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KARNATAKA
| FACTS & FIGURES |
| Total Population |
44.9 million |
| Area |
191,791 sq km |
| Capital |
Bangalore |
| Best time to visit |
September to February |
| Main Language |
Kannada |
INTRODUCTION
Karnataka is the largest state in India. It is the only state in
India where gold is found. Known as the " the priceless gift of
indulgent nature", is a unique blend of a glorious past and a rich
present. The earliest reference to Karnataka, the cultural name
of Mysore, appears in the Mahabharta composed around the first century
A.D. From about 550 A.D., the Chalukyas of Badami ruled Karnataka
for about 250 years. Around the 4th century, the massive 17 metre
high Lord Gomateshwara's statue and the Jain temple at Shravanabelagola
were built by the Ganga dynasty.
The old princely state of Mysore was converted into a Pat B State
of the Indian Union soon after independence. The Bahami Muslim Kingdom
at Bijapur and Bidar were also adding their share to the architectural
and cultural glory of Karnataka.
Bangalore
Bangalore - the capital of Karnataka, is one of the most liveliest
and charming of all-Indian cities. Kempe Gowda, a Vijayanagar Chieftain,
founded this city of gardens, in 1537. Bangalore is today, the fifth
- largest city in India, with a population of over two million.
EXCURSION
Hampi
 Situated
on the banks of the river Tungabhadra in the region of Bellary,
is a vast site of monuments and ruins, a mute witness to an era
of glories, triumphs and tragedies. Once the flourishing capital
of the Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi was abundant in wealth, military
prowess, aesthetic sensibilities and culture. Travelers visited
it from Italy and Arabia during the 15th century. Today, its ruins
spread over an area of 26 sq.kms. The pampati Swami Temple, the
Queen's Bath, the Lotus Mahal and the musical pillars of the Vittala
temple evoke memories of bygone splendor.
Hospet
Many people who come to see the Vijayanagar ruins at Hampi, 13Km
east, use Hospet as a base. Founded by Krishnadevaraya, this town
was a gate of entry into the city of Vijayanagar. There is a picturesque
temple of Jambhunatha, on a hill nearby.
Bijapur
A medieval Muslim walled city, 613 km north of Bangalore, Bijapur
is characterized by domes and minarets. Its founders called Bijapur,
Vijayapura or the city of victory. Bijapur experienced a great burst
of architectural activity under the Adil Shahi dynasty. The Adil
Shahis encouraged building activity to such an extent that Bijapur
itself has over 50 mosques, more than 20 tombs and a number of palaces.
Places to see
Asar mahal (5 km)
Constructed in 1646 by Muhammad Adil Shah to serve as a hall of
Justice. The Mahal contains some relics of Prophet Mohammed. There
are landscape paintings and designs on the walls and ceiling of
the hall.
Bara Kaman (5 km)
The unfinished mausoleum of Ali Shah. The Fort Built by Yusuf Adil
Shah I, the fort is six and a quarter miles in length, with deep
moats all around. The fort has five massive gates.
Gagan Mahal (Heavenly Palace) (5 km)
Constructed by Ali Adil Shah I in 1561, it served as the Royal Palace
and the Durbar Hall.
Gol Gumbaz (1 km)
Gol Gumbaz, the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah is an astounding engineering
feat. Its enormous " Whispering" dome is second in size only to
St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. The dome stands unsupported by pillars.
Ibrahim Rauza (2 km)
This palatial mosque and tomb, with its delicate minarets, is very
beautiful and symmetrical. Chosen by Aurangzeb as his residence,
this structure is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal of Agra.
Jama Masjid (1 km)
Built between 1557 and 1686, it is the largest and first constructed
mosque in Bijapur.
Mehtar Mahal (1 km)
This finely wrought gateway to a mosque is an excellent example
of Indo - Saracenic style of architecture.
Taj Bawdi (1.5 km)
The great tank commemorates Ibrahim II's first wife, Taj Sultana.
Its front is a majestic arch flanked by two octagonal towers.
