Writing a crisp two-page blog on everything that is Karnataka, my land, which is “one state, many worlds” in its truest sense.
Read on for a worded birds’ eye view of Namma Karunadu!
Shilapadikaram and Tholkapiyam texts refer to the area as Karunat (elevated land). In existence for more than 2000 years, Kar (black) and nadu (land) is the reference made to Karnataka. It is the Kannada Poem composed by Rashtra Kavi Kuvempu: Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate, Jaya he Karnataka Maate (Victory to Mother Karnataka, the daughter of Mother India); adopted as the State Nadageethe (Anthem) on February 4, 2004, that summarizes the flora, fauna, culture, literature, philosophy, the Saints, the Seers, the History, the rivers: which mirrors in often cited stone inscription of the 15th Century which eulogies the region as:
A mine of good discipline,
The dwelling place of Brahma,
The land which had acquired great fortune,
The birthplace of learning and wealth,
The true home of unequaled splendid earnestness
Thus, distinguished in many ways Shone the lovely Karnata Country.
Whether it is the Hire Benakal Megalithic Site near Gangavati, Kudala Sangama and Aikya Mantapa (Samadhi of Basavanna) where the Rivers Krishna and Malaprabha merge; or the place of Aiyyavalle (Aihole) (also ‘Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture) linked to Lord Parashurama; Anegundi and Hampi Considered as the ‘worlds’ largest open museum,’ The land of the Vijayanagars where every boulder will tell a story of its glorious past, is a historian’s bible and a visitor’s visual treat… with boulders everywhere, as far as the eyes can reach, the character of this place is sure to leave us spellbound.
The five ever smiling Bahubalis of Shravanabelagola, Gommatagiri, Karkala, Venur and Dharmasthala; the Gol Gumbaz, the Sarees of Ilkal, Navalgund, Mysuru and the Kasuti embroidery of Uttara Kannada; or the savories of Kunda/Dharwad Peda, Mysuru Pak, Gulbarga’s Malpuri, Udupis’ Hayagreeva, Gokaks’ Karadantu (fried sticky laddu), or the simple Chiroti eaten with Sugar and milk; besides of course the Masala Dosa, which makes everyone a gourmet person. If one wants more Culture, then the Bhoota Aradhane a dance form in the coastal areas, the Veeragase, the Dollu Kunitha, the Nagamandala, the Gaarudi Gombes, the Yakshagaana, Kamsale and Gorava Kunitha are but a few samples to cherish the culture of the state.
History, Art, Architecture, Culture, the textiles, the dances, the food, the people…. there is more, if you want handicrafts, you have the Bidari, the Channapatna toys, the Mysuru Sandalwood handicrafts by themselves stand out as a tradition. There is a phenomenal ‘island of culture’ in all its traditions, with its valorous history of might. the Kodava Land, Coorg, the culture which has remained strong even to this day, in all its glory with Kaveri playing a witness. Karnataka is a land of glory and will remain one as rendered by Kuvempu, in the anthem, that makes you feel euphoric.
The greatest rulers of all times, The Wodeyars (Wadiyars), their kritis a phenomenal contribution to the music world, their palaces, and forts. A lore that lingers in the minds, the Talakad’s sand curse (In Kannada, “Talakadu maralagali, Malangi maduvagali, Mysuru dhorege makkalilladhe hogali”, in English it means, may Talakadu be submerged in sand, may Malangi become a whirlpool, and may the king of Mysuru be Heirless). His Highness Shri Jaya Chamaraja Wadiyar: for the love of Forests, Khedda and wildlife. Their contribution to forest conservation and the many forest rest houses that they built.
The western ghats and their jewels: Chikamagalur, the wealthy Gowdas and their estate life, the surprise called Sakleshpur, with their Coffee, Culture, Cuisine and the Sahyadris. The waters that let them sink and the rubber that invaded their lives-the land that still holds them strong: let’s not forget the humble Dandeli and its folks! And to top the list is my favourite, Agumbe, the setting for Malgudi days, Doddamane, Shankarnag and the little “Swamy”.
This is my Karnataka for you all…. Savour it, enjoy every bit of it!
