the Marathas and some
local officers, Madakari Nayaka was
defeated by Hyder Ali, taken prisoner
and killed.
Haidar Ali
Chitradurga’s political position became
unsustainable in the middle of the 18th
century after it was become a sandwich
between the Marathas and Haidar Ali of
Mysore. Both the kingdoms wanted to
control of the region. But Haidar Ali
proved to be more powerful..After three
sharp conflicts with Chitradurga in the
1770s, Haidar Ali diplomatically took the
The leaders of the Wodeyar dynasty
practiced ostensible power from 1761 to
1796 as the genuine power was in the
hands of the commanders-in-chief,
Hyder Ali and his successor Tipu Sultan.
Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan were
exceptionally recognized leaders of
Southern India. For the extension,
consolidation and improvement of the
Kingdom of Mysore they made a niche
for themselves. Haider Ali assumed a
vital part in the development of the
Mysore.
Hyder Ali was an incredible warrior. He
began his careera as a small officer in
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 History of Karnataka
the Mysore armed force. He prepared the
troops under his summon and seizedt
the throne of Mysore. He adopted the
policy of religious toleration. Hyder Ali
designated individuals on the premise of
their ability. He fought many battles
with Marathas, Nizam, Karnataka and
the British to extend his kingdom. In the
first Anglo-Mysore war he crushed the
British. In the second Anglo-Mysore war,
Hyder Ali united with the Marathas in
1780 but the war ended with the death
of Ali. Peace was made with Hyder Ali's
successor Tippu Sultan by the Treaty of
Mangalore 1784.
Tipu Sultan
Tipu Sultan succeeded in 1782. He was
called the Tiger of Mysore who
continued the struggle against
Britishers. He was a researcher, fighter,
and writer. He was the eldest child of
Sultan Hyder Ali of Mysore. He started
crusade of successes and pursued
consistent wars against the Marathas,
the Nizam and the British. He crushed
the British and encompassed Madras.
Tipu Sultan was capable and gifted ruler.
He attempted to change with the
circumstances and presented various
authoritative developments during his
reign. He introduced an improved land
revenue system, which led the
development of Mysore Silk industry.
Tipu tried to improve the trade and
commerce and sent missions to different
nations to build better trade relations.
He also tried to built a modern navy by
restructuring his army on western
grounds and introduced modern weapon
industry.
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Sangolli Rayanna
Sangolli was the army chief of the
Kingdom of Kittur ruled at the time by
Rani Chennamma. Rayanna, a famoust
freedom, was born in the small village of
Sangolli. by putting forward the doctrine
of lapse, the Britishers wanted to secede
the kingdom to their empire as Rani
Chennamma’s son was adopted, the
queen refused to secede her kingdom.
Aided by Rayanna, she fought British
bravely but was defeated and
imprisoned.
Sangolli Rayanna continued to fight the
British till his last breath. His land was
confiscated and heavily taxed. Rayanna
taxed the landlords and built up a strong
army from the masses. He used guerrilla
tactics of warfare to attack government
property; burnt land records and
extracted huge amounts of money from
notorious landlords and bureaucrats.
Rayanna is considered by many scholars
as the pioneer of guerrilla warfare in
India.
At the end, he was captured by treachery
and hanged at Belgaum. His last words
are "My last wish is to be born again in
the country to fight against the British
and drive them away from our sacred
soil".
Rayanna's mortal remains were buried
near Nandaghad. Legend says that a
close associate of Rayanna planted a
Banyan sapling on his grave. The tree is
fully grown and stands to this day. A
Asoka Stamba was installed near the tree
some years back.
Yelahanka.
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 History of Karnataka
Yelahanka is a suburb area in Bangalore
and It is one of the oldest towns in
Karnataka. It was becomea part of the
Vijayanagara Empire. The constructor of
Bangalore KempeGowda I, was born in
Yelahanka. He was the Chieftain and
feudatory of the zone amid the rule of
King Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagara.
Yelahanka has a long history more than
500 years as it had become founded
under the ageis of Vijaynagar rulers.
Chieftain Kempegowda who constructed
Bangalore fortress and the Yelahanka
Town in 1537 AD, exchanged his capital
from Yelahanka to Bangalore after
Bangalore city was founded. Yelahanka
was called Ilaipakka during the time of
Gangas and Cholas and Elahakka at the
time of Hoysalas. As time passed
Elahakka was supplanted by the current
name Yelahanka.
Antiquity of
Karnataka
The Pre-history of Karnataka traced back to
paleolithic hand-axe culture. It is also
compared favourably with the one that
existed in Africa and is quite distinct from the
Pre-historic culture that prevailed in North
India. The credit for doing early research on
ancient Karnataka goes to Robert Bruce-
Foote. Many locales of Pre-noteworthy period
have been discovered scattered on the stream
valleys of Krishna, Tungabhadra, Cauvery,
Bhima, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha,
Hemavathi, Shimsha, Manjra, Netravati, and
Pennar and on their tributaries. The
disclosure of powder hills at Kupgal and
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Kudatini in 1836 by Cuebold (a British officer
in Bellary district), made ready for the
investigation of Pre-notable examinations in
India.
Some of the important sites representing the
various stages of Prehistoric culture that
prevailed in Karnataka are
Hunasagi,Kaladevanahal li, Tegginahalli,
Budihal, Piklihal, Kibbanahalli, Kaladgi,
Khyad, Nyamati, Nittur, Anagavadi,
Balehonnur and Uppinangadi (Lower
Palaeolithic Culture); Herakal, Menasagi,
Pattadakal, Vajjala, Tamminahal, Savalgi,
Salvadgi, Naravi and Talakad (Middle
Palaeolithic Culture); Kovalli, Yadwad,
Ingaleshvara and Maralabhavi (Upper
Palaeolithic Culture); Begaumpur,
Vanamapurahalli, Sringeri, Hingani,
Ingaleshwara, Tamminahal, Jalahalli,
Kibbanahalli, Sanganakal, Brahmagiri,
Uppinangadi, Mani and Doddaguni
(Mesolithic Culture); Maski, T. Narasipur,
Banahalli, Hallur, Sanganakal, Srinivasapura,
Hemmige, Kodekal, Brahmagiri, Kupgal,
Tekkalkote, Kurnal, Beeramangala, French
rocks (Pandavapura) and Uttanur (Neolithic
and Chalcolithic Culture); Aihole, Maski ,
Rajana Kolur, Badaga-Kajekaru, Bachigudda,
Konnur, Terdal, Hire Benakal, Kumaranahalli,
Tadakanahalli, Banahalli, Belur, Borkatte,
Konaje, Kakkunje, Vaddarse, and Hallingali
(Megalithic Culture). Discoveries have
revealed the existence of Gold in Harappa was
found to be imported from mines in
Karnataka. Thus many scholars believed that
of ancient Karnataka was known to the
people of Indus Valley Civilisation. Use of iron
was known to the early inhabitants of
Karnataka far earlier than the people of
North India. The Iron tools dating back to
circa 1500 B.C, found at Hallur in Hirekerur
Tq. of Haveri district.
References to Karnataka are found in the
Sabha Parva and the Bhishma Parva of the
Mahabharata and in Śūdraka’s
Mrichchakatika and Kathasritsagara. Panini
mentioned Karnadhaka as the Gotra of
people. Karnataka is pre-eminently
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 History of Karnataka
mentioned also in the old Sanskrit texts
like Markandeya Purana, Bhagavatha,
and Brihathsamhitha of Varahamihira.
Scholars believed that Karnataka was the
part of the Nanda and Maurya Empires.
According to Jain accounts, Chandragupta,
first Mauryan emperor, renounced his throne
and followed Jain teacher Bhadrabahu to
south India. He is said to lived at Chandragiri
hills in Shravanabelagola for several years
before fasting to death.
Among the fourteen Rock Edicts of Ashoka
which have been excavated in Karnataka, 10
are Minor (two each at Nittur and Udagolam
in Ballari area; one at Maski in Raichur
region; one each at Gavimutt and Palkigundu
in Koppal region; one each at Brahmagiri,
Jattinga Rameshwara and Siddapura in
Chitradurga region) decrees, and Four are
Major (viz., thirteenth and fourteenth
declarations found at Sannati in Kalaburagi
region) Rock orders. They testify to the fact
that the Mauryan ruled over Karnataka also.
It is interesting to note that, Emperor
Ashoka’s personal name “Ashoka” occur for
the first time in his Maski minor rock edict.
Satvahanas also controlled northern
Karnataka and with the disintegration of the
Satavahana dynasty led to the rise of the
earliest native kingdoms, the Kadamba
Dynasty of Banavasi in modern Uttara
Kannadadistrict with Mayurasharma as the
founding king and the Western Ganga
Dynasty in southern Karnataka. These
dynasties made the region as an independent
political entity. The earliest use
of Kannada in administration was started by
kingdoms, as evidenced by the Halmidi
inscription and a fifth-century copper coin
discovered at Banavasi. These dynasties were
followed by imperial Kannada empires such
as the Chalukyas of Badami, the Rashtrakuta
Empire of Manyakheta and the Western
Chalukya Empire and Hoysalas, Vijaynagar
empire on the banks of Tunbhadra river, later
on the Bahmani kingdom and the kingdom of
Mysore which ruled over large parts of
the Deccan and had their capitals in what is
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now Karnataka. the Hoysalas gained power in
the region at the turn of the first
millennium. Literature also flourished during
this time, which prompted the development
of particular Kannada scholarly meters, and
the construction of temples and sculptures
adhering to the Vesara style of architecture.
Jaina scholars, and warriors from Karnataka
during the period gained great regard.
Kannada Language and
Literature
The origin of the Kannada language can be
traced back to 3rd century BCE, as found in
the Ashokan inscriptions. It is the second
oldest of the four major Dravidian languages
with a literary tradition. The
Geography written by Ptolemy, a scholar from
Alexandria, during the first half of the second
century A.D. Ptolemy speaks of many places in
Karnataka such as Kalgeris (identified as
Kalkeri), Modogoulla (Mudugal), Badamios
(Badami) and so on. All these are not only
places in Karnataka, but are also names of
Kannada origin. The Kannada script
originated from southern varieties of the
Ashokan Brahmi script. In the 150 CE Prakrit
book Gaathaa Saptashati, written by Raja
Haala,also contained Kannada words. But
written evidences are available only from 5-6
century AD., like a stone inscription in brahmi
characters, resembling Tamil, as was found in
the early periods of other Dravidian
languages. The language is classified as Old
Kannada. Halmidi, Chitradurga, and
Chikkamagaluru inscriptions are some
examples. The copper plates of 8th century,
and palm leaf manuscript of 1478 pages of
9th century, giving milestones of the
language's march forward. three Jain writers,
Adikavi Pampa, Sri Ponna (939-966 AD) and
Ranna (b. 949 AD), collectively called 'Three
Gems of Kannada literature', are credited to
have introduced the age of classical Kannada
in the 10th century. Pampa, the author of
Adipurana (941 AD), is considered one of the
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 History of Karnataka
greatest of Kannada writers. Vikrmarjuna
vijaya, another contribution from Pampa, is
based on the epic Mahabharata. Akka
Mahadevi, who lived in Karnataka around
1100 was a great poet. Her poems, written in
Kannada, in free verse style, were all
dedicated to Shiva.
Kannada language is divided by linguists into
three distinct phases: Old (850-1200 AD),
Middle (1200-1700) and Modern (1700
onwards). These stages speak to the phases of
its phonetic advancement. But from the
literary point of view, scholars identify three
different ages such as Jain, Veerashaiva and
Vaishnava. Starting with the Kavirajamarga
(of about 850 AD.), the oldest literary work in
Kannada, through the middle of the 12th
century, all the literary activities in Kannada
were undertaken by the Jains. After the
Veerashaiva movement, another phase of
literary movement came up under the
patronage of Vijayanagara rulers, and this is
known as the kaivalya, which followed the
advaita line of Sankara. The most prominent
in the Kaivalya school of writing was
Shivayogi. During this period, the two noted
philosophers who influenced the life and
thinking of the region, were Ramanujacharya
and Madhvacharya. They were instrumental
in converting the Jainists into Vaishnavites.
Even the king was converted into
Vaishanavism. The period of
the Vijayanagara Empire recognized as the
golden era for Kannada literature. Kumara
Vyasa, of this period was one of the most
influential of the Vaishnava poets of the time.
He was a master of metaphors, and this
earned him a title – Rupaka Samrajya
Chakravarti ('The Emperor of the domain of
Metaphors'). He wrote Kumaravyasa Bharata
in the typical Vyasa tradition. Kumara
Valmiki (1500), the writer of Torave
Ramayana, an adaptation of the
epic Ramayana, and this work inspired the
folk theatre of Karnataka like
the Yakshagana. During the 15th century, the
development of the Vaishnava Bhakti
movement which spread the message of the
vedantin Madhvacharya to the common man.
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The main advocates of this movement were
Naraharitirtha, Jayatirtha, Vyasatirtha,
Sripadaraya, and Purandara Dasa. A
wandering poet, Purandara Dasa (1484-
1564) is known as Karnataka Sangeeta
Pitamaha (the Patriarch of Carnatic Music)
and is believed to have composed some
475,000 songs in Kannada
and Sanskrit languages.
After the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire,
Kannada literature was vigorously supported
by the Wodeyar rulers of Mysore. Not only did
they encourage writers, but some of the rulers
themselves were writers and composers. The
most prominent of them was King Chikka
Devaraja Wodeyar, the author of the famous
treatise on music, Geetha Gopala. King
Kanteerava Narasaraja Wodeyar Ii who
authored 14 Yakshaganas. Mummadi
Krishnaraja Wodeyar was another author
with more than 40 writings to his credit.
The development of modern Kannada
literature can be traced to early 19th century,
marked by Kempu Narayana's novel
Mudramanjusha. The advent of Christian
missionaries, introduction of Western
education system and the printing press
strengthened the development and growth of
modern Kannada literature. The first
Kannada newspaper, Mangalore Samachara,
saw the light in 1843. The first Kannada-
English dictionary also came out in 1894.
Translations from not only English, but other
Indian languages like Bengali and Marathi
became available. All this resulted in the
influx of novel, essays, dramas and literary
criticisms in Kannada language.
B. M. Srikantaiah is considered as the 'Father'
of Modern Kannada literature. He was the
one who called the writers to move away
from the archaic forms of writing, but to
pursue the original path of writing. The effect
was the ascent of 'navodaya', another dawn.
The impact of Western culture and writing
was powerful to the point that Kannada's
books, short stories, plays, abstract reactions,
and sonnets encountered a freshly discovered
imaginative desire. Shivarama Karanth
(Chomana dudi) and Masti Venkatesh Iyengar
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 History of Karnataka
(Sanna Kathegalu) established frameworks
for another style of narrating. T. P. Kailasam
(Tollu Gatti, Tali Kattoke Cooline) broke
another ground for plays. Realistic novels
became the in thing during the first half of
the last century. Masti Venkatesh Iyengar,
D.V. Gundappa, K.V. Puttappa (Kuvempu),
Shivaram Karanth, G. P. Rajaratnam, V. K.
Gogak and Gopal Krishna Adiga became the
champions of Kannada literature. Short story
and ballads turned into the vehicles for the
battles for another life. K.S.
Narasimhaswamy, Chandrasekhara Kambar,
D.R. Bindre, Chandrasekhar Patil, P.Lankesh,
Girish Karnad (Tughlaq), U. R.
Ananthamurthy and K.S. Nissar Ahmed
turned out to be the best known writers of
the language.
LITERARY SOURCES
The earliest extant Kannada work
Kavirajamarga speaks of contemporary social
and political conditions of Karnataka.
The Kannada poem by Pampa –
Vikmmurjunavijaya, furnishes certain details
regarding the Rashtrakutas.
Ranna’s Gadayuddha deals with the history of
the Chalukyas of Badami and Kalyani.
Chavundaraya Purana contains information
regarding the Gangas.
Keladinripa Vijayam discusses in detail the
history of Keladi family. In Sanskrit, an
encyclopedia by Basavaraja, a Keladi
ruler, Shivatattva Ratnakara, throws light on
the history of Keladi and also on that of
Vijayanagara.
Kanthirava Narasaraja Vijayam deals with
the endeavors of Kanthirava Narasaraja
Odeyar of Mysore.
Chikkadevaraja Binnapam, Chikkadevaraja
Vijayam, Chikkadevaraja
Vamshavali and Apratimaviracharite speaks
about the achievements of Chikkadevaraya,
the great ruler of Mysore.
Kumara Ramanakathe by Nanjunda contains
information on the history of pre-
Vijayanagara period.
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In Sanskrit the achievements of Vikrama VI of
Kalyana are narrated in Bilhana’s Vikra-
mankadeva
Charitam. Manasollasa or Abhilashitartha
Chintamani by Somesvara III of Kalyana also
holds valuable information on cultural
history. This prince also
wrote Vikramankabhyudyam narrating the
exploits of his father.
Chaturvarga Chitamani of Hemadri
concerned with the history of the Sevunas
(Yadavas). Jalhana’s Suktimuktavali related
to the achievements of Sevuna Bhillama V and
his father Mallugi.
Gadyakarnamritam by Vidyachakravartin
II narrates the war between Hoysala
Narasimha II and the Pandayas.
Madhura Vijayam by
Gangambika, Saluvabhyudayam by Rajanatha
Dindima I, Achyuthabhyudayam by Rajanatha
Dindima III and Varadambikaparinayam by
Tirumalamba are most important literary
works.
Krishnadevarayana Dinachari is a recently
discovered Kannada source.
The Extent of
Kannadanadu
The Kavirajamarga, a 9th century Kannada
work, describing the extent of Kannada
territory which was extending from the
rivers Cauvery and the Godavari. Though
Kannada language is not spoken in the
Godavari region today, but from sixth to 13th
centuries A.D. Kannada dominated major
parts of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and
Goa. Many inscription found in all these
places testify to the fact that Kannada was
the spoken language of the people of those
areas. A kannada poet Pampa was from
Vemulavada, a place now in Andhra Pradesh.
The well known scholar and researcher,
N.S.Rajapurohit (born 1887) wrote several
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 History of Karnataka
articles in Kesari (the Marathi paper of Tilak)
about the prevalence of Kannada language in
several areas of Maharashtra and also the
influence of Kannada on the literary
composition of saints like Jnaneshwar. Indeed,
even Tilak used to state that sometime in the
distant past the people of Karnataka and
Maharashtra used to speak a typical
dlanguage and that language was Kannada.
With the decline of the fortunes of the
Kingdom of the Chalukyan dynasty of Kalyani
and its feudatories, the Hoysalas, Sevunas
(Yadavas) and Kakathiyas established their
independent kingdoms in regions now
comprising roughly Karnataka, Maharashtra
and Andra Pradesh. This followed in a setback
to Kannada as the latter two dynasties began
to support Marathi and Telugu respectively.
Kannada regions north of the river Krishna
received further setback with the
establishment of the Bahamani kingdom in
1347. After the defeat of Vijayanagara empire
in the battle Talikota (1565), the areas to the
north of the river Tungabhadra came under
the administration of Adil Shahis of Bijapur.
In 1686, the Mughals annexation of Bijapur
kingdom and the subsequent decline in the
former’s fortunes saw the Marathas
supplanting their hold over major part of
North Karnataka. After the fall of Tipu Sultan
in 1799, the territories inhabited by
Kannadigas were divided into 20 different
administrative units. These units being
Mysore state under the Wodeyars involving
mainly south Karnataka, Bijapur and
Belgaum districts under Bombay Presidency,
Coorg under a Lieutenant Commissioner rule,
South Kanara and Bellary districts under
Madras Presidency, Dharwad, North Kanara,
Raichur, Gulbarga and Bidar districts under
the Hyderabad Nizam’s realm and a number
of small princely states like Sandur,
Jamkhandi, Jatt, etc scattered in North
Karnataka.
The pathetic conditions of the Kannada-
speaking people scattered in these various
administrative units were unaccountable. The
medium of instruction at school and the
language of local administration had been
Pscnotes.com
mostly Marathi In the southern parts of
Bombay Presidency. The Kannada speaking
areas were called ‘Southern Maratha
Country’. In certain Kannada areas such as
Jatt, Akkalkot and Sangli, Kannada had
almost vanished because of their subjection to
Marathi rulers. Kannada had been reduced to
the position of only a spoken language as
Urdu dominated both at schools and
government offices in Hyderabad state. In the
Presidencies like Bombay or Madras, the
Kannada speaking areas did not get their due
share of financial aid for the various
developmental activities as Kannada regions
were very small areas, lying far away from
the provincial capital. The Kannadigas had
been represented poorly in the Central
legislature of India also.
After the formation of separate provinces like
Assam, Bihar, Orissa on linguistic basis
created a thirst for independence and also
Unification of the Kannada-speaking regions.
Publication of books on Karnataka’s history,
the freedom movement and the inspiring
writings of Alur Venkata Rao, Huilgola
Narayana Rao, Kuvempu, Bendre and others
encouraged this movement. Alur Venkat Rao,
who was called "Kannada Kula Purohita", for
arousing the awareness of Kannadigas,
rendered yeoman service for the cause of
Unification. In 1916 Alur Venkata Rao formed
the Ekikarana Sabha at Dharwad, with
unification of Karnataka as its goal. As early
as in 1903, Benagal Rama Rao delivered a
lecture at Dharwad, stressing the need for the
unification of Kannada speaking regions into
a single Presidency. A separate Karnataka
Pradesh Congress Committee was constituted
for the Kannada speaking regions in 1920. At
the all-India Congress session held at
Belgaum in 1924, the Kannada anthem,
“Udayavagali namma cheluva Kannadanadu”,
calling for the creation of beautiful Kannada
state, composed by Huilgol Narayana Rao
was sung. The first Karnataka Unification
Conference was also held at Belgaum and
presided over by Sir Siddappa Kambli. The
Karnataka Ekikarana Sangha was established
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 History of Karnataka
at the conference and it held its meetings on
numerous occasions. In 1926, the Hindustani
Seva Dal, founded by Dr.Hardikar conducted
a signature campaign in favour of Unification
and collected 36,000 signatures. But it was
not a simple task to bring people who were
under 20 different administrative regions in a
single province and it was felt that with the
country attaining the freedom, unification
could also occure.
After Independence, the President of the
Constituent Assembly formed a linguistic
provinces committee on 17th June 1948 with
S.K. Dhar as Chairman. The Dhar Commission
was asked to report how many new provinces
were to be created and also state ‘the
administrative, financial and other
consequences’ of the creation of new
provinces. The Commission in its report
submitted on 10th December 1948 expressed
itself against any reorganization of provinces
being undertaken in the then prevailing
circumstances.To consider the question of
linguistic states and review the position in the
light of the findings of the Dhar commission,
the Congress appointed another committee
known as the J.V.P.Committee consisting of
Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel and
Pattabhi Seetharamaiah at the Jaipur session
of the Indian National Congress in December
1948. After thorough deliberation, the
committee came to the conclusion that
formation of linguistic provinces should be
postponed by a few years. Claims and counter
claims over various regions, such as Bombay
city being proclaimed by both the
Maharashtrians and the Gujaratis or Madras
by the Tamils and the Telugus, being
considered as main problem. But it conceded
the demand for the formation of Andhra
province.
On the eve of the first general election in
1951-52, the Congress in its election
manifesto claimed that the formation of
linguistic provinces was in its agenda. But
after coming to power it did not take any step
in this direction. The ‘Akhanda Karnataka
Rajya Nirmana Parishad’ was set up in
Karnataka with K.R. Karanth as President. It
Pscnotes.com
was formed with a view to pressurize the
Central government to concede the demand
for the formation of linguistic provinces. In
Madras, Potti Sriramulu undertook his epic
fast on 19th October 1952 to press for the
formation of Andhra province and on 15th
December 1952 he died. The widespread
violence in Andhra region followed after the
death of Potti Srirmulu. This led Nehru to
announce the formation of the Andhra state.
This resulted in the district of Bellary being
transferred to Mysore. At a K.P.P.C. meeting
held at Hubli during the period an
unprecedented scene of violence followed
when a crowd trying to demonstrate in
favour of Unification turned turbulent.
Shankargouda Patil of Adaragunchi, a
Congress worker near Hubli was holding ‘fast
unto death’ at the time of the meeting. Finally
on December 29, 1953, the Government of
India appointed the States Reorganisation
Commission with Fazl Ali as Chairman,
Hridaynath Kunzru and K.M.Pannikar as
members to investigate the whole question of
the reorganization of the states of the Indian
union. So that the welfare of the people of
each constituent unit as well as of the nation
as a whole can be promoted. The Commission
submitted its report on 30th September 1955.
The recommendations of the Commission
among other things are the merger of the
following regions for the formation of a
United Karnataka. They involved Mysore
state, including Bellary district, the districts
of Dharwad, Bijapur, North Kanara and
Belgaum (except Chandgad taluk), South
Kanara district (except Kasargod taluk),
Coorg (Kodagu), Gulbarga district (expect
Kodangal and Tandur taluks), Raichur
district (except Alampur and Gadval taluks)
and Bidar district consisting of Bidar, Bhalki,
Aurad and Humnabad taluks. Kollegal taluk
from Coimbatore district of Madras Province
was merged with Mysore district. The
Commission also recommended the abolition
of the post of ‘Rajapramukh’. The new state
had 19 districts.
On November 1st 1956 President Rajendra
Prasad inaugurated the new Mysore state at
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 History of Karnataka
Bangalore. Hhereby the big map of the new
state of Mysore was brightly lit. After
invocation, famous vocalist P.Kalinga Rao
sang the popular Kannada
anthem “Udayavagali namma cheluva
Kannada nadu”. Huilgol Narayan Rao had
composed the song as early as in 1924 and
P.Kalinga Rao who made it to suitable tune
and popularised it. Then Jayachamarajendra
Wodeyar, being sworn in as the new Governor
of the state and S.Nijalingappa as the new
Chief Minister. Thus the long cherished dream
of the Kannadigasof a state was realized. To
console the hurt sentiments of the anti-
mergers in Mysore, the state was called New
Mysore after unification and only in
November 1973 it could be renamed as
Karnataka.
Antiquity of
Karnataka
The Pre-history of Karnataka traced back to
paleolithic hand-axe culture. It is also
compared favourably with the one that
existed in Africa and is quite distinct from the
Pre-historic culture that prevailed in North
India. The credit for doing early extensive
study of prehistoric Karnataka goes to Robert
Bruce-Foote. Many sites of Pre-historic period
have been found scattered on the river valleys
of Krishna, Tungabhadra, Cauvery, Bhima,
Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Hemavathi,
Shimsha, Manjra, Netravati, and Pennar and
on their tributaries. The discovery of ash
mounds at Kupgal and Kudatini in 1836 by
Cuebold (a British officer in Bellary region),
paved the way for the study of Pre-historic
studies in India.
Some of the important sites representing the
various stages of Prehistoric culture that
prevailed in Karnataka are
Hunasagi,Kaladevanahal li, Tegginahalli,
Budihal, Piklihal, Kibbanahalli, Kaladgi,
Khyad, Nyamati, Nittur, Anagavadi,
Balehonnur and Uppinangadi (Lower
Palaeolithic Culture); Herakal, Menasagi,
Pattadakal, Vajjala, Tamminahal, Savalgi,
Pscnotes.com
Salvadgi, Naravi and Talakad (Middle
Palaeolithic Culture); Kovalli, Yadwad,
Ingaleshvara and Maralabhavi (Upper
Palaeolithic Culture); Begaumpur,
Vanamapurahalli, Sringeri, Hingani,
Ingaleshwara, Tamminahal, Jalahalli,
Kibbanahalli, Sanganakal, Brahmagiri,
Uppinangadi, Mani and Doddaguni
(Mesolithic Culture); Maski, T. Narasipur,
Banahalli, Hallur, Sanganakal, Srinivasapura,
Hemmige, Kodekal, Brahmagiri, Kupgal,
Tekkalkote, Kurnal, Beeramangala, French
rocks (Pandavapura) and Uttanur (Neolithic
and Chalcolithic Culture); Aihole, Maski ,
Rajana Kolur, Badaga-Kajekaru, Bachigudda,
Konnur, Terdal, Hire Benakal, Kumaranahalli,
Tadakanahalli, Banahalli, Belur, Borkatte,
Konaje, Kakkunje, Vaddarse, and Hallingali
(Megalithic Culture). Discoveries have
revealed the existence of Gold in Harappa was
found to be imported from mines in
Karnataka. Thus many scholars believed that
of ancient Karnataka was known to the
people of Indus Valley Civilisation. Use of iron
was known to the early inhabitants of
Karnataka far earlier than the people of
North India. The Iron tools dating back to
circa 1500 B.C, found at Hallur in Hirekerur
Tq. of Haveri district.
References to Karnataka are found in the
Sabha Parva and the Bhishma Parva of the
Mahabharata and in Śūdraka’s
Mrichchakatika and Kathasritsagara. Panini
mentioned Karnadhaka as the Gotra of
people. Karnataka is pre-eminently
mentioned also in the old Sanskrit texts
like Markandeya Purana, Bhagavatha,
and Brihathsamhitha of Varahamihira.
Scholars believed that Karnataka was the
part of the Nanda and Maurya Empires.
According to Jain accounts, Chandragupta,
first Mauryan emperor, renounced his throne
and followed Jain teacher Bhadrabahu to
south India. He is said to lived at Chandragiri
hills in Shravanabelagola for several years
before fasting to death.
Among the fourteen Rock Edicts of Ashoka, so
far found in Karnataka, 10 are Minor (two
each at Nittur and Udagolam in Ballari
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 History of Karnataka
district; one at Maski in Raichur district; one
each at Gavimutt and Palkigundu in Koppal
district; one each at Brahmagiri, Jattinga
Rameshwara and Siddapura in Chitradurga
district) edicts, and Four are Major (viz., 13th
and 14th edicts found at Sannati in
Kalaburagi district) Rock edicts. They testify
to the fact that the Mauryan Empire had its
jurisdiction over Karnataka also. It is
interesting to note that, Emperor Ashoka’s
personal name “Ashoka” occur for the first
time in his Maski minor rock edict.
Satvahanas also controlled northern
Karnataka and with the disintegration of the
Satavahana dynasty led to the rise of the
earliest native kingdoms, the Kadamba
Dynasty of Banavasi in modern Uttara
Kannadadistrict with Mayurasharma as the
founding king and the Western Ganga
Dynasty in southern Karnataka. These
dynasties made the region as an independent
political entity. The earliest use
of Kannada in administration was started by
kingdoms, as evidenced by the Halmidi
inscription and a fifth-century copper coin
discovered at Banavasi. These dynasties were
followed by imperial Kannada empires such
as the Chalukyas of Badami, the Rashtrakuta
Empire of Manyakheta and the Western
Chalukya Empire and Hoysalas, Vijaynagar
empire on the banks of Tunbhadra river, later
on the Bahmani kingdom and the kingdom of
Mysore which ruled over large parts of
the Deccan and had their capitals in what is
now Karnataka. the Hoysalas gained power in
the region at the turn of the first
millennium. Literature flourished during this
time, which led to the emergence of
distinctive Kannada literary metres, and the
construction of temples and sculptures
adhering to the Vesara style of architecture.
Jaina scholars, and warriors from Karnataka
during the period gained great regard.
Kannada Language and
Literature
Pscnotes.com
The origin of the Kannada language can be
traced back to 3rd century BCE, as found in
the Ashokan inscriptions. It is the second
oldest of the four major Dravidian languages
with a literary tradition. The
Geography written by Ptolemy, a scholar from
Alexandria, during the first half of the second
century A.D. Ptolemy speaks of many places in
Karnataka such as Kalgeris (identified as
Kalkeri), Modogoulla (Mudugal), Badamios
(Badami) and so on. All these are not only
places in Karnataka, but are also names of
Kannada origin. The Kannada script
originated from southern varieties of the
Ashokan Brahmi script. In the 150 CE Prakrit
book Gaathaa Saptashati, written by Raja
Haala,also contained Kannada words. But
written evidences are available only from 5-6
century AD., like a stone inscription in brahmi
characters, resembling Tamil, as was found in
the early periods of other Dravidian
languages. The language is classified as Old
Kannada. Halmidi, Chitradurga, and
Chikkamagaluru inscriptions are some
examples. The copper plates of 8th century,
and palm leaf manuscript of 1478 pages of
9th century, giving milestones of the
language's march forward. three Jain writers,
Adikavi Pampa, Sri Ponna (939-966 AD) and
Ranna (b. 949 AD), collectively called 'Three
Gems of Kannada literature', are credited to
have introduced the age of classical Kannada
in the 10th century. Pampa, the author of
Adipurana (941 AD), is considered one of the
greatest of Kannada writers. Vikrmarjuna
vijaya, another contribution from Pampa, is
based on the epic Mahabharata. Akka
Mahadevi, who lived in Karnataka around
1100 was a great poet. Her poems, written in
Kannada, in free verse style, were all
dedicated to Shiva.
Kannada language is divided by linguists into
three distinct phases: Old (850-1200 AD),
Middle (1200-1700) and Modern (1700
onwards). These phases represent the stages
of the linguistic development of it. But from
the literary point of view, scholars identify
three different ages such as Jain, Veerashaiva
and Vaishnava. Starting with the
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 History of Karnataka
Kavirajamarga (of about 850 AD.), the oldest
literary work in Kannada, through the middle
of the 12th century, all the literary activities
in Kannada were undertaken by the Jains.
After the Veerashaiva movement, another
phase of literary movement came up under
the patronage of Vijayanagara rulers, and
this is known as the kaivalya, which followed
the advaita line of Sankara. The most
prominent in the Kaivalya school of writing
was Shivayogi. During this period, the two
noted philosophers who influenced the life
and thinking of the region, were
Ramanujacharya and Madhvacharya. They
were instrumental in converting the Jainists
into Vaishnavites. Even the king was
converted into Vaishanavism. The period of
the Vijayanagara Empire marked a golden
era for Kannada literature. Kumara Vyasa, of
this period was one of the most influential of
the Vaishnava poets of the time. He was a
master of metaphors, and this earned him a
title – Rupaka Samrajya Chakravarti ('The
Emperor of the domain of Metaphors'). He
wrote Kumaravyasa Bharata in the typical
Vyasa tradition. Then came Kumara Valmiki
(1500), the author of Torave Ramayana, an
adaptation of the epic Ramayana, and this
work inspired the folk theatre of Karnataka
like the Yakshagana. During the 15th century,
the development of the Vaishnava Bhakti
movement which spread the message of the
vedantin Madhvacharya to the common man.
The chief proponents of this movement were
Naraharitirtha, Jayatirtha, Vyasatirtha,
Sripadaraya, and Purandara Dasa. A
wandering poet, Purandara Dasa (1484-
1564) is known as Karnataka Sangeeta
Pitamaha (the Patriarch of Carnatic Music)
and is believed to have composed some
475,000 songs in Kannada
and Sanskrit languages.
After the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire,
Kannada literature was vigorously supported
by the Wodeyar rulers of Mysore. Not only did
they encourage writers, but some of the rulers
themselves were writers and composers. The
most prominent of them was King Chikka
Devaraja Wodeyar, the author of the famous
Pscnotes.com
treatise on music, Geetha Gopala. King
Kanteerava Narasaraja Wodeyar Ii who
authored 14 Yakshaganas. Mummadi
Krishnaraja Wodeyar was another author
with more than 40 writings to his credit.
The development of modern Kannada
literature can be traced to early 19th century,
marked by Kempu Narayana's novel
Mudramanjusha. The advent of Christian
missionaries, introduction of Western
education system and the printing press
strengthened the development and growth of
modern Kannada literature. The first
Kannada newspaper, Mangalore Samachara,
saw the light in 1843. The first Kannada-
English dictionary also came out in 1894.
Translations from not only English, but other
Indian languages like Bengali and Marathi
became available. All this resulted in the
influx of novel, essays, dramas and literary
criticisms in Kannada language.
B. M. Srikantaiah is considered the 'Father' of
Modern Kannada literature. He was the one
who called the writers to move away from the
archaic forms of writing, but to pursue the
original path of writing. The impact was the
rise of 'navodaya', a new sunrise. The
influence of Western culture and literature
was so powerful that Kannada's novels, short
stories, plays, literary criticisms, and poems
experienced a new found creative urge.
Shivarama Karanth (Chomana dudi) and
Masti Venkatesh Iyengar (Sanna Kathegalu)
laid foundations for a new style of story
telling. T. P. Kailasam (Tollu Gatti, Tali
Kattoke Cooline) broke a new ground for
plays. Realistic novels became the in thing
during the first half of the last century. Masti
Venkatesh Iyengar, D.V. Gundappa, K.V.
Puttappa (Kuvempu), Shivaram Karanth, G. P.
Rajaratnam, V. K. Gogak and Gopal Krishna
Adiga became the heroes of Kannada
literature. Short story and poems became the
vehicles for the struggles for a new life. K.S.
Narasimhaswamy (Silalathe and
Gadiyaradangdiya Munde), Chandrasekhara
Kambar, D.R. Bindre, Chandrasekhar Patil,
P.Lankesh, Girish Karnad (Tughlaq), U. R.
Ananthamurthy (Samskara, Prasne,
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 History of Karnataka
Ghatashraddha, Mouni, Navilugulu) and K.S.
Nissar Ahmed became the best known writers
of the language.
LITERARY SOURCES
The earliest extant Kannada work
Kavirajamarga speaks of contemporary social
and political conditions of Karnataka.
The Kannada poem by Pampa –
Vikmmurjunavijaya, furnishes certain details
regarding the Rashtrakutas.
Ranna’s Gadayuddha deals with the history of
the Chalukyas of Badami and Kalyani.
Chavundaraya Purana contains information
regarding the Gangas.
Keladinripa Vijayam discusses in detail the
history of Keladi family. In Sanskrit, an
encyclopedia by Basavaraja, a Keladi
ruler, Shivatattva Ratnakara, throws light on
the history of Keladi and also on that of
Vijayanagara.
Kanthirava Narasaraja Vijayam deals with
the exploits of Kanthirava Narasaraja Odeyar
of Mysore.
Chikkadevaraja Binnapam, Chikkadevaraja
Vijayam, Chikkadevaraja
Vamshavali and Apratimaviracharite speaks
about the achievements of Chikkadevaraya,
the great ruler of Mysore.
Kumara Ramanakathe by Nanjunda contains
information on the history of pre-
Vijayanagara period.
In Sanskrit the achievements of Vikrama VI of
Kalyana are narrated in Bilhana’s Vikra-
mankadeva
Charitam. Manasollasa or Abhilashitartha
Chintamani by Somesvara III of Kalyana also
contains valuable information on cultural
history. This prince also
wrote Vikramankabhyudyam narrating the
exploits of his father.
Chaturvarga Chitamani of Hemadri deals
with the history of the Sevunas (Yadavas).
Jalhana’s Suktimuktavali narrates briefly the
achievements of Sevuna Bhillama V and his
father Mallugi.
Pscnotes.com
Gadyakarnamritam by Vidyachakravartin
II describes the war between Hoysala
Narasimha II and the Pandayas.
Madhura Vijayam by
Gangambika, Saluvabhyudayam by Rajanatha
Dindima I, Achyuthabhyudayam by Rajanatha
Dindima III and Varadambikaparinayam by
Tirumalamba are most notable literary
sources.
Krishnadevarayana Dinachari is a recently
discovered Kannada source.
The Extent of
Kannadanadu
The Kavirajamarga, a 9th century Kannada
work, describing the extent of Kannada
territory. It was stretching itself from the
rivers Cauvery and the Godavari. Though
Kannada language is not spoken on the banks
of the Godavari today, between sixth to 13th
centuries A.D. Kannada dominated major
parts of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and
Goa. Many inscription found in all these
places testify to the fact that Kannada was
the spoken language of the people of those
areas. A kannada poet Pampa was from
Vemulavada, a place now in Andhra Pradesh.
Famous scholar and researcher,
N.S.Rajapurohit (born 1887) wrote several
articles in Kesari (the Marathi paper of Tilak)
about the prevalence of Kannada language in
several areas of Maharashtra and also the
influence of Kannada on the literary
composition of saints like Jnaneshwar. Even
Tilak used to say that once upon a time the
people of Karnataka and Maharashtra used
to speak a common language and that
language was Kannada.
With the decline of the fortunes of the
Kingdom of the Chalukyan dynasty of Kalyani
and its feudatories, the Hoysalas, Sevunas
(Yadavas) and Kakathiyas established their
independent kingdoms in regions now
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 History of Karnataka
comprising roughly Karnataka, Maharashtra
and Andra Pradesh. This resulted in a setback
to Kannada as the latter two dynasties began
to patronize Marathi and Telugu respectively.
Kannada regions north of the river Krishna
received further setback when the Bahamani
kingdom was established in 1347. After the
defeat of Vijayanagara in the battle Talikota
(1565), even the areas to the north of the
river Tungabhadra came under the influence
of Adil Shahis of Bijapur. In 1686, the
Mughals annexed the Bijapur kingdom and
the subsequent decline in the former’s
fortunes saw the Marathas supplanting their
hold over major part of North Karnataka.
After the fall of Tipu Sultan in 1799, the
territories inhabited by Kannadigas were
divided into 20 different administrative units.
These units being Mysore state under the
Wodeyars comprising of roughly south
Karnataka, Coorg under a Lieutenant
Commissioner rule, South Kanara and Bellary
districts under Madras Presidency, Dharwad,
North Kanara, Bijapur and Belgaum districts
under Bombay Presidency, Raichur, Gulbarga
and Bidar districts under the Hyderabad
Nizam’s domain and a number of small
princely states like Sandur, Jamkhandi, Jatt,
etc scattered in North Karnataka.
The pathetic conditions of the Kannada-
speaking people scattered in these various
administrative units were unaccountable. The
medium of instruction at school and the
language of local administration had been
mostly Marathi In the southern parts of
Bombay Presidency. The Kannada speaking
areas were called ‘Southern Maratha
Country’. In certain Kannada areas like Jatt,
Akkalkot and Sangli, Kannada had almost
vanished due to their subjection to Marathi
princes. Kannada had been reduced to the
position of only a spoken language as Urdu
dominated both at schools and government
offices in Hyderabad state. In the Presidencies
like Bombay or Madras, the Kannada regions
did not receive their due share of financial aid
for the various developmental activities as
Kannada regions were very small pockets,
lying far away from the provincial capital. In
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the Central legislature of India also, the
Kannadigas were poorly represented.
After the formation of separate provinces like
Assam, Bihar, Orissa on linguistic basis
created a thirst for independence and also
Unification of the Kannada-speaking regions.
Publication of books on Karnataka’s history,
the freedom movement and the inspiring
writings of Alur Venkata Rao, Huilgola
Narayana Rao, Kuvempu, Bendre and others
encouraged this movement. Alur Venkat Rao,
who was called “Kannada Kula Purohita”, for
awakening the consciousness of Kannadigas,
rendered yeoman service for the cause of
Unification. In 1916 he founded the
Ekikarana Sabha at Dharwad, with
unification of Karnataka as its goal. As early
as in 1903, Benagal Rama Rao delivered a
lecture at Dharwad, stressing the need for the
unification of Kannada speaking regions into
a single Presidency. A separate Karnataka
Pradesh Congress Committee was constituted
for the Kannada speaking regions in 1920. At
the all-India Congress session held at
Belgaum in 1924, the Kannada anthem,
“Udayavagali namma cheluva Kannadanadu”,
calling for the creation of beautiful Kannada
state, composed by Huilgol Narayana Rao
was sung. The first Karnataka Unification
Conference was held at the same venue and
presided over by Sir Siddappa Kambli. The
Karnataka Ekikarana Sangha was founded at
the conference and it held its conferences
time and again. In 1926, the Hindustani Seva
Dal, founded by Dr.Hardikar conducted a
signature campaign in favour of Unification
and collected 36,000 signatures. But it was
not an easy task to bring people who were
under 20 different administrations in a single
province and it was felt that with the country
attaining the freedom, unification could also
materialize.
After Independence, the President of the
Constituent Assembly set up a linguistic
provinces committee on 17th June 1948 with
S.K.Dhar as Chairman. The Dhar Commission
was asked to report what new provinces were
to be created and also state ‘the
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 History of Karnataka
administrative, financial and other
consequences’ of the creation of new
provinces. The Commission in its report
submitted on 10th December 1948 expressed
itself against any reorganization of provinces
being undertaken in the then prevailing
circumstances.To consider the question of
linguistic states and review the position in the
light of the findings of the Dhar commission,
the Congress appointed another committee
known as the J.V.P.Committee consisting of
Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel and
Pattabhi Seetharamaiah at the Jaipur session
of the Indian National Congress in December
1948. After thorough deliberation, the
committee came to the conclusion that
formation of linguistic provinces should be
postponed by a few years. Claims and counter
claims over various regions, like Bombay city
being claimed by both the Maharashtrians
and the Gujaratis or Madras by the Tamils
and the Telugus, being looked as main
hurdles. But it conceded the demand for the
formation of Andhra province.
On the eve of the first general election in
1951-52, the Congress in its election
manifesto said that the formation of linguistic
provinces was in its agenda. But after coming
to power it did not take any initiative in this
direction. The ‘Akhanda Karnataka Rajya
Nirmana Parishad’ was formed in Karnataka
with K.R.Karanth as President, with a view to
pressurize the Central government to concede
the demand for the formation of linguistic
provinces. In Madras, Potti Sriramulu
undertook his epic fast on 19th October 1952
to press for the formation of Andhra province
and on 15th December 1952 he died. There
was widespread violence in Andhra region
and on 19th December, Nehru announced the
formation of the Andhra state. This resulted
in the district of Bellary being transferred to
Mysore. At a K.P.P.C. meeting held at Hubli
during the same period there was an
unprecedented scene of violence when a
crowd trying to demonstrate in favour of
Unification turned turbulent. A Congress
worker, Shankargouda Patil of Adaragunchi
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near Hubli was holding ‘fast unto death’ at
the time of the meeting.
Finally on December 29, 1953, the
Government of India appointed the States
Reorganisation Commission with Fazl Ali as
Chairman, Hridaynath Kunzru and
K.M.Pannikar as members to examine the
whole question of the reorganization of the
states of the Indian union objectively and
dispassionately, so that the welfare of the
people of each constituent unit as well as of
the nation as a whole is promoted. The
Commission submitted its report on
30th September 1955.
The Commission among other things
recommended the merger of the following
regions for the formation of a United
Karnataka. They consisted of Mysore state,
including Bellary district, the districts of
Dharwad, Bijapur, North Kanara and
Belgaum (except Chandgad taluk), South
Kanara district (except Kasargod taluk),
Coorg (Kodagu), Gulbarga district (expect
Kodangal and Tandur taluks), Raichur
district (except Alampur and Gadval taluks)
and Bidar district consisting of Bidar, Bhalki,
Aurad and Humnabad taluks. Kollegal taluk
from Coimbatore district of Madras Province
was merged with Mysore district. The
Commission also recommended the abolition
of the post of ‘Rajapramukh’. The new state
had 19 districts.
On November 1st 1956 President Rajendra
Prasad inaugurated the new Mysore state at
Bangalore by pressing a button whereby the
big map of the new state of Mysore was
brilliantly lit. After invocation, famous
vocalist P.Kalinga Rao sang the
song “Udayavagali namma cheluva Kannada
nadu”, the popular Kannada anthem. The
President then presented Rs.1000 to Huilgol
Narayan Rao, who had composed the song as
early as in 1924 and Rs.500 to P.Kalinga Rao
who had set it to suitable tune and
popularised it. This was followed by
Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar, being sworn in
as the new Governor of the state and
S.Nijalingappa as the new Chief Minister.
Thus the long cherished dream of the
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Kannadigas was realized. To console the hurt
sentiments of the anti-mergers in Mysore, the
state was called New Mysore after unification
and only in November 1973 it could be
renamed as Karnataka.
Armed rebellion in Karnataka
against the British
Karnataka has been a land of freedom
fighters from the earliest times. When the
British power slowly spread over the whole of
India in the last part of the 18th century, the
people of Karnataka could not tolerate this
alien rule. So they decided to wage a revolt.
Thus the revolution started, and we call it as
‘Armed Insurrection'. Venkatappa Naik of
Surpur, Bheema Rao of Mundaragi, Baba
Saheb of Nargund, Rani Channamma of
Kittur, Rani Channamma of Keladi were a
few notable brave men and women who
struggled throughout against the British for
the freedom of the country.
The Bedas and Kodagas have been the
foremost fighting races of Karnataka, and
have continuously maintained their high
reputation.
During the second half of the 18th century,
the British slowly advanced their power and
very shrewdly carried on their operations at
first as vassals of the Moghal Emperor and
the people accustomed to leave matters of
government, could not notice the fact that
they were slowly but steadily being
succeeded to the position of slaves under a
foreigner. The brave resistance put up by
Hyder and Tippu to the British had a deep
defence of Mysore. Hyder, who had defeated
the Wadeyars and conquered Mysore, was
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fed up with the expansion policy of the
British, Earlier, he was on friendly terms with
the British. But later on, he came to know
about the plan of expansion of the British
empire in India, in order to curb their desire
he tried to become friendly with the Nizam of
Hyderabad and the Marathas. But he could
not do so, because by that time tactfully the
Britishers had taken the support of the
Marathas and Nizam. Hyder had a short
lived life and died early. Then Tippu, the son
of Hyder, continued the fight with the British.
In the year 1792, he fought with the British in
order to drive them away. But Tippu was fully
defeated and he was put into great trouble.
Later on, in the IV Mysore War (1799), Tippu
died fighting as a brave man. Thus, the
father and the son protested and revolted
against the Britishers. However this was not
an end, the anti-colonial spirit was further
fuelled which is visible in various revolt that
broke out in the state across the timeline in
British era.
A brief summary of various armed rebellion
waged against British in Karnataka
1. The Anglo–Mysore Wars were a
series of four wars fought in over the
last three decades of the 18th century
between the Kingdom of Mysore on
the one hand, and the
British EIC (represented chiefly by
the Madras Presidency), and Maratha
Confederacy and the Nizam of
Hyderabad on the other .
• The First anglo-mysore
war (1767–69) saw Hyder Ali gain
some measure of success against
the British, almost capturing
Madras. The British convinced
the Nizam of Hyderabad to attack
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Hyder, but the Nizam changed
sides, supporting the Sultan. That
was temporary however, and the
Nizam signed a new treaty with the
British in Feb. 1768.
• The second anglo-mysore
war (1780–84) witnessed bloodier
battles with fortunes fluctuating
between the contesting powers.
Tipu defeated Baillie at the Battle
of Pollilur in Sept. 1780,
and Braithwaite at Kumbakonam in
Feb. 1782, both of whom were
taken prisoner to Seringapatam.
This war saw the rise of Sir Eyre
Coote , the British commander
who defeated Hyder Ali at
the Battle of Porto novo and Arni.
Tipu continued the war following
his father's death. Finally, the war
ended with the last British-Indian
treaty with an Indian ruler on equal
footing, the 11 March 1784 Treaty
of Manglore.
• In the Third anglo-mysore
war (1790–92), Tipu Sultan, the
ruler of Mysore and an ally of
France, invaded the nearby state
of Travancore in 1789, which was
a British ally.British forces were
commanded by Governor-general
Cornwallis himself. The resultant
war lasted three years and was a
resounding defeat for Mysore. The
war ended after the 1792 seize of
Srirangapattan and the signing of
the treaty of Srirangapattanam,
according to which Tipu had to
surrender half of his kingdom to
the British East India
Company and its allies.[
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• The Fourth anglo-mysore
war (1799) saw the death of Tipu
Sultan and further reductions in
Mysorean territory. Mysore's
alliance with the French was seen
as a threat to the East India
Company and Mysore was
attacked from all four sides. Tipu's
army were outnumbered 4:1 in this
war. The Nizam of Hyderabad and
the Marathas launched an invasion
from the north. The British won a
decisive victory at seize of
Srirangapattan(1799).
• Dhondiya Wagh (1800)
One of the first to revolt against the
new arrangement was Dhondiya
Wagh. He was born in Chennagiri
near Mysore. He joined Hyder Ali‘s
cavalry in 1780. Later he developed
differences with Tipu, who
incarcerated him. Hence British
soldiers found Dhondiya in
Srirangapattana‘s prison when they
ransacked the city after the death of
Tipu. Dhondiya was released, who
however immediately vanished and
tried to gather the demobilised Tipu‘s
soldiers. Very soon he built up a
significant armed force with a cavalry
etc. He kept moving from territory to
territory and capturing small towns
and forts that had been taken over by
Marathas, British and the Nizam.
Governor General, Richard Wellesley
was exasperated by Dhondiya‘s revolt
and assigned his brother Arthur
Wellesley (Later to be known as Duke
of Wellington, who defeated Napolean
at Waterloo) to suppress Dhondiya‘s
revolt. He sent troops not only from
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Madras but even summoned some
from Bengal.
The theatre of Dhondiya‘s war
encompassed all of Central and
North Karnataka. He was supported
by the people and smaller
principalities (samsthana) that were
discontented with the British. British
historians have painted him as "rogue
bandit‖, whereas Dhondiya himself
had the title of ―lord of both the
worlds‖ among his people
• Venkatadri Nayak (1803)
Aigur (Ballam) Venkatadri Nayak was
another leader who started his revolt
when the British were tied down by
Dhondiya Wagh. His father
Krishnappa Nayak, was made the
ruler of Aigur by Hyder Ali. But
Krishnappa betrayed him and joined
the Marathas in 1792 and helped the
British. After the war he was scared of
Tipu and ran away to Kodagu (Coorg).
However Tipu did not punish him but
instead reinstated him. Venkatadri
Nayak captured Subrahmanya Ghat,
a crucial pass in the Sahyadris with
access to Mangalore. He attacked the
British troops at Arakere and also
defeated a 2500 strong army sent by
Wodeyar of Mysore.
The campaign lasted nearly three
years and finally on February 10,
1803 he and his 6 followers were
arrested when they were in search of
food supplies. All the insurgents were
later executed. Thus two great
warriors were suppressed by the
British with Machiavellian tactics using
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the Mysore Wodeyars, Marathas and
the Nizam.
• Koppal Veerappa (1819)
Karnataka was torn asunder between
Nizam, Marathas and the British after
Tipu‘s defeat. As Nizam‘s unbridled
oppression with heavy taxation
increased, there was no way but for
the peasantry to revolt. One such
revolt was led by Veerappa in Koppal
in 1818. Veerapaa was a small
landowner in Koppal, he built a force
and captured Koppal and Bahadur
forts built by Hyder Ali 40 years
earlier. British forces led by Major
Doughton and Brig General Pritzler
rushed to crush Veerappa and
Nizam‘s general Idruskhan also joined
them. Veerappa fought valiantly for
five days with only 500 men and died
in battle. Even though Veerappa‘s
rebellion was confined to a small area
around Koppal, it represented a
popular peasant revolt and inspired
many more in the region.
• Deshmukhs of Bidar (1820)
After Tipu‘s defeat the remnants of the
old Bahmani Kingdom of Bidar too
were incorporated into Nizam‘s rule
and burdened with heavy taxation. As
a result revolts started appearing in
1820 in Udgir. Using Suliyal as their
base the local Deshmukhs led by
Shivalingayya, Tirumal Rao and
Meghsham led this revolt. Hence this
revolt is known as the revolt of
Deshmukhs. The Nizam relied on
British help to suppress the
Deshmukhs. Lt. Gen. Sutherland was
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assigned for the same and he
defeated them in a campaign lasting
two months and imprisoned them.
• Sindagi Revolt (1824)
The popular revolt against the British
spread to Bijapur too and in Sindagi,
40 km from Bijapur the local people
led by Chidambar Dikshit, his son
Diwakar Dikshit and Diwakar‘s
comrades Shettyappa, Raoji and
Rastiya declared sovereignty of
people of Sindagi. They took over
Sindagi Taluk and boldly declared that
―British Raj does not exist here and
we anyway do not recognise it. We
are sovereign‖. British could not
tolerate this challenge to their rule in
such a brazen way even if though it
was confined to a Taluk in North
Karnataka. They sent forces led by Lt.
Stevenson to capture the leaders.
However the forces could not locate
the leaders. A traitor Annappa Patne
however showed the hiding place to
the British. The local people who
came to know the same lynched
Annappa on the spot. However the
British were able to capture the
leaders and imprison them. The revolt
was confined to a Taluk, but showed
advanced consciousness.
• Rani Chennamma and the Kittur
Revolt (1824)
Rani Chennamma of Kittur is a
veritable icon in Karnataka and was
perhaps one of the first women
leaders who fought against British
Raj. To this day she inspires people.
She was born in the Desai family of
Kakati in Kittur. She became the
queen of Kittur on her marriage to
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Shivalinga Rudra Sarja. Kittur was a
principality (samsthana) covering
large parts of Dharwad and Belgavi
districts and was paying tributes to
Marathas after the fall of Tipu.
However after the fall of Marathas in
1818, Kittur came under British rule.
Shivalinga Rudra Sarja did not have
children, fell sick and died soon after
on September 11, 1824.
Chennamma started ruling the
kingdom in the name of the adopted
minor prince. But British refused to
recognise and took over the
administration of Kittur. This enraged
the people of Kittur.
Chennamma patiently tried to get
justice and sent her emissaries to talk
to the ―Company Sarkar‖ (British East
India Company) and at the same time
started strengthening the fort and
carrying out various military
preparations anticipating a conflict.
She called all the loyal fighters from
the surrounding region and discussed
the situation with them, sought their
advice and loyalty and carried out a
daring attack on the British forces.
British forces were defeated and
many were taken prisoners by the
insurgents.
This was a great setback for British
Raj and its cultivated image as an
invincible force in the region. They
soon gathered forces from Sholapur,
Mysore and Bombay and neared
Kittur. Rani sent them a message that
if they attack Kittur then all British
prisoners of war will be put to death
and then the people of Kittur will fight
to death. Taken aback, Chaplin,
Commissioner of Deccan sent a
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 History of Karnataka
message that if the British prisoners
are released and Sardar
Gurusiddappa is handed over then the
status quo will prevail. Chennamma
refused to hand over Gurusiddappa
but released British prisoners as an
act of good faith. However Chaplin
had no intention of keeping his end of
the deal and sent his forces under the
leadership of Lt.. Col Deacon to siege
Kittur on Dec. 3, 1824. The fighters of
Kittur fought bravely for three days,
however due to treachery they found
that their gun powder had been mixed
with cow dung and made useless. The
fort fell. Rani Chennamma escaped
with the younger Rani Veeramma
through a secret passage towards
Sangolli where she had supporters.
However British were able to intercept
her on her way and capture her. She
was imprisoned in Bailhongal prison.
After incarceration of four years
Chennamma died in prison on
February 3, 1829. The Kittur
countryside was full of rebellion for
over five years. The leader of this
rebellion was Rani Chennamma‘s
ardent admirer Rayanna of Sangolli.
• Sangolli Rayanna (1829)
Rayanna was born in a shepherd
family in Sangolli. The family had a
fighting tradition and was loyal to the
Desais of Kittur. Rayanna fought with
the Kittur army in 1824 and was
captured by the British after the defeat
of Rani. However soon he was
released as a part of British
pacification program. . In November-
December 1829, some of his friends
invited him to lead a revolt against the
British. Rayanna soon started a
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guerrilla war suitable to the
surrounding landscape. He gathered a
compact group of fighters and started
attacking treasuries and rich land
owners who were British
collaborators. He seized mortgage
and debt documents of peasantry
from them and burnt them.
Realising that it was not possible to
capture Rayanna by conventional
warfare, British adopted other means
to do so. They sent in some spies into
his army and caught him unarmed
and executed.
• Nagar Peasant Revolt (1830-31)
Nagar comprised of the taluks of
Sagar, Nagar, Kowlidurga, Koppa,
Lakwally, Sorab, Shikarpur,
Shivamogga, Honnaly, Harihar,
Chennagiri, Tarikere, Kadur, and
Chickamagalur. The region came
under heavy taxation. In fact nearly
60% of the Kingdom‘s revenues were
coming from this region alone. After
suffering from the duo‘s arbitrariness
for three decades, 1800-1830, the
region was ripe for rebellion against
the Wodeyars and their protectors—
the ―Company Sarkar‖.
Taking advantage of this, Basavappa
spread the news that he had assumed
the sovereignty of the country and
promised the ryots full remission of all
balance debt. The rebels gave a good
fight to the troops. They captured
some of the forts in Nagar, and in
many places they repulsed the
Mysore troops. The rebellion was
spontaneous and did not have a
visionary leadership but it however
demonstrated the widespread anger
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among different sections of
Kannadigas against the British rule
and as well as their puppets like the
Wodeyars and Poornaiah.
• Coastal Uprisings (1830-31)
There were widespread uprisings
against heavy taxation in the coastal
regions of Karnataka. These regions
had first protested the taxes earlier in
1809-1810. The later agitations learnt
from this experience and were
consequently more audacious. The
mass struggle started in early 1830
and assumed a host of forms. The
most important of these was the koota
or simply ‗gathering‘. It was in Bekal
(Kasargod) that the Kootas started in
the first week of January 1831 and
within a few days they spread to the
northern parts of Kanara. In order to
organise these Kootas, the ryots
assigned one Patel and two head
ryots in each of the villages.
In their petitions, the ryots not only
complained about the harsh revenue
assessment of November 1830, but
they also demanded remission to
them all at a uniform rate.
It was after Cameron‘s promise
(March 1831) to the riots that their
petitions would be considered and
remissions would be made after an
examination of their losses to redress
their hardships that they dispersed
and stopped organising the Kootas.
Thus by April 1831 the rumblings of
Koota rebellions died down.
• Kodagu (Coorg) Revolts (1833-37)
After the defeat of Tipu, the East India
Company could not directly rule
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Kodagu. They had to restore the
kingdom to the traditional kings of
Haleri dynasty who were earlier
displaced by Hyder and Tipu. There
were constant skirmishes between
him and the British administration,
which was based in Bangalore and
Mysore and finally a war between the
British and Kodava forces was
inevitable and king was defeated.
However, several revolt followed the
war. These were led by Swami
Aparampaar, Kalyan Swami and Putta
Basava. All these fighters claimed to
be heirs to Kodagu throne one after
another and sought support from the
people in their fight against the British
in the name of Haleri dynasty.
Other revolts before 1857
There were several other revolts
which were local and minor in
dimension but which had a lot of
impact on the psyche of the people of
North Karnataka between 1840 and
1857. One of them was in Badami, a
town in today‘s Bagalkot district,
which has an ancient history and was
the capital of Chalukyas who ruled
much of Karnataka and Andhra
Pradesh between 6th and 8th
centuries CE. An army built by
loyalists of the deposed king of Satara
took over the fort and established their
rule in 1839-40. They were
suppressed by British Army and the
leaders sentenced to death and life
imprisonment.
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Similarly there were uprisings in
Nippani, currently in Belgavi district, in
1840-41, where over 300 Arab
fighters under the leadership of local
Zamindar, Raghunath Rao attacked
the fort and took it over. Later they
were suppressed by the Company
Army. In 1849 the Paleygar of
Chitradurga rose up unsuccessfully.
Revolts led by Lingappa in Bidar in
1852 harassed the British for several
months and he had captured several
forts.
Uprisings in Karnataka during Revolt
of 1857
There were several uprisings in
Karnataka during the Ghadar in 1857
and went on till 1860. Unlike the
Gangetic belt, where the revolt was
signalled by mutiny of British Indian
Army, which were then followed by
revolts led by kings and nawabs, the
Karnataka revolts were popular
uprisings led by local peasant leaders,
or small principalities who linked their
local struggles with the larger national
one . The area of uprising covered the
entire districts from the coastal
Canara (present day Karwar and
Mangalore) in the Madras Presidency,
to the eastern Raichur and Koppal
districts under the Nizam; from
Bijapurand Dharwadin the North in
Bombay Presidency to Sringeri and
Hassan in the south.
Some of major uprisings are as
follows
Bedas of Halagali
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fighting tribes which fought the British
tooth and nail from 1820‘s to 1942
and formed the backbone of many
uprisings in the Deccan The East
India Company announced on 11
September, 1857 that all Indians
should disarm, submit their arms to
the company and then get licences to
carry arms. This was simply out of
question for Bedas. The revolt, which
started in a small village called
Halagali, kept snowballing and started
spreading to surrounding areas. The
British Raj saw it as a serious threat to
its rule and when the local ruler was
not able to suppress . The British
followed a scorched earth policy in the
region and after the final battle
captured 290 Bedas and hanged 19
leaders of the uprising in Mudhol
market in December 1857.
Nargund Bandaya (revolt)
The principality of Nargund used to be
under the Peshwas after the defeat of
Tipu. After the defeat of Peshwas in
1818, it came under British
overlordship. Bhaskar Rao Bhave also
known as Baba Saheb rose to the
throne of Nargund in 1842 but he
faced problems because of Doctrine
of Lapse as he had no son to heir the
throne. This enraged Baba Saheb and
he got in touch with several rulers in
Karnataka like Mundaragi Bhimaraya,
Surpur Venkatappa Nayakaand many
others. In May 1858 when the British
sent a force to prevent his networking
with other rulers, he attacked them.
Baba Saheb consulted his comrades
and decided to escape to a nearby
forest. However in the forest near
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Torgal he was betrayed by some
camp followers. This led to his capture
and later execution in Belagavi on
June 12, 1858. Nargund Bandaya is a
legend in North Karnataka.
Surpur Venkatappa Nayak
Surpur or Shorapuris situated in the
hills, about 50 km west of Yadgiri, a
district headquarters. In 1857, British
got wind that some representatives of
Nana Saheb came to Surpur and had
secret meetings with young Raja
Venkatappa Nayak. In the meanwhile,
Mahipal Singh, a rebel from 1857
revolt, was captured by the British and
he disclosed to them that he was
carrying out instructions of Raja
Venkatappa Nayak. in February
1858, they sent troops led by Capt.
Windham and Maj Hughes to attack
Surpur, but the fort of Surpur was very
strong and a fierce battle ensued.
When they were outnumbered, the
Raja escaped to Hyderabad and tried
to get Nizam and his Diwan‘s support
for the uprising. Unfortunately
however, they handed him over to the
British. Then he was jailed and killed
subsequently.
Mundaragi Bhimaraya
Bhimaraya of Mundaragi is a
legendary hero of 1857 revolt in
Karnataka. He had observed the
development of anti-colonial
movement in Karnataka and
networked with various like-minded
leaders. Nana Saheb‘s call to the
people of India and all Desais,
Pscnotes.com
Deshmukhs, Deshpandes,
Jahagirdars, Patels and Kulkarnis of
Karnataka greatly influenced him. On
23 May 1858 the fouzdar of Dambal
raided one such arms cache and
sealed it. On hearing the news
Bhimaraya came with his army
attacked the armoury and took back
all his arms and ammunition and
shifted to a safer place in Shirahatti.
Then he started raiding British
armouries in various places. . After a
fierce fight Bhimaraya fell to British
bullets on 1 June, 1858. British carried
out brutal reprisals against
Bhimaraya‘s associates and
supporters.
Canara Revolts
The district of Canara consisted of
present Mangalore (Dakshina
Kannada) and Karwar (Uttara
Kannada) districts and were thickly
forested and mountainous. As
uprisings in coastal Maharashtra
spread during 1857, Canara too
became a refuge for revolutionaries
and also a centre of resistance. Here
the revolutionaries who came from
Savantwadi played a major
role. Though many British historians
have said that these revolts were
caused by the increased land and salt
taxes, it is clear that they were
inspired by the stories of 1857
uprising in the North and were waiting
for Nanasaheb to move southwards.
Despite the death and capture of
many leaders, new ones kept
springing up in this region for nearly
three years. Finally British divided the
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 History of Karnataka
district into two and attached Karwar
to Bombay presidency in 1862.
Armed rebellion in Karnataka
against the British
Karnataka has been a land of freedom
fighters from the earliest times. When the
British power slowly spread over the whole of
India in the last part of the 18th century, the
people of Karnataka could not tolerate this
alien rule. So they decided to wage a revolt.
Thus the revolution started, and we call it as
‘Armed Insurrection'. Venkatappa Naik of
Surpur, Bheema Rao of Mundaragi, Baba
Saheb of Nargund, Rani Channamma of
Kittur, Rani Channamma of Keladi were a
few notable brave men and women who
struggled throughout against the British for
the freedom of the country.
The Bedas and Kodagas have been the
foremost fighting races of Karnataka, and
have continuously maintained their high
reputation.
During the second half of the 18th century,
the British slowly advanced their power and
very shrewdly carried on their operations at
first as vassals of the Moghal Emperor and
the people accustomed to leave matters of
government, could not notice the fact that
they were slowly but steadily being
succeeded to the position of slaves under a
foreigner. The brave resistance put up by
Hyder and Tippu to the British had a deep
defence of Mysore. Hyder, who had defeated
the Wadeyars and conquered Mysore, was
fed up with the expansion policy of the
British, Earlier, he was on friendly terms with
the British. But later on, he came to know
Pscnotes.com
about the plan of expansion of the British
empire in India, in order to curb their desire
he tried to become friendly with the Nizam of
Hyderabad and the Marathas. But he could
not do so, because by that time tactfully the
Britishers had taken the support of the
Marathas and Nizam. Hyder had a short
lived life and died early. Then Tippu, the son
of Hyder, continued the fight with the British.
In the year 1792, he fought with the British in
order to drive them away. But Tippu was fully
defeated and he was put into great trouble.
Later on, in the IV Mysore War (1799), Tippu
died fighting as a brave man. Thus, the
father and the son protested and revolted
against the Britishers. However this was not
an end, the anti-colonial spirit was further
fuelled which is visible in various revolt that
broke out in the state across the timeline in
British era.
A brief summary of various armed rebellion
waged against British in Karnataka
1. The Anglo–Mysore Wars were a
series of four wars fought in over the
last three decades of the 18th century
between the Kingdom of Mysore on
the one hand, and the
British EIC (represented chiefly by
the Madras Presidency), and Maratha
Confederacy and the Nizam of
Hyderabad on the other .
 The First anglo-mysore
war (1767–69) saw Hyder Ali gain
some measure of success against
the British, almost capturing
Madras. The British convinced
the Nizam of Hyderabad to attack
Hyder, but the Nizam changed
sides, supporting the Sultan. That
was temporary however, and the
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 History of Karnataka
Nizam signed a new treaty with the
British in Feb. 1768.
 The second anglo-mysore
war (1780–84) witnessed bloodier
battles with fortunes fluctuating
between the contesting powers.
Tipu defeated Baillie at the Battle
of Pollilur in Sept. 1780,
and Braithwaite at Kumbakonam in
Feb. 1782, both of whom were
taken prisoner to Seringapatam.
This war saw the rise of Sir Eyre
Coote , the British commander
who defeated Hyder Ali at
the Battle of Porto novo and Arni.
Tipu continued the war following
his father's death. Finally, the war
ended with the last British-Indian
treaty with an Indian ruler on equal
footing, the 11 March 1784 Treaty
of Manglore.
 In the Third anglo-mysore
war (1790–92), Tipu Sultan, the
ruler of Mysore and an ally of
France, invaded the nearby state
of Travancore in 1789, which was
a British ally.British forces were
commanded by Governor-general
Cornwallis himself. The resultant
war lasted three years and was a
resounding defeat for Mysore. The
war ended after the 1792 seize of
Srirangapattan and the signing of
the treaty of Srirangapattanam,
according to which Tipu had to
surrender half of his kingdom to
the British East India
Company and its allies.
 The Fourth anglo-mysore
war (1799) saw the death of Tipu
Sultan and further reductions in
Pscnotes.com
Mysorean territory. Mysore's
alliance with the French was seen
as a threat to the East India
Company and Mysore was
attacked from all four sides. Tipu's
army were outnumbered 4:1 in this
war. The Nizam of Hyderabad and
the Marathas launched an invasion
from the north. The British won a
decisive victory at seize of
Srirangapattan(1799).
2.Dhondiya Wagh(1800)
Dhondia Wagh (died 10 September
1800) was a military adventurer and
plunderer in 18th century India. He
started his career in the service
of Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore.
During the Third Anglo-Mysore War,
he deserted Ali's successor Tipu
Sultan, and subsequently raided
territories on the Maratha-Mysore
border. After the Marathas forced him
to retreat, he sought refuge from Tipu
and converted to Islam, changing his
name to Malik Jahan Khan. After
Tipu's death in the Fourth Anglo-
Mysore War, he raised a force
comprising soldiers from the former
Mysore Army, and took control of
northern part of the Mysore Kingdom.
He styled himself as Ubhaya-
Lokadheeshwara ("King of two
Worlds"). The British East India
Company as well as the
Maratha Peshwa sent armies to check
his rising power. He was ultimately
defeated and killed by a British force
led by Arthur Wellesley.
3.Venkatadri Nayak (1803)
A leader who started his revolt when
the British were tied down by
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 History of Karnataka
Dhondiya Wagh. His father
Krishnappa Nayak, was made the
ruler of Aigur by Hyder Ali. Later,
Venkatadri Nayak became the ruler of
Aigur. He was ambitious and started
expanding his territory. Venkatadri
Nayak captured Subrahmanya Ghat,
a crucial pass in the Sahyadris with
access to Mangalore. He attacked the
British troops at Arakere and also
defeated a 2500 strong army sent by
Wodeyar of Mysore. He came to be
known as the Bull Raja and Ballam
Raja.British followed a scorched
earth policy to prevent him getting any
food supplies. The campaign lasted
nearly three years and finally on
February 10, 1803 he was caught and
executed.
4.Koppal Veerappa (1819)
In the territorial arrangement made
after fourth Anglo-Mysore war, Koppal
was assighned to Nizam. Nizam hads
to pay huge amount to EIC which in
turn took oppressive measure to
impose heavy taxation on peasantry.
One of the zamindar of Koppal,
Veerappa was unable to tolerate
irksome control of Nizam who was
safe under Subsidiary Alliance. he
built a force and captured Koppal and
Bahadur forts built by Hyder Ali 40
years earlier. British forces led by
Major Doughton and Brig General
Pritzler rushed to crush
Veerappa. Veerappa fought valiantly
for five days with only 500 men and
died in battle.
5.Deshmukhs of Bidar (1820)
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After Koppal, Bidar rose to revolt in
1820. Here again the cause was
Subsidiary Alliance. Bidar too were
incorporated into Nizam‘s rule and
burdened with heavy taxation. The
leaders of these outbreaks were
Deshmukhs- shivalingappa, Tirumal
Rao and Megharam and therefore
called revolt of DEshmukhs. Lt. Gen.
Sutherland was assigned for the same
and he defeated them in a campaign
lasting two months and imprisoned
them.
6.Sindagi Revolt (1824)
It was revolt against the British by the
people of Sindagi, 40 km from Bijapur.
The local people led by Chidambar
Dikshit, his son Diwakar Dikshit,
comrades Shettyappa, Raoji and
Rastiya. They declared sovereignty of
people of Sindag. Force led by Lt.
Stevenson came to capture the
leaders who was helped by a traitor
Annappa Patne. The leaders were
imprisoned and revolt remained
confined to a Taluk.
7.Kittur Revolt (1824)
Rani Chennamma (23 October
1778 – 02 February 1829) was
the Queen of Kittur, a princely
state in Karnataka. She was one of
the first Indian female ruler to lead an
armed rebellion against the British
East India Company in 1824 because
of the effect of doctrine of lapse. The
resistance ended with her arrest and
she became a symbol of
the independence movement in India.
In the state of Karnataka, she is
celebrated along with Abbakka
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 History of Karnataka
Rani, Kelad Chennamma and Onake
Obavva, as the foremost women
warriors and patriots. Chennamma
was a member of the Lingayat sect.
8. Sangolli Rayanna (1829)
Rayanna fought with the Kittur army
in 1824 and was captured by the
British after the defeat of Rani.
However soon he was released as a
part of British pacification program.
Rayanna soon started a guerrilla war
suitable to the surrounding landscape.
He gathered a compact group of
fighters and started attacking
treasuries and rich land owners who
were British collaborators. British
adopted various means to capture
Rayanna. They sent in some spies
into his army and caught him unarmed
when he was bathing in a river. He
and his associates were executed and
many sent abroad for life
imprisonment.
9. Nagar Peasant Revolt (1830-31)
Wodeyars and Diwan Poornaiah were
installed in Mysore by East India
Company after Tipu‘s defeat, the
region came under heavy taxation.
After suffering from the arbitrariness
and administration that was entirely
corrupt and filled with nepotism and
casteism for three decades, 1800-
1830, the people of the region
rebelled against the Wodeyars and
their protectors the British EIC. The
leader of insurrection was fauzdar of
Nagar whose real name was Sadar
Malla, popularly known as Budi
Basavappa. As a result hundreds of
ryots were hanged throughout the
territory. The Raja succeded in
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suppressing the revolt by the end of
1831.
10. Coastal Uprisings (1830-31)
The mass struggle started in early
1830 and later turned into peasant
unrest in closing months of 1830,
when the ryots gave general petitions
complaining of their losses. Uprising
assumed host of forms, most
prominent being Koota meaning
Gathering. The mass awakening was
ignited through their assembly into
kootas which was a broad forum to
organize the masses. In their
petitions, the ryots not only
complained about the harsh revenue
assessment of November 1830, but
they also demanded remission to
them all at a uniform rate. In the
second stage, beginning of January
1831, the ryots started their Kootas or
Assemblages. The peasant rebellion
that surfaced in the month of
November 1830 continued up to the
end of March 1831. It was after
Cameron‘s promise in March 1831 to
the riots that their petitions would be
considered and remissions would be
made after an examination of their
losses to redress their hardships that
they dispersed and stopped
organising the Kootas. Thus by April
183 the rumblings of Koota rebellions
died down.
11. Kodagu (Coorg) Revolts (1833-
37)
The Kodagu revolt also known as
Coorg War was fought between the
British East India Company and the
State of Coorg in 1834. Defiance of
the Raja of Coorg (Chikka
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 History of Karnataka
Virarajendra), a small state in South
India, led to a short but bloody
campaign in 1834. In February 1834,
a force of 7000 was assembled under
the command of Brigadier General
Lindsay to commence operations
against the Raja, who had begun
hostilities against the British. The
Coorgs displayed the utmost bravery
in the resistance but British were able
to capture the Madikeri fort through
treachery in 1834 and depose the
king. He was sent in Exile to
Bangalore, Kashi and later London.
Uprisings in Karnataka during
Revoltof 1857
Unlike the Gangetic belt, where the
revolt was signalled by mutiny of
British Indian Army, which were then
followed by revolts led by Nanasaheb,
Zeenat Mahal, Rani Laxmibai of
Jhansi, Kunwar Singh etc., the
Karnataka revolts were popular
uprisings led by local peasant leaders,
or small principalities who linked their
local struggles with the larger national
one. The area of uprising covered the
entire districts from the coastal
Canara (present day Karwar and
Mangalore) in the Madras Presidency,
to the eastern Raichur and Koppal
districts under the Nizam; from
Bijapurand Dharwadin the North in
Bombay Presidency to Sringeri and
Hassan in the south.
Notable among them are the
uprisings of: Bedasin Halagali near
Bijapur; revolt of Nargund near Gadag
and Dharwad; revolt of Mundargi
Bhimaraya; revolt of Venkatappa
Nayak of Surpur near Gulburga and
Supa revolts near Karwar.
Pscnotes.com
Bedas of Halagali
The Bedas of Halagali have been
known from the earliest times for their
courage, valour and loyalty. There
was a determined and desperate
oppositon against the Arms Act by
them in Halagali, a small town in the
Mudhol princely state, now in Bijapur
District. They refused to submit to the
order demanding registration and
licences for their weapons. They
refused to submit to the order
demanding registration and licences
for their weapons. British sent a
troopsand asked the people to
surrender their arms and if they
refused they will be treated as rebels.
But the Bedas defied this order. So
the whole of Halagali town was burnt.
Many Bedas lost their lives. The
leader of the Bedas, Nimbalkar had
failed in the fight. Nearly three
hundred Bedas were taken as
prisoners. This resistance against the
British was suppressed.
Nargund Bandaya (revolt)
The fight for freedom in Nargund was
of a different type. This fight was
provoked chiefly by two reasons- The
Arms Act and the application of
Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse. Baba
Saheb endeavoured to rally the
support of the neighbouring chiefs
namely Bheemarao of Mundaragi,
Kenchanagouda of Hammagi, the
Desais of Govankoppa and Soratur
and many others, in his attempt to
raise an insurrection. British army
under Colonel Malcolm attacked, won
and the fort of Nargund was captured.
Baba Saheb with a few of his trusted
followers accepted defeat escaped to
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 History of Karnataka

