Karnataka Facts - A Source of Fascination

Aditi Paul [05/Sep/23] Karnataka as a state has a beautiful imprint on the map of India. Karnataka was formerly known as the State of Mysore and the state was formed on November 1, 1956. Later it was renamed as Karnataka in 1973. Located in the southwestern region of the country, Karnataka is a progressive state in the fields of tourism, education, literature, agriculture, information technology industry, etc. Karnataka is a complete assortment of world heritage sites, historical monuments, ancient shrines, elongated coastlines, coffee plantations, wildlife sanctuaries, cosmopolitan cities, arts and cultures, and so on. Besides all, Karnataka is in possession of several lesser-known and interesting facts that really enthrall many to pay a visit to this wealthy state.

Important facts about Karnataka are enlisted below which makes the land of the state prouder.

1. The largest producing of coffee - Karnataka is the largest coffee producer and exporter state of India. Centuries back, the Chikmagalur district was the first to cultivate coffee. Hassan, Shivamogga, Dakshina Kannada are the other significant districts for coffee production, with the Kodagu district being at the top of the list.

2. The village of the famous ‘Gabbar Singh’ - The film ‘Sholay’ has been on the list of favourite movies in the late 90s. Not only because of the casting of Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra but also because of the flawless acting of Amjad Khan in the role of antagonist ‘Gabbar Singh’. The location for Gabbar Singh and his pack of goons’ residence is none other than in Karnataka. It is the rocky terrain of Ramnagara village, which is just 60 km from Bangalore and serves the purpose of a short drive to this village.

3. First private radio station - The first private radio station was set up for the very first time in Karnataka in the year 2001. The Channel 91.1 FM was first set and heard in the city of Bangalore.

4. The land of glorious Rani Chennamma - 3 decades before the rise of Rani Laxmibai, Rani Chennamma rose to armed rebellion against the British colonials to revolt against the Kappa Tax. Rani Chennamma was the queen of the princely state Kittur.

5. Residence of tigers - The state is well known to be the refuge of a significant population of tigers. Karnataka has 36 wildlife sanctuaries and 5 national parks. Nagarhole National Park booking to spot tigers Indian leopards, elephants, gaurs, striped hyenas, sloth bears, etc. is one of the thrilling short vacation plans. Similar plans can be crafted for Bandipur National Park, Bannerghatta National Park, Kali Tiger Reserve and Kudremukh National Park.

6. Only authorization of the Indian flag manufacture - Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha or KKGSS is the only organisation with the authority for the manufacturing of the national flag of India. The unit was set up on 1st November 1957 and is located in the Bengeri region of Hubli city. In the government-approved KKGSS, the Indian Tricolour is made of Khadi cloth.

7. Accomplisher of Jnanpith Awards - Jnanpith is India’s highest literacy award and Karnataka state possesses the second-highest number of Jnanpith awardees in India. 8 Jnanpith awards have been bagged by Karnataka by famous personalities - Kuppalli Venkatappa Puttappa, Dattatreya Ramachandra Bendre, Kota Shivaram Karanth, Masti Venkatesha Iyengar, Vinayaka Krishna Gokak, Dr. Udupi Rajagopala Acharya Anantha Murthy, Girish Karnad.