North Karnataka

North Karnataka
ಉತ್ತರ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ

North Karnataka region shown in blue
Country  India
State  Karnataka
Headquarter Belagavi and Kalburgi
Area
 • Total 88,361 km2 (34,116 sq mi)
Population (2011)
 • Total 24,571,229
 • Density 280/km2 (720/sq mi)
Languages
 • Official Kannada
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Sex ratio 960 ♂/♀
Literacy 70%
Pattadakal Temple Complex, Pattadakallu
Gol Gumbaz, Vijapura

North Karnataka, locally known as Uttara Karnataka, is a geographical region consisting of mostly semi-arid plateau from 300 to 730 metres (980 to 2,400 ft) elevation that constitutes the northern part of the South Indian state of Karnataka. It is drained by the Krishna River and its tributaries the Bhima, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, and Tungabhadra. North Karnataka lies within the Deccan thorn scrub forests ecoregion, which extends north into eastern Maharashtra.

Karu Nadu (North Karnataka)

It includes the districts of Belgaum, Bijapur, Bagalkot, Bidar, Bellary, Gulbarga, Yadagiri, Raichur, Gadag, Dharwad, Haveriand Koppal district Major cities in the region are Belgaum, Hubli, Dharwad, Bellary, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Bidar, Ranebennur, Chikodi, Hospet and Gokak.

Though the region is semi-arid, part of Belgaum district receive enough rainfall to make them lush and green throughout the year. Belgaum district is quite big and though the north parts of the district are arid and receive less rainfall, the southern parts which are adjacent to North Canara district, like Londa, have an almost highland tropical climate. The stretch from Londa to Alnavar has some of the most dense and beautiful jungles on the Western coastal belt of India. They are part of the Western Ghats and their foothills which are now protected under National Wildlife laws.

Certain parts of the region are well irrigated by many largest multipurpose projects like Upper Krishna Irrigation Project that includes Basava Sagara and Almatti Dams, Tungabhadra Dam and many major and minor lift irrigation projects.

Notably different from the regions of Old Mysore, Coastal Karnataka and Central Karnataka in terms of language, cuisine and culture, the region is well known for its contributions to the literature, arts, architecture, economy and politics of Karnataka.

Overview

Two stone temples against blue sky, behind grassy area
Mallikarjuna and Kashi Vishwanatha temples at Pattadakal

North Karnataka is known for its freedom fighters, social reformers, Hindustani musicians and figures in literature, law, science and technology. It has many Jain monuments from the Kadambas, Rashtrakutas, Badami Chalukyas, Kalyani Chalukyas, Sevuna and Vijayanagara periods (Karnataka Through Centuries).[1] Aihole is known as the cradle of Hindu rock architecture with over 125 temples and monuments, including Rashtrakuta monuments at Lokapura, Bilgi and Kuknur; Kalyani Chalukyas monuments built in the Gadag style at Lakkundi, Gadag and the Koppal District and the Vijayanagar empire temples at Vijayanagara. Badami Chalukyas monuments at Pattadakal, Aihole, and Badami are also well-known. Hampi, in the Bellary District, has some 54 World Heritage monuments and 650 national monuments. Vijayapura or Bijapur city is well known for its historical monuments of architectural importance built during the rule of the Adil Shahi dynasty.

History of North Karnataka

Center of Western Chalukya architectural activity in modern Karnataka, India

Prehistoric period

North Karnataka's history[2][3] and culture date back to prehistoric times. The earliest Stone Age find in India was a hand ax at Lingasugur, in Raichur district. Sangankal Hills in the Bellary district, which is known as the earliest village settlement of South India,[4] dates back to the Neolithic period. Iron weapons from 1200 BC, found at Hallur in Dharwad district, demonstrate that North Karnataka used iron earlier than northern India.[5] Prehistoric sites in North Karnataka include rock shelters in Bellary, Raichur and Koppal districts with red paintings[6] which include figures of wild animals. The paintings are done in such a way that the walls of caves are not facing northwest, so the northwest monsoon does not affect them. These rock shelters are found at Kurgod, Hampi in Bellary district and Hire Benakal, near Gangavati in the Koppal district. Burial chambers using granite slabs (known as dolmens) are also found; the best examples are the dolmens of Hire Benakal and Kumati in Hadagali Taluk.