forest. But, The Britishers arrested As uprisings in coastal Maharashtra

them with the help of a traitor and spread during 1857, Canara too
executed them. became a refuge for revolutionaries
and also a centre of resistance. Here
Surpur Venkatappa Nayak the revolutionaries who came from
In 1857, British got wind that some Savantwadi played a major
representatives of Nana Saheb came role. Despite the death and capture of
to Surpur and had secret meetings many leaders, new ones kept
with young Raja Venkatappa Nayak. springing up in this region for nearly
In the meanwhile, Mahipal Singh, a three years. Finally British divided the
rebel from 1857 revolt, was captured district into two and attached Karwar
by the British and he disclosed to to Bombay presidency in 1862.
them that he was carrying out
instructions of Raja Venkatappa
Nayak. in February 1858, they sent
troops led by Capt. Windham and Maj
Hughes to attack Surpur, a fierce
battle took place and king had to
escape to Hyderabad. Unfortunately,
they handed him over to the British.
Then he was jailed and killed
subsequently.

Mundaragi Bhimaraya Armed rebellion in Karnataka

He was a bold hunter and an accurate against the British
marksman. His father was the judge
under the Peshwas. The events in
northern India in May, June and July Karnataka has been a land of freedom
1857, prompted him to action, and he fighters from the earliest times. When the
began to collect arms and British power slowly spread over the whole of
ammunitions. Bheemarao was warned India in the last part of the 18th century, the
against the consequences of people of Karnataka could not tolerate this
disloyalty and so a strict watch was alien rule. So they decided to wage a revolt.
kept upon his movements. Thus the revolution started, and we call it as
Bheemarao started his fight chiefly ‘Armed Insurrection'. Venkatappa Naik of
because he felt that it was his duty to Surpur, Bheema Rao of Mundaragi, Baba
serve the cause of freedom. Traitors Saheb of Nargund, Rani Channamma of
helped the British to capture the fort Kittur, Rani Channamma of Keladi were a
and fighters were caught and few notable brave men and women who
Mundaragi was blown away from gun. struggled throughout against the British for
the freedom of the country.
Canara Revolts

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 History of Karnataka
The Bedas and Kodagas have been the
foremost fighting races of Karnataka, and
have continuously maintained their high
reputation.
During the second half of the 18th century,
the British slowly advanced their power and
very shrewdly carried on their operations at
first as vassals of the Moghal Emperor and
the people accustomed to leave matters of
government, could not notice the fact that
they were slowly but steadily being
succeeded to the position of slaves under a
foreigner. The brave resistance put up by
Hyder and Tippu to the British had a deep
defence of Mysore. Hyder, who had defeated
the Wadeyars and conquered Mysore, was
fed up with the expansion policy of the
British, Earlier, he was on friendly terms with
the British. But later on, he came to know
about the plan of expansion of the British
empire in India, in order to curb their desire
he tried to become friendly with the Nizam of
Hyderabad and the Marathas. But he could
not do so, because by that time tactfully the
Britishers had taken the support of the
Marathas and Nizam. Hyder had a short
lived life and died early. Then Tippu, the son
of Hyder, continued the fight with the British.
In the year 1792, he fought with the British in
order to drive them away. But Tippu was fully
defeated and he was put into great trouble.
Later on, in the IV Mysore War (1799), Tippu
died fighting as a brave man. Thus, the
father and the son protested and revolted
against the Britishers. However this was not
an end, the anti-colonial spirit was further
fuelled which is visible in various revolt that
broke out in the state across the timeline in
British era.
A brief summary of various armed rebellion
waged against British in Karnataka
Pscnotes.com
1. The Anglo–Mysore Wars were a
series of four wars fought in over the
last three decades of the 18th century
between the Kingdom of Mysore on
the one hand, and the
British EIC (represented chiefly by
the Madras Presidency), and Maratha
Confederacy and the Nizam of
Hyderabad on the other .
• The First anglo-mysore
war (1767–69) saw Hyder Ali gain
some measure of success against
the British, almost capturing
Madras. The British convinced
the Nizam of Hyderabad to attack
Hyder, but the Nizam changed
sides, supporting the Sultan. That
was temporary however, and the
Nizam signed a new treaty with the
British in Feb. 1768.
• The second anglo-mysore
war (1780–84) witnessed bloodier
battles with fortunes fluctuating
between the contesting powers.
Tipu defeated Baillie at the Battle
of Pollilur in Sept. 1780,
and Braithwaite at Kumbakonam in
Feb. 1782, both of whom were
taken prisoner to Seringapatam.
This war saw the rise of Sir Eyre
Coote , the British commander
who defeated Hyder Ali at
the Battle of Porto novo and Arni.
Tipu continued the war following
his father's death. Finally, the war
ended with the last British-Indian
treaty with an Indian ruler on equal
footing, the 11 March 1784 Treaty
of Manglore.
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 History of Karnataka
• In the Third anglo-mysore
war (1790–92), Tipu Sultan, the
ruler of Mysore and an ally of
France, invaded the nearby state
of Travancore in 1789, which was
a British ally.British forces were
commanded by Governor-general
Cornwallis himself. The resultant
war lasted three years and was a
resounding defeat for Mysore. The
war ended after the 1792 seize of
Srirangapattan and the signing of
the treaty of Srirangapattanam,
according to which Tipu had to
surrender half of his kingdom to
the British East India
Company and its allies.[
• The Fourth anglo-mysore
war (1799) saw the death of Tipu
Sultan and further reductions in
Mysorean territory. Mysore's
alliance with the French was seen
as a threat to the East India
Company and Mysore was
attacked from all four sides. Tipu's
army were outnumbered 4:1 in this
war. The Nizam of Hyderabad and
the Marathas launched an invasion
from the north. The British won a
decisive victory at seize of
Srirangapattan(1799).
• Dhondiya Wagh (1800)
One of the first to revolt against the
new arrangement was Dhondiya
Wagh. He was born in Chennagiri
near Mysore. He joined Hyder Ali‘s
cavalry in 1780. Later he developed
differences with Tipu, who
incarcerated him. Hence British
soldiers found Dhondiya in
Srirangapattana‘s prison when they
ransacked the city after the death of
Pscnotes.com
Tipu. Dhondiya was released, who
however immediately vanished and
tried to gather the demobilised Tipu‘s
soldiers. Very soon he built up a
significant armed force with a cavalry
etc. He kept moving from territory to
territory and capturing small towns
and forts that had been taken over by
Marathas, British and the Nizam.
Governor General, Richard Wellesley
was exasperated by Dhondiya‘s revolt
and assigned his brother Arthur
Wellesley (Later to be known as Duke
of Wellington, who defeated Napolean
at Waterloo) to suppress Dhondiya‘s
revolt. He sent troops not only from
Madras but even summoned some
from Bengal.
The theatre of Dhondiya‘s war
encompassed all of Central and
North Karnataka. He was supported
by the people and smaller
principalities (samsthana) that were
discontented with the British. British
historians have painted him as "rogue
bandit‖, whereas Dhondiya himself
had the title of ―lord of both the
worlds‖ among his people
• Venkatadri Nayak (1803)
Aigur (Ballam) Venkatadri Nayak was
another leader who started his revolt
when the British were tied down by
Dhondiya Wagh. His father
Krishnappa Nayak, was made the
ruler of Aigur by Hyder Ali. But
Krishnappa betrayed him and joined
the Marathas in 1792 and helped the
British. After the war he was scared of
Tipu and ran away to Kodagu (Coorg).
However Tipu did not punish him but
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 History of Karnataka
instead reinstated him. Venkatadri
Nayak captured Subrahmanya Ghat,
a crucial pass in the Sahyadris with
access to Mangalore. He attacked the
British troops at Arakere and also
defeated a 2500 strong army sent by
Wodeyar of Mysore.
The campaign lasted nearly three
years and finally on February 10,
1803 he and his 6 followers were
arrested when they were in search of
food supplies. All the insurgents were
later executed. Thus two great
warriors were suppressed by the
British with Machiavellian tactics using
the Mysore Wodeyars, Marathas and
the Nizam.
• Koppal Veerappa (1819)
Karnataka was torn asunder between
Nizam, Marathas and the British after
Tipu‘s defeat. As Nizam‘s unbridled
oppression with heavy taxation
increased, there was no way but for
the peasantry to revolt. One such
revolt was led by Veerappa in Koppal
in 1818. Veerapaa was a small
landowner in Koppal, he built a force
and captured Koppal and Bahadur
forts built by Hyder Ali 40 years
earlier. British forces led by Major
Doughton and Brig General Pritzler
rushed to crush Veerappa and
Nizam‘s general Idruskhan also joined
them. Veerappa fought valiantly for
five days with only 500 men and died
in battle. Even though Veerappa‘s
rebellion was confined to a small area
around Koppal, it represented a
popular peasant revolt and inspired
many more in the region.
Pscnotes.com
• Deshmukhs of Bidar (1820)
After Tipu‘s defeat the remnants of the
old Bahmani Kingdom of Bidar too
were incorporated into Nizam‘s rule
and burdened with heavy taxation. As
a result revolts started appearing in
1820 in Udgir. Using Suliyal as their
base the local Deshmukhs led by
Shivalingayya, Tirumal Rao and
Meghsham led this revolt. Hence this
revolt is known as the revolt of
Deshmukhs. The Nizam relied on
British help to suppress the
Deshmukhs. Lt. Gen. Sutherland was
assigned for the same and he
defeated them in a campaign lasting
two months and imprisoned them.
• Sindagi Revolt (1824)
The popular revolt against the British
spread to Bijapur too and in Sindagi,
40 km from Bijapur the local people
led by Chidambar Dikshit, his son
Diwakar Dikshit and Diwakar‘s
comrades Shettyappa, Raoji and
Rastiya declared sovereignty of
people of Sindagi. They took over
Sindagi Taluk and boldly declared that
―British Raj does not exist here and
we anyway do not recognise it. We
are sovereign‖. British could not
tolerate this challenge to their rule in
such a brazen way even if though it
was confined to a Taluk in North
Karnataka. They sent forces led by Lt.
Stevenson to capture the leaders.
However the forces could not locate
the leaders. A traitor Annappa Patne
however showed the hiding place to
the British. The local people who
came to know the same lynched
Annappa on the spot. However the
British were able to capture the
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 History of Karnataka
leaders and imprison them. The revolt
was confined to a Taluk, but showed
advanced consciousness.
• Rani Chennamma and the Kittur
Revolt (1824)
Rani Chennamma of Kittur is a
veritable icon in Karnataka and was
perhaps one of the first women
leaders who fought against British
Raj. To this day she inspires people.
She was born in the Desai family of
Kakati in Kittur. She became the
queen of Kittur on her marriage to
Shivalinga Rudra Sarja. Kittur was a
principality (samsthana) covering
large parts of Dharwad and Belgavi
districts and was paying tributes to
Marathas after the fall of Tipu.
However after the fall of Marathas in
1818, Kittur came under British rule.
Shivalinga Rudra Sarja did not have
children, fell sick and died soon after
on September 11, 1824.
Chennamma started ruling the
kingdom in the name of the adopted
minor prince. But British refused to
recognise and took over the
administration of Kittur. This enraged
the people of Kittur.
Chennamma patiently tried to get
justice and sent her emissaries to talk
to the ―Company Sarkar‖ (British East
India Company) and at the same time
started strengthening the fort and
carrying out various military
preparations anticipating a conflict.
She called all the loyal fighters from
the surrounding region and discussed
the situation with them, sought their
advice and loyalty and carried out a
daring attack on the British forces.
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British forces were defeated and
many were taken prisoners by the
insurgents.
This was a great setback for British
Raj and its cultivated image as an
invincible force in the region. They
soon gathered forces from Sholapur,
Mysore and Bombay and neared
Kittur. Rani sent them a message that
if they attack Kittur then all British
prisoners of war will be put to death
and then the people of Kittur will fight
to death. Taken aback, Chaplin,
Commissioner of Deccan sent a
message that if the British prisoners
are released and Sardar
Gurusiddappa is handed over then the
status quo will prevail. Chennamma
refused to hand over Gurusiddappa
but released British prisoners as an
act of good faith. However Chaplin
had no intention of keeping his end of
the deal and sent his forces under the
leadership of Lt.. Col Deacon to siege
Kittur on Dec. 3, 1824. The fighters of
Kittur fought bravely for three days,
however due to treachery they found
that their gun powder had been mixed
with cow dung and made useless. The
fort fell. Rani Chennamma escaped
with the younger Rani Veeramma
through a secret passage towards
Sangolli where she had supporters.
However British were able to intercept
her on her way and capture her. She
was imprisoned in Bailhongal prison.
After incarceration of four years
Chennamma died in prison on
February 3, 1829. The Kittur
countryside was full of rebellion for
over five years. The leader of this
rebellion was Rani Chennamma‘s
ardent admirer Rayanna of Sangolli.
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 History of Karnataka
• Sangolli Rayanna (1829)
Rayanna was born in a shepherd
family in Sangolli. The family had a
fighting tradition and was loyal to the
Desais of Kittur. Rayanna fought with
the Kittur army in 1824 and was
captured by the British after the defeat
of Rani. However soon he was
released as a part of British
pacification program. . In November-
December 1829, some of his friends
invited him to lead a revolt against the
British. Rayanna soon started a
guerrilla war suitable to the
surrounding landscape. He gathered a
compact group of fighters and started
attacking treasuries and rich land
owners who were British
collaborators. He seized mortgage
and debt documents of peasantry
from them and burnt them.
Realising that it was not possible to
capture Rayanna by conventional
warfare, British adopted other means
to do so. They sent in some spies into
his army and caught him unarmed
and executed.
• Nagar Peasant Revolt (1830-31)
Nagar comprised of the taluks of
Sagar, Nagar, Kowlidurga, Koppa,
Lakwally, Sorab, Shikarpur,
Shivamogga, Honnaly, Harihar,
Chennagiri, Tarikere, Kadur, and
Chickamagalur. The region came
under heavy taxation. In fact nearly
60% of the Kingdom‘s revenues were
coming from this region alone. After
suffering from the duo‘s arbitrariness
for three decades, 1800-1830, the
region was ripe for rebellion against
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the Wodeyars and their protectors—
the ―Company Sarkar‖.
Taking advantage of this, Basavappa
spread the news that he had assumed
the sovereignty of the country and
promised the ryots full remission of all
balance debt. The rebels gave a good
fight to the troops. They captured
some of the forts in Nagar, and in
many places they repulsed the
Mysore troops. The rebellion was
spontaneous and did not have a
visionary leadership but it however
demonstrated the widespread anger
among different sections of
Kannadigas against the British rule
and as well as their puppets like the
Wodeyars and Poornaiah.
• Coastal Uprisings (1830-31)
There were widespread uprisings
against heavy taxation in the coastal
regions of Karnataka. These regions
had first protested the taxes earlier in
1809-1810. The later agitations learnt
from this experience and were
consequently more audacious. The
mass struggle started in early 1830
and assumed a host of forms. The
most important of these was the koota
or simply ‗gathering‘. It was in Bekal
(Kasargod) that the Kootas started in
the first week of January 1831 and
within a few days they spread to the
northern parts of Kanara. In order to
organise these Kootas, the ryots
assigned one Patel and two head
ryots in each of the villages.
In their petitions, the ryots not only
complained about the harsh revenue
assessment of November 1830, but
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they also demanded remission to
them all at a uniform rate.
It was after Cameron‘s promise
(March 1831) to the riots that their
petitions would be considered and
remissions would be made after an
examination of their losses to redress
their hardships that they dispersed
and stopped organising the Kootas.
Thus by April 1831 the rumblings of
Koota rebellions died down.
• Kodagu (Coorg) Revolts (1833-37)
After the defeat of Tipu, the East India
Company could not directly rule
Kodagu. They had to restore the
kingdom to the traditional kings of
Haleri dynasty who were earlier
displaced by Hyder and Tipu. There
were constant skirmishes between
him and the British administration,
which was based in Bangalore and
Mysore and finally a war between the
British and Kodava forces was
inevitable and king was defeated.
However, several revolt followed the
war. These were led by Swami
Aparampaar, Kalyan Swami and Putta
Basava. All these fighters claimed to
be heirs to Kodagu throne one after
another and sought support from the
people in their fight against the British
in the name of Haleri dynasty.
Other revolts before 1857
There were several other revolts
which were local and minor in
dimension but which had a lot of
impact on the psyche of the people of
North Karnataka between 1840 and
1857. One of them was in Badami, a
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town in today‘s Bagalkot district,
which has an ancient history and was
the capital of Chalukyas who ruled
much of Karnataka and Andhra
Pradesh between 6th and 8th
centuries CE. An army built by
loyalists of the deposed king of Satara
took over the fort and established their
rule in 1839-40. They were
suppressed by British Army and the
leaders sentenced to death and life
imprisonment.
Similarly there were uprisings in
Nippani, currently in Belgavi district, in
1840-41, where over 300 Arab
fighters under the leadership of local
Zamindar, Raghunath Rao attacked
the fort and took it over. Later they
were suppressed by the Company
Army. In 1849 the Paleygar of
Chitradurga rose up unsuccessfully.
Revolts led by Lingappa in Bidar in
1852 harassed the British for several
months and he had captured several
forts.
Uprisings in Karnataka during Revolt
of 1857
There were several uprisings in
Karnataka during the Ghadar in 1857
and went on till 1860. Unlike the
Gangetic belt, where the revolt was
signalled by mutiny of British Indian
Army, which were then followed by
revolts led by kings and nawabs, the
Karnataka revolts were popular
uprisings led by local peasant leaders,
or small principalities who linked their
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 History of Karnataka
local struggles with the larger national
one . The area of uprising covered the
entire districts from the coastal
Canara (present day Karwar and
Mangalore) in the Madras Presidency,
to the eastern Raichur and Koppal
districts under the Nizam; from
Bijapurand Dharwadin the North in
Bombay Presidency to Sringeri and
Hassan in the south.
Some of major uprisings are as
follows
Bedas of Halagali
fighting tribes which fought the British
tooth and nail from 1820‘s to 1942
and formed the backbone of many
uprisings in the Deccan The East
India Company announced on 11
September, 1857 that all Indians
should disarm, submit their arms to
the company and then get licences to
carry arms. This was simply out of
question for Bedas. The revolt, which
started in a small village called
Halagali, kept snowballing and started
spreading to surrounding areas. The
British Raj saw it as a serious threat to
its rule and when the local ruler was
not able to suppress . The British
followed a scorched earth policy in the
region and after the final battle
captured 290 Bedas and hanged 19
leaders of the uprising in Mudhol
market in December 1857.
Nargund Bandaya (revolt)
The principality of Nargund used to be
under the Peshwas after the defeat of
Tipu. After the defeat of Peshwas in
1818, it came under British
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overlordship. Bhaskar Rao Bhave also
known as Baba Saheb rose to the
throne of Nargund in 1842 but he
faced problems because of Doctrine
of Lapse as he had no son to heir the
throne. This enraged Baba Saheb and
he got in touch with several rulers in
Karnataka like Mundaragi Bhimaraya,
Surpur Venkatappa Nayakaand many
others. In May 1858 when the British
sent a force to prevent his networking
with other rulers, he attacked them.
Baba Saheb consulted his comrades
and decided to escape to a nearby
forest. However in the forest near
Torgal he was betrayed by some
camp followers. This led to his capture
and later execution in Belagavi on
June 12, 1858. Nargund Bandaya is a
legend in North Karnataka.
Surpur Venkatappa Nayak
Surpur or Shorapuris situated in the
hills, about 50 km west of Yadgiri, a
district headquarters. In 1857, British
got wind that some representatives of
Nana Saheb came to Surpur and had
secret meetings with young Raja
Venkatappa Nayak. In the meanwhile,
Mahipal Singh, a rebel from 1857
revolt, was captured by the British and
he disclosed to them that he was
carrying out instructions of Raja
Venkatappa Nayak. in February
1858, they sent troops led by Capt.
Windham and Maj Hughes to attack
Surpur, but the fort of Surpur was very
strong and a fierce battle ensued.
When they were outnumbered, the
Raja escaped to Hyderabad and tried
to get Nizam and his Diwan‘s support
for the uprising. Unfortunately
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 History of Karnataka

