Karnataka, located in the southwestern region of India, is a state renowned for its rich heritage, diverse traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. With Bengaluru as its capital, often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India,” Karnataka is a perfect blend of history and modernity. It became a state on November 1, 1956, with Kannada as its official language.
The state is home to historical landmarks such as the Vijayanagara Empire’s ruins in Hampi, the majestic Mysore Palace, and the architectural marvels of Belur and Halebidu. Karnataka’s natural beauty is equally mesmerizing, with destinations like Coorg, Chikmagalur, and Jog Falls attracting travelers from across the globe.
Karnataka’s vibrant culture is reflected in its art forms such as Yakshagana, Carnatic music, and Bharatanatyam, as well as its diverse festivals like Dasara, Ugadi, and Makar Sankranti. Its cuisine, known for its delicious dosas, idlis, and Mysore Pak, is a treat for food lovers.
The state’s economy thrives on IT, agriculture, and industries like silk and sandalwood production. Educationally and technologically, Karnataka stands tall with premier institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), along with its contribution to India’s IT sector.
When was Karnataka formed as a state? Answer: November 1, 1956
What was Karnataka formerly known as? Answer: Mysore State
Which empire ruled Karnataka during the medieval period and contributed to its architectural heritage? Answer: Vijayanagara Empire
Who was the founder of the Vijayanagara Empire? Answer: Harihara I and Bukka Raya I
Which dynasty built the famous Hampi temples? Answer: Vijayanagara Dynasty
Who is the celebrated freedom fighter from Karnataka known as the “Iron Man of Karnataka”? Answer: Kittur Rani Chennamma
What is the name of the capital of Karnataka under the Hoysalas? Answer: Dwarasamudra (modern-day Halebidu)
Which Kannada king is known for his contributions to Kannada literature? Answer: Amoghavarsha Nrupathunga
Which Sultanate ruled parts of Karnataka during the medieval period? Answer: Bahmani Sultanate
In which year was Mysore renamed Karnataka? Answer: 1973
2. Geography GK Questions
What is the capital city of Karnataka? Answer: Bengaluru
Which river is referred to as the lifeline of northern Karnataka? Answer: Krishna River
Name the highest peak in Karnataka. Answer: Mullayanagiri
Which plateau forms a major part of Karnataka’s geography? Answer: Deccan Plateau
Name a famous waterfall in Karnataka that is among the highest in India. Answer: Jog Falls
What type of climate does Karnataka predominantly have? Answer: Tropical monsoon climate
Name the largest district in Karnataka by area. Answer: Belagavi
Which UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in Karnataka? Answer: Hampi
Name the forest region in Karnataka famous for its wildlife. Answer: Western Ghats
Which lake in Karnataka is one of the largest in Asia? Answer: Vani Vilasa Sagara
3. Culture and Tradition GK Questions
What is the classical dance form of Karnataka? Answer: Yakshagana
Which festival in Karnataka celebrates the victory of good over evil and is prominently celebrated in Mysuru? Answer: Mysuru Dasara
Name a traditional folk dance of Karnataka. Answer: Dollu Kunitha
Which Kannada saint and poet is known for composing Vachanas? Answer: Basavanna
What is the traditional saree worn by women in Karnataka called? Answer: Ilkal Saree
Name a popular art form involving storytelling and drama in Karnataka. Answer: Togalu Gombeyaata (Puppet Theatre)
What is the main language spoken in Karnataka? Answer: Kannada
Which Karnataka dish is a combination of rice and lentils? Answer: Bisi Bele Bath
Name the sacred bull worshipped in Karnataka. Answer: Nandi
Which festival is celebrated as the harvest festival in Karnataka? Answer: Sankranti
4. Economy GK Questions
Which city is known as the “Silicon Valley of India”? Answer: Bengaluru
Which crop is primarily grown in Karnataka’s Coffee Belt? Answer: Coffee
Name a major industry in Karnataka apart from IT. Answer: Silk production
Which Karnataka city is known for gold mining? Answer: Kolar (Kolar Gold Fields)
What is the main source of irrigation in Karnataka? Answer: Cauvery River
Which city in Karnataka is famous for its aerospace industry? Answer: Bengaluru
Name a significant port in Karnataka. Answer: Mangaluru Port
Which Karnataka district is the largest producer of sandalwood? Answer: Mysuru
Name the major silk-producing center in Karnataka. Answer: Ramanagara
Which city in Karnataka is a hub for biotechnology? Answer: Bengaluru
5. Tourism GK Questions
What is the historical palace in Mysuru known for its grandeur? Answer: Mysore Palace
Name the famous temple in Udupi. Answer: Krishna Temple
What is the name of the ancient fort in Chitradurga? Answer: Chitradurga Fort
Which hill station in Karnataka is known for its coffee plantations? Answer: Coorg (Kodagu)
Name the UNESCO World Heritage site in Karnataka known for its temples. Answer: Pattadakal
What is the name of the island in Karnataka famous for its scenic beauty? Answer: St. Mary’s Island
Name the wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka known for its tiger population. Answer: Bandipur National Park