Vibhuthihalli at Shahapur Taluk in the Yadgir district, an Archaeological Survey of India ancient astronomy site, was created with megalithic stones. The stones, arranged in a square pattern with astronomical significance,[7] cover an area of 12 acres (4.9 ha). Ashoka's stone edicts, found in the state, indicate that major parts of Northern Karnataka were under the Mauryas. Many dynasties left their imprint upon the development of North Karnatakan art, among them the Chalukyas, the Vijayanagara Empire and the Western Chalukyas. The inscriptions related to Chutu dynasty are the oldest documents found in North Karnataka.

See also: Kanaganahalli, Sannati, and Maski

Ancient

Chalukyas

Map of Badami Chalukya empire around 700 AD
Extent of the Badami Chalukya Empire, 636–740 CE

Chalukya rule is important in the development of architecture known as Karnata Dravida. Hundreds of monuments built by the Chalukyas are found in the Malaprabha river basin (mainly in Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal and Mahakuta, in Karnataka). They ruled an empire extending from the Kaveri in the south to the Narmada in the north. The Badami Chalukya dynasty was established by Pulakeshin I in 543; Vatapi (Badami) was the capital.[9] Pulakeshin II was a popular emperor of the Badami Chalukya dynasty. He defeated Harshavardhana on the banks of the Narmada river, and defeated Vishnukundins in the south. Vikramaditya I, known as Rajamalla and for building temples, engraved a Kannada inscription on the victory pillar at the Kailasanatha Temple. Kirtivarman II was the last Badami Chalukya king, overthrown in 753 by the Rashtrakuta King Dantidurga.

Map of Western Chalukya empire in the 12th century AD
Extent of the Western Chalukya Empire, 1121 CE

The Western Chalukya dynasty is sometimes called the Kalyani Chalukyas, after its regal capital at Kalyani (today's Basavakalyan in Karnataka) or the Later Chalukya from its theoretical relationship to the sixth-century Badami Chalukyas. The Western Chalukyas (Kannada: ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಚಾಲುಕ್ಯ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯ) developed an architectural style (also called Gadag style) known today as a transitional style, an architectural link between the early Chalukya Dynasty[10] and the later Hoysala empire. The Chalukyas built some of the earliest Hindu temples in India. The best-known examples are the Mahadeva Temple (Itagi) in the Koppal District; the Kasivisvesvara Temple at Lakkundi in the Gadag District and the Mallikarjuna Temple at Kuruvatti and the Kallesvara Temple at Bagali, both in the Davangere District. Monuments notable for craftsmanship are the Siddhesvara Temple at Haveri in the Haveri District, the Amrutesvara Temple at Annigeri in the Dharwad District, the Sarasvati Temple in Gadag, and the Dodda Basappa Temple at Dambal (both in the Gadag district). Aihole was an experimental base for architectural creation.

Badami Chalukyas and Kalyana chalukyas also known as (Kuntaleshvaras).

Kadambas

Main article: Kadamba Dynasty
Map of Kadamba Empire in 500 AD
Extent of Kadamba Empire, 500 CE

The Kadambas (Kannada: ಕದಂಬರು) were an ancient dynasty of South India who primarily ruled the region which is the present-day Goa state and the nearby Konkan region (part of modern Maharashtra and Karnataka state). The early rulers of this dynasty established themselves at Vaijayanti (or Banavasi) in 345 AD and ruled for more than two centuries. In 607, the Chalukyas of Vatapi sacked Banavasi, and the Kadamba kingdom was incorporated into the expanding Chalukyan empire. In the eighth century, the Chalukyas were overthrown by the Rashtrakutas, who ruled until the 10th century. In 980, descendants of the Chalukyas and Kadambas revolted against the Rashtrakutas; the Rashtrakuta empire fell, resulting in the establishment of a second Chalukyan dynasty (known as the Western Chalukyas). Chatta Deva, a member of the Kadamba family who helped the Western Chalukyas in this coup, re-established the Kadamba dynasty. He was primarily a vassal of the Western Chalukyas, but his successors enjoyed considerable independence and were well-placed in Goa and Konkan until the 14th century. The successors of Chatta Deva occupied both Banavasi and Hangal, and are known as the Kadambas of Hangal. Later, the Kadambas paid nominal allegiance to the other major powers of the Deccan Plateau (such as the Yadavas and Hoysalas of Dorasamudra) and maintained their independence. Four families of Kadambas ruled in southern India: the Kadamba of Hangal, Goa, Belur and Banvasi.[11]

Rashtrakutas

Main articles: Rashtrakuta Dynasty and Shilahara
Map of eighth-century Rashrakuta empire
Rashtrakuta empire of Manyakheta (Malkhed, in Gulbarga district), eighth century