however, they handed him over to the and also a centre of resistance. Here
British. Then he was jailed and killed the revolutionaries who came from
subsequently. Savantwadi played a major
role. Though many British historians
have said that these revolts were
Mundaragi Bhimaraya caused by the increased land and salt
taxes, it is clear that they were
Bhimaraya of Mundaragi is a inspired by the stories of 1857
legendary hero of 1857 revolt in uprising in the North and were waiting
Karnataka. He had observed the for Nanasaheb to move southwards.
development of anti-colonial Despite the death and capture of
movement in Karnataka and many leaders, new ones kept
networked with various like-minded springing up in this region for nearly
leaders. Nana Saheb‘s call to the three years. Finally British divided the
people of India and all Desais, district into two and attached Karwar
Deshmukhs, Deshpandes, to Bombay presidency in 1862.
Jahagirdars, Patels and Kulkarnis of
Karnataka greatly influenced him. On
23 May 1858 the fouzdar of Dambal
Art Forms of
raided one such arms cache and
sealed it. On hearing the news Karnataka
Bhimaraya came with his army
attacked the armoury and took back
all his arms and ammunition and The southern Indian state of Karnataka has
shifted to a safer place in Shirahatti. a rich heritage of art and culture. From time
Then he started raiding British immemorial, the region has been the origin
armouries in various places. . After a and the culmination ground of Indian
fierce fight Bhimaraya fell to British classical music and other art forms.
bullets on 1 June, 1858. British carried
Folk culture has its roots in this state and the
out brutal reprisals against
art forms have heavily borrowed from them.
Bhimaraya‘s associates and
By utilizing the medium of performing arts
supporters.
artistes, convey the various traditions and
customs of a particular community.
Narratives and stories from epics like
Canara Revolts Ramayana and Mahabharata are also
The district of Canara consisted of portrayed on stage. The performances are
present Mangalore (Dakshina eye-catching because of the colourful and
Kannada) and Karwar (Uttara vibrant costumes and associated make up.
Kannada) districts and were thickly The narrators also forms an indispensable
forested and mountainous. As part of these performances. Further,
uprisings in coastal Maharashtra performing arts have always been a medium
spread during 1857, Canara too to educate people whereby through these
became a refuge for revolutionaries

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 History of Karnataka
art-forms the twin purpose of education and
entertainment is achieved.
Yakshagana
Yakshagana is a kind of art form that traces
its roots in mythology. In Hindu mythology,
Yakshas are depicted as demi gods who
attend to Kubera. This dance drama
elaborately portrays the stories from Holy
texts. Yakshagana is a unique combination
of dance, drama, dialogues, songs, music
and resplendent costumes. This dance
drama is performed in open-air theatres
where audiences are seated on three sides
of the stage. Uttara Kannada District,
Shimoga District, Udupi District, Dakshina
Kannada District are the places where this
dance drama is performed.
Togalu Bombeaata
Togalu Bombeaata is a puppet show that is
quite popular in Karnataka. In this ancient art
form of Karnataka, leather puppets are used
to enact popular scenes from epics such as
Ramayana and Mahabharata. In a world
where puppet shows are disappearing fast,
this age old art form is quite popular in this
southern Indian state. Such shows are
performed to ward off the evil powers that
bring diseases, epidemics and destroyed
crops.
Bhootha Aradhane
Bhootha Aradhane is a ritualistic dance in
Karnataka. The origin of this art form can be
traced to the coastal parts of Karnataka and
Kerala. This is a way of Tulu worship. This
form of folk dance is unique to Karnataka.
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Bhootha in India refers to ghost. The
references to these creatures are found in
legends and myths. These creatures are
Lord Shiva's attendants and known as Bhuta
Ganas. Bhootha Aradhane is an extension of
this worship.
Nagamandala
Snakes have always mystified people. In
India snake is mystically associated with
Lord Shiva and is thus considered holy
enough to worship. Nagamandala is a folk
art of worshipping snakes and is prevalent in
Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. The beats
and movements of the dance are quite
attention grabbing. While worshipping the
serpent, the dancers try to depict the
slithering movement of the snake. This exotic
performance is a treat to watch as the
dancers are dressed up like serpents. Fear
and ignorance about snakes also play a
major part in their worship.
Krishna Parijatha
Krishna Parijatha is a folk theatre that
illustrates the legends revolving around Lord
Krishna and Lord Indra. However, there are
many mythological stories connected to
Krishna Parijatha but the most popular one is
that of Krishna waging war over Indra. This
traditional folk theater form revolves around
Lord Krishna, and his fight with Indira over
the Parijatha tree that came out of existence
from the ocean. The entire chain of events is
depicted and performed through this dance
drama.
Known for their frequent witticisms, they are
mostly open-air performances. Simple plots
and dialogues, spontaneity of the performers
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 History of Karnataka

and impromptu improvisations make Krishna village deities and also worshipping them.
Parijata a great attraction to the audiences. The stories related to the birth of the Somas
forms the crux of the performance.

Dollu Kunitha
This is a drum dance that is quite popular in
Karnataka. Dollu Kunitha is accompanied by
singing. Men of the shepherd community,
Kuruba, perform this. Strong acrobatic
movements, drumming and synchronization
are the features of this performing art. Other
than this, there is another ritualistic dance
called the Puja Kunitha whereby there are
only instruments accompanying very few
dancers. Puja Kunitha is, thus, unique in its
own way.
Chowdike Mela
The devotees of Yellama, the patron
goddess of the rural folk of North Karnataka,
perform Chowdike Mela. ‗Chowdike‘, a
unique stringed instrument, partners their
mesmerizing praise of the Goddess. The
singers usually dedicate their entire lives
solely to singing the heavenly glory.
Goravara Kunita

This religious dance is performed by the

devotees of Shiva, the Hindu God. Attired in
Puja Kunita fur cap made of bearskin and black and
Puja Kunita is the dance of worship performed toyellow clothing,
propitiate the they sway to the esoteric
tunesmade
Goddess Shakti. The dancer carries a five feet frame of theout
flute
ofand the ‗Damaruga‘, a
bamboo called Puje, wrapped with beautiful sarishand-held drum. Accompanying their trance-
and flowers,
likedancers
during the performance. Devoid of any stories, the movements,
provide are songs handed down
visual exclusivity by their acrobatic movements. through generations, replete with deep
mystic meanings.

Beesu Kamsale Veeragaase

Beesu Kamsale is a vigorous dance form
closely associated with the rituals of Malle
Mahadeswara worship and employs a great
blend of aesthetic sublimity and martial
agility. A cymbal-like disc, the ‗Kamsale‘ is
played in rhythm with the songs exalting the
glory of the Lord Mahadeswara.
Somana Kunita
Somana Kunita is a religious, ritualistic
dance performed by two or three artists with
elaborate masks. Known as Somas, they
were entrusted with the task of guarding the
Veeragase gets its name from the Hindu
legendary warrior, Veerabhadra, where
dancers narrate the story of Daksha Yajna.
Attired in colourful garb and traditional
headgear, the dancers carry a wooden
plaque of Veerabhadra in their left hand and
a sword in their right. The dance sometimes
involves a ritualistic piercing of a needle
across the tongue.
Ummattaattu

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 History of Karnataka

Ummaattaattu is the traditional dance form of

Coorg made famous by the beautiful Kodava
women. Adorned in the traditional red
brocade Sari, jewellery and red vermilion on
the forehead, they dance in circles to the
rhythms of hand-held brass cymbals.
Accompanied by singing, the dance form –
performed to appease Goddess Cauvery – is
usually part of festivals, weddings, etc. Classical Dance Forms in Karnataka

There are various forms of dances in

Jagghalige Kunita
A large percussion instrument made from the
wheels of a bullock cart, wrapped with
buffalo hides called ‗Jagghalige‘ is largely
used in this folk art. Usually involving about
15 people, the dancers march to the
pulsating beat of the giant drums. Jagghalige
Kunita is performed during festivals like
Ugadi and Holi.
Suggi Kunita
A Harvest festival dance, Suggi Kunita is
performed mostly by the farming community.
Artists in beautiful costumes and wooden
headgear adorned with carved birds and
flowers dance to the tune of drums with
sticks and peacock feathers. They enhance
the dance sometimes, by their own signing.
Karnataka. Bharatanatyam (Mysore),
Kuchipudi etc. are the main classical dances
of the state of Karnataka. Most of these
dances are still learnt by people with great
zeal. All these dances have different music,
beats, movements, themes and costumes.
Some of the biggest names in Indian dance
form hail from these schools of dancing.
Music in Karnataka
The main forms of music of Karnataka are
Indian and Carnatic Music. Carnatic music
traces its origin in Karnataka. The music in
Karnataka initially flourished because of the
royal patronages.
In the era of monarchy, the artistes received
royal patronage and every possible step was
taken to encourage and popularize music. At
this point of time influences of other cultures
led to the formation of Hindustani Classical
Music in Modern India. Both these schools of
music became equally famous. Today,
Karnataka remains an important centre for
learning Indian classical music.

The most well-known leaders of Bhakti

Movement belonged to Karnataka. With the
Shree Ramaseva Mandali rise of Vaishnavism and Haridasa (14th
century) movements, illustrious composers
Shree Ramaseva Mandali is an organization that arranges for
like Purandara Dasa, Vijaya Dasa,
musical concerts every year. Founded by S.V. Narayanaswamy
Kanakdasa and others came into being.
Rao some 60 years back it diligently organizes this program on
classical music. The main feature of this music fest is that new
singers are given opportunity to perform along stalwarts. This is
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held in Bangalore, Karnataka. The biggest names in the Indian Page 67
music industry perform at this fest arranged by Shree Ramaseva
Mandali.
 History of Karnataka
Their songs had simple lyrics and melodious
tunes. These were devotional in nature.
The traditional Guru-Shishya system dates
back to ancient India. The teacher would
impart musical lessons to its students
through "abhyasa" or "riyaaz". Songs or
music was never penned down. It was taught
orally. It was said that music is an art which
needs aradhana i.e. complete dedication and
practice. Only regular practice could make a
singer perfect. According to historical
sources, classical music began as abhyasa
and at a later stage, it developed as
shastras. In the 300 B.C. (age of
Bharatmuni) the theories concerning music
were for the first time written down. The first
document was called 'Naatya Shaastra.‘
According to legends, Gopala Nayaka went
to the court of Ala-ud-din Khilji, in the
Northern India. He befriended the Persian
musician, Amir Khusrau. Their discussion led
to the development of new Ragas. The
amalgamation of cultures led to the
development of two ways of singing -Uttaradi
and Dakshinadi or Hindustani Music
(Hindustani Classical Music in Modern India)
and Carnatic Music. The rich heritage of
music also owes its development to the
Vijayanagar Empire and Woodeyar
kingdoms. Young talents were always
encouraged by these dynasties.
The Carnatic music has a deep
understanding of notes and their relations.
Gamaka establishes this relation. To master
this art it has to be slowly and steadily
cultivated. One of the most popular names
that is associated with Carnatic music in
Karnataka is that of Tyagaraja, a renowned
composer. His music scores viz. Tyagaraja
Gana, 'Valmikiya Kavana' and 'Agumbeya
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Astamaya' are widely known for their melody
and excellent music.
Besides him, another person who deserves a
mention is Sri Purnadara Dasa. He was a
prolific composer who created an epoch in
music in Karnataka. Regarded as the
Pitamaha of Carnatic music, he had
composed about 475,000 compositions
(Kirtanas, Uga-bhoga and Suladi) in
Kannada language. The rich heritage of
Kannada music has also enriched its
language and literature.
Karnataka's rich cultural heritage still
continues today with one of the biggest
names in classical music belonging to this
land. The likes of Basavaraj Rajaguru, Pandit
Mallikarjuna Mansur, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi,
Gangubai Hangal etc. all hail from
Karnataka.
Crafts of
Karnataka
Crafts of Karnataka have passed on from
one generation to the next and bear
testimony to the skill, aesthetic sensibilities
and decorative abilities of the craftsperson.
They have received patronage from the
royalty in the past. The crafts of the state
include woodcarving, ivory craving, kasuti
embroidery, durries, pottery and
cheennapatna toys.
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 History of Karnataka
The traditional craftsmen in Karnataka
includes inlaid rosewood and ebony with
ivory work. The doors of Amba Vilas Palace
in Mysore, Seringapatnam mausoleum bear
ample testimony of this form of craft. The
daily use items of the wood inlay item include
furniture items, powder boxes, bowls, puja
mandaps, wall hangings, etc. The tradition of
crafts in Karnataka has been religiously
followed through ages.
Traditional Crafts of Karnataka
Woodcarving
One of the most popular types of crafts of
Karnataka is wood carving. This state has
successfully occupied a place of pride in the
field of wood carving. Karnataka has a vast
forest reserve that provides enough raw
materials for this craft. The foremost
specimen of wood carving in Karnataka is
the ancient temple wood architecture, where
wood has been carved finely into sculptures.
Wood carving is a traditional craft of
Karnataka which is done on sandalwood and
rosewood. This skill requires deftness, as
any form of carving should be identified
when viewed from any angle. All the items
are artistically and realistically sculpted.
Mysore's Gudigar or the wood carving
community of Karnataka is known for the
carvings on fragrant close-grained
Srigandha sandalwood of Karnataka. The
designs include carved flowers, creepers,
birds and animals etc. The best of
sandalwood carving reflects the unique
craftsmanship of the artists. The toys of
Chennapatna bear ample testimony to the
artistic skill of the craftsmen. The range of
traditional Chennapatna toys include,
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cooking vessels although today planes,
trams, trucks, rattle etc. are also made.
Khanpur in Belgaum district of Karnataka is
known for pottery, which includes large sized
containers and jars, for storing food items.
The local clay is excellent and a thin variety
of pottery has developed with designs
embossed on it.
Weaving
Weaving is a household craft of Karnataka.
Cotton sarees are woven in dark earthy
colours with heavy maroon or chocolate
colours to mark the borders. There are
sarees in mat design in white or yellow; or in
the rudraksh pattern. The pallu is usually in
alterations of white and red hands with
mounts at the two ends, woven either in
cotton or silk. Irkal is a special sari of the
area that is made in rich colours like
pomegranate, red, peacock blue, parrot
green etc.
Kasuti embroidery
In the world of crafts, the kasuti embroidery
of Karnataka has carved a niche for itself
and has been widely acclaimed by the
connoisseurs of crafts all over the world. The
designs of kasuti embroidery can range from
architecture to cradles and animal figures.
The designs have a feminine angle and are
mostly done in two stitches namely, the
gavanti line or double running stitch and
murgi or the zigzag stitch. Kasuti is
essentially used for decorating sarees and
blouses and is best when done on thick
materials against dark Indian shades.
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 History of Karnataka
Durries
The durries are marked with intricate design
and stunning colours. The designs are
usually in geometrical juxtaposition. They are
not only in demand within the country but
outside as well. The durries are outlined in
delicate floral motifs with an occasional bird
or animal form added to it. Navalgund in
Dharwad district of Karnataka is best known
for its colourful durries.
A special type of durrie called sutada is
made in the Bijapur district and Dharwad
district. They have simple horizontal stripes
in different colours. There are special
designs, which lend significance to the
object.
In the past, Ivory carving was another
popular craft form of Karnataka. The different
types of crafts of this state wonderfully reveal
the royal delicacy as well as efficiency of the
craftsmen.
Depending on where you are, you can trace
the history of the place, learn about its art
forms and maybe even pick up a new skill.
Karnataka has been very fastidious about
preserving its heritage and thus has many
museums, libraries and foundations
dedicated to the art and art forms, which
showcase and sustain the cultural heirlooms
of this rather illustrious land.
Christian doctrine and theology
Christian doctrine
There are many important differences of
interpretation and opinion of the Bible and
Pscnotes.com
sacred tradition on which Christianity is
based. Because of these irreconcilable
differences in theology and a lack of
consensus on the core tenets of Christianity,
Catholics, Protestants and Orthodox often
deny that members of certain other branches
are Christians.
Creeds
Concise doctrinal statements or confessions
of religious beliefs are known as creeds .
They began as baptismal formulae and were
later expanded during the Christological
controversies of the 4th and 5th centuries to
become statements of faith. Many
evangelical Protestants reject creeds as
definitive statements of faith, even while
agreeing with some or all of the substance of
the creeds. The Baptists have been non-
creedal "in that they have not sought to
establish binding authoritative confessions of
faith on one another." Its main points include:
 Belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ
as the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit
 The death, descent into hell,
resurrection and ascension of Christ
 The holiness of the Church and the
communion of saints.
 Christ's second coming, the Day of
Judgement and salvation of the
faithful.
Jesus
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 History of Karnataka

The central tenet of Christianity is the belief according to the promise". The God who
in Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah raised Jesus from the dead would also give
(Christ). Christians believe that Jesus, as the new life to the "mortal bodies" of Gentile
Messiah, was anointed by God as savior of Christians, who had become with Israel the
humanity, and hold that Jesus' coming was "children of God" and were therefore no
the fulfillment of messianic prophecies of the longer "in the flesh.
Old Testament. The Christian concept of the
Trinity
Messiah differs significantly from the
contemporary Jewish concept. The core Trinity refers to the teaching that the one
Christian belief is that through belief in and God comprises three distinct, eternally co-
acceptance of the death and resurrection of existing persons; the Father, the Son
Jesus, sinful humans can be reconciled to (incarnate in Jesus Christ) and the Holy
God and thereby are offered salvation and Spirit. Together, these three persons are
the promise of eternal life. sometimes called the Godhead, although
there is no single term in use in Scripture to
Death and resurrection
denote the unified Godhead. In the words of
Christians consider the resurrection of Jesus the Athanasian Creed, an early statement of
to be the cornerstone of their faith and the Christian belief, "the Father is God, the Son
most important event in history. Among is God and the Holy Spirit is God, and yet
Christian beliefs, the death and resurrection there are not three Gods but one God.
of Jesus are two core events on which much
Theology of Christianity
of Christian doctrine and theology is based.
According to the New Testament, Jesus was Sacraments
crucified, died a physical death, was buried
In Christian belief and practice, a sacrament
within a tomb and rose from the dead three
is a rite, instituted by Christ, that confers
days later.
grace, constituting a sacred mystery. The
Salvation term is derived from the Latin word
sacramentum, which was used to translate
like Jews and Roman pagans of his time,
the Greek word for mystery. Views
believed that sacrifice can bring about new
concerning both which rites are sacramental,
kinship ties, purity and eternal life. For Paul,
and what it means for an act to be a
the necessary sacrifice was the death of
sacrament, vary among Christian
Jesus: Gentiles who are "Christ's" are, like
denominations and traditions.
Israel, descendants of Abraham and "heirs

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Liturgical calendar Baptism is the ritual act, with the use of

water, by which a person is admitted to
Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Eastern
membership of the Church. Beliefs on
Christians and traditional Protestant
baptism vary among denominations.
communities frame worship around the
Differences occur firstly on whether the act
liturgical year. The liturgical cycle divides the
has any spiritual significance. Some, such as
year into a series of seasons, each with their
the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches,
theological emphases, and modes of prayer,
as well as Lutherans and Anglicans, hold to
which can be signified by different ways of
the doctrine of baptismal regeneration, which
decorating churches, colours of paraments
affirms that baptism creates or strengthens a
and vestments for clergy, scriptural readings,
person's faith, and is intimately linked to
themes for preaching and even different
salvation. Others view baptism as a purely
traditions and practices often observed
symbolic act, an external public declaration
personally or in the home.
of the inward change which has taken place
Symbols in the person, but not as spiritually
efficacious. Secondly, there are differences
Christianity has not generally practiced
of opinion on the methodology of the act.
aniconism, or the avoidance or prohibition of
These methods are: by immersion; if
types of images, even if the early Jewish
immersion is total, by submersion; by
Christians sects, as well as some modern
affusion (pouring); and by aspersion
denominations, preferred to some extent not
(sprinkling). Those who hold the first view
to use figures in their symbols, by invoking
may also adhere to the tradition of infant
the Decalogue's prohibition of idolatry. The
baptism; the Orthodox Churches all practice
cross, which is today one of the most widely
infant baptism and always baptize by total
recognized symbols in the world, was used
immersion repeated three times in the name
as a Christian symbol from the earliest times.
of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Tertullian, in his book De Corona, tells how it
The Catholic Church also practices infant
was already a tradition for Christians to trace
baptism, usually by affusion, and utilizing the
repeatedly on their foreheads the sign of the
Trinitarian formula.
cross. Although the cross was known to the
early Christians, the crucifix did not appear in Prayer
use until the 5th century.
Jesus' teaching on prayer in the Sermon on
Baptism the Mount displays a distinct lack of interest
in the external aspects of prayer. A concern

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 History of Karnataka

with the techniques of prayer is condemned Roman Empire.Following the Age of

as 'pagan', and instead a simple trust in Discovery, Christianity spread to the
God's fatherly goodness is encouraged. Americas, Oceania, sub-Saharan Africa and
Elsewhere in the New Testament this same the rest of the world through missionary work
freedom of access to God is also and colonization.
emphasized. This confident position should
Teachings
be understood in light of Christian belief in
the unique relationship between the believer Within Jesus Christ‘s teachings we find the
and Christ through the indwelling of the Holy plan for our happiness, our redemption, and
Spirit. our salvation—a divine blueprint that
includes faith in Christ, repentance, baptism,
Christianity: Teachings of Jesus Christ
keeping God‘s commandments, receiving the
Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. These
religion based on the life and teachings of are the saving principles taught by Jesus
Jesus Christ, who is the focal point of the Christ, the bedrock on which everything else
Christian faith. It is the world's largest is built. Before Christ suffered in
religion, with over 2.4 billion followers, or Gethsemane for our sins, made His atoning
33% of the global population, known as sacrifice, and overcame death with His
Christians. Christians make up a majority of Resurrection, He spent three years sharing
the population in 158 countries and parables, allegories, and plain-spoken
territories. They believe that Jesus is the Son sermons to teach His gospel—a Greek word
of God and the savior of humanity whose meaning ―good news.‖ What an appropriate
coming as the Messiah (the Christ) was description, because this was indeed good
prophesied in the Old Testament. Christianity news: the much-prophesied Savior had
has played a prominent role in the shaping of come, and His long-awaited message was
Western civilization. Christianity grew out of one of love, hope, and salvation.
Judaism and began as a Second Temple
Judaic sect in the mid-1st century. Shortly after His baptism by John the Baptist,

Originating in the Roman province of Judea, Jesus Christ had one of His earliest

it quickly spread to Europe, Syria, opportunities to teach the multitudes; we

Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, Transcaucasia, know it now as the Sermon on the Mount. In

Egypt, Ethiopia and the Indian subcontinent, this powerful sermon, He taught humankind

and by the end of the 4th century had how to live as His disciples. As Matthew 7:29

become the official state church of the records, ―He taught them as one having

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 History of Karnataka

authority, and not as the scribes.‖ From the fearlessly. They were to save people, not
beginning, Christ‘s message was not of man judge them.
but of His Father. While the people of
Devotion to God and kindness toward each
Moses‘s time lived the lesser law, Christ
other is what the Savior taught that day on
proclaimed a higher law—it was the new and
the Mount. He also taught the importance of
everlasting covenant that fulfilled the Mosaic
keeping the commandments and the
law as described in the first five books of the
covenants we have made with God. Before
Old Testament. By the time Jesus was born,
Christ‘s coming, animal sacrifice had been
this law had stood for more than a thousand
performed in anticipation of the Lamb of
years as the civil, criminal, and religious
God‘s own atoning sacrifice, and so, once
code of the Jewish people, guiding them in
completed, remembrance replaced
every aspect of daily life.
anticipation—and taking the sacrament
During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus became the way we remember and renew
introduced a new standard of righteousness our covenants with the Father. The
that expanded on the Ten Commandments, sacrament was introduced at the Last
which were at the heart of the Mosaic law‘s Supper, another of many occasions in which
613 prohibitions and commandments. ―Thou Christ taught His disciples.
shalt not kill‖ was no longer enough; Christ
Every encounter Jesus had with people—
required His followers to reject hatred, be
whether it was one on one or in a crowd of
forgiving, and even love their enemies. He
thousands—became an occasion for the
asked the people to change their hearts as
Savior to reveal divine truth. Shortly before
well as their actions.
the Sermon on the Mount, He preached in a
The Beatitudes summarize how Christ‘s synagogue, teaching those who were
followers, past and present, should be; He gathered there about the kingdom of heaven.
described them as the ―salt of the earth‖ and He compared it to a growing seed, and He
―the light of the world‖ . Then, as now, His described important doctrines such as
disciples were counseled to be humble, pure spiritual progress and eternal life. He
in heart, merciful, peacemaking, forgiving, declared that in order to enter this kingdom
and meek; they were asked to proclaim glad we have to develop the faith of a child and
tidings, trust God, turn the other cheek, be baptized by water and the Holy Spirit. He
minister to those in pain or in need, and said that the greatest among those in the
bless those who cursed them. They were to kingdom were those who served God and
discern truth clearly and live a righteous life other individuals.

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 History of Karnataka
Sometime later, as a multitude of 5,000 men
and an untold number of women and
children gathered around Him near
Bethsaida, Jesus Christ fed them all with two
fish and five loaves of bread. Through His
actions, he taught an important lesson about
faith, kindness, and God‘s ability to make
great things from our most humble
offerings—in this case, food from a small boy
who was among those assembled.
Similar opportunities to teach arose when He
encountered lepers, rich men, the woman at
the well, and the Pharisees. He taught at
religious and social gatherings, He taught
among the afflicted as He healed them, He
taught among the powerful as He rebuked
them, and He taught among the sinners as
He forgave them.
Because of Christ‘s compassion and divine
insight, He was uniquely able to understand
His audience and speak compellingly to
them through simple words as well as
through parables. The use of the latter was a
powerful teaching method that fit into the
tradition of His time, and indeed these
simple, memorable stories represent a third
of His teachings found in the Bible. The
unique power of parables is that they contain
several layers of meaning and can be
understood on different levels depending on
the spiritual preparation and sensitivity of the
audience.
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But Christ‘s teaching is found in much more
than just His parables and sermons; it is also
found in the personal example He set for us
throughout His life, an example of
obedience, humility, and love. And the
eternal truths He taught, both by word and
deed, can influence our lives today as much
as they did the lives of those who were within
the sound of His voice when He first taught
His gospel—His good news—during His
earthly ministry.
The Commissioners Rule
(1831-1881)
Following the annexation of Mysore to
English East India Company the
British began to administer the state of
Mysore from 1831-1881 by creating a
new office called the office of
commissioners. Initially the office had
two commissioners-colonels Briggs as
the senior commissioner and
Lushington as the junior
commissioner. In 1833 Morrison
became the sole commissioner. The
two most important commissioners are
Sir Mark Cubbon and Bowring.
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 History of Karnataka
Sir Mark Cubbon (1834-1861)
Sir Mark Cubbon began his career in
the English East India Company. In
1834 he was appointed as the
commissioner of Mysore as he was
known for his honesty and integrity. As
the commissioner of Mysore Mark
Cubbon worked for its development.
The first work of Mark Cubbon is that
he shifted the capital from Mysore to
Bangalore. The state of Mysore under
him comprised of four administrative
divisions Patana Ashtagrama, Chitra
Durga, Nagar and Bangalore. Each of
these divisions was headed by a
European super intendent Mark
Cubbon shifted the secretariat to
Tippu‘s palace in Bangalore. The
secretariat comprised of
departments like Revenue, Military,
agriculture, post and soon. The judicial
administration was recognized. A
hierarchy of courts was established.
Munsiff court at the local level, above
which were superintending courts and
the Huzur adalat, the commissioner‘s
court was the highest court. There
was a judicial commissioner who
assisted Mark Cubbon the Mysore
state comprised of 120 Taluks called
Amils each of which functioned under
an official called Amildar. Below the
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Amils were groups of villages called
Hoblis which functioned under a
Hoblidar. Revenue collection was
entrusted to an official called
Shirastedar. Mark Cubbon used the
native language in the administrative
sphere.
Mark Cubbon constructed roads to the
length of more than 1,600 miles. The
capital city Bangalore was linked with
important places. Telegraphic wires
were strung. The first railway line was
laid in Karnataka which linked
Bangalore with Jolarpet (1859). He
also encouraged the starting of
English medium schools. Mark
Cubbon collected revenue efficiently.
In 1834-35 the revenue collection was
68 Lakhs and led to 84 lakhs. In 1854-
55 he also settled Rs.80 lakhs which
was unpaid tributes to the British and
the yearly tribute was also regularly
a paid. Thus Mark Cubbon developed
Mysore by leaps and bounds. During
his tenure as a commissioner he laid
the first step for developing Mysore
into a Modern state. An efficient
administrator he was known for his
honesty and hard work. When he
retired from office he had saved a
large amount of Rs.40 lakhs. The
government of Karnataka has honored
Mark Cubbon by naming a park after
him in Bangalore namely the Cubbon
Park.
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 History of Karnataka

by him. Famine conditions in

Bangalore made him construct the
Louis Bentham Bowring (1861-
miller tank. Hospitals were also
1870)
constructed. The lady Curzon Bowring
hospital reminds one of the services
rendered by Bowring.
Bowring Succeeded Mark Cubbon.

Bowring is the other commissioner of

Mysore who occupies the pride of Bowring was succeeded by Sir
place along with Sri Mark Cubbon. Richard Meade, Saunders and
Bowring divided the state of Mysore Gordon who occupied office from
into 3 administrative regions namely 1870-1881. They are the last
Patana Ashtagrama, Nandi Durga and Commissioners of Mysore.
Nagar. These regions comprised of
108 Taluks each of which functioned
under a Deputy Commissioner. The Progress of Mysore under the
commissioner‘s were in charge of the Dewans
three main divisions and Bowring
became the chief commissioner. The
department of land survey and
The post of the Dewan was created as
settlement was established. The
the head of the administrative
registration act of 1864 required all
machinery. The Wodeyars of Mysore
property transactions to be registered.
were fortunate enough to have wise
The police department came to be
and able men as Dewans. These
established on the lives of the Madras
Dewans worked hard to make the
police. New designations like
state progressive progressive and
inspector General of police and
model.
Deputy Inspector of police were
created. Bowring established the
central educational agency which set
up schools in English and vernacular
language‘s. Accordingly the Bangalore
high school and the central college
were established in Bangalore. The
high court building constructed during
his days became the secretariat. The
Bangalore museum was constructed

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 History of Karnataka

 V. P. Madhav Rao (1906-1909)

 T. Anand Rao (1909-1912)
 Sir M. Vishweshariah (1912-
1918)
 M. Kantaraj Ars (1918-1922)
 Sir A. R. Banerjee (1922-1926)
 Sir Mirza Ismail (1926-1941)
 N. Madhav Rao (1941-1946)
 Sir Arkot Ramaswami Mudaliyar
(1946-1947) (Last Dewan)

 C. Rangacharlu (1881-1883)

 Setting up of People
Representative Assembly.
 Bangalore - Mysore Railway
 4000 acres of land was given to
the white people for farming-
later known as white field.

 Sheshadri Iyer (1883-1901)

Dewans of Mysore

 C. Rangacharlu (1881-1883)
 Sheshadri Iyer (1883-1901)
 P. N. Krishnamurthi (1901-1906)

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 History of Karnataka
 Wise and talented administrator.
 Achieved all round economic
progress.
 A graduate graduate of Madras
University University.
 Entered Mysore service as
Judicial Shirastedar.
 Later became the Deputy
Commissioner.
 Appointed as Dewan – 1883 .
 Improved the finances of the
state.
 Subsidy due from 1886 was
waived for further 10 years.
 Bangalore-Gubbi, Harihar-
Hindupur, Mysore-Nanjangud,
Kolar Gold field, Birur-Shimoga
Railway lines completed.
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 Mysore civil service exam to
select able candidates.
 Shivanasamudra H ydro Electric
Project : 1899 -1900.
 KGF received received
electricity electricity – 1902.
 Bangalore became the first
Indian city to have the electric
facility -1905.
 Number of small projects were
undertaken to improve
agriculture.
 Widening the canals – Mari
Halla Project.
 Loans for digging the wells.
 Directorate of Agriculture and
statistics formed.
 Agriculture and industrial
exhibition held at Mysore.
 Agricultural Banks introduced.
 Gold Mining Started at Kolar-
1886.
 Bangalore became the centre for
textile trade.
 Mysore spinning and
manufacturing mill at Bangalore.
 Estd. Geological Survey Dept.-
1894
 Improved the efficiency of admn.
 Introduced British postal
service.
 Founded Archaeological Dept.
 Mysore Infant Marriage Act –
1894.
 Education reachable to all
sections.
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 History of Karnataka

 For female education started

Empress Girls H.S., Tumkur
Maharani Maharani Girls H.S.,
Mysore Balika Pathashala,
Bangalore.
 Encouraged
Technical,Professional & Higher
Education.
 Introduced Scholarship scheme.
 Well known as Well known as
―Rajya Durandhara‖

 Architect of modern Mysore.

 An era of all round development
 Became the Dewan in 1912.
 Sir M. Vishweshariah (1912-  Head of a technical dept. hold
1918) the highest office of
Administration.
 Born in 15 September 1861 at
Muddenahalli.
 Membership of the Legislative
Council - increased from 18 to
24 increased from 18 to 24.
 Mysore Local Boards and
Village Panchayat Act – 1918.
 Elected members majority in
Taluka and District Boards.
 Taluk and District Boards –
constituted through elections.
 Believed in Democracy
 Council to discuss the budget.

