Karnataka is one of the wettest regions in India with
the coastal regions receiving the bulk of the southwest monsoon rains
from June till September. The mountainous Western Ghats, which parallel
the coast, hinder the rains from moving inland and so the interiors are
much drier. The entire state enjoys great weather from October to March
with few spells of rain from the northeast monsoons.
Ancient monuments, ruins and other artifacts present in Karnataka
testify that the state has been ruled by the Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim
dynasties. Chalukyas, Kadambas, Cholas, Rastrakutas, Hoysalas, Gangas,
Vijaynagar Rajas, and Bahmanis are some of the indigenous dynasties to
have reigned over Karnataka for centuries.
The medieval era saw the Muslim incursion from the north. Of the Muslim
rulers, Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan have left lasting impressions
on the region’s development. When the British invaded Karnataka,
the Wodeyar Rajas were the rulers of Mysore, which, at that time, was a
smaller independent territory.
After the British killed Tipu in the Battle of Srirangapatnam in 1799,
the Wodeyar family was restored to the throne as rulers for the entire
region.
The Kannadigas, or the people of Karnataka, are very friendly and they
treat visitors with respect. It is very likely that if a visitor asks
for directions, a well-meaning Kannadiga might well personally escort
him to his destination.
Kannada, the state language, is one of the oldest languages in India and
is spoken by nearly all its inhabitants, irrespective of the religion
practiced, and the actual name 'Karnataka' is a derivative of Kannada.
Karnataka has a history steeped in art in all its manifestations.
Bharatnatyam, a form of Indian classical dance, has roots in Karnataka.
The Hoysala Queen Shantaladevi was believed to be a great exponent of
the art. Karnataka is also considered the birthplace of Indian classical
music and it is the only region where Hindustani Classical and the
Carnatic tradition thrive.
The age-old tradition of Yakshagana -- a dramatic song and dance
portrayal of the epics in colourful costumes, accompanied by loud
beating of drums and pipes -- is also intrinsic to the region. Visitors
to Karnataka can take home unique gifts and souvenirs in the form of
pure silk scarves and wraps, sandal-wood and ivory carvings, aromatic
roasted coffee blends, and samples of spices such as cardamom and
pepper.
The cuisine from Karnataka has a vegetarian bias though it should not be
perceived as limiting as it is presented in a vast array of dishes,
snacks, and the solid 'tiffin' comprising of idli, vada, dosa, and
sambar. Non-vegetarian and popular Western and Far Eastern cuisine is
widely available in the metropolis of Bangalore.