During the rule of Dantidurga, an empire was built with the Gulbarga region in modern Karnataka as its base. This clan came to be known as the Rashtrakutas of Manyakheta (Kannada: ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರಕೂಟ), who rose to power in 753.[12][13] During their rule, Jain mathematicians and scholars contributed important works in Kannada and Sanskrit. Amoghavarsha I was the best-known king of this dynasty and wrote Kavirajamarga, a landmark Kannada work. Architecture reached a high-water mark in the Dravidian style, the best examples of which are seen in the Kailash Temple at Ellora, the sculptures of Elephanta Caves in modern-day Maharashtra and the Kashivishvanatha and the Jain Narayana Temples at Pattadakal in modern North Karnataka (all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites). Scholars agree that the kings of the imperial dynasty in the eighth to tenth century made the Kannada language as important as Sanskrit. Rashtrakuta inscriptions appear in both Kannada and Sanskrit, and the kings encouraged literature in both languages. The earliest existing Kannada literary writings are credited to their court poets and royalty. Kailash Temple is an example of Dravidian art. This project was started by Krishna I (757–773) of the Rashtrakuta dynasty which ruled from Manyakheta in modern Karnataka. It is located 40 km from the city of Manyakheta (modern Malkhed), on the banks of the Kagini River in Gulbarga district.

Carnatic expansion

Main article: Carnatic expansion

Vijayanagara empire

Vijayanagara[14][15] (Karnata Empire, or Karnataka Empire) is considered the greatest medieval Hindu empire and one of the greatest in the world at that time. It fostered the development of intellectual pursuits and the fine arts. Abdur Razzaq (the Persian ambassador) said, "The eye of the pupil has never seen a place like it and the ear of intelligence has never been informed that there existed anything to equal it in the world".

Deccan Sultanates

The Vijayanagara Empire, with its capital at Hampi, fell victim to the army of the Deccan Sultanates[16] in 1565. As a consequence of this, Bijapur became the most important city of the region. It is a land of monuments; perhaps no other city except Delhi has as many monuments as Bijapur. Bahmani Shahis and Adil Shahis (Bahmani Sultanate) of Bijapur have played an important role in the history of Karnataka with their contributions to art and architecture and their propagation of Islam in the state. The Bidar Sultanate was part of the Deccan sultanates, which were founded by Qasim Barid.

Minor dynasties

Other kingdoms

Inscriptions

Old inscriptions on green stone
Seventh-century Kannada inscription at Mahakuta (Mahakutesvara temple)

North Karnataka historical sites

Princely states

The following are the princely states of British India:

Battles

Historic capitals

Architectural styles

Brown, one-story temple porch with pillars
Trikuteshwara temple complex at Gadag-Betageri, North Karnataka

North Karnataka has contributed to various styles of Indian Architecture during the rule of the Kadamba, Badami Chalukyas, Western Chalukya, Rashtrakuta and Vijayanagara empires:

History of Kannada language

Kannada is one of the oldest Dravidian languages, with an age of at least 2,000 years. The spoken language is said to have separated from its proto-Dravidian source later than Tamil, and at about the same time as Tulu. However, the archaeological evidence indicates a written tradition for this language of around 1,500–1,600 years. The initial development of Kannada is similar to that of other Dravidian languages and independent of Sanskrit. In later centuries, Kannada has been greatly influenced by Sanskrit in vocabulary, grammar and literary style.

As for the Dravidian race, the Monier-Williams Sanskrit Dictionary lists for the Sanskrit word draviḍa a meaning of a "collective name for Karnatakas, Gurjaras, Kannadigas and Mahārāstras".[17] North Karnataka has its own dialect of Kannada.

Unification of Karnataka

See also: Carnatic region

Festivals

In Kannada utsava means "festival". The following are festivals celebrated in North Karnataka sponsored by Govt of Karnataka

Tourism

Aerial photo of triangular temple and surrounding buildings
Hampi, in Bellary district
Temples of North Karnataka

The temples of North Karnataka may be categorised as historical or modern.

World Heritage Sites
National Park and Sanctuaries in North Karnataka

Utsav Rock Garden is a sculptural Garden located near NH-4 Pune-Bangalore road,Gotagodi Village,Shiggaon Taluk, Haveri District, Karnataka. Utsav Rock Garden is an sculptural garden representing contemporary art and rural culture. A typical village is created where men and women are involved in their daily household activities. A unique picnic spot which delights common people, educated and intellectuals. There are more than 1000 sculptures in the garden of different sizes. It is an anthropological museum. It represents traditional farming, crafts, folklore, cattle herding and sheep rearing.