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 History of Karnataka
Economic Advancement:
 Mysore -Arasikere Railway.
 Bowringpet-Chikkaballapura via
kolar.
 Anxious to develop Bhatkal as
Sea Port and connecting it by
railway.
 Malnad improvement committee.
 Estd. State Bank of Mysore –
1913.
 Mysore Chamber of Commerce.
 Dept. of Sericulture - 1916 .
 Mysore Dasara Exhibition.
Industrialisation:
 Slogan – ―Industrialise or Perish
‖.
 Aimed to make Mysore
industrially advanced in India.
 Bhadravati – Iron works and
Wood Distillation Plant.
 Mysore – Sandalwood Factory.
 Bangalore – Govt. Soap Factory,
The Metal Factory, The Central
Industrial Workshop, The
Chrome & Tanning Factory.
Irrigation:
 KRS Dam at K annambadi.
 Irrigation to 3 lakh acres of land
in Mandya & Malavalli
Education
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 Encouraged technical education.
 Technical Institutions were
opened
 Chamarajendra Technical
Institute Technical Institute of
Mysore.
 The Silk Research Center of
Channapattana.
 Govt. Engineering College at
Bangalore.
 School of Agriculture at Hebbal
- 1913 (Gandhi 1913 (Gandhi
Krishi Vijnana Kendra – present
Agri University).
 Mysore University in 1916, Ist
Vice Chancellor – V.
Nanjundaih.
 Donation of 2 lacks to Banaras
Hindu University.
 Estd. Kannada Sahitya Parishat
at Bangalore - 1915.
 Public Libraries at Mysore &
Bangalore.
 Compulsory Primary Education.
 Priority to Women Education.
 Hostal for Harijans
 Introduced Scholarship Scheme.
 He wrote ‗Reconstructing India‘,
‗Rapid Developments of
Industries‘, ‗Planned Economy
for India‘ and ‗Memories of My
working life‘
 Govt of India awarded ―Bharata
Ratna‖ in 1955
 Sir Mirza Ismail (1926-1941)
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 History of Karnataka
 Most outstanding outstanding
Dewan of Mysore.
 Followed the foot steps of Sir.
M.V.
 Maker of modern & model
Mysore.
 Graduate of the Bangalore
Central College.
 Started various industries.
 Expanded Bhadravati Iron
works added steel plant.
 Cement and Paper factory at
Bhadravati .
 Match factory at Shimoga.
 Khadi Unit (Kendra) at
Badanval.
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 Sugar factory at Mandya.
 Chemicals and Fertiliser factory
at Shravanabelagola.
 Glass factory at Bangalore.
 Famous Hindusthan Aeronatics
Ltd. at Bangalore.
 Agricultural equipment factory
at Mysore, Bangalore and
Hassan.
 Krishnarajendra Electric Goods
factory at Bangalore.
 Export of Sandal oil, Sandal
Soap, Agarbathi and Mysore
silk.
 Mirza had a good aesthetic
aesthetic sense.
 Beautification of Towns & Cities
by creating Parks and gardens.
 Famous Brindavan Garden near
KRS.
 Mysore, Bangalore became
garden cities.
 Talks with Mahatma in 1927.
 Persuaded Viceroy Irwin to
reduce the annual tribute (34
lakhs to 24.5 lakhs).
 Attended the Round Table
Conference in 1932.
 Strengthening of Hydro Electric
Projects.
 Capacity of the power station of
Shivanasamudra was increased.
 Estd. the Shimsha Power
Station - 1940.
 The Sharavti Project near
Jogfalls -1938 (it led to establish
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 History of Karnataka
the Mahatma Gandhi H ydro
Electric Station – 1948).
 Rural Electrification started Ist
time in India – 1940. * 180
villages electrified.
 Built Kaveri high level Canal.
 1,20,000 acres of land under
irrigation in Mandya.
 Railway offices at Mysore.
 Radio Station at Mysore.
 Craft Institute at Bangalore.
 Mental Hospital at Bangalore.
 Narasimharaja Hospital at Kolar.
 Mecgann Hospital at Shimoga.
Mirja Ismail was succeeded by Dewan
N. Madhav Rao. Jayachamaraja
Wodeyar was the last Maharaja of
Mysore. He was the adopted son of
KRW IV. The last Dewan of Mysore
was Arcot Ramaswamy Mudaliyar.
The post o f Dewan was abolished in
1949.
Folk Dances of
Karnataka
Folk dances are dances that are developed
by people that reflect the life of the people of
a certain country or region.The term "folk
dance" is reserved for dances which are to a
significant degree bound by tradition and
originated in the times when the distinction
existed between the dances of
"common folk" and the dances of the high
society. A number of modern
dance originated from folk ones.
Some of the major folk dances of Karnataka
are:
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1.Dollu Kunitha 2.Krishna
Parijatha 3.Bhootha
aradhane 4.Nagamandala
5.yakshagana 6.Karaga
7.Gaarudi Gombe 8. Joodu
Haligi 9.
Goravara Kunitha 10. Hagalu
veshagaararu 11.
Beesu samsale and kamsale nritya
1.Dollu Kunitha
A popular dance form accompanied by
singing and the beats of decorated drums.
This dance is primarily performed by men
from the shepherd or Kuruba caste. The
Dollu Kunitha is characterized by vigorous
drum beats, quick movements and
synchronized group formations. It is
accompanied by singing. It provides both
spectacular variety and complexity of skills in
the process of demonstration.
2. Krishna Parijatha
Krishna Parijatha is theatre popular in North
Karnataka. It is a combination
of Yakshagana and Bayalata, portraying
stories from the Mahabharata. It
mainly revolves around Lord Krishna. It is
based on popular mythological tales
in Karnataka. This art form depicts the rich
and vibrant culture of the land.
Parijatha literally means the wish granting
trees. According to the legend, Parijatha
tree emerged from the ocean of existence. It
was planted in the garden of Lord
Indra which was one of the gifts received
from the samudra manthana, and thus was a
celestial plant, not available on earth.
3.Bhootha aradhane
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 History of Karnataka
Bhootha Aradhane or Bhuta Kola is a
ritualistic folk dance that originated from the
coastal parts of Karnataka and Keralaas a
way of Tulu worship. Tulu is a regional
language in Karnataka. This form of dance is
rarely seen. Bhootha means ghost and the
reference to these creatures' dates back to
myths. In mythology, Lord Shiva's
attendants are referred to as Bhuta Ganas.
Their chief responsibilities were to serve the
Lord and protect Dharma.
Bhootha Aradhane is performed in a group.
The performer dances on a special music.
The main idea behind this folk dance is to
appease the devil and protect the
environment. Bhootha Aradhane is
performed in a group. The performer will
dance on a special music. The main idea
behind this folk dance is to appease the devil
and protect the environment to resemble
ghosts.
4.Nagamandala
Nagamandala of Karnataka is a variant of
serpent worship rituals prevalent among
Hindus in all parts of India. This night-long
elaborate ritual is performed in the regions of
Southern Karnataka and involves ritualistic
appeasement of the serpent. The serpent
of Karnataka’s Nagamandala celebration is
usually considered to be the symbol of
fertility and an embodiment of life-force. It is
usually performed by male dancers called
Vaidyas. In the time of the ritual they dress
themselves up as nagakannikas or female
serpents.
5. Yakshagana
Yakshagana is a popular dance drama
performed in coastal regions which is a blend
of dance, music, songs, dialogue and
colourful costumes. The word means
Pscnotes.com
"celestial music", and the dance drama is
performed during the night usually after the
winter crop has been harvested.
The narratives are drawn primarily from the
great Hindu epics Ramayanaand Mahabhara
t as well as from the tales of the youthful
god Krishna as recounted in the Bhagavata-
purana.
Traditionally, yakshagana was performed in
the open air by all-male troupes sponsored
by various Hindu temples. Since the mid-
20th century, however, many performances
have been held on indoor stages, and
women began to participate in 1970s.
6.Karaga
Karaga is a folk dance of Karnataka which
originated as a ritual dedicated
to Draupadi as known in these parts
as droupthamma. The ritual is performed on
a full moon day.
The ritual pot filled with water and adorned
with decorations several feet high is carried
by the priest. The dancers perform various
acrobatic feats while following the procession
accompanied by a number of musical
instruments like 'Thavi', "Nadaswaram",
"Muni", "Udukka", "Pamba", etc.
7.Gaarudi Gombe
Gaarudi Gombe is a folk dance in which
dancers dress in suits made
of bamboo sticks. Gaarudi-Gombe means
"magical puppet" in Kannada. The dance is
performed during major festivals and in the
procession held during the Mysore Dasara,
and is known as Tattiraya in the coastal
regions. Tattiraya means "someone carrying
a doll made of bamboo sticks".The dance
features masks, puppets and colourful
regional costumes.
8. Joodu Haligi
It is performed with two percussion
instruments. The Haligi is round, made of
buffalo hide and played with a short stick.
Page 84
 History of Karnataka
The dance is characterised by high energy
and exaggerated expressions by two or three
performers.
9. Goravara Kunitha
Goravara Kunitha is a traditional dance
of Kuruba Gowdas of Karnataka who are
devotees of lord Mailara Linga. It is
performed at festivals, local fairs and also
upon invitation in the houses of devotees of
lord Mailara Linga. The costume is the main
attraction of this folk form. A white or
yellow Panche/Kache and white full
arm Juba are the basic clothing. the head is
covered with a rumala, usually a white sari
or Panche.
10. Hagalu veshagaararu
The artists move from place to place, without
using stage, pitching tents and perform the
dance. They play a variety of mythological,
legendary and real characters. Performances
draw from daily life, and sometimes full-
length plays are staged. They
perform vachana sahityas by Sarvagna,
Basavanna and others. The instruments they
use are he harmonium, the tabla-dagga and
a pair of cymbals provide melody and
rhythm. They perform primarily during the
day (hagalu) and only men take part
including female roles.
11. Beesu samsale and kamsale
nritya
This is a group dance performed by village
men. The kamsale nritya is connected to a
tradition of worship of Male
Mahadeshwara (Shiva) by
the Kuruba community, from which most of
the dancers are drawn. The dance is
performed to rhythmic,melodious music sung
in praise of Shiva.
Pscnotes.com
Folk Songs of
Karnataka
A song originating among the people of a
country or area, passed by oral tradition from
one singer or generation to the next, often
existing in several versions, and marked
generally by simple, modal melody and
stanzaic, narrative verse.
Folk songs in Kannada or Janapada geethe
can be classified as follow;
1. Small songs which are sung on
occasions such as marriage, festivals,
traveling and even while doing every day
activities from cooking to the harvesting of
crops. There are songs which are sung even
while cleaning the house, washing clothes,
flooring the corn and weaving basket or
cloth. They are sung either to relieve the
tedium and the monotony of work or purely
for the sake of entertainment. The subject
could be parental love for their children, the
sorrows of a childless woman, the suffering
of a married woman under her mother in law,
a young man forbidding his mother after
being married, pure love songs, the agony of
separation; there are endless subjects on
which we find a folk song for each occasion.
2. Ballads sung in commemoration of some
heroic deeds by the legendary men and
women; these are basically narrative in their
form. Very often these songs are related to
deities or mythological figures. Particular
communities such as Goravas, Gollas
Koravanjis have accustomed their own
different styles of folk songs. There are
songs of sacrifices made by the common
people or even heroes to protect and
safeguard the community from natural
calamities, wild animals or even some evil
forces.
It can be further classified into 12 tradition,
namely-
1.devara guddas, 2.neelagaras,
3.ganeplayers, 4.gorvas, 5.choudikeyavaru
Page 85
 History of Karnataka
6.aradigalu 7.karapaladavaru,
8.tamburiyavaru 9.kinnara jogigalu 10.
Dombidasaru 11.helavaru 12.telugu
jangamaru
Some of the popular Ballads are:
Gunasagari, sarajappa nayakana kathe,
madakari nayaka, kiththuru chennamma,
sangoli rayana, balanagamma, Malaya
madeswra kavya, manteswami kavya,
yallammana kavya, mailaralingana kavya.
3. Religious and philosophical songs such
as the songs of Dasa sahithya popularized
by Purandaradasa, Kanakadasa and
Tatvapadas of Santa Shishunala Sharifa are
both religious and have philosophical
message for life. Though the originators in
this case are well known the literature has
managed to flow through the ages.
4. Lullabies are the expressions of parental
love and care for their young ones. They are
sung to make a crying or an adamant baby
to fall asleep soon.
Now a day, the tender and supple folk song
culture is being suppressed under the
heaviness of modern music and culture.
In Karnataka real attempt to collect folk-
songs was made by the end of the 19 th
century. In recent years, scholars such
as L.R.Hegde, M.M.Kalburgi, Aravinda
Malagathi, Karim
Khan and H.L.Nagegowda have made
considerable research work in the field of
folk literature.
Freedom Movement in
Karnataka
The Karnataka State has contributed a lot for
the freedom struggle. Kannadigas are very
Pscnotes.com
well-known for bravery and courage. They
believed and continue to believe that
freedom is more valuable than their life.
When one speaks of freedom, one is sure to
remember Karnataka rulers namely,
Kadambas, Hoyasals, Chalukyas of Badami,
Vijayanagar kings for their love and
dedication for freedom.
Karnataka has been known for many years
as a land of bravemen. When British power
slowly spread all over India, the people of
Karnataka could not tolerate the Imposition
of an alien rule and alien culture. So many
decisive battles were waged by bravemen
and women of Karnataka like Hyder All,
Tippu Sultan of Mysore, Rani Channamma of
Kittur, Sangolli Rayanna of Bailhongal,
Bheema Rao of Mundaragi and many others.
So Karnataka as a whole has played a vital
role during the freedom struggle in India. The
Bedas and Kodagas have been the foremost
fighting races of Karnataka, and have
continuously maintained their high
reputation. The Bedas of Halagali fought
under the leadership of Balaji Nimbalkar
against Britishers. They had the great
encouragement from Diwakar Dixit son of
Chidambara. Dixit of Murgod, but Nimbalkar
died in the struggle. During the struggle
Jadiyappa, 3alappa and 19 other people
were hanged. The feelings of the Bedas of
Halagali, who faced with an order from East
India Company to surrender their arms, are
recorded in a popular Kannada folksong,
which highlights the brave deeds of the
Bedas.
Mysore Dynasty
During the second half of the 18th century,
the British slowly advanced their power and
very shrewdly carried on their operations at
first as vassals of the Mughal Emperor and
Page 86
 History of Karnataka
the people accustomed to leave matters of
government, could not notice the fact that
they were slowly but steadily being
succeeded to the position of slaves under a
foreigner. The brave resistance put up by
Hyder and Tippu to the British had a deep
defence of Mysore. Hyder, who had defeated
the wadeyars and conquered Mysore, was
fed up with the expansion policy of the
British, Earlier, he was on friendly terms with
the British. But later on, he came to know
about the plan of expansion of the British
empire in India, in order to curb their desire
he tried to become friendly with the Nizam of
Hyderabad and the Marathas. But he could
not do so, because by that time tactfully the
Britishers had taken the support of the
Marathas and Nizam. Hyder had a short
lived life and died early. Then Tippu, the son
of Hyder, continued the fight with the British.
In the year 1792, he fought with the British in
order to drive them away. But Tippu was fully
defeated and he was put into great trouble.
Later on, in the Fourth Mysore War (1799),
Tippu died fighting as a brave man. Thus,
the father and the son protested and revolted
against the Britishers.
Rani Channamma
Rani Channamma of Kittur was the first
Indian woman who rose against the British
even before the uprising of 1857. The credit
of hoisting the freedom flag goes to this tiny
principality. The courageous spirited warriors
like Sardar Gurusiddappa, Balappa, Sangolli
Rayanna, Bicchugatti Chanabasappa,
Gajaveer and others stood by the Rani to
fight against the British.
The Indian National Congress
The Indian National Congress came into
existence in 1885. The first Bombay
Pscnotes.com
Congress Session was represented by Sir
Narayan Rao Chandavarkar from Karwar,
Kashinath-Rao Telang, Sadashiv Rao Bhate
of Belgaum, Kolachalum from Bellary,
Venkata Rao, Modallyar and others.
The northern Karnataka comprising the
districts of Belgaum, Bijapur, Dharwad and
Karwar was part of Bombay province. The
paper Kesari published by Tilak contained
his speeches and inspired the people of
Karnataka.
Later, Tilak started the Home Rule
Movement. The foreign goods were publicly
burnt down in Belgaum, Navalgund, Hanagal
and Dharwad and in other places. Many of
the prominent Kannadigas such as Alur
Venkat Rao, Mudaveedu Krishna Rao, Sakri
Balacharya and others travelled throughout
Karnataka and encouraged the people to
participate in the Swadeshi Movement. Many
of the volunteers of this movement were
imprisoned.
The Vangbangh (Partition of Bengal)
Movement spread rapidly throughout India
due to the division of Bengal in 1905. Then
Tilak visited Karnataka and put forth his four
principles which were: ‗Swadeshi Prasar',
'Videshi Bahiskar', 'National Education' and
'Demand for Swaraj'. Deshpande Gangadhar
Rao of Belgaum, Koujalagi Shrinivas Rao of
Bijapur, worked as his trustworthy followers.
Gangadhar Rao Deshpande by his roaring
lecture became famous throughout
Karnataka and was called as 'Karnataka
Shimha' (Lion of Karnataka). Like him two
other leaders were also given such titles and
they were Lala Lajpat Rai, lion of Punjab and
T.Prakashan of Andhra Pradesh known as
'Andhra Kesari'.
Revolutionary organisations were also
established in Karnataka as in Maharashtra,
Page 87
 History of Karnataka
Bengal and Punjab. Govindrao Yalagi of
Belgaum was the main leader. He had the
support of Gangadhar Rao Deshpande. The
training in arms and the use of ammunitions
were taught to the youths in the Mazzini Club
which was established by Yalagi. In Belgaum
the match factory was situated in the Patil
street in the building of Ushathai Gogate
Girls High School, where also bomb was
being prepared. The revolutionary centre in
Goa had the contact with Karnataka with the
revolutionaries like Veera Sawarkar,
Senapati Bapat of Maharashtra, Barindra
Ghosh (the brother of Yogi Aurobindo Ghosh
of Bengal) . The supporter of Yalagi,
Hanumanthrao Deshpande was imprisoned
for many days, in connection with the bombs
and pistols.
Impact of Gandhiji in Karnataka
The influence of Gandhiji in the freedom
movement of Karnataka totally changed the
scene in the Indian National Movement.
Gandhiji in the year 1920, travelled
throughout Karnataka and he propagated the
Non-cooperation movement, and collected
money for Tilak's Swaraj Fund. The
Kannadigas contributed whole heartedly.
The women folk gave away their ornaments.
Many Kannadigas resigned their government
jobs. The lawyers also boycotted their
practice and the students joined the freedom
movement.In Karnataka many national
schools and colleges were established.
Many foreign cloth centers were burnt down
and picketing of liquor shops was in great
progress. Three people were injured and 23
were punished. Deshpande Gangadhar Rao
and Diwakar Rangarao were given
punishment for six months and one year
respectively, because they had betrayed the
Britishers.
ANKOLA SATYAGRAHI
Pscnotes.com
In April 1930, Gandhiji started the Dandi
March, in protest against on salt. This march
included many voluntears from Hubli and
Belgaum, where Mylar Mahadevappa of
Motebennur also took part. Because of tax
on salt, the people at Ankola broke the rule
and prepared salt. The leaders, who were
involved, were Mylar Mahadevappa, Kamad
Sadashivrao, N.S.Hardikar, R.R.Diwakar,
Talacherikar, Ramakrishna Kamath and
others. Many people died on account of the
lathi charge. This movement first started in
the northern parts of Karnataka. Then it
spread to the southern part also. The leaders
of this movement were Gangadhar Rao
Deshpande of Belgaum, Kadapa
Raghavendra Rao, Shrinivasrao Koujalagi of
Bijapur, Hardekar Manjappa, B.shivamurthy
Shastri, Kamad Sadashiv Rao,
D.P.Karmarkar, R.R.Diwakar, Timmappa and
many others.
CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE MOVEMENT
The people of Karnataka participated in Civil
Disobedience Movement which was started
by Gandhiji in the year 1930 and thus the
Karnataka State was being called by the
name 'Gandhi Province' . Then, in Bombay
the British Governor submitted his report
stating that, Karnataka was ahead in its
movement than in Gujarat. Deshpande
Ganga Dhar Rao was the first person of
Dandi Satyagrah (6th April) to be arrested in
the whole country.
ESTABLISHMENT OF KARNATAK
PRADESH CONGRESS COMMITTEE
After the acceptance of Provincial division on
the basis of language, the Karnataka
Pradesh Congress Committee came into
existence. It first opened its office at Gadag,
then at Bangalore, Mysore, Tumkur and
Kadur etc. The programmes issued by this
Page 88
 History of Karnataka
Congress Committee were carried on with
speed by Venkata Krishnayya of Mysore,
Tagadur Ramachandrarao and others.
Movement in Hyderabad and Karnataka
In 1920, Pandit Taranath of Hamdard
National School at Raichur in the Hyderabad
Karnataka area was banished by the Nizam,
who was on the side of the Britishers.
Hyderabad Karnataka Parishad was formed
under the leadership of Shrinivas in 1934
and it started the Satyagrah. Later in 1938,
this Parishad joined the Hyderabad
Congress party and it continued its
satyagrah under the leadership of Janardhan
Desai.
Under his Presidentship itself, the Bidar
Congress session was held and it gave a
new dimension to the freedom struggle. In
1942-43, the struggle continued in North
Karnataka and nearly 7000 volunteers were
arrested. Among them were Swami
Ramanand, Vishwanath Mudnal and others.
In the year 1939 when World War-II broke
out the British wanted Indians to support
them in the war efforts. But, the Provincial
Congress Governments established under
the Government of India Act, 1935, resigned
aid many people revolted and were
imprisoned.
QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT
In 1942, Gandhiji was arrested because of
the Quit India Movement. At the same time,
this movement in Bombay Karnataka area
was started under the leadership of
Chanabasappa Ambli of Bijapur, Ranganath
Diwakar, D.P.Karmarkar and others. This
movement was very violent in Bijapur,
Dharwad, Belgaum, Bangalore and Mysore
Districts. The students boycotted the classes
and started movements like, cutting the
Pscnotes.com
telephone wires, removing the fish plates of
railway lines, burning of public and
government buildings. Thousands of people
were arrested and imprisoned and hundreds
were gunned down by the British. Mylar
Mahadevappa was also one among them.
In Quit India Movement the fighters snatched
away two revolvers from the police officers
and 85 rifles from the police. They burnt 19
railway stations, 34 government inspection
Bungalows, 250 village chavadis, 201 village
daftars (documents), 62 arrack shops and
police station was completely burnt to ashes.
Kodagu movement
The Kodagu Zamindar Association leaders
were P.T.Kushalappa, Nidte Subbannayya,
I.P.Belliyappa, C.N.Venkatayya,
K.C.Kururribayya. This Association also
joined the National Movement. The national
leaders of Karnataka, like Gangadharrao
Deshpande, Hanumanthrao Koujalagi,
Karnad Sadashivarao, R.R.Diwakar,
Dr.N.S.Hardikar had contacts with leaders of
this Zamindar Association. These joined the
Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930. In
1932, students and farmers participated in
this movement and were jailed.
The National paper called 'Kodagu', weekly,
was prohibited. Due to this prohibition
another cyclostyled hand bill called 'Veera
Bharathi' had been started. The main motto
of this paper was to educate the people
socially and economically. The articles
published in this paper by Rohini about the
Jallianwalabaug tragedy annoyed the British
Chief Commissioner. Editor Belliyappa was
forced to apologize. Out he refused. The
British Chief Commissioner threatened the
Board of Directors of the paper. The Board
upheld the view of the editor and so the
Page 89
 History of Karnataka
British Chief Commissioner had to keep
quiet.
The Issur tragedy in Shimoga District
The incident, that took place in Issur, in the
Mysore princely state, was a significant one
during the Quit India Movement. This
movement was more rigorous in Issur in
Shimoga district, than compared to the other
parts of Mysore State. The people of Issur
joined the Movement and responded to the
call Do or Die given by Mahatma Gandhi.
The youths who had wore the Gandhi caps
hoisted the tricolour flag on the
Veerabhadreshwar temple. The daftars'
(Government records) from Patel and from
Shanabhagas were snatched by the youths
and they were made to stand on one leg.
They also displayed placards, warning
irresponsible officers of the government not
to enter the village. Such placards were hung
at the entrance of the village.
There was a severe fight between the people
and the officers. Unarmed people were
punished brutally by the police. Many of
them were hanged in the Central Jail in
Bangalore. Among them were Gurappa,
Mailappa, Halappa, Suryanarayanacharya,
Shankrappa and others. Thus, the people of
Issur were humiliated by the British. Even the
British tortured those who had taken part in
the national movement.
On 9th August 1944, the underground
leaders namely, Diwakar Rangarao, Bidari
Vamanrao suddenly appeared on the scene,
by the advice of Gandhiji and they were also
arrested. The movement continued for
further two years although it had stopped in
other parts of India. After 3 years, India got
her Independence. The dream was fulfilled at
last by our freedom fighters. The contribution
Pscnotes.com
of Karnataka was great to the freedom
struggle of India.
Freedom Movement in
Karnataka
The Karnataka State has contributed a lot for
the freedom struggle. Kannadigas are very
well-known for bravery and courage. They
believed and continue to believe that
freedom is more valuable than their life.
When one speaks of freedom, one is sure to
remember Karnataka rulers namely,
Kadambas, Hoyasals, Chalukyas of Badami,
Vijayanagar kings for their love and
dedication for freedom.
Karnataka has been known for many years
as a land of bravemen. When British power
slowly spread all over India, the people of
Karnataka could not tolerate the Imposition
of an alien rule and alien culture. So many
decisive battles were waged by bravemen
and women of Karnataka like Hyder All,
Tippu Sultan of Mysore, Rani Channamma of
Kittur, Sangolli Rayanna of Bailhongal,
Bheema Rao of Mundaragi and many others.
So Karnataka as a whole has played a vital
role during the freedom struggle in India. The
Bedas and Kodagas have been the foremost
fighting races of Karnataka, and have
continuously maintained their high
reputation. The Bedas of Halagali fought
under the leadership of Balaji Nimbalkar
against Britishers. They had the great
encouragement from Diwakar Dixit son of
Chidambara. Dixit of Murgod, but Nimbalkar
died in the struggle. During the struggle
Jadiyappa, 3alappa and 19 other people
were hanged. The feelings of the Bedas of
Halagali, who faced with an order from East
India Company to surrender their arms, are
recorded in a popular Kannada folksong,
Page 90
 History of Karnataka
which highlights the brave deeds of the
Bedas.
Mysore Dynasty
During the second half of the 18th century,
the British slowly advanced their power and
very shrewdly carried on their operations at
first as vassals of the Mughal Emperor and
the people accustomed to leave matters of
government, could not notice the fact that
they were slowly but steadily being
succeeded to the position of slaves under a
foreigner. The brave resistance put up by
Hyder and Tippu to the British had a deep
defence of Mysore. Hyder, who had defeated
the wadeyars and conquered Mysore, was
fed up with the expansion policy of the
British, Earlier, he was on friendly terms with
the British. But later on, he came to know
about the plan of expansion of the British
empire in India, in order to curb their desire
he tried to become friendly with the Nizam of
Hyderabad and the Marathas. But he could
not do so, because by that time tactfully the
Britishers had taken the support of the
Marathas and Nizam. Hyder had a short
lived life and died early. Then Tippu, the son
of Hyder, continued the fight with the British.
In the year 1792, he fought with the British in
order to drive them away. But Tippu was fully
defeated and he was put into great trouble.
Later on, in the Fourth Mysore War (1799),
Tippu died fighting as a brave man. Thus,
the father and the son protested and revolted
against the Britishers.
Rani Channamma
Rani Channamma of Kittur was the first
Indian woman who rose against the British
even before the uprising of 1857. The credit
of hoisting the freedom flag goes to this tiny
principality. The courageous spirited warriors
Pscnotes.com
like Sardar Gurusiddappa, Balappa, Sangolli
Rayanna, Bicchugatti Chanabasappa,
Gajaveer and others stood by the Rani to
fight against the British.
The Indian National Congress
The Indian National Congress came into
existence in 1885. The first Bombay
Congress Session was represented by Sir
Narayan Rao Chandavarkar from Karwar,
Kashinath-Rao Telang, Sadashiv Rao Bhate
of Belgaum, Kolachalum from Bellary,
Venkata Rao, Modallyar and others.
The northern Karnataka comprising the
districts of Belgaum, Bijapur, Dharwad and
Karwar was part of Bombay province. The
paper Kesari published by Tilak contained
his speeches and inspired the people of
Karnataka.
Later, Tilak started the Home Rule
Movement. The foreign goods were publicly
burnt down in Belgaum, Navalgund, Hanagal
and Dharwad and in other places. Many of
the prominent Kannadigas such as Alur
Venkat Rao, Mudaveedu Krishna Rao, Sakri
Balacharya and others travelled throughout
Karnataka and encouraged the people to
participate in the Swadeshi Movement. Many
of the volunteers of this movement were
imprisoned.
The Vangbangh (Partition of Bengal)
Movement spread rapidly throughout India
due to the division of Bengal in 1905. Then
Tilak visited Karnataka and put forth his four
principles which were: ‗Swadeshi Prasar',
'Videshi Bahiskar', 'National Education' and
'Demand for Swaraj'. Deshpande Gangadhar
Rao of Belgaum, Koujalagi Shrinivas Rao of
Bijapur, worked as his trustworthy followers.
Gangadhar Rao Deshpande by his roaring
lecture became famous throughout
Page 91
 History of Karnataka
Karnataka and was called as 'Karnataka
Shimha' (Lion of Karnataka). Like him two
other leaders were also given such titles and
they were Lala Lajpat Rai, lion of Punjab and
T.Prakashan of Andhra Pradesh known as
'Andhra Kesari'.
Revolutionary organisations were also
established in Karnataka as in Maharashtra,
Bengal and Punjab. Govindrao Yalagi of
Belgaum was the main leader. He had the
support of Gangadhar Rao Deshpande. The
training in arms and the use of ammunitions
were taught to the youths in the Mazzini Club
which was established by Yalagi. In Belgaum
the match factory was situated in the Patil
street in the building of Ushathai Gogate
Girls High School, where also bomb was
being prepared. The revolutionary centre in
Goa had the contact with Karnataka with the
revolutionaries like Veera Sawarkar,
Senapati Bapat of Maharashtra, Barindra
Ghosh (the brother of Yogi Aurobindo Ghosh
of Bengal) . The supporter of Yalagi,
Hanumanthrao Deshpande was imprisoned
for many days, in connection with the bombs
and pistols.
Impact of Gandhiji in Karnataka
The influence of Gandhiji in the freedom
movement of Karnataka totally changed the
scene in the Indian National Movement.
Gandhiji in the year 1920, travelled
throughout Karnataka and he propagated the
Non-cooperation movement, and collected
money for Tilak's Swaraj Fund. The
Kannadigas contributed whole heartedly.
The women folk gave away their ornaments.
Many Kannadigas resigned their government
jobs. The lawyers also boycotted their
practice and the students joined the freedom
movement.In Karnataka many national
schools and colleges were established.
Many foreign cloth centers were burnt down
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and picketing of liquor shops was in great
progress. Three people were injured and 23
were punished. Deshpande Gangadhar Rao
and Diwakar Rangarao were given
punishment for six months and one year
respectively, because they had betrayed the
Britishers.
ANKOLA SATYAGRAHI
In April 1930, Gandhiji started the Dandi
March, in protest against on salt. This march
included many voluntears from Hubli and
Belgaum, where Mylar Mahadevappa of
Motebennur also took part. Because of tax
on salt, the people at Ankola broke the rule
and prepared salt. The leaders, who were
involved, were Mylar Mahadevappa, Kamad
Sadashivrao, N.S.Hardikar, R.R.Diwakar,
Talacherikar, Ramakrishna Kamath and
others. Many people died on account of the
lathi charge. This movement first started in
the northern parts of Karnataka. Then it
spread to the southern part also. The leaders
of this movement were Gangadhar Rao
Deshpande of Belgaum, Kadapa
Raghavendra Rao, Shrinivasrao Koujalagi of
Bijapur, Hardekar Manjappa, B.shivamurthy
Shastri, Kamad Sadashiv Rao,
D.P.Karmarkar, R.R.Diwakar, Timmappa and
many others.
CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE MOVEMENT
The people of Karnataka participated in Civil
Disobedience Movement which was started
by Gandhiji in the year 1930 and thus the
Karnataka State was being called by the
name 'Gandhi Province' . Then, in Bombay
the British Governor submitted his report
stating that, Karnataka was ahead in its
movement than in Gujarat. Deshpande
Ganga Dhar Rao was the first person of
Dandi Satyagrah (6th April) to be arrested in
the whole country.
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 History of Karnataka
ESTABLISHMENT OF KARNATAK
PRADESH CONGRESS COMMITTEE
After the acceptance of Provincial division on
the basis of language, the Karnataka
Pradesh Congress Committee came into
existence. It first opened its office at Gadag,
then at Bangalore, Mysore, Tumkur and
Kadur etc. The programmes issued by this
Congress Committee were carried on with
speed by Venkata Krishnayya of Mysore,
Tagadur Ramachandrarao and others.
Movement in Hyderabad and Karnataka
In 1920, Pandit Taranath of Hamdard
National School at Raichur in the Hyderabad
Karnataka area was banished by the Nizam,
who was on the side of the Britishers.
Hyderabad Karnataka Parishad was formed
under the leadership of Shrinivas in 1934
and it started the Satyagrah. Later in 1938,
this Parishad joined the Hyderabad
Congress party and it continued its
satyagrah under the leadership of Janardhan
Desai.
Under his Presidentship itself, the Bidar
Congress session was held and it gave a
new dimension to the freedom struggle. In
1942-43, the struggle continued in North
Karnataka and nearly 7000 volunteers were
arrested. Among them were Swami
Ramanand, Vishwanath Mudnal and others.
In the year 1939 when World War-II broke
out the British wanted Indians to support
them in the war efforts. But, the Provincial
Congress Governments established under
the Government of India Act, 1935, resigned
aid many people revolted and were
imprisoned.
QUIT INDIA MOVEMENT
In 1942, Gandhiji was arrested because of
the Quit India Movement. At the same time,
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this movement in Bombay Karnataka area
was started under the leadership of
Chanabasappa Ambli of Bijapur, Ranganath
Diwakar, D.P.Karmarkar and others. This
movement was very violent in Bijapur,
Dharwad, Belgaum, Bangalore and Mysore
Districts. The students boycotted the classes
and started movements like, cutting the
telephone wires, removing the fish plates of
railway lines, burning of public and
government buildings. Thousands of people
were arrested and imprisoned and hundreds
were gunned down by the British. Mylar
Mahadevappa was also one among them.
In Quit India Movement the fighters snatched
away two revolvers from the police officers
and 85 rifles from the police. They burnt 19
railway stations, 34 government inspection
Bungalows, 250 village chavadis, 201 village
daftars (documents), 62 arrack shops and
police station was completely burnt to ashes.
Kodagu movement
The Kodagu Zamindar Association leaders
were P.T.Kushalappa, Nidte Subbannayya,
I.P.Belliyappa, C.N.Venkatayya,
K.C.Kururribayya. This Association also
joined the National Movement. The national
leaders of Karnataka, like Gangadharrao
Deshpande, Hanumanthrao Koujalagi,
Karnad Sadashivarao, R.R.Diwakar,
Dr.N.S.Hardikar had contacts with leaders of
this Zamindar Association. These joined the
Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930. In
1932, students and farmers participated in
this movement and were jailed.
The National paper called 'Kodagu', weekly,
was prohibited. Due to this prohibition
another cyclostyled hand bill called 'Veera
Bharathi' had been started. The main motto
of this paper was to educate the people
socially and economically. The articles
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 History of Karnataka
published in this paper by Rohini about the
Jallianwalabaug tragedy annoyed the British
Chief Commissioner. Editor Belliyappa was
forced to apologize. Out he refused. The
British Chief Commissioner threatened the
Board of Directors of the paper. The Board
upheld the view of the editor and so the
British Chief Commissioner had to keep
quiet.
The Issur tragedy in Shimoga District
The incident, that took place in Issur, in the
Mysore princely state, was a significant one
during the Quit India Movement. This
movement was more rigorous in Issur in
Shimoga district, than compared to the other
parts of Mysore State. The people of Issur
joined the Movement and responded to the
call Do or Die given by Mahatma Gandhi.
The youths who had wore the Gandhi caps
hoisted the tricolour flag on the
Veerabhadreshwar temple. The daftars'
(Government records) from Patel and from
Shanabhagas were snatched by the youths
and they were made to stand on one leg.
They also displayed placards, warning
irresponsible officers of the government not
to enter the village. Such placards were hung
at the entrance of the village.
There was a severe fight between the people
and the officers. Unarmed people were
punished brutally by the police. Many of
them were hanged in the Central Jail in
Bangalore. Among them were Gurappa,
Mailappa, Halappa, Suryanarayanacharya,
Shankrappa and others. Thus, the people of
Issur were humiliated by the British. Even the
British tortured those who had taken part in
the national movement.
On 9th August 1944, the underground
leaders namely, Diwakar Rangarao, Bidari
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Vamanrao suddenly appeared on the scene,
by the advice of Gandhiji and they were also
arrested. The movement continued for
further two years although it had stopped in
other parts of India. After 3 years, India got
her Independence. The dream was fulfilled at
last by our freedom fighters. The contribution
of Karnataka was great to the freedom
struggle of India.
Groups in Christianity: The roman
Catholic church, The eastern arthodox
church, and protestants churches
Roman catholic church
The Catholic Church, also known as the
Roman Catholic Church, is the largest
Christian church, with more than 1.29 billion
members worldwide. As one of the oldest
religious institutions in the world, it has
played a prominent role in the history and
development of Western civilisation. Headed
by the Bishop of Rome, known as the Pope,
the church's doctrines are summarised in the
Nicene Creed. Its central administration, the
Holy See, is in the Vatican City, enclaved
within Rome, Italy. The Catholic Church
teaches that it is the One, Holy, Catholic and
Apostolic church founded by Jesus Christ in
his Great Commission, that its bishops are
the successors of Christ's apostles, and that
the Pope is the successor to Saint Peter to
whom primacy was conferred by Jesus
Christ. It maintains that it practices the
original Christian faith, reserving infallibility,
passed down by sacred tradition.The Latin
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 History of Karnataka
Church and Eastern Catholic Churches, as
well as institutes such as mendicant orders
and enclosed monastic orders, reflect a
variety of theological and spiritual emphases
in the Church.
Of its seven sacraments the Eucharist is the
principal one, celebrated liturgically in the
Mass. The church teaches that through
consecration by a priest the sacrificial bread
and wine become the body and blood of
Christ. Virgin Mary is venerated in the
Catholic Church as Mother of God and
Queen of Heaven, honoured in dogmas and
devotions. Its teaching includes sanctification
through faith and evangelisation of the
Gospel and Catholic social teaching, which
emphasises support for the sick, the poor,
and the afflicted through the corporal and
spiritual works of mercy. The Catholic
Church is the largest non-government
provider of education and health care in the
world.
The Catholic Church has influenced Western
philosophy, culture, science, and art. The
Catholic Church shared communion with the
Eastern Orthodox Church until the East–
West Schism in 1054, disputing particularly
the authority of the Pope, as well as with the
Oriental Orthodox churches prior to the
Chalcedonian schism in 451 over differences
in Christology. Catholics live all over the
world through missions, diaspora, and
conversions. Since the 20th century the
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majority reside in the southern hemisphere
due to secularisation of Europe, and
increased persecution in the Middle East.
From the late 20th century, the Catholic
Church has been criticised for its doctrines
on sexuality, its refusal to ordain women and
its handling of sexual abuse cases.
The eastern Orthodox church
The Eastern Orthodox Church, also known
as the Orthodox Church, or officially as the
Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church, is the
second-largest Christian Church, with over
250 million members. As one of the oldest
religious institutions in the world, it has
played a prominent role in the history and
culture of Eastern Europe, and the Near
East, including Slav and Greek peoples. A
communion of autocephalous churches,
each typically governed by Holy Synods, its
bishops are equal by virtue of ordination,
with doctrines summarised in the Nicene
Creed. Although Patriarch Bartholomew I of
Constantinople is considered the most
prominent, it lacks central governance
analogous to the Papacy in the Roman
Catholic Church. The Eastern Orthodox
Church teaches that it is the One, Holy,
Catholic and Apostolic church established by
Jesus Christ in his Great Commission, and
that its bishops are the successors of Christ's
apostles. It maintains that it practices the
original Christian faith, passed down by
sacred tradition. Of its several patriarchates
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 History of Karnataka
four reminiscent the pentarchy, while its
autocephalous and autonomous churches
reflect or variety of hierarchical organisation.
Of its innumerable sacred mysteries, it
recognises seven "major sacraments" of
which the Eucharist is the principal one,
celebrated liturgically in synaxis. The church
teaches that through consecration invoked
by a priest the sacrificial bread and wine
become the body and blood of Christ. Virgin
Mary is venerated in the Eastern Orthodox
Church as Mother of God, honoured in
devotions. Eastern Orthodoxy developed in
the Greek-speaking Eastern part of the
Roman Empire, continuing later in the
Byzantine Empire. During the first centuries
AD, most major intellectual, cultural, and
social developments in the Great Christian
Church took place within the sphere of
influence of the Byzantine commonwealth,
where the Greek language was widely
spoken and used for theological writings. In
reference to this legacy, it was sometimes
called "Greek Orthodox", though this was
never in official use and gradually
abandoned by the non–Greek-speaking
Eastern Orthodoxy from the 10th century
A.D. The contemporary Eastern Orthodox
Church shared communion with the
contemporary Roman Catholic Church until
the East–West Schism in AD 1054, triggered
by disputes over doctrine, especially the
authority of the Pope. Prior to the Council of
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Chalcedon in AD 451, also Oriental Orthodox
churches shared in this communion,
separating primarily over differences in
Christology.
The majority of Eastern Orthodox Christians
live in Russia, eastern Europe, Greece, and
the Caucasus, with smaller communities in
the former Byzantine regions of the eastern
Mediterranean, Africa, and to a descreasing
degree also in the Middle East due to
persecution. There are also many in other
parts of the world, formed through diaspora,
conversions, and missionary activity.
Protestants churches
Protestantism is the second largest form of
Christianity with collectively more than 900
million adherents worldwide or nearly 40
percent of all Christians. It originated with the
Reformation, a movement against what its
followers considered to be errors in the
Roman Catholic Church. Ever since,
Protestants reject the Roman Catholic
doctrine of papal supremacy and
sacraments, but disagree among themselves
regarding the real presence of Christ in the
Eucharist. They emphasize the priesthood of
all believers, justification by faith alone (sola
fide) rather than by good works, and the
highest authority of the Bible alone (rather
than with sacred tradition) in faith and morals
(sola scriptura). The "Five solae" summarize
basic theological differences in opposition to
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the Roman Catholic Church. Protestantism many other fields. Protestantism is diverse,
is popularly considered to have begun in being more divided theologically and
Germany in 1517 when Martin Luther ecclesiastically than either the Roman
published his Ninety-five Theses as a Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox
reaction against abuses in the sale of Church, or Oriental Orthodoxy. Without
indulgences by the Roman Catholic Church, structural unity or central human authority,
which purported to offer remission of sin to Protestants spearheaded the concept of an
their purchasers. However, the term derives invisible church rather than a body of clergy
from the letter of protestation from German or focused on institutional figures. Some
Lutheran princes in 1529 against an edict of denominations do have a worldwide scope
the Diet of Speyer condemning the teachings and distribution of membership, while others
of Martin Luther as heretical. Although there are confined to a single country.
were earlier breaks and attempts to reform of
A majority of Protestants are members of a
the Roman Catholic Church — notably by
handful of Protestant denominational
Peter Waldo, John Wycliffe, and Jan Hus —
families: Adventists, Anglicans, Baptists,
only Luther succeeded in sparking a wider,
Reformed, Lutherans, Methodists, and
lasting, modern movement. In the 16th
Pentecostals. Nondenominational,
century, Lutheranism spread from Germany
evangelical, charismatic, independent and
into Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland,
other churches are on the rise, and
Latvia, Estonia, and Iceland.Reformed (or
constitute a significant part of Protestant
Calvinist) denominations spread in
Christianity. Proponents of the branch theory
Germany,Hungary, the Netherlands,
consider Protestantism one of the three
Scotland, Switzerland and France by
major divisions of Christendom, together with
reformers such as John Calvin, Huldrych
the Roman Catholic Church and Orthodoxy
Zwingli, and John Knox. The political
(both Eastern and Oriental).
separation of the Church of England from the
pope under King Henry VIII sparked HANDICRAFTS OF KARNATAKA
Anglicanism in England and Wales into this Karnataka is famous for its traditional
broad Reformation movement. handicrafts which have lived upto
generations and still continued in various
Protestants developed their own culture, with ways. Earlier the various crafts were being
major contributions in education, the patronized by the royal houses but now
humanities and sciences, the political and these crafts are survived through various
social order, the economy and the arts, and govenrmrnt efforts and quest for survival.

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 History of Karnataka
Many craft traditions in Karnataka have
been handed down from father to son and
this continuity has helped to support a vast
variety of handicrafts with their high
degrees of perfection.
This has helped keep many craft traditions
alive so that their practitioners can cater
not only to the local population but also to
the many tourists who visit Karnataka.
SANDALWOOD CARVINGS
The very mention of Mysore spells the
fragrance of sandalwood. This soft
material is used extensively to produce
charming art pieces. The range of objects
and designs are varied and the gudigar
families of Shimoga, Uttara Kannada and
Mysore districts specialize in this craft.
Sandalwood lends itself to extremely
delicate carving that is needed to
embellish the figures of gods and
goddesses. Krishna images are very
popular among the devout, while many
prefer to buy utility articles made in
sandalwood which include lamp shades,
caskets, trays, jewel boxes, combs and
even walking sticks with rosewood
handles.
Stone Carving
Many of the shilpis or stone carvers of
Karnataka have won the master craftsmen
awards at the national level while others
have been commissioned to carve stone
idols for Hindu temples abroad, especially
in the USA. Karnataka has a village called
Shivarapatana in the district of Kolar,
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where every fourth house is a sculptor's
studio. The stone carvers are skilled
craftsmen and like the marble fabricators
of Jaipur in Rajasthan, have descended
from generations and feel proud that they
belong to a long line of hereditary
sculptors.
Metal Ware
Metal Ware is one craft tradition that
engages many families in the state. Metal
Ware in Karnataka has a rich and ancient
tradition and the objects serve both
religious and secular needs. The temple
town of Udupi is famous for its small
images and ritual objects, while Karkala,
an ancient Jain center, is well known for
its Jain icons. Mangalore in the west coast
boasts of domestic articles made of bell
metal while Nagamangala near Mysore is
celebrated as a center for bronze casting.
The bronze makers of Nagamangala have
for centuries displayed delicate and
graceful workmanship especially in
delineating, in the most charming manner,
the anatomy of the human body.
Doll Making
Enter any Kannada home and your eyes
will focus on the innumerable dolls that
are displayed in a glass-covered shelf in
the drawing room. Dolls are favourites
among women and children alike and
every family has a large collection of
these. These are symmetrically arranged
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 History of Karnataka
on wooden platforms, decorated and
displayed during the nine day Dusshera
festival when visitors are treated to
delicious snacks and the celebrated
Mysore coffee. Kinnal and Gokak in north
Karnataka and Channapatna on the
Bangalore/Mysore highway are important
centers for doll making. Most of the dolls
made are painted with vegetable dyes
while the Channapatna ones are lacquered.
Woodcarving
Karnataka has come to occupy pride of
place in the field of woodcarving. The
State's relatively good forest cover
provides enough raw material for its
craftsmen who continue to employ age-old
techniques to carve, inlay, veneer, paint,
and lacquer articles in wood.
Their skill is manifest in the ancient
temples where wood has been used
extensively, as also in the intricate fixtures
they make for present-day needs in
architecture and furniture making. The
lintels and doors of some old homes in the
hilly region and the temple cars in villages
and towns are literally overflowing with
hundreds of intricately carved images of
gods and goddesses. Rosewood articles
are a favorite with the well-to-do buyers
and no tourist leaves the state without
carrying at least a beautifully carved
rosewood elephant.
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Ivory Carving
Ivory carving was yet another popular
craft. In recent years, however, because of
the ban imposed on the ivory trade, the
craft has received a setback. But you can
still find articles carved very intricately
without floral tracery surrounding the
figures. The figures are mostly of gods
with Krishna being featured in several
aspects. Some of Mysore's masterpieces in
ivory are now preserved in the Heritage
Museum in Russia and in the South
Kensington Museum, London.
Bidriware
Bidar in north Karnataka is a famous
center for bidriware-a well-developed
craft, which includes the use of a metal
plate of an alloy made of zinc, copper, tin,
and lead. This craft had its origins during
the rule of the Bahamani kings. Bidri
articles include ornamental jugs, bowls,
plates, penholders, candlesticks, and even
paper knives.
Folk Art and Craft
Some of Karnataka's folk arts and age-old
rituals have given rise to many traditional
handicrafts. The worship of spirits-the
bhuta cult-in the coastal districts has
encouraged the making of huge wooden
idols, some of which are kept outside
villages as guardians of the inhabitants.
Likewise, the art of puppetry has
encouraged many wood carvers and
painters to produce a variety of puppets. In
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 History of Karnataka
addition to puppets made of wood,
Karnataka also makes leather puppets
though the latter are more extensively
used and made in neighbouring Andhra
Pradesh.
Mysore Paintings
The story of Karnataka's arts and crafts is
never complete without a reference to the
traditional Mysore paintings. The art dates
back to the Ajanta times and to the reign
of the Vijayanagar kings. It was a ruler
with an artistic vision-Mummadri
Krishnaraja Wadiyar-who revived the art
of painting. The delicate lines, the graceful
delineation of figures and the discreet use
of bright vegetable colors and lustrous
gold leaf, make the traditional paintings of
Mysore very elegant and attractive. Many
senior traditional painters have now
started schools to teach this art to the
younger generation. Chitrakala Parishat in
Bangalore, which has a fantastic collection
of old paintings, has also started a school
headed by the living doyen of traditional
painting, Subramanya Raju.
Mysore Silk
The very word silk has a touch of class
about it. Sensuous and romantic, it has
fascinated man for many centuries. In
Karnataka, as in other parts of India where
silk is fancied, it is, in fact, a way of life.
It has also become an inseparable part of
the Kannada culture and tradition. No
ritual in complete without the participants
wearing silk in some form or another.
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Karnataka has contributed a great deal to
the progress of India's silk industry.
Karnataka's 200-year-old silk industry
owes its origin to Tipu Sultan who ruled
Mysore with his capital at Srirangapatna.
Tipu showed a very personal interest in
sericulture and sent his people to Bengal
to obtain silk worms. He also established
21 centers in his dominion to rear the silk
worm thus providing the required
foundation for sericulture in the region.
Sericulture received yet another boost
during World War II when parachute
manufacturers needed large quantities of
the fabric. As China, the largest producer,
was then under Japanese occupation, the
Allies obtained silk from India especially
from Mysore. Necessity compelled the
British to encourage silk production not
only in the then Mysore State (now
Karnataka) but also in the neighboring
regions. Today, Karnataka alone is
contributing 75 per cent of mulberry silk
to the nation's production.
Islam: Principles and Practices- God,
Confession of faith, five pillers of islam
Principles
Concept of God
Islam is often seen as having the simplest
doctrines of the major religions. Its most
fundamental concept is a rigorous
monotheism, called tawḥīd . God is
described in chapter 112 of the Quran as:
"Say, He is God, the One and Only; God, the
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 History of Karnataka

Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is or "Recitation") is viewed by Muslims as the

He begotten; And there is none like unto final revelation and literal word of God and is
Him". Muslims repudiate polytheism and widely regarded as the finest literary work in
idolatry, called Shirk, and reject the Christian the Arabic language.
doctrine of the Trinity and divinity of Jesus. In
Islam, God is beyond all comprehension and
Muslims are not expected to visualize God. Prophets and sunnah
God is described and referred to by certain
Muslims identify the prophets of Islam as
names or attributes, the most common being
those humans chosen by God to be his
Al-Rahmān, meaning "The Compassionate"
messengers. According to the Quran, the
and Al-Rahīm, meaning "The Merciful‖.
prophets were instructed by God to bring the
Angels "will of God" to the peoples of the nations.
Muslims believe that prophets are human
Belief in angels is fundamental to the faith of
and not divine, though some are able to
Islam. The Arabic word for angel means
perform miracles to prove their claim. Islamic
"messenger", like its counterparts in Hebrew
theology says that all of God's messengers
(malʾákh) and Greek (angelos). According to
preached the message of Islam—submission
the Quran, angels do not possess free will,
to the will of God. The Quran mentions the
and therefore worship and obey God in total
names of numerous figures considered
obedience. Angels' duties include
prophets in Islam, including Adam, Noah,
communicating revelations from God,
Abraham, Moses and Jesus, among others.
glorifying God, recording every person's
actions, and taking a person's soul at the Resurrection and judgment
time of death. Muslims believe that angels
Belief in the "Day of Resurrection", Yawm al-
are made of light.
Qiyāmah is also crucial for Muslims. They
Revelations believe the time of Qiyāmah is preordained
by God but unknown to man. The trials and
The Islamic holy books are the records which
tribulations preceding and during the
most Muslims believe were dictated by God
Qiyāmah are described in the Quran and the
to various prophets. Muslims believe that
hadith, and also in the commentaries of
parts of the previously revealed scriptures,
scholars. The Quran emphasizes bodily
the Tawrat (Torah) and the Injil (Gospel), had
resurrection, a break from the pre-Islamic
become distorted—either in interpretation, in
Arabian understanding of death.
text, or both. The Quran (literally, "Reading"

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 History of Karnataka

On Yawm al-Qiyāmah, Muslims believe all monotheism, called tawḥīd . God is

mankind will be judged on their good and
bad deeds and consigned to Jannah
(paradise) or Jahannam (hell). The Qurʼan in
Surat al-Zalzalah describes this as, "So
whoever does an atom's weight of good will
see it and whoever does an atom's weight of
evil will see it ." The Qurʼan lists several sins
that can condemn a person to hell, such as
disbelief in God , and dishonesty; however,
the Qurʼan makes it clear God will forgive the
sins of those who repent if he so wills. Good
deeds, such as charity, prayer and
compassion towards animals, will be
rewarded with entry to heaven. Muslims view
heaven as a place of joy and blessings, with
Qurʼanic references describing its features
and the physical pleasures to come. Mystical
traditions in Islam place these heavenly
delights in the context of an ecstatic
awareness of God. Yawm al-Qiyāmah is also
identified in the Quran as Yawm ad-Dīn .
described in chapter 112 of the Quran as:
"Say, He is God, the One and Only; God, the
Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is
He begotten; And there is none like unto
Him" . Muslims repudiate polytheism and
idolatry, called Shirk, and reject the Christian
doctrine of the Trinity and divinity of Jesus. In
Islam, God is beyond all comprehension and
Muslims are not expected to visualize God.
God is described and referred to by certain
names or attributes, the most common being
Al-Rahmān, meaning "The Compassionate"
and Al-Rahīm, meaning "The Merciful".
Prayer
Ritual prayers are called Ṣalāh or Ṣalāt .
Salat is intended to focus the mind on God,
and is seen as a personal communication
with him that expresses gratitude and
worship. Performing prayers five times a day
is compulsory but flexibility in the specifics is
allowed depending on circumstances. The
prayers are recited in the Arabic language,
and consist of verses from the Quran. The

Practices: Five pillers of islam
There are five basic religious acts in Islam,
collectively known as 'The Pillars of Islam'
(arkan al-Islam):
prayers are done with the chest in direction
of the kaaba though in the early days of
Islam, they were done in direction of
Jerusalem. The act of supplicating is referred

Testimony to as dua.

