A. Introduction to Karnataka ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಪರಿಚಯ
Karnataka is a premier state in southern India, bounded by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Deccan Plateau to the east. With its vibrant capital Bengaluru—globally celebrated as the Silicon Valley of India—Karnataka represents a unique synthesis of ancient civilisational heritage and cutting-edge technological innovation.
Formed on 1 November 1956 under the States Reorganisation Act (initially as Mysore State and formally renamed Karnataka in 1973), the state is celebrated annually on Kannada Rajyotsava. Spanning 191,791 square kilometres, Karnataka is India's sixth-largest state by geographic area and home to over 61 million citizens. Its timeless motto, "ಸಿರಿಗನ್ನಡಂ ಗೆಲ್ಗೆ" (Sirigannadam Gelge - May auspicious Kannada flourish), reflects its proud linguistic identity, foundational epics, and democratic traditions dating back to the 12th-century Anubhava Mantapa.