Uttara Karnataka also was known as Karu Nadu has about twelve districts and a population of about 25 million. The region has had a profound impact on not just our state but also the country. The contribution of this region to the culture, art and entertainment industries over the years has been immense. Here, we list down ten contributions of North Karnataka to the state and to the Nation on today’s read.
1. Food & Taste
This is the birthplace of the infamous Dharwad Peda loved by all for its sweet milky taste and sugary texture. The Belagavi Kunda is another sweet that everyone loves. And the place isn’t just known for sweets! North Karnataka is also one of the best places to enjoy chilli bhajji thanks to the mouth-watering Gulbarga cut chilli. The effect of Uttara Karnataka’s cuisine is seen across the state especially when it comes to sweets.
2. Culture
The movement for a Karnataka speaking state began in Uttara Karnataka in Dharwad! One cannot ask for any higher level of contribution for the state. Alaru Venkat Rao, the student of Bal Gangadhar Tilak was one of the movement’s most prominent leaders.
The region has a lot of festivals such as the Kamba Utsava, Hampi Utsava, Chalukya Utsava etc which are sponsored by the Government of Karnataka. This part of the state also has various interesting dance forms such as the Dollu Kunitha, Veeragase, and Joru halige among others.
3. History
Culture and history are inseparable. One is often the cause of others. It comes to no surprise that such a culturally rich land has also always been historically very significant. The earliest stone age finds in India is from north Karnataka. Iron weapons from 1200 BC have also been found at Dharwad – much before Iron was used anywhere in North India.
Many dynasties have left their imprints on the state including the Chalukyas, the Chutu dynasty and the infamous Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi still has these beautiful ruins that speak of the richness and power of the region. Uttara Karnataka also has a variety of buildings influenced and build from the Sultanate era.
4. Literature and Art
The contribution to the field of arts and literature by this region is monumental. Musicians and great devotees such as Purandara Dasa, Vijaya Dasa, and Kanaka Dasa were all come from North Karnataka. Familiar names such as Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Gangu Bai Hangal and Madhava Gudi are also from this region.
When it comes to literature, Dharwad is the literary capital of Karnataka. Writers such as Kumaravyasa, Basavanna, V. K Gokak, Chandrashekar Kambar were all from the north. Da Ra Bendre, Ravi Belagere, and Girish Karnad are also popular names, all come from the base of Uttara Karnataka’s flavor.
5. Freedom Struggle
The region’s contribution to the state and nation cannot be forgotten. Huilgol Narayana Rao composed the state anthem for Karnataka and was a freedom fighter as well. Sangoli Rayanna was also from North Karnataka. The legendary freedom fighter Chennamma was also from North Karnataka.
Recommended: 12 Lesser-Known Freedom Fighters of Karnataka Whose Contributions are Unforgettable
6. Tech & Philanthropy
Sudha Murthy – well known for her philanthropic works and Nandan Nilekani – billionaire and business czar were all from North Karnataka. The region has many entrepreneurs including Gururaj Deshpande, Vijay Sankeshwar, and Anant Koppar.
7. Cinema
North Karnataka’s contribution to Cinema is no less. One of Sandalwood’s finest directors, Mr. Sunil Kumar Desai is from Bijapur. Yashwanth Sardeshpande, a known theatre artist who wrote all the dialogues of Kamal-Ramesh’s Rama Shama Bhama is from North. Jayanth Kaikani – writer and lyricist, and Yogaraj Bhat, also known as Bhatru have their influence from Uttara Karnataka. The depth of the contributions of Uttara Karnataka to the cine industry is immense.
8. Beauty and Tourism
The place has many rivers and wildlife sanctuaries which make it one of the best tourist hotspots of the south. The Western Ghats here are filled with a variety of flora and fauna which are endemic to the region. The Wildlife sanctuaries and other protected regions here offer sanctuary to a variety of wildlife. The many rivers flowing here also have beautiful waterfalls amongst a sea of green. One must visit this place to truly appreciate and understand.
Recommended: 14 Popular Travel Destinations In North Karnataka You Should Definitely Explore
9. Interesting Facts
The National Flag of India is manufactured by the KKGSS at Hubli and is the only authorized unit that can manufacture and supply the flag. The only gold extraction company in India – The Hutti Gold Mine also operates in this region. Uttara Karnataka is also blessed with a lot of natural resources and minerals such as iron, manganese, and gold.
10. Other noteworthy personalities
The region has had several noteworthy sportsmen. Sunil Joshi who represented India from 1996 to 1999 and who had several records under his belt was also from this region. Popular Kannada newspaper Vijayavani’s founder, Vijay Sankeshwar who is also a philanthropist and businessman is from the same region. Be it the legendary theatre personality Yenagi Balappa or the literary stalwart Beechi or his popular successor Pranesh Gangavathi – all are from Uttara Karnataka.
These are some of the key contributions of North Karnataka to the state and the nation. This is just a small attempt from our side to show you the greater side of North Karnataka. Have we forgotten something? Do let us know in the comments below.
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