Islam is often seen as having the simplest Charity

doctrines of the major religions. Its most
"Zakāt" is giving a fixed portion of
fundamental concept is a rigorous
accumulated wealth by those who can afford

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 History of Karnataka
it to help the poor or needy and for those
employed to collect Zakat; also, for bringing
hearts together, freeing captives, for those in
debt (or bonded labour) and for the
(stranded) traveller. It is considered a
religious obligation (as opposed to voluntary
charity) that the well-off owe to the needy
because their wealth is seen as a "trust from
God's bounty".
Fasting
Fasting from food and drink, among other
things, must be performed from dawn to
dusk during the month of Ramadan. The fast
is to encourage a feeling of nearness to God,
and during it Muslims should express their
gratitude for and dependence on him, atone
for their past sins, and think of the needy.
Sawm is not obligatory for several groups for
whom it would constitute an undue burden.
For others, flexibility is allowed depending on
circumstances, but missed fasts usually must
be made up quickly.
Pilgrimage
The obligatory Islamic pilgrimage, called the
ḥajj , has to be performed during the Islamic
month of Dhu al-Hijjah in the city of Mecca.
Every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it
must make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least
once in his or her lifetime.
Pscnotes.com
Islam: Sacred places, the family system,
Sharia, Sunni and Shia
Sacred places
Makkah
The most sacred place in Islam is the Ka'ba
in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The Ka'ba is a
mosque (built by Abraham according to
Muslim tradition) built around a black stone.
The Prophet Muhammad designated Makkah
as the holy city of Islam and the direction
(qibla) in which all Muslims should offer their
prayers. The Ka'ba is believed to be the
first place that was created on earth and the
place at which heavenly bliss and power
touches the earth directly. Makkah is located
in the Hijaz region of western Saudi Arabia.
Madina
Muhammad moved his ministry to Madina
soon after his revelations began in 610 CE.
The principle revelations were conveyed to
Muhammad through the angel Gabriel.
These visions continued with him until his
death in madina in 632 A.D. . By that time
Islam had swept aside all other religions on
the Arabian peninsular. In the 100 years after
the prophet's death the Arabs ruled a vast
empire stretching from Spain to India and
north into Russia. Madina became the centre
for the expanding empire. As the adopted
capital and city where Allah's word spread
through Muhammad Madina is second only
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 History of Karnataka

to Makkah as a pilgrimage city. Muhammad Sharia is an Islamic religious law that

is buried in Madina's mosque of the prophet. governs not only religious rituals, but aspects
of day-to-day life in Islam. Sharia, literally
Jerusalem
translated, means "the way."
Jerusalam is considered the third Holiest City
Traditional theory of Islamic jurisprudence
in Islam. Allah himself blessed the city in the
recognizes four sources of sharia: the Quran,
Qur'an and appointed her as the first qibla of
sunnah (authentic hadith), qiyas (analogical
Islam, meaning that it was Jerusalem, and
reasoning), and ijma (juridical consensus).
not Mecca, that served as the spiritual as
Different legal schools—of which the most
well as geographical focus for Muslims'
prominent are Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanbali
prayers during the early years of Islam. It is
and Jafari—developed methodologies for
reported that the Prophet Muhammad said,
deriving sharia rulings from scriptural
"There are only three mosques to which you
sources using a process known as ijtihad.
should embark on a journey: the sacred
Traditional jurisprudence distinguishes two
mosque (Mecca, Saudi Arabia), this mosque
principal branches of law, ʿibādāt (rituals)
of mine (Madinah, Saudi Arabia), and the
and muʿāmalāt (social relations), which
mosque of Al-Aqsa (Jerusalem).
together comprise a wide range of topics. Its
The family system in Islam rulings assign actions to one of five
categories: mandatory, recommended,
The family, which is the basic unit of
neutral, abhorred, and prohibited. Thus,
civilization, is now disintegrating. Islam‘s
some areas of sharia overlap with the
family system brings the rights of the
Western notion of law while others
husband, wife, children, and relatives into a
correspond more broadly to living life in
fine equilibrium. It nourishes unselfish
accordance with God‘s will.
behavior, generosity, and love in the
framework of a well-organized family system. Sects : Sunni vs Shia
The peace and security offered by a stable
Sunni Islam
family unit is greatly valued, and it is seen as
essential for the spiritual growth of its Sunni Muslims are the largest denomination
members. A harmonious social order is of Islam and are known as Ahl as-Sunnah
created by the existence of extended families wa‘l-Jamā‗h or simply as Ahl as-Sunnah. The
and by treasuring children. word Sunni comes from the word sunnah,
which means the teachings and actions or
Sharia
examples of the Islamic prophet,

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 History of Karnataka

Muhammad. Therefore, "Sunni" refers to Muslim world, constitute the majority of the
those who follow or maintain the sunnah of populations in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain and
Muhammad. In many countries, Azerbaijan as well as a plurality in Kuwait,
overwhelming majorities of Muslims are Yemen and Lebanon. In addition to believing
Sunnis, so that they simply refer to in the authority of the Qur'an and teachings
themselves as "Muslims" and do not use the of Muhammad, Shia believe that
Sunni label. The Sunnis believe that Muhammad's family, the Ahl al-Bayt (the
Muhammad did not specifically appoint a "People of the House"), including his
successor to lead the Muslim ummah descendants known as Imams, have special
(community) before his death, and after an spiritual and political authority over the
initial period of confusion, a group of his community and believe that Ali ibn Abi Talib,
most prominent companions gathered and Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, was the
elected Abu Bakr, Muhammad's close friend first of these Imams and was the rightful
and a father-in-law, as the first caliph of successor to Muhammad, and thus reject the
Islam. Sunni Muslims regard the first four legitimacy of the first three Rashidun caliphs.
caliphs (Abu Bakr, `Umar ibn al-Khattāb,
Uthman Ibn Affan and Ali ibn Abu Talib) as
"al-Khulafā‘ur-Rāshidūn" or "The Rightly From Kadambas to Hoysalas:
Guided Caliphs." Sunnis also believe that the contributions in the field of
position of caliph may be attained architecture, sculpture,
democratically, on gaining a majority of the literature and religion.
votes, but after the Rashidun, the position
turned into a hereditary dynastic rule
because of the divisions started by the
The origins of the rise of the Karnataka
Umayyads and others. After the fall of the region as an independent state trace back to
Ottoman Empire in 1923, there has never the fourth-century A.D. with the birth of
the Kadamba Dynasty of Banavasi after the
been another caliph as widely recognized in disintegration of Satavahana power in
the Muslim world. deccan. The founder of this ancient great
dynasty of Karnataka was Mayurasharman, a
Shia islam Brahmin. The Kadambas was designated an
ancient royal dynasty of Karnataka that ruled
from Banavasi. They are the earliest of the
Shia Islam is the second-largest
native rulers to conduct administration in the
denomination of Islam, comprising 10–13% native language of Kannada in addition to the
official Sanskrit as proven by inscriptions.
of the total Muslim population in the world.
The most powerful ruler was Kakusthavarma
Shia Muslims, though a minority in the who had martial relationship with the
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 History of Karnataka
families of the Vakatakas and the Guptas
during his time. The great poet Kalidasa
deems to have visited his court.
They also minted gold coins and contributed
to the architectural heritage of Karnataka.
The Kadamba dynasty ruled Karnataka for
more than 200 years before Chalukyas
overtook their empire. But some minor
branches of the Kadamba dynasty continued
to rule Hanagal, Goa and some other regions
till 14th century.
Architecture
The contribution of the Kadamba dynasty to
the architectural heritage of Karnataka
certainly deserves recognition. The Kadamba
they have been regarded as one of the
foundations upon which the Karnataka
architecture is based. The Kadamba style of
architecture has many distinguishing
characteristics, including a few things in
common with the Chalukyan and the Pallava
styles. They drew from the architectural
tradition of the Satavahanas.The Shikara,
called Kadamba Shikara, constitutes the most
prominent feature of their architecture.
The Kadamba Shikara has a pyramid-like
shape and rises in steps with
a Stupika or Kalasha at the top without any
decoration. Later, that style of Shikara had
been used in the Doddagaddavalli temple by
hoysalas and the Mahakuta temples in Hampi
by Chalukyan of Badami. Some of their
temples also used perforated screen windows.
The Jaina Basadi at Halsi, which have been
built by Mrigesavarma, is the earliest
monument of the Kadamba period. The
structure consists of a Garbhagriha and an
Antarala. The Pranavesvara temple, which
dedicated to hindu god Shiva, at Talagunda
presents a certain measure of refinement.
The Pillars of the temple are moderately
ornamented with geometrical designs and the
lintels of the doorways have some floral
designs. The temple is said to have been
rebuilt by Prabhavati, the Queen of
Mrigesavarma, and her son, Ravivarma . The
temples of Madhukesvara at Banavasi and the
Adimadhukesvara at Hale-Banavasi belong to
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the early Kadamba period. The
Kadambesvara and Srikantesvara temples in
the neighbourhood of the Madhukesvara
shrine are also said to be constructed during
that period.
The architectural style of Kadamba is further
reflected in the group of temples at Kadaroli
in the Belgaum district. The temple of
Sankaradeva which presents a square
Garbhagriha surmounted by a pyramidal
Vimana, which rises in horizontal stages
resembling steps. The Hattikesvara temple at
Halsi shows another stage of the development
of the Kadamba architectural style. It has
perforated screen windows on either side of
the doorway. The Pillars in the Kallesvara
temple at Halsi as well as in the Somesvara
temple attain greater variety and
refinement. The Kadambas introduced
additional sophistication in the monuments of
Yalavatti, of which a Jaina temple is most
important. Similarly, the myriad facets of
their architectural tradition can be seen in
the Ramesvara temple and the
Varanarasimha temple at Halsi.
Scholars believe that the Kadamba style of
architecture has a few things in common
with the Hoysala, Chalukyan and the Pallava
styles. They also drew from the architectural
tradition of the Satavahanas. It has also been
believed that the Kadambas contributed to
the foundation of the later Chalukya-Hoysala
style of architecture and sculpture.
Religion and Education
The Kadambas patronized Vedic Hinduism.
The founder, Mayurasharma had been
a Brahmin by birth. Later, to indicate
their Kshatriya status, his successors changed
their surname to Varma . It is believed that
some Kadamba kings like Krishna Varman
performed the horse sacrifice (Ashwamedha).
The Talagunda inscription starts with an
invocation of Lord Shiva while the Halmidi
and Banavasi inscriptions start with an
invocation of Lord Vishnu. They built great
temples like the Madhukesvara temple and it
was considered their family deity. Many
records like the Kudalur, Sirsi speak about
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 History of Karnataka
grants made by the rulers to scholarly
Brahmins as well as to Buddhist viharas.
They also patronized Jainism and numerous
Jain temples had been built by them in areas
around Banavasi, Belgaum, Mangalore
and Goa. Kings and Queens of the dynasty
have been appriciated for their support of
literature, arts and liberal grants to temples
and educational institutions. As indicated by
his famous quotes on Banavasi, the kingdom
highly praised in the writings of Adikavi
Pampa. Many other Jain saints such as
Pujyapada, Kumaradatta, Niravadya Pandita
are mentioned in the Kadamba records.
Several Jain monasteries had been found at
Belligami, Kuppalur and other places.
Buddhism too was a major religion during the
period. In the 7th century, Hieun-Tsang
describes Banavasi as having about 100
Sangharamas wherein lived 10,000 priests of
both Mahayana and Hinayana sects. Saivism
seemed to have been popular, and the
inscriptions refer to the Saiva sects like the
Goravas, Kapalikas, Pasupatas or
Kalamukhas. Vaishnavism have also enjoyed
considerable popularity. In short, the
Kadambas ruled over a region which
presented an interesting mosaic of religions
and religious sects.
Western Gangas of Talakad-
The Western Gangas of Talakad were
contemporaries of the Kadambas. Initially,
they ruled from Kolar and later moved the
capital to Talakad. This dynasty is referred to
as Western Ganga to distinguish them from
The Eastern Ganga dynasty that in later
centuries which ruled over Kalinga (Odisha).
Their territory extended over Southern
Karnataka, parts of Andhra Pradesh and
Tamil Nadu. They laid a strong foundation for
the development of Kannada literature.
The Gangas ruled for a very long period
and were a sovereign power till the advent
of the Chalukyas of Badami. They
continued to rule under the Chalukyas of
Badami and the Rastrakutas of Manykheta
till the end of the 1 st millennium.
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Literature-
The period of western Gangas was marked by
brisk literary activities in Sanskrit, Prakrit
and Kannada. Many Kings of this period were
Scholars and writers of great repute.
Madhava II was the author of Dattaka Sutra,
a treatise on erotics. Kavirajamarga of
850 C.E., refers to King Durvinita of the sixth
century as the earliest known Kannada writer
from that dynasty. He translated Gunadya's
Vaddakatha into Sanskrit. He also wrote a
commentary on the 15th sarga of Bharavi's
Kiratarjuniya and Sabdavatara, a Sanskrit
work on grammar. Sripurusha wrote
Gajasastra, a treatise on elephants.
Shivamara II wrote Gajashtaka, a Kannada
work on elephant management, and
Sethubandha in Prakrit. Chavundaraya's
writing, Chavundaraya
Purana (or Trishashtilakshana mahapurana)
of 978 C.E., an early existing work in prose
style in Kannada, contains a summary of the
Sanskrit
writings. Adipurana and Uttarapurana were
written a century earlier by Jinasena and
Gunabhadra during the rule of Rashtrakuta
Amoghavarsha I. Ranna was a contemporary
of Chavundaraya. A number of Scholars of
great reputation flourished in the Ganga
period. The redoubtable Bharavi is believed
to have visited the Court of Durvinita.
Pujyapada wrote Sarvathasiddi and Jinendra
Vyakarana. Butuga II patronized Hemasena
or Vidya Dhananjaya who wrote
Raghavpandaviya. His pupil Vidhibhasimha
was the author of Gadyachintamani and
Kshatrachudamani. Chavundaraya, the
famous Ganga minister, was the author of
Chavundarayapurana. He is also believed to
have patronized Ranna during his early days
and also the Kannada grammarian
Gunavarma. Nagavarma wrote
Chandombhudhi who is said to have been
resided at court of Rakkasaganga.
Nagavarma also wrote one of the earliest
available romance classics in Kannada
called Karnataka Kadambari in sweet and
flowing champu (mixed verse and prose)
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 History of Karnataka
style. In short, the Gangas were great patron
of literature and patronised many great
authors and poets.
Architecture
Western Ganga style of architecture was
influenced by architectural features of
Pallava and Chalukyas of Badami
additionally with indigenous Jain features.
The Ganga pillars with a conventional lion at
the base and a circular shaft of the pillar on
its head, square pillars and the
stepped Vimana of the shrine with horizontal
mouldings had been features inherited from
the Pallavas. Those features exist in
structures built by their subordinates, the
Banas and Nolambas.
The construction of the monolith of
Gomateshwara was commissioned by
Chavundaraya constitutes the climax of the
Ganga sculptural contribution in ancient
Karnataka. Carved from fine-grained white
granite, the image stands on a lotus. The 60
feet tall statue lacks support up to the thighs.
The face measuring of the statue is 6.5 feet.
With the monolith size, its curled hair with
graceful locks, its proportional anatomy, the
serene expression on the face of the image ,
and the combination of its artistry and
craftsmanship have been declared the
greatest achievement in sculptural art in
medieval Karnataka. It is the largest
monolithic statue in the world. The free
standing pillars,
called Mahasthambha or Bhrahmasthambha,
also considered unique in their architectural
style, provide examples of the Brahmadeva
and Tyaga Brahma pillars. The highest point
of the pillar is the shaft (cylindrical or
octagonal) which decorated with creepers
and other floral motifs, sits the Brahma and
the base of the pillar normally has engravings
of important Jain personalities and
inscriptions. Other important contributions
include the Jain basadis' whose towers have
gradually receding stories (talas
)ornamented with small models of temples.
Those tiny shrines have in them engravings of
tirthankars (Jain saints). Semicircular
windows connect the shrines and decorative
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Kirthimukha (demon faces) ornament the top.
The Chavundaraya basadi built in the tenth
or eleventh century, Chandragupta basadi
built in the sixth century and the monolithic
of Gomateshwara represent the most
important monuments at Shravanabelagola.
The famous Hoysala sculptor Dasoja added
some features to the Chandragupta basadi in
the twelfth century. The decorative door
jambs and perforated screen windows depict
scenes from the life of King Chandragupta
Maurya, which he created. The Panchakuta
basadi ( five towered temple) at
Kambadahalli of 900 with a Brahmadeva
pillar provides an excellent example of
Dravidian art. Torana (lintel) with carvings
of floral motifs, flying divine
creatures (gandharva) and imaginary
monsters (makara) ridden
by Yaksas (attendants of saints) surmount the
wall niches while images of tirthankars
themselves occupy the niches.
The Gangas build several Hindu temples with
splendid Dravidian gopuras containing stucco
figures from the Hindu pantheon and
decorated pierced screen windows faceted in
the mantapa (hall) along
with saptamatrika carvings (seven heavenly
mothers). Some popular examples include the
Kapileswara temple at Manne, Kolaramma
temple at Kolar and the Kallesvara temple at
Aralaguppe. They built many finest temples at
Talakad such as the Maralesvara temple, the
Arakesvara temple and the Patalesvara
temple. Unlike the Jain temples, with floral
frieze decoration common, friezes (slab of
stone with decorative sculptures) illustrating
episodes from the epics
and puranas distinguish Hindu
temples.[99] The number of virgal (hero
stones) they have left behind represents
another unique legacy of the Gangas;
memorials containing sculptural details of
war scenes, Hindu deities, saptamatrikas and
Jain tirthankars.
Religion
The Western Gangas offered full support to
all the major religions of the time; Jainism
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 History of Karnataka
and the Hindu groups of Shaivism, Vedic
Brahminism and Vaishnavism. Researchers
have contended that some Gangas lords may
have been preferential. A few historians trust
that the Gangas had been vigorous Jains.
Inscriptions negate that by giving references
to kalamukhas (staunch Shaiva monkish life),
pasupatas and lokayatas (supporters of
Pasupatha tenet) who prospered in
Gangavadi, demonstrating that Shaivism had
also been mainstream religion. Lord Madhava
and Harivarman had been given to dairy
animals and brahmins, King Vishnugopa
honed as a passionate Vaishnava, Madhava
III's and Avinita's engravings portray
luxurious enrichments to Jain requests and
temples and King Durvinita performed Vedic
penances inciting history specialists to
guarantee he had been a Hindu.
Jainism wound up noticeably prominent in
the administration in the eighth century
when the ruler King Shivamara I developed
various Jain basadis. King Butuga II and
clergyman Chavundaraya had been staunch
Jains and this statement had been proved by
the development of the Gomateshwara
monolith. The monolith had been
commissioned by a minister of the western
Gangas, Chavundaraya. Jains venerated the
24 tirthankars (Jinas) whose pictures had
been sanctified in their sanctuaries. They
believed that the tirthankars had inventive
and ruinous forces, like the convictions of
Hindus who relegated those forces to the
heavenly trinity (Trimurti); Brahma, Vishnu
and Shiva. The love of the impression of
otherworldly pioneers, for example, those of
Bhadrabahu in Shravanabelagola from the
tenth century parallels Buddhism. The
sanctification of the Gomateshwara stone
monument, the statue of Bahubali, the child
of tirthankar Adinatha (similarly as Hindus
loved the children of Shiva) shows some
brahminical influences. The love of
subordinate gods, for example, Yaksa and
Yaksi, prior considered as unimportant
chaperons of the tirthankars had been seen
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from the seventh century to the twelfth
century.
Vedic Brahminism was prevalent in the 6th
and seventh centuries when inscriptions
refer to grants made to Srotriya Brahmins.
Those inscriptions describe the gotra
(heredity) association to imperial families
and their adherence of such Vedic ceremonies
as asvamedha(horse sacrifice) and
hiranyagarbha. Brahmins and rulers enjoyed
a common benefitial relationship; customs
performed by the brahmins offered
authenticity to rulers and the land grants
made by rulers to brahmins raised them in
the public arena to the level of well off
landowners. Vaishnavism kept up a position
of safety, couple of engravings depict awards
towards its cause. The western Gangas built
some Vaishnava temples like the
Narayanaswami temple at Nanjangud,
Sattur and Hangala in present day Mysore
district. The divinity Vishnu has been
delineated with four arms holding a conch
(sanka), disk (cakra), mace (gada) and lotus
(padma).
From the starting point of the eighth century,
support to Shaivism expanded in each
segment of the general public; the the landed
elite, landlords, assemblies (samaya),
schools of learning (aghraharas) and minor
ruling families such as the Bana, Nolamba
and Chalukya clans. The Shaiva temples
contained a Shiva linga (phallus) in the
sanctum sanctorum alongside pictures of the
mother goddess, Surya (Sun god) and Nandi
(a bull and chaperon of Shiva) regularly
revered in a different structure confronting
the sanctum. The linga had been man made
and now and again had etchings of Ganapati
(child of Shiva) and Parvati (associate and
spouse of Shiva) on it. Due to the vivacious
endeavors of ministers and ascetics, Shaiva
monastic order flourished in many places, for
example, Nandi Hills, Avani and Hebbata in
present day Kolar district.
The Chalukyas
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 History of Karnataka
The Chalukyas were powerful force in the
Deccan during sixth to eighth century AD.
And in the tenth century AD, they re-
established themselves in deccan and ruled
till 12 century. The Western Chalukyas ruled
from Badami. The later Chalukyas who ruled
from Kalyani were known as Chalukyas of
Kalyani and the Chalukyas of Vengi are
referred to the historians as the Eastern
Chalukyas.
Architecture
The time of Chalukyas of Badami line saw
craftsmanship prosper in South India. It
realized some essential advancements in the
domain of culture, especially in the evolution
and development of another style of
architecture known as Vesara, a mix of the
South and the North Indian architectural
styles. This style is also known as the
"Chalukyan style". One of the wealthiest
customs in Indian architecture came to
fruition in the Deccan during that time, called
Karnata Dravida style instead of customary
Dravida style. The eastern Chalukyas was
influenced by that style. The Chalukyas of
Kalyani refined the Vesara style with a slant
towards Dravidian ideas, particularly in the
sculptures. They constructed great
monuments in the Tungabhadra - Krishna
river doab.
The art and craftsmanship, that they
developed, offer the most persevering
heritage of the Chalukya line. More than 150
monuments ascribed to the Chalukyas of
Badami. These monuments had been built
between 450 and 700 A.D. and unearthed in
the Malaprabha region of Karnataka.
The Chalukyan monuments are extensively
assembled into two classes: (a) the rock - cut
halls, and (b) the structural temples. The
unearthed rock-cut halls are found at
Badami and Aihole. There are four such cave
temples at Badami. Of them the soonest and
the biggest is cave No. III excavated during
the rule of Mangalesa and dedicated to Lord
Vishnu. Othe caves are of littler
measurements, and the Cave No. IV is a Jaina
temple. The Badami caves have three normal
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features, specifically, a pillared verandah, an
ordered corridor and a little square cella or
Garbhagriha, cut deep into the rock.
The rock-cut temples of Pattadakal, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Badami and
Aihole constitute their greatest buildings.
That denotes the start of Chalukya style of
architecture and a consolidation of South
Indian style. Chalukyas of Badami crowned
and beautified the city of Pattadakal with
grand temples such as Kadasiddheswara,
Jambulingeswara, Galaganatha,
Chandrashekhara, Sangameswara,
Kasivisweswara, Mallikarjuna, Virupaksha
and Papanatha Temples.
In Aihole, the Durga temple (6th century),
Ladh Khan temple, Meguti temple,
Hucchimalli and Huccappayya temples (fifth
century), Badami Cave Temples provide
examples of early Chalukyan craftmanship.
Vikramaditya II commissioned the grand
temples at Pattadakal. Here the Virupaksha
and Mallikarjuna , Sangameswara (and a Jain
temple) show the Dravidian style while
Jambulinga, Kasivisweswara, and
Galaganatha demonstrate the Northern
nagara style. The Papanatha temple displays
the combination of the Northern and
Southern styles. As indicated by some
features, the style Chalukyas of Badami
constitutes a "prayaga" or intersection of
formal patterns of architecture, the dravida
and nagara. The temples emerged from
religious zeal and intensity of the purpose.
Aihole has been considered as " one of the
cradles of Indian temple architecture "
The most important style of the Chalukyas of
Kalyani are found at Kukkanur. Here, the
Kalleshvara and Navalinga temples bear
"resemblances to early Chalukyan style of art
and craft at Aihole and Pattadkal". The
Kalyani style of architecture achieved its
development and climax in the twelfth
century. Kasi Vishveshvara at Lakkundi,
Mallikarjuna at Kuruvatii and Mahadeva at
Itagi are the finest cases delivered by the
later Chalukya draftsmen.
Religion
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 History of Karnataka
The Chalukyas were the supporters of Vedic
religion: Their family God was Vishnu, their
insignia Varaha; and some of their rulers
accepted the title "Paramabhagavat".
However, the Chalukyas of Badami followed
the policy of religious toleration. A large
number of temples had been built during this
period were devoted to Shiva. Worship of
Shakti was common during the time, as were
Shaiva factions like Pashupata, Kapalikas and
Kalamukhas. Jainsim excessively got the
illustrious support. Ravikirti, the writer of the
Aihole inscription was a Jaina, and he
constructed a Jinalaya at Aihole. Lord
Vinayaditya made a grant to a Jaina cleric
who had a place with Mulasangha and
Devagana. Buddhism was declining during
the period but had not extinct. Hieun-tsang
revealed that the Kingdom had 100
Sangharamas and 10,000 bhikkus. Actually,
the liberal religious viewpoint of the
Chalukyas of Badami rulers was one of the
glories of the empire.
Literature
The Chalukyan period epitomizes a
noteworthy occasion in the historical
backdrop of Kannada and Telugu languages.
During the time, composing epic accounts and
poetry in Sanskrit was very popular. During
the ninth - tenth century, Kannada language
had just observed some of its most
noteworthy scholars. The three pearls of
Kannada writing, Adikavi Pampa, Sri Ponna
and Ranna belonged to that period. In the
eleventh century, the support of the Eastern
Chalukyas, with Nannaya Bhatta as its first
writer gave birth to Telugu literature.
Celebrated scholars in Sanskrit from that
period incorporate Vijnaneshwara who
accomplished distinction by composing
Mitakshara, a book on Hindu law. Somesvara
III was an extraordinary scholar and ruler,
compiled a book of all arts and sciences called
Manasollasa.
From the period of Chalukyas of Badami no
major Kannada work has been recuperated,
however many works have been referenced in
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later centuries by many writers. The surviving
Kappe Arabhatta record of 700 in tripadi
(three line) meter is said to have been the
earliest work in Kannada poetics. The
scholarly work Karnateshwara Katha, cited
later by Jayakirti, belonged to the reign of
Pulakesi II with the ruler himself as the hero.
Other Kannada authors of that time included
Syamakundacharya of 650 who composed
Prabhrita, the well known Srivaradhadeva
also called Tumubuluracharya of 650 (who
composed Chudamani, an commentary on
Tattvartha-mahashastra in 96,000 verses),
King Durvinita, and others. Scholars consider
the Aihole inscription of Pulakesi II an
excellent work on poetry which was
composed by court poet Ravi Kirti in old
Kannada script and Sanskrit languaget. In
Sanskrit, a couple of verses of a poetess called
Vijayanaka has been preserved.
Ranna was the greates poet to compose under
the Chalukyas of Kalyani. He was patronized
by Sathyashraya. Ajitapurana and
Sahasabhimavijaya are his well known works.
Chavundaraya II composed Lokopakara.
Chandraraja composed Madanatilaka, a work
on erotics Shridharacharya's Jatakatilaka is a
work on astrology. Kirtivarma composed
Govaidya on veterinary science. Durgasimha,
a pastor of Jayasimha II, composed
panchatantra, Nayasena's Dharmamritha,
Nagavarma's Kavyavalokana and
Brahmashiva's Samayaparikshe were other
renowned works in Kannada. Devara
Dasimayya, the Vachanakarabelonged to this
period. The Chalukya leaders of Kalyani also
encouraged Sanskrit literature. Vadiraja
composed Yashodharacharitam and
Parshvanatha Charitam. The Kashmiri writer
Bilhana devinized the name of his patron
Vikramaditya VI in his famous work
Vikramankadeva Charitha. Vijananeshvara
became well known by composing
Mitakshara, a critique on Yajnavalkya Smriti.
The Rastrakutas
The Rastrakuta administration was
established by Dantivarman or Dantidurga II.
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 History of Karnataka
The Elichpur faction owed medieval
dependability to the Badami Chalukyas. Amid
the domain of Dantidurga, the family toppled
Chalukya Kirtivarman II and manufactured a
realm keeping the Gulbarga locale in
introduce day Karnataka as their base. This
faction was later known as the Rastrakutas of
Manyakheta.
As indicated by an Arabic content, Silsilat al-
Tawarikh (851), the Rastrakutas were viewed
as one of the four primary realms of the
world. This tradition managed over all of
Karnataka and Maharashtra and extensive
parts of Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
and Tamil Nadu. During their reign art and
sculpture flourished. The world celebrated
Kailash Temple at Ellora was constructed by
the Rastrakutas. The period of the Chalukyas
of Badami and Rastrakutas is considered as
the "Time of Imperial Karnataka".
Religion
The Rashtrakuta rulers were the patron of
Vedic religion, and they worshiped Vishnu
and Siva. Jainsim also gained illustrious
support of Rashtrakutas. Amoghavarsha I is
said to have had his leanings towards Jainsim,
and Jinasena was his preceptor. The great
Jaina scholar, Gunabhadra, was an instructor
of Krishna II. Be that as it may, Buddhism had
been on a decrease. Its only essential centre
was Kanheri.
Literature:
The Rashtrakura period was one of energetic
and innovative artistic activity, both in
Sanskrit and Kannada. Trivikrama, the writer
of Nalachampu was a great poet of Sanskrit
during the period. Halayudha, who was
patronized by Krishna III, composed
Kavirahasya and Mritasanjivini. The
Rashtrakuta feudatory, Arikesari of
Vemulavada, patronized Somadevasuri, who
composed Nitikavyamrita. The period
witnessed numerous advaita scholars lsuch as
Padma pada and Visvarupa and Jain scholars
like Virasena, Jinasena, Gunabhadra,
Pushpadanta, Akalanka and other people who
improved artistic custom also. Kannada
language, script and litrary work showed
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amazing development during the period.
Several inscriptions mentioned a large
number of Kannada poets and writers. The
first great work in Kannada is
Kavirajamarga, a treatise on Kannada
poetics. It is attributed to the Rashtrakuta
ruler Amoghavarsha I Nripatunga. Albeit a
few scholars argued that it was composed by
his court - artist, Sri Vijaya Ponna, the well
known Kannada writer, who was patronized
by Krishna III, and was regarded with the
title, Kavichakravarthi. The most famous
Kannada poett, Pampa who composed
Adipurana and Vikramarjuna Vijaya, was
patronized by Arikesari of Vemulavada (a
feudatory of the Rashtrakutas). The
inscription at Jura, belonged to Krishna III, is
viewed as an epigraphical climax of classical
Kannada litrary composition, with beautiful
poetic compilation in finest Kanda meter.
Architecture:
The contribution of Rashtrakutain field of art
and architecture are reflected in the
magnificent rock-cut shrines at Ellora and
Elephanta. It is believed that they constructed
34 rock cut shrines and the Kailasanatha
temple is considered as the greatest of all of
them. It is conceivable that the
supplementary places of worship were
uncovered at a later date. The temple is a
superb accomplishment of craftmanship, and
Vincent Smith lauds it as one of the miracles
of the world.
The Dashavatara stemple is substantial and
simple. There are figure models of
extraordinary size, which portray both the
Vaishnava and Siva subjects. The
Hiranyakashipu alleviation is an exceptional
figure. There are other cave temples at Ellora
like Ravana - ka - khai, Rameshvara and
Dhumar Lena. Of the Jaina places of worship
the extraordinary are the Chota Kailasa,
Indra Sabha and Jagannath Sabha.
The sculptural craftmanship of Elephanta
have been broadly acclaimed. It is claimed
that the the sculptured reliefs of Nataraja
and Sadashiva at Elephanta are better
executed than the Bhairava relief at Ellora.
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 History of Karnataka
There are incredible structures of
Ardhanarishvara and Maheshamurthy at
Elephanta. The last is a three-colored bust of
Siva, which is more than 25 feet high, and is
viewed as "one of the finest structure in all
India."
The Chalukyas of Kalyani:- The Chalukyas
of Kalyani came to control after they toppled
the Rastrakutas in 973 AD. Their ruler,
Someshwara I constructed his capital at
Kalyana (show day Basava Kaluyana in Bidar
area). The Kalyana Chalukya line is otherwise
called the Western Chalukya line to separate
them from the Eastern Chalukya
administration of Vengi. This line managed
over whole Karnataka and Maharashtra and
parts of Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
and Tamil Nadu.
During the rule of eastern Chalukyas,
literature prospered in Karnataka. The
eastern Chalukyas were great patron of art
and sculpture. The Mahadeva temple at Itagi
is thought to be the finest Chalukyan
landmark.
Kalachuri :- The rulers of the Kalachuri
dynasty surpassed eastern Chalukyas and
ruled for around 20 years yet couldn't
maintain the respectability of the realm. This
prompted the realm getting to be plainly
feeble lastly it separated and was shared by
Sevunas in the north and Hoysalas in the
south.
Sevuna Dynasty (1198 AD– 1312 AD) :- The
Sevuna or Yadavas of Devagiri established
themselves when the Chalukyas of Kalyani's
power melted away. The Sevunas were
previously the feudatories of the
Rashtrakutas and after that of the Western
Chalukyas before they proclaimed
independence. The founder of the dynasty was
Dridhaprahara. This tradition is otherwise
called Seuna or Yadavas of Devagiri as they
had their capital at Devagiri. They controlled
over northern Karnataka, parts of Andhra
Pradesh and the majority of Maharashtra.
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The line was devinized in history by the works
of the praised mathematician Baskarasharya,
the well known rscholar Hemadri and the
great author on music, Sharngadeva. The
leaders of this line were always in battle with
the leaders of the Hoysala line. The tradition
at long last tumbled to the sultan of Delhi,
Allah-ud-din Khilji and his general
Mallikaffar.
The Hoysalas:-
Hoysala dynasty was a prominent south
indian empire that ruled a large part of
modern day Karnataka and parts of Andhra
Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. They ruled from
10th century to 14 th century. Historians
believed that the Hoysalas were the natives of
Malnad region of Karnataka. The founder of
the dynasty was King Nripa Kama II. They are
well known primarily for their architectural
developments and several magnificent
temples can be founded across Karnataka.
Architecture:
The Hoysala claim to everlasting status is
based on the wonderful architectural
development, which they undertook in large
scale in Karnataka. There are many common
features between the Hoysalas and those of
the later Chalukyas. Both have the carved
doorways, lathe - turned columns and pierced
window – screens. The advancement of the
Hoysala style occurred in the old Mysore
region to a great extent due to the
accessibility of the chloritic schist, a kind of
green soapstone, usually found in this zone. It
is a nearby - grained stone, simple to work
however in the meantime strong and can be
quarried in genuinely substantial sizes. The
appropriation of this stone encouraged the
art of decorative cutting for which the
Hoysala School of architecture is mainly well
known. These features can be perceived as
particular and unique to the Hoysala style. By
and large the templey has a star – shaped
ground plan. Thus Hoysala rulers introduced
an innovative and unique style of
architecture. The setting up of a Jagati or
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 History of Karnataka
stage in similarity with the star molded
ground plan is of much architectural
significance.
The stage is significantly more extensive than
the temple, leaving a level surface all round
to serve as Pradakshinapatha, so the
worshipper or admirer can go round the
temple wall sculpture, which constituted a
wellspring of mainstream instruction.
Furthermore, the Jagati gave a stature to the
temple, as the Hoysala temples are by and
large not tall. The zig – zag character of the
wall is another component of the Hoysala
style. This empowers the figures to be seen
both in daylight and shades. The entryway is
set apart by an extravagance of cutting. This
empowers the stone workers especially
showered their evidently unlimited aptitude
on its execution. The profound and domical
roof is by and large embellished with an
abundance of sensitive carvings and
wonderful figures. The Navaranga roof of the
Chennakeshava temple at Belur is recognized
as an artful culmination.
The pillars are regularly lathe – turned, and
they are differently outlined. Some of them
are 16, 32, and 64 – pointed. Some of them
are bell – shaped. They can take high clean.
The pillerss of the Parsvanatha Basadi at
Halebid show exceptional properties
associated with the impression of light. The
Narasimha Pillar of the Belur sanctuary is a
wonder of moment carvings and sculptures.
The later Chalukyan style is feeble in figure
sculptures. Be that as it may, this is a solid
purpose of the Hoysala style. The general
treatment of wall surfaces is set apart by a
substantial number of flat friezes forced upon
each other. The lowest band is typically a
parade of elephants; the following, of
horsemen. At that point, after another band
of winding foliage, and on a level with the
eye, is a more extensive frieze delineating a
progression of Puranic subjects – "a photo
exhibition in stone executed with stamped
emotional impact and abundance of detail"
(Percy Brown). Above them assemble divine
beings and goddesses of each portrayal and
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inclination, some blessing the devout, others
glaring at the insidious, however everybody a
model of sculptural craftsmanship. Some of
the Hoysala temples have the beautiful
alluring images of Madanikas, also called
Salabhanjikas.The Salabhanjikas typify the
physical and mental elements of an
adolescent female. Archeological Survey of
Mysore unearthed around ninety Hoysala
temples. They can be extensively grouped by
the number of Vimana or tower they have –
Ekakuta, Dwikuta, Thrikuta, Chatushkuta and
Panchakuta. The Chennakeshava Temple has
one Vimana (Ekakuta), the Hoysaleshwara
Temple of Halebid has two Vimanas
(Dwikuta), the Keshava Temple of
Somanathapur has three towers (Thrikuta),
the Lakshmi Temple of Doddagaddavalli has
a four-transcend temples (Chatushkuta), and
the Panchalingeshwara Temple of
Govindanahalli has five Vimanas
(Panchakuta). Nonetheless, the temples of
Somanathapur, Belur and Halebid are by and
large recognized as the incredible structures
of the Hoysala tradition and architecture. The
Keshava Temple at Somanathapur is a triple
shrine or thrikutachala. Attributable to its
blend of three hallowed places the temple-
plan is in the state of a cross, its length being
87 feet and its width 83 feet, with its sole
entrance on the east. A bigger and prior
earlier example is outfitted by a group of
temples at Belur, of which the Chennakeshava
temple is the centre.
The ceiling is the most magnificent work of
art; the pillers are unique in their
assortments and plans. The Madanika images
in the temple are greatest. The
Hoysaleshwara Temple at Halebid is maybe
the most adorable example of the Hoysala
architecture. The external walls of the
temples have suited a confounding cluster of
great figures of uncommon excellence and
elegance. And again, “It is one of the most
marvelous exhibitions of craftmanship to be
found even in the patient east”.
Religion
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 History of Karnataka
The Hoysalas patronized Jainism. The legend
has it that Sudatta Muni a Jaina Teacher
blessed the founder of the kingdom, Sala.
Vinayaditya and Ereyanga were devout Jains;
so was Vishnuvardhana's ruler Santaladevi
who was a supporter of Prabhachanda
Siddantadeva.
The commanders of Vishnuvardhana like
Gangaraja Mariyane, Bharata and Punisa
were all jains. The coming of Ramanuja into
Karnataka initiated a period of ubiquity for
Srivaishnavism. As per custom,
Ramanujacharya, who was mistreated by the
Chola King Kulothunga, fled to the Hoysala
nation, changed over Vishnuvardhana to his
confidence and advanced Srivaishnavism.
Numerous Vaishnava temples were
constructed at Melkote, Tonnur, Belur, Talkad
and Hardanahalli.
Actually Vishnuvardhana has been portrayed
as the Constantine of Srivaishnavism. Ballala
II and Vira Somesvara patronized Shaivism.
This period saw the advancement of the
Virashaiva cult in the Kalachuri regions.
Religious toleration was never a disparaged
guideline in the Hoysala empire.
Literature:
Education was encouraged in the agraharas,
which formed into focuses of learning. The
resurrection of learning brought to surface a
great number of writers whose works are still
viewed as masterpiece of Kannada literature.
The most popular writer at the court of
Ballala I was Nagachandra who was known
as "Abhinava Pampa". His two essential
works are "Ramachandra Charita Purana",
and "Mallinathapurana". Ballala additionally
is said to have patronized the poetess Kanti,
however scholars are not settled upon her
trustworthiness.
Among the great literary figures of the time
of Vishnuvardhana, mention might be made
of Vishnudandadipa, Santa Mahanta and the
redoubtable Rajaditya. Harihara, the author
of Girija Kalyana and his nephew
Raghavanka, the renowned writer of
"Harischandra Kavya" prospered during the
rule of Narasimha I. The later is said to
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visited to the court of Hoysala after
influenced by the clergyman Kereya
Padmarasa. Janna was the poet laureate of
the court of Ballala II and Narasimha II. He
acquired the title of "Kavichakravarti" from
Ballala, and stated "Yashodhara Charite" and
"Ananthanatha Purana". Nemichandra, the
writer of "Leelavati" thrived during this
period.
Rudra Bhatta wrote "Jagannatha
Vijaya"during the reign Ballala II. The rule of
Vira Someshwara saw the generation of two
awesome works to be specific Sukti -
Sudharnava by Mallikarjuna and
Shabdamanidarpana of Kesiraja. In short, the
Hoysala period was gigantically fruitful in the
generation of scholarly works of
extraordinary legitimacy and assortment.
Karnataka language and dialects
Karnataka has a rich linguistic heritage.
There are various languages and dialect
spoken in the state. The variation is so
much that at every 40-50 kms one could
find a different dialect. Languages of
Karnataka are of Dravidian Family.
Kannada is the language spoken by
majority of Karnataka people. Kannada
has a large number of dialects. Apart from
Kannada Tulu is also spoken in some
regions while Hindi and English are quite
popular in Urban Centres.
Various languages and their dialects are
Kannada
Kannada is the State Language of
Karnataka. Kannada - aptly described as
'sirigannada' (known to few as Kanarese)
is one of the oldest Dravidian languages
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 History of Karnataka
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. Kannada is a highly
inflected language with three genders
(masculine, feminine, neutral or common)
and two numbers (singular, plural). It is
inflected for gender, number and tense,
among other things.
Kannada is one of the 22 official
languages of India and is the official
language of the state of Karnataka.
Kannada has now received the Classical
Language status effective November 1,
2008.
Dialects of Kannada
There is also a sharp distinction between
the spoken and written forms of the
Kannada. Spoken Kannada tends to vary
from region to region. The written form is
more or less constant throughout
Karnataka, however. The ethnologue
identifies about 20 dialects of
Kannada. Dialects of Kannada proper fall
into four groups
Coastal dialects
Mangalore kannada, Halakki,
Barkur, Havyaka,kundagannada , Sirsi
Kannada, Ankola Kannada.
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Northern Dialects
Dharwad Kannada, Gulbarga Kannada,
Bagalkot Kannada
South-eastern
Gowda Kannada, Tiptur,
Rabakavi, Nanjangudu
South Karnataka
Aruvu, Bangalore
Kannada, Soliga, Kannada
Kurumba, Gowdra Bhashe
Havyaka- Havigannada is used only
by Havyakas. It uses similar verbs and
words as mainstream Kannada. It is
spoken in the regions
of Mangalore, Sagara, Sirsi, Yellapur, Sid
dapur, Honnavar, Kumta, Puttur, Gokarna,
Hosanagara, Sullia, Kasaragod, etc.
where there is a higher density of
Havyakas in relation to other places.
Kundagannada - Spoken
in Kundapura Taluk of Udupi district,
Karnataka. It is also called as Kota
Kannada as it is spoken by people of Kota
and Kota brahmins of Karnataka.
Gowda kannada- Arebhashe is
a dialect of Hale Kannada and Tulu
languages. It is spoken by more than
400,000 people, particularly Hindus in
the Gowda community in the regions
of Kodagu and Sullia of Dakshina
Kannada
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 History of Karnataka
Banglore Kannada- Bangalore
Kannada is a vernacular dialect of the
Indian language, Kannada, spoken mainly
by people residing in and around
Karnataka, especially South-East
Karnataka (Bangalore, Mysore, Mandya,
etc.).
Kannada Kurumba- spoken by
the Kuruba tribe. It is often considered a
dialect of Kannada; however, Ethnologue
classifies it as a separate language.
Kurumba speakers are situated
in Teni, Dindigul, Coimbatore, Dharmapu
ri, Vellore, and Salem districts of Tamil
Nadu, in addition to areas
of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Badagu
Badagu is the Kannada-related language
spoken by the Badaga community in
the Nilgiri region in Tamil Nadu and it is
considered as an independent Dravidian
language.
Holiya
Holiya, also called Holar, Hole, Holu,
Golari-Kannada, is the Kannada-related
language spoken by a small section of
people (500) in Maharashtra and Madhya
Pradesh.
Tulu Language
Tulu language is one of the five Dravidian
languages of South India (Pancha-
Bhasha, others are Tamil, Telugu,
Kannada and Malayalam). The four major
languages spoken today are dominantly
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spoken in their respective states
(Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
and Kerala), whereas Tulu is spoken in a
small niche, mainly in coastal Karnataka
and Northern Karala (Kasaragod district).
About 2.5 million people speak Tulu and
call it their mother tongue. Tulu nadu is a
region where many languages are spoken.
While Kannada is the official state
language, different ethnic communities in
Tulu Nadu speak different languages.
Tulu, derived from proto-Dravidian is the
predominant language spoken by Hindus
of various castes and by the Jains of Tulu
Nadu. Konkanasthas and Catholics speak
two variants of Konkani. Muslims speak a
language of their own that is derived from
Tulu as well as Malayalam.
Karnataka under
British Rule
In 1831 CE the British surpassed the realm
and named the magistrates, who were given
the ability to control in the interest of the
British domain. Among them "Sir Lord
Cubbon" was the most imperative.
They methodicallly changed the way the
domain worked and acquired significant
changes yet they proceeded with a portion of
the more established customs. Amid this
period the state got separated amongst
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 History of Karnataka
Bombay and Madras areas, Hyderabad
Nijamas and Mysore.
After a time of British Commissioners' lead,
Mysore was offered back to the Wodeyars
under Jayachamaraja Wodeyar. Amid this
period the inclination to autonomy picked up
energy with the outcome that numerous
pioneers were detained. The battle at long
last prompted the give of autonomy to India
by the British.
The run of the Wodeyars proceeded until the
point that the Indian freedom lastly they
blended Mysore with the Indian union which
got fused into India as a state.
Uprisings against British in Karnataka
On 11 April 1834, the raja was removed by
Colonel Fraser, the political specialist with
the power, and on 7 May the state was
formally attached toward the East India
Company's region, as Coorg. In 1852 the
Raja, who had been ousted to Vellore,
acquired leave to visit England with his most
loved girl Gauramma, to whom he wished to
give an European instruction.
On 30 June she was purified through water,
Queen Victoria being one of her supporters;
she a short time later wedded a British officer
who, after her demise in 1864, strangely
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vanished together with their kid. Vira Raja
himself kicked the bucket in 1863 and was
covered in Kensal Green burial ground.
The Coorg resistance of 1837 is said to be
an ascending of the Tulu/Arebashe Gowdas
of Amara Sulya (in Dakshina Kannada,
Greater Kodagu) because of the grievance
felt in paying expenses in cash rather than in
kind.
A man named Virappa, who put on a show to
have gotten away from the slaughter of
1820, endeavored to exploit this to affirm his
claim to be Raja, yet the general population
stayed faithful to the British, as they realized
this was a lie thus the endeavor fizzled. In
any case, a couple of the general population
of Kodagu, from Nalknad and Yedavanad,
upheld the radicals.
They were driven by Subedar Guddemane
Appaiah Gowda, Subedar Mandira Uthaiah,
Shanthalli Mallaiah and Chetty Kudiya. (In
neighboring Dakshina Kannada they were
driven by Kedambadi Rama Gowda,
Beeranna Bunta and others.)
Rani Chennamma and British Rule
Rani Chennamma was the main lady
autonomy dissenter of India. She stood in
solitude with an energetic consuming eye
alongside the British Empire.
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She didn't prevail with regards to pushing
them away yet Rani Chennamma incited
numerous ladies to ascend against the
British run the show. She was Queen of
Chennamma, the royal state
Karnataka. Today she is outstanding as
Kittur Rani Chennamma.
Effect of British administration
Karnataka state
This framework changed under the British,
when impose installments were in real
money, and were utilized for the support of
the armed force, police and other common
and open foundations.
A part of the assessment was exchanged to
England and called "Indian
Despondent with the loss of their customary
income framework and the issues they
confronted, laborers ascended
insubordination in many parts of south India.
The development of anicuts and tanks
reduced issues in a few zones of the
promontory, however there were varieties in
living conditions in various locales.
After 1800, the Cornwallis arrive changes
became possibly the most important factor.
Reade, Munro, Graham and Thackeray were
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History of Karnataka
a few overseers who enhanced the monetary
states of the majority. Be that as it may, the
home spun material industry endured amid
British lead, because of the assembling
Kittur in plants of Manchester, Liverpool and Scotland
being more than a match for the
conventional hand woven industry,
particularly turning and weaving.
Just weavers who created the exceptionally
in
finest fabric not manufactural by machines
survived the evolving economy. Indeed, even
here, the adjustment in the dressing
propensities for the general population, who
adjusted to English garments, had an
unfriendly effect.
Just the farming and country masses with
their requirement for coarse fabric supported
the low quality home industry. Likewise, the
British monetary strategies made a class
tribute".
structure comprising of a recently discovered
white collar class.
in This class comprised of four word related
gatherings; the exchanging and shipper
class comprising of operators, specialists,
retailers; the landowners made under the
Zamindar framework and Janmi arrangement
of land residency; the cash loan specialists;
and the white busted legal counselors,
educators, government workers, specialists,
columnists and brokers. Be that as it may,
because of a more adaptable standing
pecking order, this working class comprised
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 History of Karnataka
of a more heterogeneous blend of individuals
from various ranks.
The nineteenth century achieved
supposed "in reverse classes development",
an immediate consequence of
administration in business (in instructive and
government divisions) by the well-off few and
the loss of employments crosswise over
southern India because of the Industrial
Revolution in England.
This development was proclaimed first by the
Lingayats took after by the Vokkaligas and
the Kurubas. The monetary insurgency in
England and the levy approaches of the
British caused gigantic deindustrialization in
India, particularly in the material division. For
instance, Bangalore was known to have had
a thriving material industry before 1800 and
the gunny sack weaving business had been
a restraining infrastructure of the Goniga
individuals, a condition of occasions that
changed fundamentally when the British
started governing the zone.
The import of a compound substitute of
saltpeter (potassium nitrate) influenced the
Uppar people group, the customary creators
of saltpeter for use in black powder. The
import of lamp fuel influenced the Ganiga
people group who provided oils. Outside
veneer and ceramics ventures influenced the
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local stoneware business and the plant made
covers supplanted the nation made kambli.
This financial aftermath prompted the
development of group based social welfare
the
associations, for example, the Lingayat
Vidyavardhakara Sangha in Dharwad in
the
1883, the Vokkaligara Sanga in Bangalore in
1906 and the Praja Mitra Mandali in Mysore
in 1917.
The objective of these associations was to
assist those inside the group to adapt better
to another monetary circumstance. Group
based youth inns jumped up to help
understudies looking for instruction and safe
house.
Kingdom of
Vijaynagar
The kingdom of Vijaynagar founded by two
brothers, Harihar and Bukka, on the south bank
of the River Tungabhadra in 1336 AD. According
to the legends, they had been the feudatories of
the Kakatiyas of Warangal. Later they became
ministers in the kingdom of Kampili. After the
destruction of Kampili kingdom by Bin Tuglaq
they were imprisoned and converted to Islam.
Harihar and Bukka forshook their new master
and their new faith and they were readmitted to
Hinduism by their guru, Vidyaranya. They
established their capital at Vijaynagar. After
death of Hoysala ruler Veera Ballala III, Harihar
and Bukka expanded their small kingdom with
the distruction of the Hoysala kingdom. They
belonged to the Sangama dynasty. After
Harihar, His brother Bukka, succeeded to the
throne of Vijaynagar in 1356 AD.
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 History of Karnataka
The kingdom prospered and continued to expand
as Bukka Raya annexed most of the kingdoms of
Deccan. He led a crushing defeat on the
Shambuvaraya Kingdom of Arcot and the Reddis
of Kondavidu by 1360 and the region around
Penukonda was annexed. He extended his
territory up to Rameswaram after defeated the
Sultanate of Madurai in 1371. He had gained an
upper hand over the Bahmanis for control of the
Tungabhadra-Krishna doab and also took control
of Goa by 1374. He also annexed the kingdom of
Orissa (Orya) and Bukka forced the Jaffna
Kingdom of Ceylon and Malabar to pay tributes
to him. He also moved the capital of the empire
to Vijayanagara (now more popularly known as
Hampi).
After the death of Bukka, Harihara II ruled from
the capital Vijayanagara now more popularly
known as Hampi. His greatest success was the
capture of Belgaum and Goa in the west from the
Bahmanis. Harihar II also sent a naval expedition
to Sri Lanka. After a brief period of confusion,
Harihara II succeded by Deva Raya I. Deva Raya I
was defeated by the Behmani sultan Firuz Shah
and was brought into matrimonial relation with
the Bahmanis. But the question of the Krishna-
Godavari region led to a renewed conflict
between Vijaynagara, Bahmanis and Orissa.
After entered into an alliance with Warangal for
portioning the region between them, Deva Raya I
defeated Firuz Shah and annexed the entire
territory upto the mouth of the Krishna river.
Deva Raya II succeeded his father Veera Vijaya
Bukka Raya after some internal conflicts. Unlike
his father, Deva Raya II was a productive and
successful ruler. During his reign, he prevailed
over his conquest of Kondavidu in 1432, repulsed
the invasions of Ahmad Shah I of the Bahamanis
and kept hold of the Mudgal fort in 1436 but lost
some areas in the Raichur doab in 1443. He
defeated the Gajapati of Orissa three times,
restored the Reddi Kingdom of Rajamahendri to
its former position, fought against the Sultan Ala-
Ud-Din, and continued onwards to Kerala where
he defeated the ruler of Quilon as well as other
chieftains. He invaded Lanka and collected rich
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tributes there. The ruler of Calicut and even the
kings of Burma ruling at Pegu and Tanasserim
paid tributes. He is considered the greatest ruler
of Sangama dynasty was Deva Raya II. During his
reign, Abdur Razzak, the envoy of Shah Rukh
visited the Vijaynagara kingdom. He began the
practice of employing Muslims in the army. He
was called Immadi Deva Raya. In his inscriptions
he has the title of Gajabetekara (the elephant
hunter).
After the death of Deva Raya II, the empire was
ruled by a series of some weak rulers. Since the
rule of primogeniture was not established, there
was a series of civil wars among the princes.
Saluva dynasty
The founder of Saluva dynasty was Saluva
Narsimhan. He was a minister in the reign of
Praudha Raya, the last ruler of Sangama dynasty.
He crushed the rebellions of feaudatories and
kept the kingdom intact. Immadi Narsimha
succeeded him. He was also known as Dhamma
Tammaraya. He was a weak ruler and the control
of state fell into the hands of Narsa
Nayaka. Vasco da Gama reached in
Calicut during his time in 1498. The rulers of this
dynasty were not able to establish law and order
properly and that’s why the Suluvas ruled for a
short period.
Tuluva dynasty
The third dynasty which ruled the Vijaynagar
empire was Tuluva dynasty. The The dynasty was
named "Tuluva" because they belonged to the
Tulu speaking region called "TULUNAD". The
greatest and successful king of Tuluva dynasy
was Krishna Deva Raya who ruled from 1509 to
1539 AD. Some historians believed that he is the
greatest ruler of the Vijaynagara empire.
During the reign of Krishna Deva Raya,
Vijayanagara emerged as the strongest military
power in the south. He defeated the rebellious
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 History of Karnataka
chiefs of Ummattur, the Gajapatis of Orissa and
Sultan Adil Shah of Bijapur.
He successfully annexed Gulbarga and Bidar and
reinstated the puppet Sultan Mahmud to the
throne. To commemorate this act of restoration
he took the title of’ Yavanarajya
Sthapanacharya’ (The restorer of the Yavana
kingdom). He invaded almost the whole of
Telangana from the Gajapati king Pratapraudra
and the Sultan of Golcunda.
Krishna Deva Raya helped the Portuguese to
conquer Goa from the Bijapur rulers in 1510 and
retained friendly relations with Albuquerque, the
Portuguese governor whose ambassador Friar
Luis resided at Vijayanagar. His relations with
Portuguese were governed by two factors: first
common enemity with Bijapur and second, the
supply of imported horses by the Portuguese to
Vijayanagar. He was a contemporary of Babur.
He was a Vaishainaite but respected all the
major religions. He was a devotee of Lord
Venkateshwara of
Tirupati. Vallabhacharya and Chaitanya
Mahaprabhu, the celebrated saints of the bhakti
movement visited his court. Madhwa
saint Vyasathirtha was the Rajaguru of
Krishnadevaraya. Krishna Deva Raya was known
as Andhra Bhoja as he was also a great patron of
art and literature. He wrote the Telugu work
Amuktamalyada and one Sanskrit work
Jambavati Kalyanam. His court was embellished
with the Ashtadiggajas (the eight well known
poets), of whom, Allasani Peddana was the
greatest. His famous works include
Manucharitam and Harikatha Saramsamu.
Krishna Deva Raya also constructed the well
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known temples of Krishnaswamy, Hazara
Ramaswamy and Vitthalaswamy at his capital-
city. Foreign travellers like Nuniz, Barbosa and
Paes wrote about his systematic and effective
administration and the prosperity of the empire
during the reign of Krishna Deva Raya.
After the fall of Krishna Deva Raya, the internal
struggle for succession followed among his
successors. After the weak reigns of Achyuta
Raya and Venkata, Sadasiva Raya succeded the
throne in 1543, but the real power of
administration was in the hands of Rama Raja
popularly known as "Aliya" Rama Raya, was the
progenitor of the "Aravidu" dynasty of
Vijayanagar Empire. This dynasty, the fourth and
last to hold over the Vijayanagara Empire, is
often not considered as a ruling dynasty of the
empire. He took active part in Muslim politics
and played off various muslim powers against
each other. He successively defeated the Bijapur
ruler and inflicted humiliating defeats on
Golconda and Ahmadnagar.It seems that Rama
Raya had no longer purpose than to maintain a
balance of power favourable to vijayanagar
between these three powers. But they soon
understood his trick and joined hands with each
other. Then the confederacy of the four states of
Bijapur, Ahmednagar, Golkunda and Bidar jontly
fought against the ruler of Vijayanagara in 1565
at Bannihathi near Talikota also known as the
Battle of Rakshi-Tangadi. In the battle,
Vijayanagar was defeated and Ram Rai was
captured and murdered. The Muslim army
entered the capital and looted and destroyed
everything there and ruined the famous and
beautiful city Vijaynagar.
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 History of Karnataka

