Karnataka Travel Guide

History of Karnataka

Karnataka has a glorious history. Located in the southern part of India, this state is ruled by several dynasties which shape its history. At various points in history, many rulers attacked it. Due to the influence of various rulers and dynasties, Karnataka became enriched with its distinctive culture and values.

In ancient times, Karnataka was known as Karunadu, which means elevated land or high plateau. The history of Karnataka can be seen back in prehistoric days.

Pre-historic culture of Karnataka was very different from the northern part of India. During pre-historic times, hand-ax culture was practiced in Karnataka. This culture was similar to the pre-historic culture of Africa. Even before 1200 BC, iron was known for the residents of Karnataka. It was long before that time the inhabitants of North India had come to know about the use of iron.

The early rulers of Karnataka were from the northern parts of the country. During the 4th and 3rd centuries, the BCE parts of Karnataka were under the rule of Maurya and Nanda Empire of northern India. After the fall of the Maurya Empire, the Satavahana dynasty came to power in Karnataka about 3 BC. They ruled over the wider areas of northern Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Prakrit was his administrative language. Both Kannada and Telugu were found and developed during their rule. Satavahana dynasty ruled Karnataka for almost 300 years.

As a result of the weakening of the Satavahana dynasty, Pallavas of Karnataka became a political power in Karnataka for a short time. Pallavas were dominated by the indigenous dynasties, the Kadamba of Banavasi and the Gangas of Kolar. Kadamba dynasty and climbing of the Western Gangas Dynasty became an independent political unit at the starting point of Karnataka.

Demographics of Karnataka

As per the 2011 registration of India the total population of Karnataka was 61,095,297 of which 30,966,657 (50.7%) were male and 30,128,640 (49.3%) were female, or 1000 males for each 973 females. This speaks to a 15.60% expansion over the population in 2001. The population thickness was 319 for every km2 and 38.67% of the general population lived in urban zones. The literacy rate was 75.36% with 82.47% of male and 68.08% of females being literacy. 84.00% of the populace were Hindu, 12.92% were Muslim, 1.87% were Christian, 0.72% were Jains, 0.16% were Buddhist, 0.05% were Sikh and 0.02% were having a place with different religions and 0.27% of the populace did not express their religion.

How to reach Karnataka

How to reach Karnataka by Road : Karnataka Government, in association with Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), connects the state with other major cities and states. In addition, NEKRTC and NWKRTC are two other road transport corporations in Karnataka, making it easier by making remote areas and other places more accessible through road network.

How to reach Karnataka by Train : Karnataka is also well connected to other parts of the country through a wide rail network. Apart from this, there is also an interstate rail network for easy travel within Karnataka in the state of Karnataka.

How to reach Karnataka by Air : There are 6 airports in Karnataka; it is well connected to other parts of India and the rest of the world through the air network. There are airports in Bangalore, Mangalore, Hampi, Hubli, Belgaum, Bijapur and Mysore. Mangalore International Airport and HAL Airport in Bangalore are two airports that provide international flights to Karnataka.

Best time to visit Karnataka

There are three areas of coastal, north central and south central Karnataka. The best time to visit in Summer April to June, in Monsoon July to September, Post Monsoon October to December and in winter season January to March is the best time to visit in Karnataka.