Chikmagalur
The district takes its name from the headquarters town of Chikmagalur,
which literally means younger daughter's town. The town is situated
in a fertile valley, south of the Baba - Budan range and is surrounded
by lush coffee growing hills.
Places to see
The Fort
The fort and its moat, the Parashurama temple and Kali shrine are
the other places of interest, well worth visiting.
Iswara Temple
Once in Hiremagalur, it is now part of the Chikmagalur town. King
Janamejaya installed the 1.22 metre high idol during his serpent
sacrifice.
St. Josephs's Cathedral
St. Josephs's Cathedral is newly built and has an attractive shell
- shaped portico.
Kodandarama Temple
This temple is a synthesis of Hoysala and Dravidian style of architecture.
Gulbarga
Gulbarga, the district headquarters, was formerly known as Kalburgi.
The town rose into prominence during the early Bahamani period when
the founder of this dynasty shifted his capital from Daulatabad.
Gulbarga continued to be the capital of this kingdom till about
1,424 AD.
Places to see
The Fort
Originally built by Raja Gulchand, it was later strengthened by
Ala - ud - din Bahami. The fort contained 15 towers and 26 guns
of which one was 8 metres long.
The Jama Masjid
Situated within the fort walls, it has shifted domes and narrow
entrances typical of the persian style of architecture.
The Shrine of Saint Sharana Basaveshwara
The Shrine of an eminent Hindu religious teacher and philosopher
who preached religious and social equality. This temple has been
developed into a pilgrim center.
Hassan
Hassan, the district headquarters has been developed into a prominent
tourist center because of its proximity to Belur and Halebidu. This
fairly large city is located on the national highway linking Mangalore
with Bangalore.
Places to see
Hassnamba Shrine
A temple shrine with an ant- hill repressing Hasanamba, the presiding
deity. This shrine remains closed all through the year except for
about a week during the Ashvija month.
Siddeshvara Temple
An ancient temple constructed by Venkatappa Nayaka.
Belur
Situated on the banks of the river Yagachi, the Chennakesava temple,
built by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana is a monument of supreme
architectural beauty. The intricate carvings on the stone walls
and the gravity pillar in the courtyard are the unique features
of this temple. The interior of the temple considered even better
than the outside contains many exquisite panels and richly carved
pillars.
Shravanabelagola
 A
popular Jain pilgrim centre, Shravanabelagola is wedged between
two rocky hills - Indragiri and Chandragiri. The monolithic statue
of Lord Gomateswara, a Jain saint, standing atop the Indragiri Hills
is 17 metres high and is said to be one of the tallest and most
graceful monolithic statues in the world. Nearly 1,800 years old,
the naked statue is symbolic of the renunciation of wordly possessions.
Mysore
Mysore, aptly called the " sandalwood city", was once the residence
of the Maharajas of Mysore. It is situated at the north - western
base of the Chamundi Hill. Mysore, with its numerous parks and palaces,
still retains the aura of grandeur and royalty. The Royal procession
on the tenth day, is a reminder of the pomp and splendor of a bygone
era.
Places to see
Chamarajendra Art Gallery
 The
Jagmohan Palace houses this art gallery, which has a vast collection
of paintings by renowned artists like Ravi Varma and Nicholas Roerich.
Also on display here are curious in ceramics, sandalwood, ivory,
ancient musical instrument and furniture.
Chamundi Hill
The legendary hill where the goddess Chamundi is said to have destroyed
the monster Mahishasura, thus bringing peace to the people. The
Sri Chamundeswari temple found here is 2000 years old. Half way
up the hill, 1 4.8 metres high, 7.6 metres wide monolithic statue
of the Nandi Bull is artistically executed with rich ornaments.
Maharaja's Palace
Formerly the official residence of the Maharajas of Mysore, the
palace is an imposing structure located in the heart of the city.
built in the Indo - Saracenic style, the palace has ornate domes,
archways, turrets, colonnades and sculptures.
Zoological Gardens
This century - old zoo houses nearly 2000 animals. It has the distinction
of breeding wild animals in captivity.
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