The battle of Talikota is one of the most
momentous and decisive battles in the history of
India. It sounded the death knell of the great
Hindu empire in the south India. With the fall of
the Vijaynagara empire and internal rivalry
between the Muslim Kingdoms with one another
after their victory, they fell singly and severally
before the Mughal invaders from the north.
Later Tirumala, the brother of Rama Raya,
dethroned Sadasiva Raya and captured the
power and founded the last dynasty, Aravidu
dynasty. During his reign the Southern Nayakas
of Madurai and Gingee declared partial
independence, while some others rebelled over
Tirumala Deva Raya’s authority.
capital back to the city of Mysore
from Srirangapatna.
Krishna Raja Wadiyar III, son of the
last Wodeyar King Chamaraja
Wodeyar VIII, was anointed as the
King of Mysore, as a minor ruler of
Mysore. From that time onwards,
Wadiyars or Wodeyars were the
subsidiaries of the British East India
Company. The Wodeyers had to pay
annual subsidy to the British East
India Company.

Krishna raja Wodeyar lll – his

contributions
Wodeyar Dynasty during British rule
played a most vital role in developing
Mysore, as princely State. Wodeyar
Dynasty also spelt as Wodeyar
Dynasty, an Indian royal dynasty that
ruled the Kingdom of Mysore from
1399 to 1947, until the sovereignty of
India from rule of British Government
in India and the subsequent
unification of Indian dominion and
princely states into the Republic of
India.

After restoring the Wadiyar or the

Wodeyars to the throne of Mysore, by
the British East India Company as Krishna Raja Wodeyar III was one of
Dual Independent state political the most efficient rulers of Mysore,
governance, the British shifted the famous for the patronage of arts and

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 History of Karnataka
music in Mysore. Krishna Raja
Wodeyar III ruled Mysore from 30
June 1799 to 27 March 1868.
Early Life of Krishna Raja Wodeyar
III
Mummadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar or
Krishna Raja Wodeyar III was born at
Srirangapatna. He was the son of
Khasa Chamaraja Wadiyar IX and his
first wife, Maharani Kempa Nanja
Ammani Avaru. Chamaraja Wadiyar
IX was the adopted son of Maharani
Lakshmi Ammani Devi, the widow of
Krishnaraja Wadiyar II. Maharani
Lakshmi Ammani Devi played a major
role in the development of her adopted
grandson, Mummadi Krishnaraja
Wodeyar who was better known as
Krishna Raja Wodeyar III. He played a
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most important role in his ascendancy
to the Mysore throne.
Accession of Krishna Raja Wodeyar
III
The Wadiyars or the Wodeyars had
lost the power of Mysore to Hyder
Ali in the year 1766. Maharani
Lakshmi Ammani Devi was waiting for
a chance to unseat Hyder Ali and later
his son Tipu Sultan, and had sent
numerous feelers to the British East
India Company to unseat them and
hand over the kingdom to the
Wadiyars. She also informed the
British East Indian Company about the
treaty between Tipu Sultan and
the French East India Company.
When Tipu Sultan died at the hands of
the British in the Battle of
Seringapatna, in the year 1799, she
discussed about the handover of the
Mysore throne, which finally led to the
Krishnaraja Wodeyar, as the ruler of
Mysore on 30 June 1799. At that time,
he was only five years old. The
ceremony of coronation took place in
a special pavilion constructed near
the Lakshmiramana Swamy temple in
Mysore. Dewan Purnaiah was
selected as the Dewan of Mysore with
an indication that he should be loyal to
the king till the king himself attains an
age of discretion.
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 History of Karnataka
Krishna Raja Wodeyar III attained the
throne at the age of 16 in early 1810.
Hence Krishna Raja Wodeyar III
attained the age of discretion. After
discussing with the British Resident,
A. H. Cole, the reins of the state of
Mysore were transferred from Dewan
Purnaiah to the king of Mysore.
Rule of Krishna Raja Wodeyar III
Krishna Raja Wodeyar III ruled
Mysore state when the political life of
South India is tumultuous. The years
that followed witnessed cordial
relations between Mysore and the
British East India Company until things
began to sour in the 1820s. Even
though the Governor of Madras,
Thomas Munro determined after a
personal investigation in 1825 that
there was no substance to the
allegations of financial impropriety
made by A. H. Cole, the incumbent
Resident of Mysore, the civil
insurrection which broke out towards
the end of the decade changed things
considerably. In the year 1831, close
to the heels of the insurrection and
citing mal-administration, the British
East India Company and later the
British Government took direct control
of the princely state of Mysore. For the
next fifty years, the princely Mysore
passed under the rule of successive
British Commissioners; Sir Mark
Cubbon, renowned for his
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statesmanship.
Contribution of Krishna Raja
Wodeyar III
Krishna Raja Wodeyar III was
responsible for the cultural growth of
the Mysore. Krishna Raja Wodeyar III
was himself a writer, having written
the books on Kannada Language like
Sritattvanidhi and
Sougandhikaparinaya. Krishna Raja
Wodeyar III also has a number of
writers in his court who together
contributed to the development of
modern prose in Kannada language.
The Champu style of prose was
followed till then. Other important
writings of Krishna Raja Wodeyar III
that emerged during the rule of
Krishna Raja Wodeyar III include
Mudramanjusha by Kempu Narayana,
Kalavati Parinaya by Yadava and
Vachana Kadamabari. Krishna Raja
Wodeyar III was well versed in many
languages and could play "Veena". He
was a great patron of music also. He
was an expert player of board games
and is credited to have revived
the Ganjifa art game. Krishna Raja
Wodeyar III was also a collector and
an inventor of board games. During
his kingship, there was a gradual
progression of art, architecture and
culture of Mysore.
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 History of Karnataka
Krishnaraja Wodeyar III was a
multifaceted, multitalented genius. He
was a polyglot, scholar, an
accomplished poet, writer, artist, and
musician among other things. He has
to his credit at least 50 literary works
on various subjects.
His Sritattvanidhi is an encyclopaedic
treatise interspersed liberally with
iconography. The objective of the
work was to collate and combine all
available information about the
iconography and iconometry of
divine figures in South India.
Krishnaraja Wodeyar III also wrote the
illustrated epic prose-
romance, Sougandhikaparinaya. It
was a new prose style he devised,
breaking away from the styles handed
down until his time.
Of the most distinctive and unique
regional dance forms in India hailing
from Karnataka, Yakshagana perhaps
occupies the top spot. And its survival,
resurgence and growth owes a huge
debt of gratitude to Krishnaraja
Wodeyar III. It was during his reign
that he patronized Parti Subba, a
renowned Yakshagana writer and
performer from South Canara.
Krishnaraja Wodeyar III was an
accomplished player of the Veena and
patronized great musicians and
composers of his time like Sadashiva
Rao, Veena Venkatasubbayya and
Doddaseshanna.
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Krishnaraja Wodeyar III also
encouraged graphic arts. He had an
army of accomplished artists under his
patronage. Among other things, they
were engaged to paint court-life in all
its grandeur. Apart from this,
portraiture developed as a fine art in
Mysore during Krishnaraja Wodeyar‘s
rule Along with the paintings of court
life, these form a very valuable
resource for researchers because of
the visual clues they provide to the
past. He was also responsible for the
creation of the Jaganmohan art gallery
of Mysore, and built the original
building in 1861.
Krishnaraja Wodeyar III also
introduced English education in the
Mysore state by starting Maharaja‘s
English School which paved way for
the famous Maharaja‘s college and
finally, the Mysore University later
under Sir M. Vishweshwarayya.
The nearly-70 year long rule of
Krishnaraja Wodeyar III witnessed at
least three generations of a galaxy of
poets and other literary figures mainly
in Kannada and Sanskrit. These
litterateurs have stood the test of time,
and their writings, plays, and poems
are still read and recited in the state.
He is still honoured with the titles of
Abhinava Kalidasa (Modern
Kalidasa) and Kannada Nataka
Pitamaha (Progenitor of Kannada
drama). He translated almost all the
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 History of Karnataka

celebrated works of Kalidasa. Kempu Calcutta. With the expansion of the British
Narayana wrote his Empire missionaries began to arrive and
celebrataed Mudra Manjusha (the Christianity began to spread by establishing
Kannada version of dioceses at Madras and Bombay. Ever since
Vishakhadatta‘s Mudra Rakshasa),
there existed a renewed cooperation
the play based on Chanakya‘s life and
between the missionaries and the colonial
achievements.
power in helping one another in their
Perhaps one significant administrative missions.
decision he took was to transfer the
capital city of the Mysore state By the end of the eighteenth century a new
from Srirangapattana to Mysore city. wave of the spirit of evangelization
The original Mysore city had been permeated Protestant Churches. In 1792 the
razed to the ground earlier by Tipu English Baptists organised the first Anglican
Sultan.
mission Baptist Missionary Society.

Later Protestant missionary operations were

Missionary activities in India undertaken on a large scale by LMS (
There are two views among scholars about London missionary society) and CMS (
the origin of Christianity in India. According Church mission society). Alongside the older
to one, the foundation of the Christian church societies there have come into the field a
in India was laid by Saint Thomas, one of the bewildering number of missionary
twelve Apostles of Jesus. The other view organisations. The characteristic feature of
would ascribe the arrival of Christianity in nineteenth century missions was the
India to the enterprise of Christian merchants enthusiasm for the multiplication of
and missionaries belonging to the East missionary efforts. The priority of the colonial
Syrian and Persian churches. But it has been missions was conversion. Conversion of
widely believed that India was St. Thomas‘ individual souls was considered the sole end
sphere of work. As Cardinal Tisserant says of mission. To a European missionary non-
there was a very ancient evangelization Christian religions and Eastern cultures were
started by St. Thomas, the Apostle and non-slavific and that Christianity alone would
mainly in South India. redeem them. The British rule had provided
favourable atmosphere and necessary
The Charter act of 1833 approved the
infrastructure for the missions to work even
permanent presence of missionaries in India
in the remotest mountain villages without
and made provision for Anglican hierarchy at
confronting much opposition. Julius Richter

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 History of Karnataka

says that, it would be hard to find any land the opinion was that these literatures
possessing so great an attraction for the inculcate the most serious errors on the
missionary societies. subjects. Also the customs and traditions
and the religious beliefs of the subject people
After the Charter of 1833 was renewed,
were considered by the missionary
missionaries were allowed freely to come to
educators and their societies in England as a
India. Missionary teams became powerful
sign of depravity and futility. The remedy was
and their style of work changed. By this time
the introduction of English education.
a new set of missionaries rooted in ‗the
iconoclastic zeal of extreme Protestantism‘43 Alexander Duff, Scottish missionary and
began to arrive. These missionaries, soon leading educator whose ideas can be
through letters, reports and stories, created a considered representative of the majority of
very distorted image about the people and missionaries in the nineteenth century,
culture in India. They were imbued with the thought that though Hindu philosophical
western ‗imperial sentiments‘ and the sense discourse contained lofty terms in its
of cultural superiority and agreed with religious vocabulary what they conveyed
Charles Grant, the spokesman of the were only vain, foolish and wicked
Evangelicals in England, that it was not any conceptions. According to Duff, Hinduism
inborn weakness that made Hindu spread like a dark universe where all life dies
degenerate but the nature of their religion. and death lives. The Christian task for him
For the evangelicals India was in darkness was to do everything possible to demolish
and would need the light present in the such a gigantic fabric of idolatry and
western world. superstition. Needless to say, such an
attitude prevented any positive encounter
The Evangelicals and other mission societies
between Christianity and Indian culture. Duff,
made a combined attempt to change the
Buchanan, Trevelyan, Macaulay and others
policy of the British Government and
had great influence on the missionary
demanded the introduction of legal and
thinking. The missionaries and civil servants
social reforms in India. It was thus that
who came to India were so prejudiced that
William Bentick in March 1835 issued his
they did not see anything good in India
resolution intended mainly to promote
society.
European literature and science and utilize
funds mainly for English education. The The missionaries and their societies
study of Indian literature and oriental works subscribed to the view that civilizing the
was admitted to be of little intrinsic value and Indian people would prepare the primitive

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 History of Karnataka
religious people to embrace Christianity.
Nineteenth century Protestant missiology
could be understood against the background
of Christianisation and civilizing as two sides
of the same coin. Missions were unwilling to
understand the complexities of Indian
cultural variants. Deeply entrenched in them
was a sense of superiority of European
civilization and that coloured their approach
to people of other cultures and religious
faiths. The missions and colonial
administrators asserted that Hinduism would
die away soon and the whole nation could be
civilized and Christianised. English education
was a means towards this goal. That is to
facilitate change from exterior to interior,
from trade to religion, a cultural revolution for
the betterment of the natives by
disseminating knowledge of Christianity and
make them loyal to the British The comment
of Arthur Mayhew is worth mentioning: ―The
evangelical supporters of Anglican mission
were far more interested in the dissemination
of the Bible and baptismal statistics than in
any measure for the general enlightenment
of India‖50. The primary interest of the Raj
was to keep control over India. The dominant
interest of missions was to work for the
conversion of Indians to Christianity. But in
the colonial situation they found themselves
in need of one another and so mutual
support was but natural.
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Although the missionaries worked hard and
suffered a lot for bringing education and
awareness of social justice to the people
living in the rural areas of India, as they were
associated with the colonialimperial powers,
the significance of their selfless service was
either overlooked or misunderstood.
Museums and Archives in
Karnataka; Preservation and
protection of historical
monuments – work of
Archaeological Survey of India –
World Heritage Sites in
Karnataka.
The concept of museums in India may be traced
back to the historic times, in which references
to the chitrasala (picture gallery) do occur. The
earliest necessity to house objects of
antiquarian remains dates back to late 1796 AD
when the Asiatic Society of Bengal felt the need
to house the enormous collection of
archaeological, ethnological, geological,
zoological pursuits. However, the first museum
by them was started in 1814. The nucleus of
this Asiatic Society Museum later provided to
the Indian Museum Calcutta.
Museums are the storehouse of manuscripts,
sculptures, statues, art, artefacts and
everything that is related to the erstwhile past
of Karnataka. Karnataka has been an epicentre
of South India's economy and culture since the
ancient rule. Karnataka has been ruled by so
many great dynasties like Kadambas, Gangas,
Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas, Hoysalas and great
kingdoms Vijayanagara and Mughal. Gallery like
Archaeological Museum in Hampi, Jaganmohan
Palace and Art Gallery in Mysore and Indira
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 History of Karnataka

Gandhi Manav Sangrahalaya are home to some

(Bangalore) is named after Sir M. Visveshwaraya, one
of the most spectacular pieces of the art. The
of the greatest Indian engineers. The museum is a
Folklore Museum in Mysore exhibits elements
tribute to his relentless efforts to bring science and
of folklore, dance, drama and music.
technology to the common man.
Mysore and Bangalore are two important towns The museum has a great wealth of folk art and
in Karnataka where museums are in abundance. folklore articles on display and is well known as one
Other than the art museums that speak about of the biggest of its kind in Asia. The Tradition
historical sculptures, there are some galleries museum has one of the most important ethnographic
which tell about science and defence Museums of South Indian toys, puppets and
development as well. Visvesvaraya Industrial household things.
and Technological Museum in Bangalore is an
interactive science centre, dedicated to the Railway Museum (Mysore) which established in 1979.
different science disciplines like space gallery, This is the second museum of its kind in India. The
science centre for kids, engine hall, etc. In short, first one is in Delhi.
all the museums of Karnataka portray the
history, civilization, culture and heritage of Other famous museums are Warship Museum
Karnataka. (Karwar), Cubbon Park and Museum (Bangalore),
Indira Gandhi Manav Sangrahalaya (Mysore),
Famous Museums in Karnataka Regional Museum of Natural History (Mysore).
The most famous mausoleum of Karnataka is the
Karnataka Government Museum which was opened Bijapur's Gol Gumbad. Gol Gumbad, a slightly
in 1866 in Bangaluru, is one of the oldest museums ofbulbous dome, is the largest in the world after St
India. It has a painting section called Venkatappa Art Peter's in Rome. It was built in AD 1626 by
Gallery and houses a significant collection of Mohammad Adil Shah. Another one is the Ibrahim
conventional Mysore paintings. The museum Rauza, often described as the finest Islamic building
contains Halmidi inscription, which is the earliest in the Deccan. This modest edifice is the earliest royal
Kannada inscription dating back to 450 AD. The Mausoleum in Bijapur. Ali I constructed his own tomb
museum is dedicated to the founder of Bangalore in the fields of the southwest quarter of the city. The
city, Yelahanka Chieftain Kempegowda. tomb is a low, almost square structure and each of its
four walls is being pierced by five arches. The burial
Archaeological Museum (Hampi)- The Archaeologicalground of Tipu Sultan, Gumbaz at Seringapatam, is
Museum is located at Kamalapura is dedicated to theone of the prehistoric monuments in the state. The
ruins of Hampi and the Vijayanagara Empire. The mausoleum was originally built by Tipu Sultan to hold
Museum in Hampi is the first museum establishedthe graves of his father Hyder Ali and mother Fakr-
by the Archeological Survey of India. The museumUN-Nisa. Gumbaz at Seringapatam is an imposing
houses a collection of sculptures and artifacts. It architecture, located amidst the manicured Lalbagh
beautifully captures the history of Hampi. Garden.

The Jaganmohan Palace, built in 1902 to mark the
coronation ceremony of Krishnaraja III, was
converted into the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery.
The museum exhibits the genealogical table of the
Mysore kings from 1399 till today, painted in a leaf
form in the Mysore style of art.
Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum
Th e hi stori c al mo nu men t s i n K arn at aka
c on sist of t empl es as w ell as anc i ent city
ru ins, c aves p al ac es, for ts an d to mbs.
Wh ereas t h e t empl es in th e st at e ar e gems
o f variou s f or ms of ar chit ectur e and
sculpture.The monuments depict the saga of
Karnataka’s vast history. This can be traced back from

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 History of Karnataka

the Indus Valley Civilization in ancient Karnataka as style of building arts. In the late 17th century the
evidence of such monuments are present in large Sultanate was defeated by the Mughals. The most
amount in the region. It also has several monumentsfamous monument of this period is the Gol Gumbaz.
of third century BC when most of the region was the Several monuments were also constructed by the
part of Nanda Empire and later came under the Nizam of Hyderabad in the northern parts of
Mauryan Empire of Ashoka's period. Several Karnataka, by the Mysore Kingdom in the southern
monuments of Satvahana period had also been parts, and later by the Britishers during the colonial
unearthed. The deisintegration of Satavahanas gave rule.
way for the native kingdoms of the state. These
kingdoms such as Kadambas and Western Gangas UNESCO's World Heritage Sites - Several
emerged as an independent power and helped to monuments of Karnataka fall under the list of
develop monuments in a separate architectural style.UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. These are the famous
The contribution of the Kadambas in the architecturalgroups of monuments at Pattadakal and at Hampi.
heritage of Karnataka is precious which was the
foundation of the later Chalukya-Hoysala style. . Group of monuments at Pattadaka - Pattadakal was
the capital-city of the Chalukya dynasty of medieval
The most common features of this style is the ShikaraIndia. The group of monuments is a collection of
or Kadamba Shikara which is pyramid shaped with a ten Hindu and Jain temples and was built during the
Kalasha at its peak and is similar to the Chalukyan 7th and 8th centuries and has a harmonious blend of
style and the Pallava style. The famous architectural forms of northern and southern India;
Madhukeshwara or Lord Shiva temple still exists in Rekha Nagara Prasada and the Dravida Vimana styles
Banavasi city, built by the Kadambas in 10th century.of temple building. The oldest temple at Pattadakal is
The wonderful carvings of the temple attracts touristSangamesvara built by Vijayaditya Satyasraya. The
to that place.The contribution of Ganga dynasty other notable temples at Pattadakal are the
certainly deserves recognition. The famous Kadasiddhesvara, Jambulingeswara both attributed
Gomateshwara temple, Jain Basadi's of to 7th century A.D. while Galaganatha temple was
Shravanabelagola, Kambadahalli and lots of Hindu built a century later in the style of rekha nagara
temples of south Karnataka are the evidence to theirprasada. The Kasivisvesvara temple was the last to be
rich contributions. built in early Chalukyan style. The Mallikarjuna
temple was constructed by Rani Trilokyamahadevi to
In the later period, the other dynasties like Chalukyascelebrate the victory over the Pallavas by
of Badami, Western Chalukya Empire and Vikramaditya II. She is also credited to have built the
Rashtrakuta Empire of Manyakheta emerged as Virupaksha temple influenced by the architecture of
independent powers which ruled over the major the Kailasanatha temple at Kanchipuram. The
portions of the Deccan. The Western Chalukya rulers Virupaksha temple later served as a model for the
developed a unique style of architecture that becameRashtrakuta ruler Krishna I (757 -783 A.D.) to carve
popular and was accepted by the Hoysala art of 12th out the great Kailasa at Ellora.
century. The Hoysala dynasty constructed several
religious monuments during their reign in the region.Group of monuments at Hampi - Hampi is situated on
This style of architecture was known as the Vesara the southern bank of the river Tungabhadra. It was
style. During the the period of Vijayanagara Empire once the capital-city of the mighty Vijayanagara
many famous monuments were constructed. empire in 14th century. The famous city had Dravidian
style temples and palaces which won the admiration
The architecture and sculpture of Karnataka of contemporary chroniclers who came from far off
experienced a major shift with the decline of countries-such as Arabia, Italy, Portugal and Russia
Vijaynagara Empire in 1565. Islamic sultanates took visited the empire between the 14th and 16th
control of the Deccan and encouraged the Islamic

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 History of Karnataka

centuries. divided into two groups, which are Kontigudi and

the Galaganatha. Aihole has a great number of
A large number of royal buildings were constructed famous temples like Durga temple which
by Krishnadeva Raya, the greatest ruler of the dedicated to Vishnu, the Ladh khan temple, Meguti
dynasty. The period witnessed resurgence of Hindu Jain Temple, Hucchimalli Temple, Ravanphadi Cave,
religion, art, architecture in an unprecedented scale. The Gowda temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagavati is
Temples of Hampi are noted for their large built on similar lines as the Lad Khan temple.
dimensions, ornate adornment, bold and delicate
carvings, stately pillars, magnificent pavilions, The other most famous temples include
iconographic and traditional depictions, which Annapoorneshwari Temple, Hornadu, Kuruvathi
include subjects from the Ramayana and the Basaveshwara temple, Galageshwar Shiva Temple,
Mahabharata. Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple, Murudeshwara
Temple, Aanjaneya Temple near
The Vitthala temple is an excellent specimen. TheAnegundi,Marikamba Temple Sagar, Hasanamba
colossal statues of Lakshmi, Narasimha and temple, Jenukallu Siddeshwara Temple,
Ganesha are noted for their massiveness and Gomatheswara at Shravanabelagola, Mahabaleshwar
grace. The Krishna temple, Pattabhirama temple,Temple at Gokarna, Chamundeshwari Devi Temple at
Hazara Ramachandra and Chandrasekhara templeMysore, Navagraha Jain Temple at Hubli,
as also the Jain temples are other examples. Markandeshwara temple, Mookambika Devi Temple
at Kollur, Guddattu Mahaganapathi Temple, Sigandur
The religious monuments such as the cave temples Chowdeshwari Temple, Srikanteshwara Temple at
and the rock-cut temples constructed at Badami and Nanjangud, Keshava Temple at Kaginele,
at Aihole represent the popular Badami Chalukyan Chandramouleshwara Temple at Hubli, Sadashiva
style of architecture. UNESCO has also proposed to Temple at Nuggehalli, Shambhulinga Temple at
protect the monuments of the religious Hoysala Kundgol, Anegundi heritage destination near Hampi,
temples at Belur and Halebidu as the World HeritageKeladi Lord Rameshwara temple Sagar, Sri Krishna
sites. Caves in Karnataka are the finest specimen of Temple at Udupi and Kadri Manjunatha Temple at
its history, culture and spirituality. Cave Temples of Mangaluru.
Badami are an important attraction of Karnataka
Tourism. There are four major caves in Badami and Forts are the vast monuments of strength and power,
every cave is finely furnished with scriptures, which were made by erstwhile leaders to protect
sculptures and images of Hindu gods, Mahavir, and their defensive weapon while fighting with enemies.
other Jain Thirthankaras. Another finest example of Karnataka has a long history with forts. Many
caves in Karnataka is the Kavala Caves. Nestled monarchs have ruled over Karnataka, some of them
amidst the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Kavala is conquered the old forts while others made new forts
amongst the few caves in India and are believed to beto expand their kingdom. With the help of forts, one
formed by the limestone. Exploring caves are peak into the life of the royal families and witness
gradually becoming one of the most popular their spectacular opulence.
activities in Karnataka.

Karnataka has many temples known for a unique

style of architecture. Aihole was once the capital of Basavakalyan Fort (Bidar)- Earlier the fort was known
the Chalukya Dynasty, and has great cultural as Kalyani fort. The capital of Chalukyas was shifted
significance as the cradle of Hindu temple from Manyakheta to Kalyana in the 10th century. The
architecture. The temples and architecture in fort, integral to the Basavakalyana town, is also
Aihole are closely associated with Hindu famous as Karmabhoomi of Basavanna (founder of
mythology. The prominent temples at Aihole are Virashaiva community) and hundreds of other

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 History of Karnataka

Sharanas (saints of Virashaiva community). Hampi, Kurugodu,Birala Gudda Kote and Gudekote
forts (Bellary district), Devanahalli and Makalidurga
Bellary Fort (Bellary)- It was built on top of a hill forts (Bengaluru Rural district), Bangalore Fort
called the "Ballari Gudda" or the Fort Hill. It was built(Bangalore Urban district), Bidar, Bhalki and
in two parts namely, the Upper Fort and the Lower Manyakheta Forts (Bidar district), Bijapur Fort
Fort. The Upper Fort was built by Hanumappa (Bijapur district), Skandagiri, Nadhi Hill, Gudibanda
Nayaka, a feudatory of Vijayanagara Empire, but the and Gummanayakana Kote (Chikkaballapura district),
Lower Fort was built by Hyder Ali in later part of the Hosadurga forts (Chitradurga district), Jamalabad
18th century. Fort (Dakshin Kannada district), Uchangidurga and
Channagiri Forts (Davanagere district), Gajendragad,
Gulbarga Fort (Gulbarga)- The fort was constructed Korlahalli, Hammigi, Hemagudda, Mundargi,
during the reign of Maharaja Gulchand of the Singatalur, Tippapura and Nargund Forts (Gadag
Warangal dynasty. Many mosques, palaces and district), Gulbarga, Sedam and Shahpur forts
tombs and various other structures were constructed(Gulbarga district).
inside the fort. Some of the structures found inside
the fort are Jami Masjid and Tomb of Kwaja Bande Palaces are the epitomes of luxury, victory, and
Nawaz. chivalry of the rulers who ruled the region. They are
gems amongst the various forms of architecture. The
Bidar Fort (Bidar)- Sultan Alla-Ud Din Bahman of official "heritage city" tag is associated with Mysore.
the Bahmanid Dynasty shifted his capital One of the finest palaces in the state is the Mysore
from Gulbarga to Bidar in 1427 and built this fort Palace. The magnificent Mysore Palace is a treasure
along with a number of Islamic monuments. It was house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all
considered one of the most formidable forts of India.over the world. It was the official residence of the
The Solah Khamba mosque, the Mahals (Palaces), Wodeyars — the Maharajas of Mysore. Some other
secular structures, baths, kitchens and pleasure important Palaces are Jagmohan Palace, Lalitha
pavilions are notable structures inside the fort. Mahal, Cheluvamba Mansion and Rajendra Vilas.
Apart from Mysore, Bangaluru also has some great
Chitradurga Fort (Chitradurga)- The history of Palaces like Bangalore Palace (the exact copy of
Chitradurga Fort dates back to around 17th or 18th England's Windsor Castle) and Tipu Sultan's Summer
century which was constructed by rulers belonging toPalace, once the official summer residence of Tipu
the Rashtrakuta, Chalukyas, Hoysala and ChitradurgaSultan, makes it to the top attraction of Bangalore.
Nayaka dynasties.
Conservation & Preservation
Raichur Fort (Raichur)-The Fort was built during the
reign of Kakatiyas of Warangal, played a major role in
the history of Karnataka. The Krishna-Tungabhadra
Doab region witnessed many battles fought to
capture and control the fort, several battles
involving Vijayanagar kings, Bahmanis and Adilshahis.