Notable people of North Karnataka

Universities and other educational institutions

Jaanapada University Shigaon, Haveri

Hindustani Music

North Karnataka has produced many Hindustani classical musicians of repute. The golden era of Hindustani music in North Karnataka began with the rise to fame of five vocalists: Mallikarjun Mansur, Gangubai Hangal, Kumar Gandharva, Bhimsen Joshi and Basavaraj Rajguru. These five not only contributed to Hindustani classical music, but also left behind a large number of students.

Musicians from Karnataka

Vocal

Sarod

Sitar

  • Rafiq Khan

Arts and crafts

Folk dances

Textiles

Garag, a small town located 15 km north of Dharwad, was the sole producer of the national flag and the hand-woven khadi for its manufacture. Hubballi Siree produces both silk and cotton sarees, worn by most villagers in North Karnataka and parts of Maharashtra. The fabric is primarily woven in Gadag-Betigeri. Bellary has approximately 4,800 families employed in the textile industry.Belagavi Saree also known as "Shahpur Saree" is also famous in North Karnataka,Goa and Maharashtra

Natural resources

The Hutti Gold Mine is the only gold-extraction company in India. It operates in Hatti, an ancient gold- mining area about 70 km from Raichur. Tourism is also permitted inside the mine.[23] The Gadag, Koppal and Bellary districts are rich in manganese, gold and iron ore.

Cuisine

Main article: Cuisine of Karnataka
Gokak karadant
Staple vegetarian meal of Karnataka Jolada rotti, Palya, and anna-saaru.
Dharwad Pedha

Northern Karnataka cuisine may be primarily found in the districts of Bidar, Kalburgi or Gulbarga, Vijapura or Bijapur, Bagalakote, Belagaavi, Raayachooru, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Koppala and parts of Ballari. Wheat and jowar rottis (unleavened bread made with millet) are popular.

The following are typical items in a vegetarian Northern Karnataka meal:

and girmit made with murmure (a rice dish).

Festivals and associated foods

Religion

Lingayats

Main article: Lingayatism

The followers of Basava, chief proponent of Shaivism in Karnataka, are known as Lingayats. Today, Lingayats constitute a major portion of the population of the state.

Buddhism

Buddhism in North Karnataka dates from the third to the first centuries BC. Sannati and Kanaganahalli are two important excavation sites, and there is a Tibetan Buddhist colony at Mundgod.

Jainism

Madhwas

Madhwas are the followers of Madhwacharya, the proponent of Dwaita philosophy.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Karnataka Through the Centuries Retrieved 2011-07-12.
  2. ↑ "Handbook of Karnataka, History". Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  3. ↑ "The Chalukyan magnificence". Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  4. ↑ "Ambitious plan for South India's oldest village". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  5. ↑ "History of Karnataka". Retrieved 2011-06-14.
  6. ↑ "Granite in The Service of Man - Through The Ages". Retrieved 2010-10-27.
  7. ↑ "ASI begins work to protect ancient monument". Times of India. 2011-01-20. Retrieved 2011-06-14.
  8. ↑ "KURAS OF KOLHAPUR AND BELGAUM, Vasisthiputra Kura". Retrieved 2013-08-26.
  9. ↑ "Chalukyas of Badami". Retrieved 2010-10-27.
  10. ↑ "CHALUKYA DYNASTY". Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  11. ↑ "Kadamabas of Hangal". Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  12. ↑ "Kamat's Potpourri: The Rashrakutas". Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  13. ↑ "OurKarnataka.com: History of Karnataka: The Rashtrakutas:". Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  14. ↑ "OurKarnataka.com: History of Karnataka: Vijayanagar Empire". Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  15. ↑ "History of Vijayanagara". Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  16. ↑ "Islamic Art of the Deccan". Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  17. ↑ "Dravidian languages, Kannada". Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  18. ↑ "Group of Monuments at Hampi - UNESCO World Heritage Centre". Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  19. ↑ "Group of Monuments at Pattadakal - UNESCO World Heritage Centre". Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  20. ↑ "Law varsity's first VC takes charge". Retrieved 2009-01-13.
  21. ↑ "Central varsity to function from August". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 2009-03-17. Retrieved 2009-03-17.
  22. ↑ http://www.bldea.org/domains/technology/
  23. ↑ "Striking it rich: Hutti gold mines on expansion spree". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 2008-11-28. Retrieved 2008-11-28.
  24. ↑ "Major festivals and associated traditional foods" (PDF). Retrieved 2008-08-25.

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