Karnataka Overview - I
Last Updated on Monday, 18 January 2010 14:29 Written by Manjunath H Sunday, 10 January 2010 18:47
KARNATAKA A LAND OF SANDALWOOD WITH RICH HERITAGE
INTRODUCTION
Karnataka is The land Known as “GANDHADA GUDI” The land Of Sandalwood which is as diversified as the seven clours in the vibgyor.
This land has everything to offer to the feast of a tourist from any part of the universe. This reflects the spectrographic magnitude of the splendid state. So does its theme.
FACTS AND FIGERS:
Total area: 1,91 976 km²
Total districts: 29
Biggest district: Gulbarga
Smallest District: Kodagu (coorg)
Capital: Bengalooru or Bangalore (silicon Valley of India)
Official Language: “KANNADA”
Population : 5,28,50,562 (2001)
Density:275 per km²
Literacy: 69.6%
GEOGRAPHY:
The state has three principal geographical zones: the coastal region of Karavali, the hilly Malnad region comprising the Western Ghats (Sahhyadri) and the Bayaluseeme region comprising the plains of the Deccan Plateau. The bulk of the state is in the Bayaluseeme region, the northern part of which is the second largest arid region in India. The highest point in Karnataka is the Mullayyanagiri hills in Chikkamagalooru District which has an altitude of 1,929 metres (6,329 ft). Some of the important rivers in Karnataka are the Kaveri, the Tungabhadra, the Krishna and the Sharavati
HERITAGE KARNATAKA:
Nowhere else in India can you find such a profusion of monuments as in Karnataka. No wonder, Karnataka has been called the "Cradle of Stone Architecture". The magnificent world heritage sites at Hampi and Pattadakkal, the exquisite temples at Belur, Halebidu, and Somnathpur, the cave temples of Badami and Aihole and the stately Forts, Domes and minarets of Bijapur resurrect the state's history and cultural affluence. These peerless wonders are eloquent reminders of a rich heritage.
HAMPI:
Hampi was the capital city of the powerful south Indian Vijayanagar Empire . Founded by Harihara and Bukka in 1336, it fell to the Muslim rulers of north India in 1565 after the disastrous battle of Talikota and subsequently lapsed into decline and abandonment. The ruins of the historical monuments have stood the ravages of man and time and still evoke memories of the grandeur of a bygone era.
BAD
AMI:
Picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills, the exquisite sculptures and the rust red sandstone cliffs of Badami tell many a tale of yore. Climb a flight of steps to reach the four ancient rock-cut caves replete with carved pillars and bracket figures, all hewn out of red sandstone on the precipice of a hill.
PATTADKAL: 
With its beautifully chiselled temples, this World Heritage Site on the banks of the Malaprabha river bears testimony to the richness of Chalukyan architecture. Pattadakal reached its pinnacle of glory under the Chalukya kings and was once used as a ceremonial centre where kings were crowned and commemorated. It has a cluster of 10 major temples, each displaying interesting architectural features..
AIHOLE: 
A tranquil village on the banks of the Malaprabha river, Aihole is acclaimed as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture. There are hundreds of temples in the villages and fields nearby. The most impressive one is the Durga Temple with its semicircular apse, elevated plinth, and the gallery encircling the sanctum. The Lad Khan Temple, which is one of the earliest temples, was originally a royal assembly hall and marriage mantapa chosen as the abode of a Muslim prince, Lad Khan temple.
LAKKUNDI: 
12km southeast of Gadag is the modest village of Lakkundi. Here, scattered among the tiny houses and dusty lanes are 50 stunning temples and 29 inscriptions dating back to the Kalyana Chalukya period. The most ornate and spectacular of these is the Kashi Vishwanatha Temple.
KITTUR CHENNAMMA FORT: 
Located on the Pune-Bangalore highway about 50km from Belgaum and 32km from Dharwad, the tiny town of Kittur with its dilapidated palace, monuments, statues and horse tongas (rickshaws) evokes the glories of a bygone era.
CHITRADURGA FORT: 
Chitradurga, on the highway linking Bangalore with Hospet, is famed for its massive Kallina Kote (Palace of Stone) fort, a marvel of military architecture made impregnable by the Nayak Palegars.
BIJAPUR: 
The one-time capital of the Adil Shahi kings (1489-1686) is dotted with mosques, mausoleums, palaces, fortifications, watchtowers, and strong gateways, with the massive Gol Gumbaz, The second largest and biggest dome in the world.
GULBARGA FORT: 
Originally built by Raja Gulchand and later fortified by Ala-ud-din Bahman, the fort contains large buildings, mosques, temples, stables, ammunition dumps, carriages, 15 towers, 26 guns, and several beautiful courtyards. The piece-de-resistance of the sprawling fort is the 38,000 sq. ft. Jumma Masjid with its elegant domes and arched columns reminiscent of the great mosque of Cordoba in Spain.
BIDAR FORT: 
Catch a glimpse of Karnataka's richly textured history in this rugged 15th century fort surrounded by a triple-moated wall hewn out of red rock, with intricate battlements and an imposing gateway. The crumbling ruins of the bastions and gates, royal baths and kitchens, audience halls, and pleasure pavilions stand as silent testimonies to Bidar's past glory. The Rang Mahal has elaborately carved wooden pillars, Persian couplets engraved in tiles and exquisite mother-of-pearl inlay work.
MYSORE PALACE: 
All roads in Mysore lead to the Mysore Palace. Built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches, and colonnades, the palace is a treasure house of exquisite carvings and works of art from all over the world. Intricately carved doors open into luxuriously furnished rooms. The majestic Durbar Hall has an ornate ceiling and many sculpted pillars. The Marriage Pavilion is adorned with glazed tile flooring, stained glass windows and domed ceilings..
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written by Ashwini V Aralikatti, June 04, 2010
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