Some other well-known forts in the state of

Karnataka are Manjarabad Fort (Sakleshpur), Mirjan
Fort (Uttara Kannada), Aihole and Badami forts
(Bagalkot district), Kittur, Parasgad, Belgaum,
Saundatti, Ramdurg, Bailhongal, Hooli, Gokak,
Shirasangi, Bhimgad and Vallabhgat forts (Belgaum
district), Sanduru, Bellary, Adoni, Tekkalakotte,

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 History of Karnataka

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), as an (1909), Bijapur (1912), Nalanda (1917) and Sanchi
attached office under the Department of (1919).
Culture, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, is the The concept of site museums is well elucidated by
premier organization for the archaeological Hargreaves, one of the former Director Generals of
researches and protection of the cultural heritage of ASI: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is vested
the nation. the prime concern of the ASI is with responsibility of identification, documentation,
maintenance of ancient monuments and conservation, maintenance and management of such
archaeological sites and remains of national heritage sites and monuments. Karnataka is among
importance. It also regulate all archaeological most popular state in the country for heritage sites
activities in the country as per the provisions of the and monuments. It is home to 608 of the 3600
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and centrally protected monuments in India; The State
Remains Act, 1958. It also regulates Antiquities and Directorate of Archaeology and Museums protects an
Art Treasure Act, 1972. additional 758 monuments and another estimated
25,000 monuments are identified. In 1885,
The entire country is divided into 24 Circles for the constitution of an exclusive Department for this
maintenance of ancient monuments and purpose paved the way for consolidation of earlier
archaeological sites and remains of national efforts made under the patronage of rulers of the
importance. The organization has a large work force time. In recent years the State is attracting large
of trained archaeologists, conservators, epigraphist, number of tourists-both national and international,
architects and scientists for conducting who frequent well known tourist destinations
archaeological research projects through its comprising World heritage centers, historical
Excavation Branches, Prehistory Branch, Epigraphy locations like Chalukya, Rashtrakuta, Gangas
Branches, Science Branch, Horticulture Branch, Kadamba dynasties, Deccan Sultanate Rattas, Forts,
Building Survey Project, Temple Survey Projects and Places of worship such as Jain Basadis, Buddhist
Underwater Archaeology Wing. temples, Shiva temples, Shakti Sthal & Temple tanks
(Pushkarnis). The Tourism Department also is
Different legal instruments exist for the protection ofpromoting tourism by educating prospective visitors
the historical sites, including the Ancient Monumentsabout the heritage and culture of the state.
and Archaeological Remains and Sites Act, 1958
(AMASR Act, 1958), AMASR (Amendment and The Karnataka Archaeology Department (KAD) is
Validation) Act, 2010 and Rules 1959 of the vested with the task of identification of new
Government of India and Karnataka Ancient and monuments and sites, and their conservation and
Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and maintenance. The GOK has a policy for conservation
Remains Act, 1961. Recently, the Draft (Bill) of Hampiof such monuments by allocating resources and also
World Heritage Area Management Authority Act, by drawing upon assistance from other sources and
2001 has been framed to look after the protection GOI. Public Private Partnership in conservation and
and management of the World Heritage Area. maintenance also is gaining momentum.

In Archaeological Survey of India also, due to the

various explorative investigations that was initiated
since the times of its first Director General, Alexander
Cunningham, vast quantity of antiquarian remains
were collected. The creation of site museums had to
wait until the arrival of Sir John Marshall, who
initiated the founding of the local museums like
Sarnath (1904), Agra (1906), Ajmer (1908), Delhi Fort

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 History of Karnataka
Paintings
of Karnataka
Karnataka paintings follow a long line of
development. The earliest paintings in
Karnataka can be traced back to the
megalithic people who occupied
Karnataka in the 1st millennium B.C. There
primitive paintings adorned the walls of
caves etc. They mostly depicted the animal
life of the region.
Different types of paintings found in
Karnataka can be classified into- Murals,
illustrated manuscript and Miniatures.
However, these paintings can't be studied
within political boundaries of states today as
they grew and developed under the
patronage of different kings and various
empire which had varied extension.
Murals
Murals are paintings which have been done
on caves and on the ceilings and walls of
temples, palaces and mansions With a
distinct style with linear grace and high
impact color, the murals of Karnataka has
high artistic value.The earliest murals found
in Karnataka are seen at Badami. The third
of the celebrated caves of Badami dedicated
to Vishnu contained a few paintings modeled
on those of Ajantha and Ellora. These were
described and analyzed by art critics such as
Thomas Munroe, Bird, Wilson and James
Burgess in the nineteenth century. These
were made in the 6th century under the
Chalukya kings and the Rashtrkuta kings
who followed them continued the patronage.
The next stage of mural painting in
Karnataka encompasses the Vijayanagara
period and the reign of the Bahmani and
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Adilshahi Sultans. The basic feature of these
paintings are:
1.The sinuously drawn lines, fluid forms and
compact composition exemplify the
roficiency and maturity the artist had
achieved in the 6th century CE.
2.The faces are drawn very gracefully.
3.Their eye sockets are large, eyes are half
closed, and the lips are protruding.
PaintingsThemes
Ajanta paintings
The themes of most of these paintings
revolve around the life and teachings of
Lord Buddha. This includes the Jataka
stories related to the various lives and
incarnations of Buddha.
Ellora Paintings
The rock paintings of Ellora were painted
in two different series. The first series,
which were done when the caves were
carved, revolve around Lord Vishnu and
Goddess Lakshmi. The second series,
painted centuries later, illustrate
procession of Shaiva holy men, Apsaras,
etc.
It also included Jataka tales and Jain text.
Badami Paintings
Petronised by Chalukyas. It was inspired
by Vaishaivism. Paintings in this cave
depict palace scenes.
Pandyas paintings
Jains texts, female figures, etc.
Pallavas paintings
Beautiful lotus pond and flowers, dancing
figures, lilies, fish, geese, buffaloes and
elephants.
Chola paintings
The paintings celebrate Lord Śiva.
Vijayanagara Paintings
The paintings about the life and times of
the Vijayanagara court.
Nayaka Paintings
Depicting the story of Mucukunda, a
legendary Chola king.
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 History of Karnataka
Illustrated manuscript
An illustrated manuscript is a manuscript
in which the text is supplemented with
such decoration as initials, borders and
miniature illustrations. In the strictest
definition, the term refers only to
manuscripts decorated with gold or silver;
but in both common usage and modern
scholarship, the term refers to any
decorated or illustrated manuscripts. It
also include paintings done on handy
materials, like palm leaf, wood panels, cloth,
paper etc as the earliest manuscripts were
written on them.
The use of hand-made paper for books began
with the Muslim advent in the Deccan. This
style was mostly favoured by the rulers of
Bijapur and Ahmednagar. However, this
activity remained confined to the royal courts
and the use of palm leaf continued among the
common people. Though manuscripts do not
usually contain illustrations, the Dhavala
manuscripts at Mudabidri have remarkable
illustrations on them. The manuscripts make
up three texts, and two out of three contain
beautiful coloured illustrations.
Miniatures Paintings
Miniatures paintings are beautiful
handmade paintings, which are quite
colorful but small in size. The highlight of
these paintings is the intricate and
delicate brushwork, which lends them a
unique identity. The colors are
handmade, from minerals, vegetables,
precious stones, indigo, conch shells,
pure gold and silver. The most common
theme of the Miniature painting of India
comprises of the Ragas i.e., the musical
codes of Indian classical music. There
were a number of miniature schools in the
country, including those of Mughals,
Rajputs and the Deccan.
Most of the miniatures in Karnataka
paintings are of the Muslim rulers of
Bijapur. A distinct style of painting
developed when Karnataka paintings
came into contact with the Mughal
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influence. Thus most of the miniatures
were produced during the rule of the Adil
Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, in the northern
part of Karnataka.
Style of Karnataka Paintings
Karnataka paintings encompasses great variety in
style. However, different style was found to
overlap in time frame. Based on a general view,
three main painting styles emerge in the
Karnataka paintings which can be understood
with reference to outstanding piece of work made
in that particular style.
Dhavala Manuscripts
This style of painting is seen in the Dhavala
manuscripts, which are illustrated manuscripts
date back to over 750 years. The illustrations
occupy the right and left margins of the palm
leaves, and the middle portion contains the text.It
was done on ancient Jain texts. The subject of the
paintings is Jain tirthankaras, Munis, Yakshas
and Yakshinis.
Lepakshi paintings
Most significant murals painting is visible in
Lepakshi in Karnataka paintings. The murals
are seen on the high ceiling of the huge
gateway of the Veerabhadra temple.Most of
the murals has themes from mythology
which includes the Hindu Gods- Lord Shiva,
Lord Vishnu and Arjuna.The background has
been made in a light shade which illuminates
the figures in front.
Deccani School of Painting
Deccani painting is a Deccan form of
miniature painting, evolved in during the
Bahmani Sultanate in 1347 AD. The style
developed under the patronage of Deccan
sultanates namely, Bijapur, Golkonda,
Ahmadnagar, Bidar, and Berar and lasted
until the extinct of the Qutb Shahi dynasty in
1687 AD.
The style of Deccani painting flourished in
the 16th and 17th centuries, later in the 18th
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 History of Karnataka
and 19th centuries after the Mughal
conquest of Deccan the style gradually
withered away and new form of Hyderabad
style painting evolved in the Deccan region
particularly in the Nizam territory. Most of the
colouring of Deccani paintings are Islamic
Turkish and Persian tradition specially the
arabesques, but those are surmounted by a
pure Deccani piece of foliage
Religious Influence on Karnataka
Paintings
Religion has deep impact on themes in all
the Karnataka paintings, irrespective of the
time or style of its creation. The image of
Lord Krishna in child form, and also his love
life is quite visible. Depiction of Hindu Gods
and Goddesses- Saraswati, Lakshmi, Lord
Vishnu, Lord Shiva- is seen as a persistent
theme in all of Karnataka paintings even
after advent of Muslim ruler. Arjuna's archery
feat with Draupadi by his side even in the
later paintings such as the mansions at
Nippani, Athani and the Nargund palace, the
religious themes continue.
Post Independent Karnataka-
Political Consolidation,
Reports and Disputes
Political Integration
India gained independence in 1947.
The new government soon began
delaying concerning the Karnataka
Ekikarana movement. Kannada
speaking areas were now grouped
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under five administrative units of the
Bombay and Madras provinces,
Kodagu, and the princely states of
Mysore and Hyderabad. The Akhila
Karnataka Ekikarana Parishat met
in Kasargod and reiterated the
demand for a separate state
for Kannadigas.
While Karnataka became independent
with the rest of the country on 15
August 1947, this did not occur in
some parts of the state that were
under the rule of the Nizam
of Hyderabad. Hyderabad consisted of
large portions of what were later to be
the north eastern districts
of Bidar, Gulbarga and Raichur of Kar
nataka state. The Lingayat minority in
these regions also largely believed
that they had been neglected and
resented the oppression of
the Nizam and the Razakars. The
Nizam refused to accede to India until
his rule was overthrown by force.
Following the 'police action' against
the Nizam, Hyderabad province and
its citizens became independent on 17
September 1948. This day is
celebrated by the Karnataka
government as the Hyderabad-
Karnataka liberation day.
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 History of Karnataka
On November 1, 1956, the state of
Mysore was formed following linguistic
re-organization. It included four
districts from the former Bombay
state, three districts of Hyderabad
state, a district and a taluk of the Old
Madras state, the state of Coorg and
the princely state of Mysore.
In the same year, the government
appointed the Dhar commission to
look into the demands of
the Ekikarana movement as well as
those of the other parallel movements
in the other states. The Dhar
commission in its report, opposed any
reorganisation of the states. This was
criticised by all quarters including the
Jaipur Congress.
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The government now formed the 'JVP'
committee. This committee
had Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhai
Patel and Dr Pattabhi Sitaramayya on
the board. This committee examined
the demands again and created a
report. The JVP report, however,
favoured only the creation of the
Andhra state while the Karnataka
Ekikarana movement was deliberately
ignored. The Ekikarana movement
saw this as a betrayal of the Congress
which had declared the creation of
linguistic provinces as one of its goals
in its 1951 manifesto.
It was only in 1973, under the chief
ministership of Devaraj Urs that the
state was renamed as Karnataka. The
term Karnataka has its roots in terms
that find mention in literary texts that
are several hundred years ago.
According to UR Ananthamurthy,
the Kavirajamarga refers to the land
from Cauvery to Godavari where
Kannada is spoken as
Kannada desha. ―It is probably one of
the earliest instances of defining a
land in terms of a language spoken by
a people,‖ Ananthamurthy says.
Although there was a demand for the
unification of all Kannada-speaking
areas, there was opposition too,
mostly from the Mysore region.
The demand for unification in the
1950s and before came from the
inequality that Kannada-speaking
people faced in other administrative
regions. They felt that their social
economic development was ignored in
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 History of Karnataka
these regions because of their lack of
numerical strength.
However, it was felt by some in the
Mysore region that merging the
Kannada-speaking regions would
place strain on Mysore‘s resources. In
his essay titled ―Kannada and Mysore‖
author KN Subrahmanya notes that
there was a demand to have two
Kannada states, one with areas
adjacent to Mysore and the other
comprised of areas to the north of
Mysore. There was also a fear among
Vokkaligas – who are concentrated in
the Mysore region – that they would
be numerically outnumbered if all
Kannada-speaking areas were united.
Nijalingappa had played an important
role in the Unification of Karnataka.
Hence after the Unification of
Karnataka in 1956, Nijalingappa
became the natural choice for the post
of Chief Minister.
Karnataka has a parliamentary system
of government with two democratically
elected houses, the Legislative
Assembly and the Legislative Council.
The Legislative Assembly consists of
224 members who are elected for five-
year terms. The Legislative Council is
a permanent body of 75 members with
one-third (25 members) retiring every
two years
Finally, The states
were reorganised based on the
linguistic and other criteria and thus
the divided areas of Kannada
speaking population came together to
form the present day Karnataka under
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the name of Mysore. On 1973
November 1, the name Mysore was
changed to Karnataka. The state
choose the city of Bangalore as its
capital and gave Kannada the status
of administrative language. The
Vidhana Soudha build by Kengal
Hanumanthya became the state
parliament house. The Attara Kachery
was made the state high court.
Politics in Karnataka has been
dominated by three political parties,
the Indian National Congress,
the Janata Dal (Secular) and
the Bharatiya Janata Party. Politicians
from Karnataka have played
prominent roles in federal government
of India with some of them having held
the high positions of Prime
Minister and Vice-President. Border
disputes involving Karnataka's claim
on the Kasaragod and Solapur districts
and Maharashtra's claim on
Belgaum are ongoing since the states
reorganisation. The official emblem of
Karnataka has a Ganda Berunda in
the centre. Surmounting this are four
lions facing the four directions, taken
from the Lion Capital of
Ashoka at Sarnath. The emblem also
carries two Sharabhas with the head
of an elephant and the body of a lion.
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 History of Karnataka
Backward classes and
Devaraja Urs reforms
After Independence, a successful
agitation was launched by the Mysore
Congress to wrest political power from
the royal family, thereby making the
state a systematic part of the larger
political system, that is, Indian Union.
The Constitution of India with
subscribing to a parliamentary
democracy and universal adult
franchise was introduced in 1950.
These developments further
strengthened the power and influence
of numerically dominant non-Brahmin
communities of Karnataka like
Vokkaligas and Lingayaths and
lessened the political significance of
minority Brahmin community. Among
them, it was the largest Vokkaliga
caste-group, which exercised political
dominance till the reorganisation of
states and formation of Greater
Karnataka in 1956.
Regarding the reservation policy, up to
1956, Miller Committee
recommendations were implemented
in Mysore state, without any increase
in reservation quota given to the
backward castes. The government too
was not in a position to reduce
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backward class benefits since they
already secured intellectual and social
support for their movement by that
time. When Kaka Kalelkar Report was
published reaction to it was quick and
pointed. He had suggested in his
covering letter that all women as a
class, all villagers as a class etc.
should be treated as Backward
Classes. On 22nd May 1956, a
Conference of Backward Classes,
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled
Tribes was held at Ranebennur to
protest against the recommendations
of Kalelkar.
The Mysore Government, in fact,
reduced the Brahmin dominance
indirectly by introducing a legislation
for tenancy abolition that made the
Brahmins lose their inam lands to the
tenants. In 1956, under the State
Reorganisation Plan, the State of
Mysore was enlarged to include the
Lingayat dominated districts of
Hyderabad Karnataka and Bombay-
Karnataka region along with Coorg,
making Lingayat community the
largest caste group in Karnataka. In
1961, the relative share of Lingayat
community in the population of
Karnataka rose to 15.57 percent
reducing the dominant Vokkaliga
community that had 12.98 percent
population, to the third position, the
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 History of Karnataka

second position being occupied by the

Scheduled Castes.
The Nagana Gowda committee
submitted its ‗Interim Report‘ in 1960
identifying backwardness on grounds
The unification further increased the
of literacy in relation to caste or
heterogeneity of the general social
community and the representation of
composition of Karnataka State,
the latter in services. Accepting the
particularly that of backward class
interim recommendations, the
category, demanding a reformulation
Government issued an order treating
of reservation policy. The Government
very few castes and communities as
issued an order in July 1958 treating
Backward Classes and reserving only
all non-Brahmins except Christians
25 per cent of seats in educational
and Muslims as backward, specifying
institutions for them. Surprisingly, this
57 per cent reservation. When this
order was also challenged in the High
order was disapproved by the Court,
Court in Partha case, but the court
the Government issued another order
upheld the order.
in 1959 . The 1959 order divided the
population of the state into 14 groups
and compartmental reservation to
The adoption of economic and
each group was introduced, providing
occupational criteria for identifying
45 per cent reservation in educational
Backward Classes created
institutions and 57 per cent in
tremendous amount of frustration
government jobs.
among the non-dominant backward
classes throughout the state. It was
also widely felt that the Government
After the High Court struck down the
order of 1963 did not benefit the truly
orders, the State Government
Backward Classes, or castes, which
appointed a ―Mysore Backward
required to be helped, but mostly
Classes Committee‖ under the
benefited certain dominant
chairmanship of a backward class
communities such as Brahmins,
political leader Nagana Gowda to
Lingayats and Vokkaligas.
identify socially and educationally
backward people and to recommend
the extent of reservation to them.
All these developments aroused a
feeling of hostility among the non-
dominant backward classes against
The Nagana Gowda Committee:
sections of people, who they felt were
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 History of Karnataka
responsible for taking away the
benefits intended to them with the help
of successive political regimes headed
by Lingayat chief ministers. Thus it
became inevitable for the non-
dominant backward caste groups to
fight an organised political battle
against dominant sections and create
a space for themselves in the state
politics. The split in the Congress into
Congress (O) and Congress (R)
provided a platform for the
marginalised sections to fight for their
cause. When the landed elite
belonging to dominant communities
supported Congress (O), the
Backward Classes stood in favour of
Congress (R) led by Prime Minister
Indira Gandhi.
Further, change in the political
leadership reinforced this tendency.
Devaraj Urs, who was till then a light
weight in Karnataka politics, supported
Mrs. Indira Gandhi and her Congress
(R). When Devaraj Urs was elected to
the office of chief ministership the
state of Karnataka came to have, for
the first time, a ministry headed by a
person belonging to a non-dominant
minority community. 1972-79 ;
Emergence of Non-Dominant Classes:
If the period from 1947 to 1956 saw
Vokkaliga dominance, from 1956 to
1972, the state was ruled by a series
of Lingayat Chief Ministers. Some
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scholars even hold the view that the
Vokkaliga and Lingayat dominance
should be strictly seen as dominance
within a hegemonic alliance of upper
caste Brahmins with dominant middle-
caste groups supported by the
Scheduled Castes and Muslims under
the common umbrella of the Congress
party. From this power-holding
alliance, the heterogeneous groups of
intermediate castes, also known as
Backward Classes, were excluded. It
was Devaraj Urs, who promptly set
about attacking the power of Lingayats
and Vokkaligas in the party and the
state and opened up avenue for the
previously excluded sections of
society to come forward to take the
leadership position in the state politics.
As a part of the over all political
strategy Devaraj Urs introduced a
policy of retaining the Scheduled
Caste and Muslim components of the
old alliance and combine them with
backward castes and communities like
Kurubas, Yadavas, Bedas, Besthas,
Idigas, Barbers, Smiths etc., while at
the same time placating key Lingayat
and Vokkaliga leaders.
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 History of Karnataka
He successfully made this alliance
numerically significant and
ideologically viable to break the
political backbone of the dominant
groups. In fact, Devaraj Urs made the
Backward Class Movement politically
viable.. Socio-Political Strategy
Pursued by Urs: In a bid to realise the
slogans of bringing about radical
reforms and make his regime
responsive to the newly recruited
social groups to his grand alliance Urs
pursued a two-pronged socio-political
strategy Firstly, he sought to
channelise the major share in the
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politics of the state and spoils that had
once gone mainly to Lingayats and
Vokkaligas to disadvantaged groups.
Urs, being the president of the
Pradesh Congress Committee
managed to distribute more number of
party tickets at the 1972 state
elections to the aspirants from
disadvantaged groups and a smaller
number to Lingayats and Vokkaligas
than ever before.
In the 1978 elections Urs had put up
117 candidates from backward and
other communities and only 72 from
dominant communities. Besides
providing more representation in the
legislative bodies, Urs nurtured and
carefully built up political leaders
hailing from the Backward Classes,
Scheduled castes, Scheduled Tribes
and Minority groups. Under his
patronage several new leaders
emerged from these sections of
society, some of whom even made an
impact at the national level.
Urs used every opportunity to
stimulate caste sentiments in his
efforts to develop his new political
base. Urs was very active in his
attempts to revive dormant caste
associations among artisans and
service castes. He channeled money
and resources-both party funds and
governmental patronageto these
associations and public rallies.
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 History of Karnataka

a backward classes commission88

under the chairmanship of
Empowerment of Backward Classes
L.G.Havanur, a Bangalore advocate
through Socio - Economic Measures:
belonging to the Beda Community.
The Commission submitted a
wellresearched and widely acclaimed
Urs himself realised the caste-class
report in 1975. The Commission first
nexus in Indian context and the
identified_the backward
various socio-economic reforms castes/communities by applying
introduced by him in 1970s could be
multiple tests such as economic,
viewed as an attempt to qualify caste
residential and occupational. Among
by class and class by caste. the communities so identified, for
educational purposes under Article
15(4), the Commission classified
The major reforms introduced by Urs Backward Classes into three
were categories.

1. Redefining the backward 1. Category 1 consisting of 15

castes/communities to be eligible for backward communities
special treatment by appointing a
commission. 2. Category 2 consisting of 128
backward castes.
2. Implementation of progressive
Land Reforms Act. 3. Category 3 consisting of 62
backward tribes.

3. Legislative - administrative
measures aiming at improving the lot As the Commission treated only one
of the rural poor. populous community, Vokkaligas, as
backward, but not the Lingayats,
Muslims and Christians, The
First Backward Classes controversial claim made by the
Commission (Havanur) : commission is that the Lingayats,
Muslims and Christian communities
were not treated as backward. the
One of the early acts on assuming Government while implementing the
office by Devaraj Urs was to constitute recommendations made some crucial

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 History of Karnataka
changes. As a part of his political
expediency, Urs included Muslims as
a whole in category 1, and the
Scheduled Caste converts to
Christianity up to the second
generation in category 2. To satisfy
the Brahmins, Lingayats and other
forward communities, the government
contrived a ‗Backward Special Group‘,
without reference to their castes and
was made eligible for 5 per cent
reservation, which was later expanded
to 15 percent.
One of the important parts of the
Havanur Commission report was that
although the Commission considered
caste as a unit for inclusion or
exclusion, it recognised even the sub-
castes, or occupation based classes
within large caste-groups.
Among the recommendations of the
Commission, the important ones were
constitution of an Advisory Board for
Backward Classes, award of
scholarships, provision for hostel
facilities, creation of a separate
Directorate for Backward Classes and
setting up a Finance Corporation for
Backward Classes. The Government
of Karnataka accepted these
recommendations and accordingly, it
constituted Backward Classes
Advisory Board96, Directorate of
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Backward Classes and Minorities and
Karnataka State Backward Classes
and Minorities Development
Corporation.
Land Reforms:
Land reforms could be viewed as one
of the very effective methods of
organising or reorganising material
conditions of production and relations
of social groups involved in such a
process. In India, such reforms would
definitely enhance social cohesion and
increase the legitimacy of the existing
order. Although it was a part of the
progressive policies pursued by the
Central Government under Congress
(R), after the 1969 split in the
Congress Party, all chief ministers did
not fall in line with the central concern
on land reforms. But Congress (R)
Government in Karnataka led by
Devaraj Urs which was locked up in its
political battle with Congress (O)
dominated by upper castes and large
landed interests in the rural areas,
quickly responded to the central
guidelines and passed the Land
Reforms (amendment) Act 1974 as an
attempt to win the rural masses to its
side.
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 History of Karnataka
The important provision of the new Act
were :
First, the Act abolished leasing of
agricultural land by all types of
persons except soldiers and seamen.
Secondly, the right of resumption was
completely eliminated.
Thirdly, the Act showed its concern for
the interests of landless labourers.
Through a special provision that came
into being in 1979, it provided
agricultural labourers ownership rights
over dwelling sites.
Fourthly, The land ceilings were also
fixed as per the central guidelines. In
order to ensure that land was swiftly
transferred from non-cultivating
owners to the tenants, the
Amendment set up land tribunals at
least one per Taluk.
Welfare Measures for the Weaker
Sections:
Urs also initiated a number of
measures intended to improve the
conditions of unprivileged sections of
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the population. Making use of internal
emergency then in operation and with
a view to implement 20 point
programme of Mrs.Gandhi, the
Government passed Minimum Wages
Act and made employers comply with
it. Significant steps were taken to put
an end to bonded labour in the state.
A Debt Relief Act, People's Housing
Scheme, old age pension to the
destitutes and disabled, bank finance
to artisans, free legal aid, restructuring
of the co-operative societies and a
number of other such programmes
were initiated for the benefit of
underprivileged sections.
Though most of the above mentioned
programmes were initiated and
introduced in general terms, it was
actually intended to reach the social
groups providing electoral support to
his regime. Urs succeeded in making
the opposition to concentrate on the
issues he had selected viz., poverty
eradication and uplift of the Backward
Classes. All that the opposition could
do was to protest that the programmes
were not being implemented
effectively.
1980-83 : Political Reassertion bv
the Dominant Castes:
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 History of Karnataka
A bloc of opposition Congressmen in
the Assembly loyal to Indira Gandhi
and led by R.Gundu Rao came to
power with the resignation of Devaraj
Urs. The regime of Gundu Rao
departed both from Lingayat/Vokkaliga
dominated governments of the pre-
1972 era and the Urs‘ governments'
preference for disadvantaged groups
by channeling resources in a largely
even-handed manner both to
prosperous and to disadvantaged
groups. Gundu Rao failed to construct
a workable electoral coalition by
carefully distributing political
patronage among different socio-
economic groups. The legislators who
supported Gundu Rao government
came from diverse socio-economic
background.
Gundu Rao, being a Brahmin could
not establish an image of a backward
class leader as Urs did. He could not
even prevent the alienation of a
remarkably broad array of social
groups by mishandling of things. In
contrast to the innumerable schemes
introduced by Devaraj Urs, it is hard to
point to any decision taken by Gundu
Rao regime in the direction of
improving the lots of the socially
deprived sections of the society.
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The votes polled by the Congress(I)
fell to 40 per cent in 1983 elections
from over 52 per cent in 1978
elections.
Janata Era:
The Janata-Kranti-Ranga combine
that won a total of 94 seats in 1983
election, was supported by Bharatiya
Janata Party and Communist Parties.
Coming to the policies of the
Government towards Backward
Classes, as a pledge to assist the
―oppressed classes‖,the Janata
Government had restored the bias that
Urs gave to rural uplift, poverty
eradication and welfare of the
Backward Classes. It had undertook
some new schemes along with the
continuation of reformist measures
launched by Devaraj Urs.
However, by 1985 the ‗pro-backward
class-poor‘ coating of the Janata
Government began to fade away and
its inclination towards dominant
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 History of Karnataka

VokkaligaLingayat communities Classes into Group ‗A‘ with 15 castes

became apparent. or communities and group ‗B‘ with 20
castes and communities. A
reservation of 14 per cent was
Second Backward Classes recommended by it for Group ‗A‘ and
Commission (Venkataswamy): 13 per cent for Group ‗B‘.

The Janata Government under The recommendations of the

Ramakrishna Hegde constituted the Commission were in sharp contrast to
Second Backward Classes the expectations of the vested
Commission in April 1983, with 15 interests. Predictably, its severe
members including its chairman T. restrictions and several exclusions, in
Venkataswamy, belonging to the particular of the dominant Lingayat
backward Yadava (Golla) community. and Vokkaliga communities.
The Commission made one of the
Owing to the pressure from vested
most comprehensive socio-economic
interests the Janata government
and educational surveys ever
headed by Ramakrishna Hegde
undertaken, covering about 91 percent
rejected the report. His excuses for
of the states, 3.6 crore population
rejecting the report were the
consisting of about 61 lakh
Commission‘s failure to proceed by
households by door-to-door
the Supreme Court guidelines and its
enumeration; issued wideranging
methodological inaccuracies.
questionnaires and elicited answers;
interviewed large number of
individuals and representatives of
The government decided to appoint a
associations; and gathered statistical
new commission but pending the
information from all available sources
report of the commission to be
and formulated 17 socio-economic
appointed they issued an order
and employment indicators to
specifying the Backward Classes for
determine backwardness.
the purpose of article 15(4) and 16(4).

The Commission submitted its report

Third Backward Classes
in March 1986. For reservation in
Commission (Chinnappa Reddy) :
educational institutions, the
commission divided Backward

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 History of Karnataka

The Chinnappa Reddy Commission

submitted its report to the government
The most interesting and controversial
on 7 April 1990 in two volumes in
part of the report was the exclusion of
which he expressed in unequivocal
the two dominant communities
terms his abiding concern for the
Lingayats and Vokkaligas and some
continuation of reservation policy and
other smaller castes / communities
the constitutional mandate on it. Yet,
like Devangas, Ganigas, Padmashalis
in identifying backwardness he
and Catholic Christians.
proposed caste as the primary
criterion.

Inspite of his repeated announcement

that his government was committed to
First, Justice Reddy examined the
implement the report, Chief Minister
relative position of different castes and
Veerendra Patil did not take any
communities with reference to their
action on the report and he extended
political power, land ownership,
the temporary order of 1986 for
economic prosperity, poverty,
another year.
landlessness, literacy, education and
employment and re-examined this
position with regard to their traditional
social status, gradation and hierarchy
and prepared two lists of backwards
and forwards.

Then he subjected his assessment of

the caste/communities in these lists to Extent of Coverage and Percentage
the economic criterion. But by of Reservations by Commissions
numerous illustrations Justice Reddy
exposed the ‗hollowness‘, the
―impracticability‖ and the Committees/Commissions %of
‗undesirability‘ of adopting income population covered % of extent of
criterion as the sole basis for under
determining backwardness. After reservation reservation for
careful examination the Commission
recommended 38 percent reservation OBCs/SCs/STs
for Backward Classes dividing them
into three categories.

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 History of Karnataka
Havanur Commission 1975
63 50
Venkataswamy Commission 1986
51 45
Chinappa Reddy Commission 1990
95 68
However, the loosely knit bloc of
backward castes, communities and
disadvantaged sections that Urs
wielded did not remain united and act
as a single constituency against the
machinations of the dominant castes.
In the post Devaraj Urs era. the
waxing and waning of the boundaries
of the Backward Classes primarily
abetted the reproduction of the
interests of the dominant classes in
the state.
Language Issues- Gokak movement
Gokak agitation was the first agitation
for the language status
the Kannada language in Karnataka. It
was named after the committee that
was headed by V. K. Gokak. The
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three language formulae were
adopted in the schools of Karnataka
since linguistic organization of states
in 1956. In the 1960s there was a
strong opposition to usage of Hindi
language.
Sanskrit was the dominant language
in schools where students completed
their education without having to study
Kannada language. This created
incompatibility between languages
that were used for state administration
and education. This led to a linguistic
movement against maintaining
Sanskrit as the first language in
School. This movement was
supported by political parties, groups
of Kannada teachers, students,
college and university professors,
playwrights and creative writers.
V.K. Gokak was the former Vice-
Chancellor of Karnataka University.
He is one of the Jnanpith awardees
who headed the committee appointed
by the Government of Karnataka to
analyse and study the linguistic
issues. The report given by the
committee recommended that the
Government provide first language
status to Kannada and also demanded
the primary facilities that the language
of
needed at the time.
Several public sectors opposed the
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 History of Karnataka
Gokak Report which also included
minorities from various non-Kannada
speaking groups. Despite the report
being submitted by the committee the
Government had not passed any
ruling. This resulted in minor protests
from various groups. Public gave a
moderate response and there were no
signs from the Government that it
intended to implement the
recommendations.
Personalities of Kannada literature
and cinema world that included G.
Narayankumar and Rajkumar and
soon the entire Kannada film industry
stopped its film-making activity. The
agitation gained a strong momentum
and there was a drastic change in the
response from the general public. The
then chief minister was R. Gundu Rao
announced that the recommendation
of the Gokak committee was accepted
and ensured all the primary facilities
that the language Kannada deserves
as the mother tongue of the local
people as well as the official language
of the state of Karnataka.
Boundary dispute (Mahajan
Committee Report)
The boundary dispute between
Karnataka (then called Mysore) and
Maharashtra arose over the
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demarcation of the boundary between
the two States by the States
Reorganisation Act, 1956. Located
near the borders of Maharashtra and
Goa, Belgaum became a part of the
Bombay Presidency after
Independence. In 1948, the Belgaum
municipality requested that the district,
having a predominant Marathi-
speaking population, be incorporated
into the proposed Maharashtra State.
However, the State Reorganisation
Act of 1956, which divided states on
linguistic and administrative lines,
made Belgaum a part of the Mysore
State.
The unification of Karnataka was
politically one of the most excruciating
processes in the reorganisation of
states along linguistic lines. Except for
the old Mysore state, the rest of
present day Karnataka has been
carved out of four erstwhile regions –
the Bombay-Karnataka, Hyderabad
state of the Nizam, Madras province
and Coorg Mahajan Commision:
Maharashtra leader Senapati Bapat
resorted on hunger strike demanding
the government to form a commission
which would address border dispute.
At Maharashtra's insistence, the
Government of India constituted the
Mahajan Commission on 25 October
1966. The commission was headed by
the third Chief Justice of the Supreme
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 History of Karnataka
Court of India, Meher Chand Mahajan.
V.P. Naik, Maharashtra's Chief
Minister at that time, announced in
public on 9 November 1967 that
Maharashtra will adhere to Mahajan
Commission's report, regardless of the
outcome. The commission, upon
review of Maharashtra's claims,
recommended the exchange of
several villages in Belgaum district
between the two states, but rejected
Maharashtra's claim on Belgaum city
The Mahajan commission received
2240 memoranda and interviewed
7572 people and submitted its report.
Maharashtra had asked for 814
villages besides Belgaum. It was given
262 villages including Nippani,
Khanapur and Nandgad. Mysore State
had claimed 516 villages, of which
Maharashtra admitted that 260 were
Kannada-speaking ones. It was
awarded 247 villages including claim
to Solapur.
Maharashtra insisted on 1951 census,
as the dispute had arisen due to
States Reorganisation Act of 1956.
According to 1951 census the
percentages of Marathi-speakers (with
Kannada-speakers in brackets) were
as follows: Belgaum city: 60% (18.8%)
Shahapur: 57.0% (33.2%) Belgaum
cantonment: 33.6% (20.6%) Belgaum
suburbs: 50.9% (21.8%) The Mahajan
commission, however, used 1961
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census. According to maps of 1961
census, Belgaum was surrounded by
Kannada speaking areas on all sides.
The Maharashtra Government
rejected the Mahajan Commission's
report claiming that it was biased,
illogical and against the wishes of the
people.
Belgaum is the commercial hub today
of north Karnataka. It is an important
location for vegetable trading, fish,
wood & mining resource trading in
north Karnataka. Rich deposits of
bauxite are found in Belgaum district,
and have led to the creation of the
(HINDALCO) Indian Aluminium
Company for production of aluminum.
Additionally, uranium deposits have
recently been found in Deshnur, a
small village near Belgaum . The
strategic location of Belgaum, with
access to Maharashtra, Karnataka
and Goa, offers tremendous business
potential.
Water dispute
The dispute over the Cauvery river
dates back to the British era, when
Karnataka was a part of the Princely
State of Mysore and Tamil Nadu, the
Madras Presidency. Mysore wanted to
start several irrigation projects in the
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 History of Karnataka
state, which would require a lot of
water from the Cauvery river. This
started the strife between the two
states through which a majority of the
river flows. The British engineered an
agreement in 1892 leading to a
temporary resolution over the division
of the river water.
After Independence when states
where reorganized on the linguistic
demography, Coorg (the birthplace of
Cauvery), became a part of Mysore
state. Huge part of erstwhile
Hyderabad State and Bombay
presidency joined with Mysore State.
Parts of Malabar which earlier formed
the part of Madras Presidency went to
Kerala. Pondicherry became a Union
Territory in 1954. All these changes
brought Kerala and Pondicherry into
the conflict because one of the major
tributary of Cauvery, the Kabini, now
lies in Kerala.
In February 2013, based on the
directions of the Supreme Court, the
GoI notified the final award of the
Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal
(CWDT). The year when the total
water availability on the basin is more
than 740 TMC and dependability of
50% was considered as the base
year. The award allocated 419 TMC to
Tamil Nadu, 270 TMC to Karnataka,
30 TMC to Kerala and 7 TMC to
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Pondicherry in the entire Cauvery
Basin, including 14 TMC required for
minimum environmental flows and
unavoidable wastage to the sea.
Karnataka can use all the excess
water available in its sea after
releasing 192 TMC applicable in a
normal water year.
Water Use Limitation
The water used in the Cauvery delta in
Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry is nearly
280 TMC which is the tail end water
use in the river basin. The estimated
salinity or total dissolve salts (TDS) for
the water available in Cauvery delta is
441 ppm which is close to maximum
permissible 500 ppm. Adequate salt
expo from basin a necessary condition
in order to avoid deterioration of water
quality in terms of salinity, pH,
alkanity, etc. Because there is no limit
is awarded in term of use of ground
water. So, salt export criteria is the
limitation
Regional imbalances (Nanjundappa
committee)
Comparatively regional imbalances
are high in developing countries like
India than in developed countries. In
the developing economy of Karnataka
state also a similar situation seems to
exist. Regional imbalances of
Karnataka can be observed from the
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 History of Karnataka
background of the British colonial rule.
Pre-independent Karnataka was
divided mainly into three parts, namely
Mysore princely state, Bombay
Karnataka and Hyderabad Karnataka.
Among these, old Mysore was a
developed region for a good number
of social welfare programmes were
implemented there by the rulers.
Hyderabad Karnataka was ruled by
the Nizams which was
underdeveloped, similarly Bombay
Karnataka was ruled by the Maratha‘s
which was also underdeveloped but
was a comparatively better placed
region than Hyderabad Karnataka.
The cry of regional imbalances has
been there since November 1956
when the State was formed as part of
the reorganisation of States on
linguistic basis, and parts of the
erstwhile Nizam State and that of the
Bombay State were merged with the
then State of Mysore.
After the completion of several
decades of independence (65 years)
and unification of the state (59 years),
now too there is no considerable
reduction in regional imbalances.
Unsatisfied people (especially from
north Karnataka) have protested and
demanded a separate state during
1995-99. Considering this, Karnataka
State Government set up a high power
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committee on redressal of regional
imbalances under the chairmanship of
Prof. D.M. Nanjundappa (popularly
known as Dr. Nanjundappa
Committee). This Committee using 35
indicators from 5 different sectors
found 114 taluks as backward taluks
among the total of 175 taluks. Further,
it has categorised, backward taluks as
three groups namely most backward
taluks (39), more backward taluks (41)
and backward taluks (35). This report
shows that north Karnataka region is
more backward in general and
Hyderabad Karnataka is the most
backward compared to south
Karnataka. Interestingly, the
Committee has found that some of the
taluks in south Karnataka are also
backward. Further, the Committee
made a number of recommendations
for the reduction of regional
imbalances in the State.
Recommendations of the
Committee – Special Development
Plan
The problems of regional disparities
and backwardness may be addressed
in different ways. The more important
strategies are
1) Additional resource transfer
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 History of Karnataka

2) Special Development Programmes sectors, the Nanjundappa Committee

and employment generation
programmes
3) Promotion of private investment
through fiscal and financial measures
and
4) Development of services and
infrastructure facilities to the level in
other regions.
The Nanjundappa Committee framed
a mix of these strategies and has
made several recommendations with
regard to development of social and
economic infrastructure and
institutional set up to speed up the
development process in backward
pockets of Karnataka.
Some of the specific
recommendations of the Committee
have been implemented:
A Central University is started at
Gulbarga, a High Court Bench is
established at Hubli and Circuit Bench
at Gulbarga, Women‘s University is
established at Bijapur, action plans
are being prepared to establish IT
parks in Gulbarga, Hubli and Bagalkot.
A Food Park and Textile park is in the
process of being established at
Gulbarga.
has recommended a Special
Development Plan based on the
resource requirement of the backward
taluks. The plan is to be implemented
over a period of eight years covering
the major programmes in various
sectors based on development
requirement. The implementation of
the programmes should involve the
people, voluntary organizations and
Self help Groups which are service
oriented and are capable of mobilizing
mass participation. Decentralized
planning set up is thus very essential
to find a long term solution to the
problems of regional development.
Objectives of Special Development
Plan
 To accelerate the growth in the
backward taluks through the stimulus
of additional investment in various
sectors and areas.
 To build infrastructure to make good
the identified sector backlog in
backward taluks.
 To establish the needed
institutions/organizations to redress
the imbalances in the concerned
sectors in backward taluks.

