Karnatakas

Karnatakas are the people associated with the Indian state of Karnataka, located in the southwest of the country. The term is often used to refer to residents or natives of the state, though Kannada-speaking communities are commonly described as Kannadigas. The state features diverse geography that ranges from the Arabian Sea coast in the west to the Western Ghats and the Deccan plateau inland. Its capital and largest city is Bengaluru, a major urban and economic hub.

The official language of Karnataka is Kannada, which has a long literary tradition and is recognized as a classical language of India. In addition to Kannada, many residents speak languages such as Tulu, Konkani, Kodava, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu, reflecting the region’s multicultural character.

Historically, the region was ruled by several prominent dynasties, including the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, and the Vijayanagara Empire. In the 20th century the area was part of the larger Mysore State, which was renamed Karnataka in 1973. The state played a significant role in India’s independence era and has since developed into a major center for education, science, and industry.

Economically, Karnataka is diverse, with a strong information technology sector centered in Bengaluru, a substantial agricultural base (notably rice, sugarcane, and coffee in the Western Ghats), and varied manufacturing. The population is multi-religious and multi-ethnic, with Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Jainism among the major communities. Cultural life includes traditional art forms, music, dance, and regional festivals such as the Mysuru Dasara and various Ugadi celebrations.