Karnataka is a state in South India that has Bengaluru as its capital. Karnataka is known for a lot of things; from its delicious food to the IT and aerospace fields. Karnataka Tourism’s slogan is very aptly ‘One State, Many Worlds’. There is so much diversity in Karnataka. There is modernity as well as conservative culture existing side by side. There are highly developed cities and hilly rural areas. There are people from many religions who speak different languages living peacefully.
Let’s look at these top 10 facts about Karnataka that will surprise you.
1. Bengaluru is the Silicon Valley of India
Bengaluru is the capital city of Karnataka. It is known for many reasons. Bengaluru is known globally for being the IT hub of India. There are so many IT and technology companies based in Karnataka.
It was the startup capital of India for many years until very recently when Delhi overtook the number of startups. For all these reasons, Bengaluru is known as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’.
2. Before 1973, Karnataka Was Known As Mysore State
Karnataka was formed on 1 November 1956 by reorganizing the areas from the erstwhile Mysore Kingdom under the British, Madras Presidency, Bombay Presidency, and the erstwhile Hyderabad Kingdom.
The new state was named Mysore State. In 1973, the state government of Karnataka officially renamed Mysore State Karnataka, and it is known by this name from then onwards.
3. The Only Official Manufacturer of the National Flag of India is in Karnataka
The only official manufacturer of the National Flag of India is the Karnataka Khadi Gramodyog Samyukta Sangha located near Dharwad in North Karnataka.
It started operations on 1 November 1957. It serves the government of India in manufacturing official National Flags.
4. When It Was In Operation, Kolar Gold Fields Was The Second Deepest Gold Mine In The World
Located in the Kolar district close to Bengaluru, Kolar Gold Fields was the largest gold mine in India. It was operating for the whole 20th century until it was closed in 2001 due to falling in Gold Prices even though gold is still present there.
Many particle physics and cosmic ray experiments were also carried out in the fields until 1992, due to the depth offering a suitable environment for detecting cosmic rays.
5. Karnataka Has The Highest Population Of Elephants And Second Highest Population of Tigers In India
Karnataka has a rich environment and wildlife. The state boasts a large number of elephants and tigers in India. There are a number of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Karnataka has the highest population of elephants in India. It also has the second-highest population of tigers in India.
6. Karnataka Has The Second Highest Number Of Jnanpith Awardees In India
Karnataka has produced many literary giants such as Kuvempu, Bendre, Shivarama Karanth, etc. Karnataka literature is rich with many masterpieces being produced.
Kannadigas have won many Jnanpith awards over the years. Karnataka has the second-highest number of Jnanpith Awardees in India.
7. Mysore Dasara Is Celebrated Every Year With Extravagance And Grandeur
Dussehra is a major festival of Karnataka, especially in the old-Mysore region. The state officially celebrates Dasara and on the final day of Navratri, there is a procession by elephants known as Jambu Savari.
In the olden days, the ruler of Mysore would sit on the elephant. After independence, a photo of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari is kept. This occasion is a major one in Karnataka attended by the Chief Minister and other ministers and the descendants of the Mysore Royal Family.
8. Mangalore Is The Only Major City In Karnataka To Be Connected With Road, Rail, Air, and Sea
Mangalore is located on the west coast of Karnataka. Its location and population enable it to have an international airport, a major seaport, and a railway station.
So there are many ways in which you can reach Mangalore. It is one of the major ports of Karnataka, importing and exporting many things including petroleum from the Gulf countries.
9. Karnataka Is Known For Sericulture And Is The Largest Silk Producing State In India
Kiranravikumar/CC BY-SA 3.0/Source
Karnataka has a long historical association with silk production. Some of the farmers cultivate silk worms here, especially near the Bengaluru region.
It is the leading silk producer in India and is famous for it.
10. Bengaluru Was The First City In Asia To Get Electric Street Lights
Erstwhile Mysore State was a pioneer in many developmental activities in India. It prospered under the rule of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV.
Bengaluru got its first electric lamps on 5 August 1905. The power was harnessed from the Shivanasamudra Falls, which was built to power operations in Kolar Gold Fields.
Which of these incredible facts about Karnataka did you know before? Did you visit Karnataka or are you a Kannadiga? Type in the comments below ☺️