To implement the various

recommendations across different
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 History of Karnataka
Religious sects: Shankaracharya,
Ramanujacharya, Madhwacharya –
Sri Basaveshvara, Veerashaivism and
Vachana movement
The revival and expansion of Hinduism after the
Gupta period took many forms. The chief gods
were the Shiva and Vishnu and many
magnificent temples were built to proclaim their
supremacy. The rise of the worship of Shiva and
Vishnu marked the growth of a process of
cultural synthesis. Thus, in an era of
disintegration, religion played a positive part.
The revival and growth of Hinduism led to
increase the power and arrogance of Brahmanas.
This resulted in a series of popular movements
against brahmanical monopoly of the religion.
These movements emphasized on the human
equality and freedom. These movements led by
many popular saints across India and they
emphasized on love. The saints went from place
to place carrying their message of love and
devotion. A many belonged to lower castes also
and this marked the entry of the lower classes
into the popular Bhakti movements. These saints
disregarded the inequilities of caste, rejected
fasts and other social evils prevailed during the
period.
The revival and expansion of the Hinduism took
two forms. First was a renewed emphasis on the
Vedas and Vedic worship and second, it was
accompanied by a powerful literary and
intellectual movement.
Sankaracharya
At the intellectual level, the most serious
challenge was posed by the great Sankaracharya
who reformulated the Hindu philosophy. He was
born in Kerala in the 9th century. Sankara’s
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philosophy is called ‘advaitvada’ or the doctrine
on non-dualism. According to him, the God and
created world are same; the differences were
apparent but not real, and arose due to
ignorance and ‘maya’ being a part of it. He said
that the way to salvation was devotion to God,
strengthed by the knowledge that the God and
created world are same. This philosophy is called
‘Vedanta’. He upheld that the Vedas are the
fountainhead of the true knowledge. Shankara
travelled across whole of India and other
parts of South Asia to propagate his
philosophy through discourses and debates
with other thinkers. He established 4 great
Mathas or monasteries at Badrinath,
Dwarka, Sringeri, Puri and Kanchi. The
heads of the Mathas are named after him
while the sanyasins who are his followers are
called Dashnamis as they are known by the
ten appellations namely, Teerth, Ashram,
Vana, Aranya, Giri, Parvat, Sagai; Saraswati,
Bharati and Puri.
The path of knowledge showed by
Shankaracharya could be followed by only a few.
He did not opposed path of Bhakti by which the
devotee merged with the god but for this the
heart had to be cleaned through “jnana” or
knowledge. Thus, it could not influence the
masses.
Ramanujacharya
In the 11th century, Ramanuja preached
Vaishnavism. According to him, devotion to
God became the essential than knowledge in
order to salvation. He laid great emphasis on
total reliance or “prapatti” , or surrender to
God. He was born in Tamil Nadu in south
India. According to Ramanuja, Bhakti was
the real way to get salvation. God is the
supreme being who created everything, of all
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 History of Karnataka
existence, and of all destruction. It is not
possible for men to know the attributes of the
Supreme Being. It is also impossible to know
about the mystery of creation. The real duty
of man therefore was to offer himself to God.
Ramanuja apreached men about the necessity of
a Guru. The Guru could initiate the devotee to
the path of devotion to God. Ramanuja looked at
all human beings equally. He showed the path of
Bhakti to all including the lower masses.
According to him, all men had the equal right to
worship God and to work for salvation. He tried
to open temples for the so-called untouchables
and depressed. Ramanuja tried to assimilate
Bhakti to the tradition of Vedas and to built a
bridge between the popular movement based on
bhakti and the upper caste movement based on
Vedas. He travelled and preached all over India
to eradicate social evils and offered the path of
devotion to God.
Madhavacharya
Dvaita philosophy was put forward by
Madhavacharya, a medieval India bhakti
saint. He was a Vaishnavite whose soul aim
was to disprove the theory of Maya or
unreality of the world and establish the
doctrine of Bhakti or love and faith on a
secure basis.
In contrast to Shankara's Non-dualism and
Ramanuja's qualified Non-dualism,
Madhavacharya put forward five eternal
distinctions or individualities viz.
(i) Distinction between god and an individual
spirit
(ii) God and the inanimate world
(iii) The individual spirit and the inanimate
world
(iv) One individual spirit and another
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(v) One inanimate object and another.
The followers of Madhava sect follow the
method of Vaisheshikas and divide all
existing things into categories of substance,
qualities etc.
God or the Supreme being possesses an
infinite number of qualities and his functions
are eight viz. (i) creation (ii) protection (iii)
dissolution (iv) controlling all things (v)
giving knowledge (vi) manifestation of
himself (vii) tying beings down to the world
(viii) redemption.
Lakshmi is independent of God as she is
eternal and blessed like the supreme soul
and is his consort. All knowledge emanates
from Paramatma, whatever the means by
which it is achieved.
Direct perception is plaussible for everyone
and can be aquired by different means like
Vairagya, equanimity, self-control,
acquaintance with the lore, attendance on
Gupj or perceptor and acquisition of
knowledge from him, reflection on what has
been taught, devotion and love of God.
Dvaita, doctrine is simply theistic and
recognized the Supreme God with Narayan
or he is generally classified as Vishnu. The
great saint earned the title of Poorna Prajna.
His philosophy is realistic in absolute sense.
He popularize 'Yathar-Vada'. According to
him there are seven senses which help us to
know, Manas and Saksin are the remaining
two instruments and through which things
are known. The concept of Saksin as the
seventh principle is a unique feature of
Dvaita philosophy.
Sri Basaveshvara
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 History of Karnataka
In 12th century South India witnessed the rise of
new religion which was named as Lingayat
movement.
Lingayatism is the faith professed and followed
by the Karnatak Veerashaivas. Basaveshwara is
considered as the founder of this faith. He
composed Vachan Shastras which are believed
to be the scriptures that embody the principles
of the Lingayatism. Basaveshwara lived at the
court of Kalachuris and he established his faith
after bitter disputes with jainas. It is believed
that Basava was born to a brahmin, rebelled
against the rigid practices of the caste-system
that prevalent in the society during the time. He
eventually began propounding his philosophy
with a caste-less society at its core. Soon, his
philosophy began attracting large numbers of
people from various classes including lower class
also. Saints like Allama Prabhu, Akka Mahadevi
and Channabasavanna also played pivotal roles
in the spreading of the message and the true
meaning of Lingayatism.
The Lingayats are worshippors of the God Shiva.
They strongly opposed caste system and rejected
fastes, feasts, pilgrimages, rituals and sacrifices.
They opposed chil marriage and strongly support
widow remarriage.
The philosophy of Basaveshwara may be
classified into three propositions, viz., God is
real, the world is a challenge and an
inspiration, and the goal of life is to attune
itself to living in communion with the Divine
Being and making life harmonious with
society. His philosophy successfully make
balance between the outer and inner in a
man, the Bahiranga and the Antharanga. He
was great reformer and at the same time, the
Bhakti bhandari, the very treasure of
devotion.
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Sikhism: Principles and Practices and it’s
evolution
Evolution
Sikhism or Sikhi pronounced from Sikh,
meaning a "disciple", or a "learner"), is a
religion that originated in the Punjab region
of the Indian subcontinent about the end of
the 15th century. It is one of the youngest of
the major world religions. The fundamental
beliefs of Sikhism, articulated in the sacred
scripture Guru Granth Sahib, include
constant spiritual meditation of God's name,
being guided by the Guru instead of yielding
to capriciousness of mind or psyche, living a
householder's life instead of monasticism,
truthful action to dharam (duty), being of
selfless service to others, equality of all
human beings, and believing in God's grace.
In the early 21st century there were nearly
25 million Sikhs worldwide, the great majority
of them living in the Indian state of Punjab.
Sikhism is based on the spiritual teachings of
Guru Nanak, the first Guru (1469 – 1539),
and the nine Sikh gurus that succeeded him.
The Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, named
the Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib as his
successor, terminating the line of human
Gurus and making the scripture the eternal,
impersonal spiritual guide for Sikhs. Sikhism
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 History of Karnataka

rejects claims that any particular religious  Concept of Degh and Tegh
tradition has a monopoly on Absolute Truth  Concept of Miri and Piri (Temporal &
Sikhism emphasizes simran (meditation on Spiritual power)
the words of the Guru Granth Sahib), that  Concept of Sangat and Pangat
can be expressed musically through kirtan or  Concept of universal peace and
internally through Nam Japo (repeat God's prosperity
name) as a means to feel God's presence. It  Concept of democracy Concept of
teaches followers to avoid the "Five Thieves" liberty, equality and fraternity
(lust, rage, greed, attachment and conceit). Concept of sacrifice
Hand in hand, secular life is considered to be  Concept of universal brotherhood,
intertwined with the spiritual life. Guru Nanak peace and prosperity
taught that living an "active, creative, and  Concept of householder‘s life
practical life" of "truthfulness, fidelity, self- Concept of Maya Concept of Charhdi
control and purity" is above the metaphysical Kala (Optimism & high spirit)
truth, and that the ideal man is one who  Concept of Bhana (Will of God)
"establishes union with God, knows His Will,  Concept of healthy mind in a healthy
and carries out that Will". Guru Hargobind, body Concept of Guru
the sixth Sikh Guru, established the  Concept of equality of woman
political/temporal (Miri) and spiritual (Piri)  Concept of immortality of soul
realms to be mutually coexistent.  Concept of transmigration, etc.
Concept of Karma (Actions and
Principles of Sikhism
deeds)
 Believe in only One Almighty God.
Practices in Sikhism
 Salvation can only be attained by
meditating on God. Sikhs believe that there is only one God, to
 All human races are equal. Women show respect and honour towards Him, they
have equal status and equal rights. perform practices on a day to day basis
 Keep diet simple and vegetarian. which exemplify the basic Sikh principles of
 Not to cut hair. service, humility and equality.
 Not to believe in superstitions.
Disciplined life
 Concept of selfless Seva (Selfless
Service) The Sikh is required to undertake the
 Concept of Sarbat Da Bhala (Well- following observances:
being of all)

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 History of Karnataka
 Wake up very early in the morning.
 Bathing and cleansing of the body
should be performed.
 Cleanse the mind by meditating on
God.
 Engage in family life and address
your responsibilities within the family.
 Attend to a work or study routine and
earn a living by earnest means.
 Undertake to help the less well off
with monetary and/or physical help.
 Exercise your responsibilities to the
community and take active part in the
maintenance and safeguard of the
community.
Personal regulations
Wear the 5Ks
Kesh – long and uncut hair and a turban to
protect the hair on the head.
Kanga – small comb to be used twice daily
to keep the hair in clean and healthy
condition.
Kacchera – worn in the form of shorts to
exercise self-control.
Kara – a steel slave bangle on the dominant
arm to remind the Sikh to always remember
the Guru before undertaking any action.
Kirpan – a short, often dagger-sized sword
to remind the Sikh that he is to defend
against repression of the weak.
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 Meditate by reciting his Gurbani and
by singing his Kirtan (music based
hymns) and remember Him always.
 Wash your mind clean with Sewa,
selfless service to the community by
doing manual work at the Gurdwara
by cleaning the dishes, washing the
floors, painting the walls; working in
Community Centres; in old peoples
homes, etc.
 Practice Truth at all times: To live by
the Gurus instruction to practice Truth
thus: "Those who practice Truth reap
the profits, abiding in the Will of God.
With the Merchandise of Truth, they
meet the Guru, who does not have a
trace of greed. and also "O Siblings of
Destiny, follow the Guru's Teachings
and dwell in truth. Practice truth, and
only truth, and merge in the True
Word of the Shabad.
Community practices
Organise Gurdwaras: As a community Sikhs
set up local places of worship called
Gurdwara. Services are held in the morning
and evening including:
 Asa-di-war kirtan
 Sukhmani sahib path
 Akhand Paath
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 History of Karnataka
 Ardas and Hukamnama
 Kirtan programs
 Naming Ceremony
 Marriage Ceremony
 Antam Sanskar
 Amrit Sanskar, etc
Sufism in Karnataka
Sufism is nothing other than Islamic
mysticism. The saints who preached the
principles of Sufism are called Sufi saints.
Karnataka is one of the most important
southern states of India. At present in
Karnataka there are thirty districts and in
these districts, four hundred and twenty five
references to Sufi saints‘ darghas are found.
The paper concentrates on the Sufi saints of
the Bahamani and Adil Shahi periods as
Sufism spread and flourished during their
reign. The advent of Sufi saints would have
been from the very inception of Islam in the
beginning of the 7th century A.D. in South
India. Trade and commerce carried out by
the Arabs paved out a way for Islam and
later for Sufism to enter Karnataka. Sufism
first entered the Western Coast along with
the Arab merchants who have been
mentioned in inscriptions as Tajjikas. The
earliest reference to a Sufi saint in Karnataka
can be traced back to 1301 A.D. Hazrat
Sayyid Shah Hisamud-din-Teighbarana was
the first saint to come to Gulbarga. At
present his tomb is located in the fort near
Jagath talab in Gulbarga. Another reference
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is to Nurulla Qadiri during the Vijayanagar
period (1336 A.D.to 1565 A.D.). The tomb at
Kadi Ramapuram in Hospet of Bellary district
was erected in honour of him. Karnataka was
ruled by many Muslim dynasties. In North
Karnataka, fourteenth century, happens to
be a period that gave space for the first
Muslim dynasty to thrive i.e., The Bahamanis
(1347 A.D. to 1538 A.D.), and later the Adil
Shahis (1489-1686 A.D.) After them, North
Karnataka was under the rule of Nawabs of
Savanur, the Mughals, the Barid Shahis of
Bidar and the Nizams of Hyderabad. The
southern part of Karnataka was under the
reign of Haider Ali and his son Tippu Sultan
(1761 A.D. to 1799 A.D.). During the Muslim
reign, the Sufis had found an amicable
geographical and cultural abode in
Karnataka for Sufi flourishment and
popularity. The kings and queens of
Karnataka like the common people promoted
Sufism. The Sufi saints who came from
North India as well as from Persia, Arabia
and Baghdad settled here because of its
amicability and great concern of the people.
There were different types of Sufis living in
Karnataka, like the landed elites, warriors,
reformists, literates and dervishes. Sufism
has been variedly ordered and
institutionalised. It has the practice of taking
the pupil into the order (Silsilah) and the
concept of peer (master) and perzad (pupil).
In India, there prevailed six orders and in
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Karnataka, four orders, namely Chisti, Qadiri, King Sultan Ahmad Shah I shifted his capital
Sattariya and Shurawardia thrived. from Gulbarga to Bidar in 1424 A.D. During
the Bahamani period, many well-known Sufi
Some sufi Saints of Karnataka
saints lived in the area. There are as many
Shaikh Sirajud-din Junaidi: Shaikh Sirajud- as 37 darghas of Sufi saints in Bidar. The
din Junaidi came to Gulbarga in 1347 A.D. descendants of the family of Gesu Daraz of
The King Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah Gulbarga considerably extended their
selected him as a royal preceptor. Sultan influence into Bidar region. Sufi saints of
Muhammad I (1358-75 A.D.) and his son various orders such as Chisti and Qadiri
Mujahid (1375-1378 A.D.) always counted on came to Bidar and they were given
the prayers of this saint whenever they set munificent help by the Sultans for
out on a campaign. His tomb called Shaikh propagating Sufi principles. Syed Tajuddin is
Roza dargah is located in Shah Bazar at said to have played a vital role in bringing the
Gulbarga. Hazrat Shaikh Saad Zanjani social and cultural synthesis in Bidar. He was
Rahimatullah Aulia came to Gulbarga in born in Khorasan, a city of Iran, and came to
1351 A.D. His dargah is located near the Kalyana (Bidar) in 1387 A.D. He was
Chor Gumbad at Gulbarga. Hazrat Shaikh popularly called ―Raja Bagh Sawar‖ of
Minajjuddin Tamim-ul-Ansari came to Kalyana and was also one of the prominent
Gulbarga from Daulatabad in 1352 A.D. At followers of Gesu Daraz of Gulbarga and at
present his dargah is located in Kirana Bazar the instruction of his master; he came to
near fort road at Gulbarga. Hazrat Shah Kalyana and commenced his Sufi activities.
Ruknud-din Tola of Qadiri order is said to He was also respected by the Bahamani
have come to Gulbarga before Gesu Daraz King Alaud-din II (1435-1457 A.D). After his
during the period of King Firuz Shah death in 1397 A.D., his dargah was
Bahman. His dargah at present is located constructed near the Inspection Bungalow at
near Chor Gumbad in Gulbarga. (Munshi, Bidar. Today Syed Tajuddin‘s dargah enjoys
1997:350-354) Syed Muhammad Gesu a unique reputation as a great centre of
Daraz (Hazarat Khwaja Bande Nawaz; 1321- pilgrimage for the Muslims and the Hindus.
1422 A.D.) One of the most prominent Syed Ismail Qadiri from Bagdad held a
figures in the early history of Islamic distinguished place in the Bahamani
mysticism in Gulbarga was Syed Muhammad kingdom and appears to have been a
Gesu Daraz. favourite of King Alaud-din II. He lived in the
neighbourhood of Hindu Brahmana families

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 History of Karnataka
and had good relations with them. The
dargah of Syed Ismail Qadiri is located in
Ghorwad near by Bhalki, a taluka unit of
Bidar district. The urus of this saint is
celebrated with great pomp and pleasure by
both the Hindus and the Muslims even to this
date.
During the Adil Shahi period, Sufi saints
migrated to Bijapur from various places like
Baghdad, Arabia, Persia, Sindh, and from
other places in North and South India like
Daulatabad, Ahmadabad, Gujarat, Broach,
Bidar and Gulbarga. About twenty-seven Sufi
saints were living during the period of King
Ibrahim II, about eleven of them were in the
period of King Muhammad and four were in
the period of King Ali II. Single references to
the Sufi saints are recorded in the period of
Kings Yusuf, Ibrahim I and Ali I. Bijapur
remained relatively barren as a centre for
Sufism prior to the reign of Ibrahim II but the
post 1583 period saw Sufism flourish in
Bijapur to a significant degree.
In the reign of Sultan Muhammad, majority of
Sufis came directly from Arabia, Egypt,
Baghdad, and other parts of India like Bidar,
Gulbarga, Burhanpur, and Gujarat to Bijapur.
They are., Abd al-Samad Kanani (from
Egypt), Ismail Qadiri bin Hasan (from
Baghdad), Abu Bakrbal-Faqih (from Arabia),
Ahmad Nazir, Saiyid (from Arabia), Jafar
Saqqaf, Saiyid (from Arabia), Zain Muqbil,
Saiyid (from Arabia), Naim Allah, Shah (from
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Burhanpur), Zubairi Qazi Ibrahim (from
Gujarat), Abd alLatif Qadiri, Shah (from
Bidar), and Siraj al-Din Junaidi III (from
Gulbarga).(Eaton,1985:126) Sufi saints
arriving directly from Arabia tended to retain
Arab habits and customs in Bijapur. For
example writing in Arabic conducting
initiation ceremonies in Arabic, making
frequent pilgrimages to Mecca, and sending
gifts of money back to the holy places of
Arabia were all widely practiced by the Sufis.
Female Sufi Saints
From fourteenth century onwards references
are found to female Sufi saints in Karnataka.
These female Sufi saints not only involved
themselves in spiritual teachings but also
their main role in the society as mothers,
sisters, wives are really noteworthy. They
were also supporting their husbands in
spreading Sufi principles. There are nine
references found to female Sufi saints in
Karnataka. The earliest happens to be of
Hazrat Masaheba Ashrafe Dojahan who
came from Arabia or Baghdad about 800
years ago to Kudchi in Raybag taluk of
Belgaum district, and second Kunja Maa
Bee, the daughter of king Muhammad Shah I
(1358 A.D. to 1375 A.D.(Munshi,1977:356-
365) Other female saints were Hazrata
Amina Bibi Dadi Ma Sahiba and Mastana
Bibi (darghas at City Market, Bangalore),
Syedani Bibi (dargha at Tannery road,
Bangalore), Tawakkal Mastan Bibi (dargha at
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 History of Karnataka
Richmond Circle, Bangalore), Hazrat Saiyida
Amma Jaan (in Mandya) and Saidani Bibi (in
Mangalore).
Contribution of the Sufi Saints to
Karnataka
The Sufi saints who professed mysticism
made contribution in their own way to the
social, political, religious, and cultural life of
Karnataka. Sufi Services to Society - One of
the ideals of the Sufi saints was to strive for
the abolition of all discriminations, and
inequalities from contemporary society. They
received all men, rich and poor, Hindu and
Muslim, free born and slaves in the same
way. They served as socio-religious
reformers in Karnataka. One of their great
achievements was that they brought the
Muslim aristocracy into touch with the
Hindus. The Sufis could attract large masses
towards them in Karnataka because of their
simple life. They served the poor, the
distressed and the down-trodden. As Sufism
was based on liberal principle it attained
fame among the Hindu religionists and Sufi
saints became equally respectable to the
Hindus and the Muslims. They established
khanqhas (monasteries) which played a key
role in maintaining the moral balance of the
society in Karnataka. Influence of Sufi Saints
on Rulers, Administrators and Aristocrats -
Many Sufi saints exercised considerable
influence on kings, administrators, nobles
and well-to-do persons. They advised the
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officials of high status to help the weak, the
indigent and the needy persons.
The
Bahmani Sultanate
The Bahmani kingdom came into existence in
1347AD. Alauddin Hasan, an Afghan, founded
the Sultanate after revolted against the Bin
Tuglaq, sultan of Delhi. He ruled it under the title
of Bahaman Shah. He was also known as Hasan
Gangu, as he had risen in the servise of a
Brahmin, named Gangu. He is believed to have
traced his descent from a half mythical hero of
Iran, Bahman Shah. But Persian writer Ferishta
writes that the word Bahman Shah was meant to
be a tribute to his Brahman patron. In any case,
it is from this title that the kingdom was called
the Bahman Shahis.
They clashed with Vijaynagar empire for a very
long time. The areas of disputes were in the
Tunbhadra doab, in the Krishna-Godavari delta
and in the Marathawada country.
Alauddin Bahman Shah was a powerful ruler. He
was an empire builder and through incessant
warfare extended his domain from Daulatabad in
the west to Bhongir in the east. He was a good
and efficient administrator and divided his
kingdom into four provinces namely Gulbarg,
Daulatabad, Berar and Bidar. Each of these
provinces was placed under a governor who
maintained an army and made appointments in
all civil and military posts under him.
Alauddin Bahman Shah (Hasan) died in 1358 but
before his death he established peace and
prosperity in his kingdom.
Muhammad Shah I: The successor of Bahman
Shah (Hasan), Muhammad Shah I ruled from
1358 to 1375 A.D. There was constant clashes
between the Bahmani Sultanate and the
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 History of Karnataka
Vijayanagar Empire. Muhammad Shah
I systematize his government properly and
thoroughly but had to fight with the long rivals
kingdom of Vijayanagar and
Warangal throughout his reign. He defeated the
rulers of these kingdoms and made them to pay
huge war indemnity.
Mujahid Shah: Mujahid Shah succeded the
throne after his father’s death and waged wars
with Vijayanagar Kingdom. In spite of besieging
the country he failed to retain it and hence a
peace was concluded between him and the king
of Vijayanagar Empire.
Muhammad Shah II was the passionate lover of
peace and learning. His reign was a peaceful one
and as such he could constructed mosques, free
schools for orphans and also invited the scholars
from all parts of the Asia. But the intrigues of his
two sons Ghiyas-ud-din and Shams-ud-din
Daud had antagonized his last days and thus he
died in 1397 A.D. , but none of his sons could rule
successfully for any length of time and eventually
the throne was seized by Firoz, a grandson of
Alauddin Bahman Shah who assumed the title
“Taj ud-din Firuz Shah”.
Taj ud-din Firuz Shah was a valiant ruler and
inflicted humiliating defeat on the armies of
Vijayanagar kingdom twice and compelled the
king to pay tribute to him. However, towards the
end of his reign he was terribly defeated by the
Vijayanagar king’s army at Pangul and lost much
of his territory. He was a great builder and
constructed his capital Gulbarg in a beautiful
manner..
Ahmed Shah succeded Firuz Shah and transferred
his capital from Gulbarg to Bidar in about 1425
A.D. The new capital-city, Bidar, was at a much
higher level (about 3,000 feet) than Gulbarga. It
had a better climate in the rainy season and
much closer to Warangal. He also carried a
horrible war against Vijayanagar Kingdom to
avenge the losses sustained by the Bahmanis.
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Vijayanagar was besiezed by Bahmani troops
and finally the King of Vijaynagar had to
conclude peace by paying a huge war indemnity.
He also annexed Warangal, Malwa and made an
unsuccessful attempt to annex Gujarat, however
he took control of Konkan. He was not a learned
man but he encouraged education and learning.
He patronized the great poet Shaikh Azari.
Another celebrated poet was Maulana
Sharfuddin Mazandarani. During his reign, there
was a endless conflict between the Deccan
nobles with their allies on one side and the
foreign nobles composed of the Turks, the Arabs,
the Persians and the Mughals on the other.
The most famous personality of Bidar period of
the Bahmani sultanate was Mahmud Gawan,
who served under several sultans as prime
minister and general from 1461 to 1481. The
kingdom reached its climax under the leadership
of Mahmud Gawan. He remained loyal to the
Bahaman kingdom. He was also a learned man
and possessed a great knowledge of
mathematics. He made grants to construct a
college at Bidar which has influence of Persian
style of architecture. He was a successful military
commander and waged many successful wars
against Vijayanagar, Orissa and the sea pirates
in the Arabian sea. He successfully conquered
Konkan, Goa and Krishna-Godavari delta. Thus
he extended the Bahmani Sultanate in the whole
of south India.
He was a great administrator who brought about
many reforms in every department of the
Sultanate. He devided the kingdom into eight
provinces or tarrafs. Each tarraf was goveroned
by a tarrafdar. The salary could be paid in cash or
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 History of Karnataka
assigning a jagir. Those who were paid by means
of jagir were allowed expences for the collection
of land revenues. He also laid many internal
reforms to increase the control of Sultan over the
nobles and provinces and royal officers were
appointed in every province for this purpose.
Most of the forts were under the command of
these officers. Allowances were reduced to the
nobles who skiped their responsibility. This step
was disliked by the nobles and they organised a
plot against Gawan. They convinced the Sultan to
punish him with death penalty. After the
execution of Gawan, the Bahmani kingdom
began to fall. A series of weak rulers succeded
the throne and during this period the governors
of the four most important provinces declared
their independence from him one after another:
Bijapur (1489), Ahmadnagar and Berar (1491),
Bidar (1492) and Golconda (1512). Though the
Bahmani sultans ruled from Bidar until 1527, but
they were mere puppets in the hands of the real
rulers of Bidar, the Barid Shahis, who used them
so as to put pressure on the other usurpers of
Bahmani rule.
Bijapur was the most powerful kingdom among
the Deccani Sultanates. Soon it annexed Bidar.
The greatest period of Adil Shahi dynasty was
during the reign of Ibrāhīm ʿĀdil Shah II (1579–
1626), who expanded the frontier as far south
as Mysore. He was an efficient administrator and
generous patron of the arts. He returned to
the Sunni form of Islam but remained tolerant of
other religions, including Christianity. The
increasing weakness of the dynasty paved way
for Mughal encroachment and the successful
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revolt of the Maratha king Shivaji, who killed the
Bijapur general Afzal Khan.
The dynasty contributed to a great length to
tradition of culture and artistic patronage whose
architectural remains are to be seen in the
capital city of Bijapur. Ahmadnagar and
Golconda maintained their independence and
finally came into alliance with Bijapur in the
great struggle against Vijayanagar. Ahmadnagar
also conquered Berar before losing it to Mughals.
Embroiled in constant wars on the Deccan,
Bijapur lost Goa to the Portuguese in 1510 and
was unable to conquere this port again.
However, after all the Deccan sultanates joined
their hands to destroy Vijayanagar empire in
1565, but they could not retain much powerfull
after the horrible battle. Subsequently the
Deccan sultanates succumbed to the Great
Mughals: Ahmadnagar, being the northernmost,
was annexed first; Bijapur and Golconda survived
for some time, but were finally vanquished by
Aurangzeb in 1686–87 by Aurengzeb.
The Bahmanis were passionate of art and
architecture and patronized many styles from
around the world. Hasan Gangu constructed
many building such as Jama Masjid and Bala
Hisar. The greates military commander and
administrater of the Bahmanis, Gawan, built the
well-known Madarasa in 1472, which has three
storeys, a lecture hall, a library, a mosque, and
residential houses. They built a few forts on
strategic locations in the Sultanate such as
Gulbarga fort, Daulatabad fort, Parendah fort,
Raichur fort etc. They were also influenced by the
style of the Delhi Sultanate in the field of art and
craft. The Bahmani rulers kindly patronized art,
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 History of Karnataka
science, learning during their rule. The Bahmani
court was the centre of poets, scholars and
artists from various parts of the world. Art critics
and historians of architecture observed the
influence of the military architecture of Europe
and civil architecture of Persia.
The Persian architects’ hand and skill is very
perceptible in the Jamil Masjid of Gulbarga. The
Chand Minar of Daultabad and the Madarsa at
Bidar also reflect Persian style of architecture.
The capital cities of Gulbarga and Bidar were the
centres of the civil architecture of the Bahmanis.
The royal tombs of Gulbarga fall into two
patterns, Single tombs and Double tombs. Single
tombs comprised of simple square chambers,
crowned with battlements and comer turrets and
roofed by a single dome. The whole standing is
on a low square plinth while the double tombs
are merely duplicate of the single ones. The
Bahmani architecture has its own anomalies like
square arches of its cloisters.
During the period, there were many Sufi orders
prevailed such as Sufis of the Chisti, Qadiri and
Shattari orders. Ali Adil Shah loved to hold
discussions with Hindu and Muslim saints and
was called a Sufi. Bidar was one of the most
important centres of the Qadiri order. Sheikh
Sirajuddin Junaidi was the first Sufi who received
the royal honour. The famous Chisti saint of
Delhi, Syed Muhammad Gesu Daraz migrated to
Gulbarga in AD 1402-03 and Sultan Firuz granted
a number of villages for the maintenance of
Khanquah of Gesu Daraz. Khaja Gaisu Daraz was
a murid (disciple) of the noted Sufi saint of Delhi,
Hazrat Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi. After the
death of Chiragh Dehlavi, Gaisu Daraz took the
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resposibility of the successor (khalifa). He then
moved to Daulatabad in 1398 AD, due to the
attack of Timur on Delhi. He spread the Chishti
Order to South India. At the request of Bahamani
Sultan, Firuz Shah, he finally settled down in
Gulbarga. Gaisu Daraz was born to Syed
Muhammad Hussaini in Delhi in 1321. At the age
of four, his family shifted to Daulatabad in
Deccan.
He travelled various places such as Delhi,
Mewath, Gwalior, Chander, Aircha, Chatra,
Chanderi, Miandhar, Baroda, Khambayat and
Gulbarga. He took his last breath in Gulbarga in
the year November 1422. He was one of the
greatest sufi saint of India and the fame earned
him the title “Gaisu Daraz”. People also called
him Khwaja Banda Nawaz Gaisu Daraaz. Khaja
Sahib had a kind hearted nature of taking care
and comfort of the people. He used to distribute
whatever was presented to him to needy and
poor persons immediately and for this reason his
teacher Nasir Uddin Chirag Dehlavi awarded him
the title’ Gesu Daraz’.
When Sultan Muhammad-bin Tughlaq
transferred his capital from Delhi to Daulatabad
(Devgiri), many scholars, theologians, and
mystics went along with the masses. This led to
spread of Sufism in south India.
The Dravida Movement
The Dravida movement was basically for the
demand of Dravinadu. DravidaNadu, is the
name of a hypothetical "sovereign state"
demanded by Justice Party led by E. V.
Ramasamy and the Dravida Munnetra
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 History of Karnataka
Kazhagam (DMK) led by C. N. Annadurai for
the speakers of the Dravidian languages in
South Asia.
Initially, the demand of Dravida
proponents was limited to Tamil-speaking
region, but later, it was expanded to include
other Indian states with Dravidia-language
speakers in majority (Andhra Pradesh,
Kerala and Karnataka). Some
proponents also included parts of Ceylon (Sri
Lanka), Orissa and Maharashtra. Other
names for the proposed sovereign state
included "South India", "Deccan Federation"
and "Dakshinapath".
The concept of Dravida Nadu had its root in
the anti-Brahminism movement in Tamil
Nadu, whose aim was to end the alleged
Brahmin dominance in the Tamil society and
government. The early demands of this
movement were social equality, and greater
power and control. However, over the time, it
came to include a separatist movement,
demanding a sovereign state for the Tamil
people. The major political party backing this
movement was the Justice Party, which
came to power in the Madras Presidency in
1921. Since the late 19th century, the anti-
Brahmin Tamil leaders had stated that the
non-Brahmin Tamils were the
inhabitants of the Tamil-speaking region.The
Brahmins, on the other hand, were described
not only as oppressors, but even as a foreign
power, on par with the British colonial rulers.
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The prominent Tamil leader, E. V. Ramasami
(popularly known as "Periyar") stated that the
Tamil society was free of any societal
divisions before the arrival of Brahmins,
Nadu
whom he described as Aryan invaders.
Periyar was an atheist, and considered the
Indian nationalism as "an atavistic desire to
endow the Hindu past on a more durable and
contemporary basis". The proponents of
of the
Dravida Nadu constructed elaborate
historical anthropologies to support their
theory that the Dravidian-speaking areas
once had a great non-Brahmin polity and
civilisation, which had been destroyed by the
Aryan conquest and Brahmin hegemony.This
led to an idealisation of the ancient Tamil
society before its contact with the "Aryan
race", and led to a surge in the Tamil
nationalism. Periyar expounded the Hindu
epic Ramayana as a disguised historical
account of how the Aryans subjugated the
Tamils ruled by Ravana. Some of the
separatists also posed Saivism as an
indigenous, even non-Hindu religion.
Role of Justice Party
In December 1938, the Justice Party
Convention passed a resolution stressing
Tamil people's right to a separate sovereign
original state, under the direct control of the
Secretary of State for India in London. In
1939, E.V.Ramasamy organised the Dravida
Nadu Conference for the advocacy of a
separate, sovereign and federal republic of
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 History of Karnataka

Dravida Nadu. In a speech on 17 December Congress. By the 1940s, E.V.Ramasamy

1939, he raised the slogan "Dravida Nadu for supported Muslim League's claim for a
Dravidians", which replaced the earlier separate Pakistan, and expected its support
slogan "Tamil Nadu for Tamils".In 1940, the in return. In an interview with the Governor of
South Indian Liberal Federation (Justice Madras, Jinnah, the main leader of Muslim
Party) passed a resolution demanding a League, said that India should be divided
sovereign state of Dravida Nadu into four regions: Dravidistan, Hindustan,
E.V.Ramasamy was clear about the concept Bengalistan and Pakistan; Dravidistan would
of a separate multi-linguistic nation, approximately consist of the area under the
comprising Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Madras Presidency. Jinnah stated "I have
Kannada areas, that is roughly every sympathy and shall do all to help, and
corresponding to the then existing Madras you establish Dravidistan where the 7 per
Presidency with adjoining areas into a cent Muslim population will stretch its hands
federation guaranteeing protection of of friendship and live with you on lines of
minorities, including religious, linguistic, and security, justice and fairplay."
cultural freedom of the people. The
In July 1940, a secession committee was
proposition was made with a view to
formed at the Dravida Nadu Secession
safeguarding the national self-respect of
Conference held in Kanchipuram. On 24
Dravidians threatened by Indo-Aryan culture,
August 1940, the Tiruvarur Provincial
language, political leadership, and business
Conference resolved that Dravda Nadu
interests. A separatist conference was held
should be an independent state (thani-
in June 1940 at Kanchipuram when Periyar
naadu). The proponents of Dravida Nadu
released the map of the proposed Dravida
also sought to associate and amalgamate
Nadu. With the promised grant of full self-
Tamil Islam within a supposedly more
government after World War II, and posed
ancient Dravidian religion, which threatened
another threat to the Indian Freedom
the Islamic identity of Tamil Muslims, some
Movement However, it failed to get British
of whom had earlier supported the demand
approval. On the contrary, Periyar received
for a sovereign Dravida Nadu movement.
sympathy and support from people such as
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar and Muhammad In August 1941, E.V.Ramasamy declared
Ali Jinnah for his views on the Congress, and that the agitation for Dravida Nadu was being
for his opposition to Hindi. They then decided temporarily stopped. The reason cited was
to convene a movement to resist the that it was necessary to help the government
in its war efforts. The agitation would be

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 History of Karnataka
renewed after the conclusion of the war.
Even though the agitation for Dravida Nadu
was being stopped, the demand was very
much intact. When the Cripps Mission visited
India, a delegation of the Justice Party,
comprising E.V.Ramasamy, W. P. A.
Soundarapandian Nadar, Samiappa
Mudaliar and Muthiah Chettiar, met the
members of the Cripps Mission on 30 March
1942, and placed before them the demand
for a separate Dravidian nation. The demand
was rebuffed by Cripps, who told them that
such a demand would be possible only
through a resolution in the Madras legislature
or through a general referendum.
In August 1944, E.V.Ramasamy created a
new party called Dravidar Kazhagam out of
the Justice Party, at the Salem Provincial
Conference. The creation of a separate non-
Brahmin Dravidian nation was a central aim
of the party. In 1944, when E.V.Ramasamy
met the Dalit leader B. R. Ambedkar to
discuss join initiatives, Ambedkar stated that
the idea of Dravidistan was applicable to
entire India, since "Brahminism" was "a
problem for the entire subcontinent".
At the Dravidar Kazhagam State Conference
in Tiruchi in the 1940s, prominent Tamil
leader C. N. Annadurai stated that it was
necessary to divide India racially to prevent
"violent revolutions" in future, that according
to him, had been prevented due to the British
occupation of India. On 1 July 1947, the
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separatist Tamil leaders celebrated the
"Dravida Nadu Secession Day".On 13 July
1947, they passed a resolution in
Tiruchirapalli demanding an independent
Dravida Nadu. On 16 July, Mahatma Gandhi
expressed his opposition to the demand.
Also in 1947, Jinnah refused to help
E.V.Ramasamy to help create a Dravidastan.
When India achieved Independence in
August 1947, Periyar saw it as a sad event
that marked the transfer of power to
"Aryans", while Annadurai considered as a
step towards an independent Dravida Nadu,
and celebrated it. Over the time, disputes
arose between the two leaders. They fell out
after Periyar anointed his young wife as his
successor to lead the party, superseding
senior party leaders.
Rise of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
1949, Annadurai and other leaders split up
and established Dravida Munnetra
Kazhagam. Annadurai was initially more
radical than Periyar in his demand for a
separate Dravida Nadu.In highlighting the
demand for Dravida Nadu, the economics of
exploitation by the Hindi-speaking, Aryan,
Brahminical North was elaborated upon. It
was contended that Dravida Nadu had been
transformed into a virtual marketplace for
north Indian products. And, thus, Annadurai
explained that to change this situation, a
separate Dravida Nadu must be demanded.
Throughout the 1940s, E.V.Ramasamy
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 History of Karnataka
spoke along the lines of a trifurcation of
India, that is dividing the existing
geographical region into Dravida Nadu,
Muslim India (Pakistan), and Aryan Land
(Hindustan). In public meetings that he
addressed between March and June 1940,
he projected the three-nation doctrine as the
only solution which could end the political
impasse in the country.
Decline of movement
The decline in support for the Dravida Nadu
within the DMK can be traced back to as
early as the Tiruchi party conference in 1956,
when the party decided to compete in the
Tamil Nadu state assembly elections of
1957. E.V.K. Sampath, who was leading a
faction within DMK, argued that Dravida
Nadu was "not feasible". However, the party
did state Dravida Nadu as a "long-range
goal" during the elections. The political
observers doubted the seriousness of their
demand for a sovereign state, and stated
that the demand for a separate Dravida
Nadu was just a side issue, and a slogan to
catch the imagination of an emotional public.
In the 1957 elections, DMK managed to win
only 15 of the 205 seats in the state
assembly.
In 1958, V. P. Raman, a Brahmin leader,
joined the party and became a strong
opponent of the Dravida Nadu concept. In
November 1960, the DMK leaders, including
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Raman, decided to delete the demand of
Dravida Nadu from the party programme at a
meeting held in absence of Annadurai.
Political scientist Sten Widmalm writes, "It
seems that the more the party distanced
itself from the demand for Dravida Nadu, the
more it was supported." In the 1962 election,
DMK more than tripled its seats, winning 50
seats to the State Legislative Assembly, but
still could not displace the Congress from
power. On 17 September 1960, a "Dravida
Nadu Separation Day" was observed, which
resulted in arrests of Annadurai and his
associates. The demand for a sovereign
Tamil state was considered as a threat of
Balkanization to India, and also raised
concerns among the Sinhalese politicians in
Sri Lanka. In 1962, a Sinhalese M.P. stated
in the Parliament: "The Sinhalese are the
minority in Dravidistan. We are carrying on a
struggle for our national existence against
the Dravidistan majority." Annadurai, who
had been elected to the upper house of
Indian parliament (Rajya Sabha) in 1962,
reiterated DMK's demand for independence
for Dravida Nadu in his maiden speech on 1
May 1962. However, at the time of Sino-
Indian War of 1962, he proclaimed that his
party would stand up for the integrity and
unity of India. A faction of DMK contended
that the party should publicly abandon the
demand for Dravida Nadu. In 1963, on the
recommendation of the Committee on
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 History of Karnataka
National Integration and Regionalism of the
National Integration Council, the Indian
parliament unanimously passed the
Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution,
which sought to "prevent the fissiparous,
secessionist tendency in the country
engendered by regional and linguistic
loyalties and to preserve the unity,
sovereignty, and territorial integrity" of India.
This was essentially in response to the
separatist movement demanding a sovereign
Dravidistan.
Unification of
Karnataka
The struggle for the unification of all
Kannada speaking areas began in the late
19th century. Historians point out that the
origin of the movement for linguistic
provinces can be traced to same time e.g.,
the demand of the Oriya speaking people
and the demand for Sylhet district to be
transferred from Bengal to Assam. “Even
before independence, the consciousness of
linguistic unification among the Indians was
stimulating. They opposed British policies of
devide and rule. As britishers tried to
deviated people by dividing them
linguistically. An intensive awakening was
rose in places of North Karnataka, which
was under the Bombay province. Due to the
efforts made by the great personalities, like
Chennabasappa, Sir Walter Eliot, Russell and
many others the Kannada language was
safeguarded and the new Kannada schools
were opened.” Karnataka has a glorious past
from the ancient times.
The colonial rule was responsible for many
changes in indin life from the later part of
19th century. During the period Britishers
and Christian missionaries spread English
and western education in India. This was the
period during which industrial revolution
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developing in England and it’s impact was
seen in India too. Transportation and
communication facilities expanded and
urbanization set in on large scale. This led to
emergence of the middle class which was
responsible for the modernization and
renaissance. Printing also had been
introduced in Kannada during the same
period. The first Kannada printing was done
at Calcutta in 1817. There were around 86
printing press by the end of 19 th century.
The first Kannada news paper called
Mangalooru Samachara from Mangalore in
Karnataka began in 1843 when Hermann
Mögling, a minister from Basel Mission
distributed as the primary Kannada daily
paper. The first Kannada magazine, Mysuru
Vrittanta Bodhini was begun by Bhashyam
Bhashyacharya in Mysore. Not long after
Indian Independence in 1948, K N
Guruswamy began the organization, The
Printers (Mysore Private Limited) and began
distributing two daily papers Deccan Herald
(in English) and Prajavani (in Kannada).
Many printing presses such as mission press
at Bellary, Amba vilas press at mysore
palace, govt gazette press, Basel mission
press in Mangalore, govt press at Bangalore
were the most famous which spread the idea
of renaissance in kannada literature and
arouse the feeling of unification of
Karnataka. These all popularize the national
heros, historical figures and empire
builders, artists and poets . renaissance
helped them to develop a feeling that
glorious and great past of Karnatak could be
restored.
“Kannadigas not only did not have a state of
their own as they were distributed into 20
different administrations like those of
Bombay, Madras, Mysore, Hyderabad, Coorg
{Kodagu} and Kolhapur. That also led to the
decline of Kannada as a language in many of
these areas.
The movement for Unification of Karnataka
had originated in Dharwad region. Alur
Venkata Rao was the man who put forward
the idea and cherished it. In 1928, a
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 History of Karnataka
Committee headed by Motilal Nehru was set
up by the Congress to draft a constitution
for India. With the help of Sevadal, Dr.
Hardikar gathered 30,000 signatures
supporting unification and submitted a
memorandum in support of Unification. “A
Case for United Karnataka” written by
Diwakar for submission to the Committee.
Though Siman commission also accepted the
approach of linguistic provinces. The Nehru
Committee opined that Karnataka can be a
feasible province but the Karnataka
Congress did not submit any memorandum
to the Commission, because the Congress
had announced the boycott against
Commission. It also pressurized non-
congress groups, not to submit any
memorandum to commission. This resulted
in the delay of Unification process, which
could have been approved by the
commission itself. The Sixth Karnataka
Unification Conference, under the
presidentship of Dattopant Belvi, was held
at Dharwad in 1936. The need to unite all
Kannada speaking areas was becoming an
urgent one. The Karnataka Vidya Vardhaka
Sangha formed at Dharwad in 1890 was the
first public organization to take up this very
cause. Famous leaders like Alur Venkata
Rao, Justice Setlur and Benagal Rama Rao
started to demand the unification of all
these areas. Alur Venkata Rao wrote the
celebrated work „Karnataka Gatha
Vaibhava‟. The holding of the Kannada
Writers Conference (1909), the
establishment of the Kannada Sahitya
Parishat (1915) and the Karnataka Sabha
(1916) prompted the reinforcing of this
movement. After the Fourth and last Anglo-
Mysore War, Mysore State was reduced to a
small principality and vast Kannada
speaking areas were merged with Bombay
presidency, Madras and Hyderabad and
other small princely states. Kannadigas were
subjected to twenty different
administrations. Thus the Kannada language
was on the verge of decline. They had to
adopt the respective languages like Marathi,
Tamil and Telugu and forced to cultivate the
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culture of these regions. Thus the
Kannadigas did not have any renowned
cultural, linguistic and political
homogeneity. They were not well treated in
those states. Discriminatory activities was
meted out to them and they were even
suppressed. For example, in the princely
states of Mudhol and Jamakhandi,
Kannadigas had no place in public life
including schools and offices. The pathetic
conditions of the Kannadigas lived in these
various administrative units were
unaccountable. This prompted the
Kannadigas to struggle for unification.
After the formation of separate provinces like
Assam, Bihar, Orissa on linguistic basis
created a thirst for independence and also
Unification of the Kannada-speaking regions.
Publication of books on Karnataka’s history,
the freedom movement and the inspiring
writings of Alur Venkata Rao, Huilgola
Narayana Rao, Kuvempu, Bendre and others
encouraged this movement.
Alur Venkat Rao, who was called "Kannada
Kula Purohita", for arousing the awareness of
Kannadigas, rendered yeoman service for the
cause of Unification. In 1916 Alur Venkata
Rao formed the Ekikarana Sabha at
Dharwad, with unification of Karnataka as its
goal. As early as in 1903, Benagal Rama Rao
delivered a lecture at Dharwad, stressing the
need for the unification of Kannada speaking
regions into a single Presidency. A separate
Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee was
constituted for the Kannada speaking regions
in 1920. At the all-India Congress session held
at Belgaum in 1924, the Kannada anthem,
“Udayavagali namma cheluva Kannadanadu”,
calling for the creation of beautiful Kannada
state, composed by Huilgol Narayana Rao
was sung. The first Karnataka Unification
Conference was also held at Belgaum and
presided over by Sir Siddappa Kambli. The
Karnataka Ekikarana Sangha was established
at the conference and it held its meetings on
numerous occasions. In 1926, the Hindustani
Seva Dal, founded by Dr.Hardikar conducted
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a signature campaign in favour of Unification
and collected 36,000 signatures. But it was
not a simple task to bring people who were
under 20 different administrative regions in a
single province and it was felt that with the
country attaining the freedom, unification
could also occure.
After Independence, the President of the
Constituent Assembly formed a linguistic
provinces committee on 17th June 1948 with
S.K. Dhar as Chairman. The Dhar Commission
was asked to report how many new provinces
were to be created and also state ‘the
administrative, financial and other
consequences’ of the creation of new
provinces. The Commission in its report
submitted on 10th December 1948 expressed
itself against any reorganization of provinces
being undertaken in the then prevailing
circumstances. To consider the question of
linguistic states and review the position in the
light of the findings of the Dhar commission,
the Congress appointed another committee
known as the J.V.P.Committee consisting of
Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel and
Pattabhi Seetharamaiah at the Jaipur session
of the Indian National Congress in December
1948. After thorough deliberation, the
committee came to the conclusion that
formation of linguistic provinces should be
postponed by a few years. Claims and counter
claims over various regions, such as Bombay
city being proclaimed by both the
Maharashtrians and the Gujaratis or Madras
by the Tamils and the Telugus, being
considered as main problem. But it conceded
the demand for the formation of Andhra
province.
On the eve of the first general election in
1951-52, the Congress in its election
manifesto claimed that the formation of
linguistic provinces was in its agenda. But
after coming to power it did not take any step
in this direction. The ‘Akhanda Karnataka
Rajya Nirmana Parishad’ was set up in
Karnataka with K.R. Karanth as President. It
was formed with a view to pressurize the
Central government to concede the demand
for the formation of linguistic provinces. In
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Madras, Potti Sriramulu undertook his epic
fast on 19th October 1952 to press for the
formation of Andhra province and on 15th
December 1952 he died. The widespread
violence in Andhra region followed after the
death of Potti Srirmulu. This led Nehru to
announce the formation of the Andhra state.
This resulted in the district of Bellary being
transferred to Mysore. At a K.P.P.C. meeting
held at Hubli during the period an
unprecedented scene of violence followed
when a crowd trying to demonstrate in
favour of Unification turned turbulent.
Shankargouda Patil of Adaragunchi, a
Congress worker near Hubli was holding ‘fast
unto death’ at the time of the meeting. Finally
on December 29, 1953, the Government of
India appointed the States Reorganisation
Commission with Fazl Ali as Chairman,
Hridaynath Kunzru and K.M.Pannikar as
members to investigate the whole question of
the reorganization of the states of the Indian
union. So that the welfare of the people of
each constituent unit as well as of the nation
as a whole can be promoted. The Commission
submitted its report on 30th September 1955.
The recommendations of the Commission
among other things are the merger of the
following regions for the formation of a
United Karnataka. They involved Mysore
state, including Bellary district, the districts
of Dharwad, Bijapur, North Kanara and
Belgaum (except Chandgad taluk), South
Kanara district (except Kasargod taluk),
Coorg (Kodagu), Gulbarga district (expect
Kodangal and Tandur taluks), Raichur
district (except Alampur and Gadval taluks)
and Bidar district consisting of Bidar, Bhalki,
Aurad and Humnabad taluks. Kollegal taluk
from Coimbatore district of Madras Province
was merged with Mysore district. The
Commission also recommended the abolition
of the post of ‘Rajapramukh’. The new state
had 19 districts.
On November 1st 1956 President Rajendra
Prasad inaugurated the new Mysore state at
Bangalore. Hhereby the big map of the new
state of Mysore was brightly lit. After
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invocation, famous vocalist P.Kalinga Rao

sang the popular Kannada
anthem “Udayavagali namma cheluva
Kannada nadu”. Huilgol Narayan Rao had
composed the song as early as in 1924 and
P.Kalinga Rao who made it to suitable tune
and popularised it. Then Jayachamarajendra
Wodeyar, being sworn in as the new Governor
of the state and S.Nijalingappa as the new
Chief Minister. Thus the long cherished dream
of the Kannadigasof a state was realized. To
console the hurt sentiments of the anti-
mergers in Mysore, the state was called New
Mysore after unification and only in
November 1973 it could be renamed as
Karnataka.

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