Which dam is located near Jog Falls? Answer: Linganamakki Dam
Name the bird sanctuary located near Mysuru. Answer: Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
What is the famous temple complex in Belur known for its Hoysala architecture? Answer: Chennakeshava Temple
6. Festivals and Celebrations GK Questions
Which festival is Mysuru famous for during the Navaratri season? Answer: Dasara
What is the local New Year festival celebrated in Karnataka? Answer: Ugadi
Which harvest festival is commonly celebrated in rural Karnataka? Answer: Makara Sankranti
Which festival is celebrated by the Kodava community in Coorg? Answer: Puthari
Which festival includes a unique buffalo race known as “Kambala”? Answer: Kambala Festival
What is the traditional festival celebrated by women in Karnataka? Answer: Gowri Habba
Which festival involves worship of bullocks in Karnataka? Answer: Kichchu Haisodu (part of Sankranti)
What is the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrated for? Answer: Formation of the state of Karnataka
Which cultural fair in Karnataka is known for showcasing folk arts? Answer: Hampi Utsav
Which Muslim festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru? Answer: Eid-ul-Fitr
7. Famous Personalities GK Questions
Who is known as the “Tiger of Mysore”? Answer: Tipu Sultan
Name the Indian scientist from Karnataka who became Bharat Ratna awardee. Answer: C.N.R. Rao
Which former Prime Minister of India hailed from Karnataka? Answer: H.D. Deve Gowda
Which Kannada poet is known for his work “Ramadhanya Charitre”? Answer: Kanaka Dasa
Who is the famous Indian classical musician from Karnataka, known for playing the veena? Answer: Mysore V. Doraiswamy Iyengar
Which famous cricketer from Karnataka is known as “The Wall”? Answer: Rahul Dravid
Name the Bharat Ratna awardee and founder of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from Karnataka. Answer: Dr. Vikram Sarabhai (ISRO’s founder; however, he was from Gujarat. Karnataka’s key ISRO figure: Dr. K. Kasturirangan)
Which contemporary Kannada writer won the Jnanpith Award in 2010? Answer: Chandrashekhara Kambara
Which popular actor known for Kannada films was also a Member of Parliament? Answer: Ambareesh
Who is the famous yoga guru from Karnataka who founded Ashtanga Yoga? Answer: K. Pattabhi Jois
8. Education and Literacy GK Questions
What is the literacy rate of Karnataka according to the 2011 Census? Answer: Approximately 75.36%
Which is the oldest engineering college in Karnataka? Answer: University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE)
Which prestigious management institute is located in Bengaluru? Answer: Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB)
Name the renowned science research institute located in Bengaluru. Answer: Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
Which city is considered the educational hub of Karnataka? Answer: Bengaluru
Which Karnataka-based university is famous for agricultural education? Answer: University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru
Name the Open University in Karnataka. Answer: Karnataka State Open University (KSOU)
Which women’s university is located in Karnataka? Answer: Karnataka State Women’s University, Vijayapura
Which institute in Karnataka specializes in law education? Answer: National Law School of India University (NLSIU)
Name the renowned medical college in Karnataka. Answer: Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute
9. Arts and Literature GK Questions
Which language is used in most of Karnataka’s literature? Answer: Kannada
Who is the first Kannada writer to receive the Jnanpith Award? Answer: Kuvempu (Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa)
Which poetic form is significant in Kannada literature and used by saints like Basavanna? Answer: Vachana
Which literary festival is held annually in Karnataka? Answer: Bangalore Literature Festival
Which modern Kannada writer is known for his philosophical novels? Answer: U. R. Ananthamurthy
Which classical musical form is prominent in Karnataka? Answer: Carnatic music
Name the traditional shadow puppetry art of Karnataka. Answer: Togalu Gombeyaata
Which form of drama involving elaborate makeup and dance is practiced in Karnataka? Answer: Yakshagana
What is the traditional painting style of Karnataka? Answer: Mysore painting
Which Kannada poet was also a freedom fighter and wrote patriotic songs? Answer: D. R. Bendre
10. Miscellaneous GK Questions
Which tree is Karnataka known for exporting globally? Answer: Sandalwood
Which government scheme in Karnataka provides free bicycles to students? Answer: Free Bicycle Scheme
Which sweet dish from Karnataka has GI tag and is famous worldwide? Answer: Mysore Pak
What is Karnataka’s state animal? Answer: Indian Elephant
Which app was launched by the Karnataka government for farm produce marketing? Answer: e-Sahamathi
Which metro system operates in Bengaluru? Answer: Namma Metro
What is the official emblem of Karnataka? Answer: Gandaberunda (a two-headed mythological bird)
Which government program in Karnataka supports startup ecosystems? Answer: Elevate 100
Which day is celebrated as Kannada Rajyotsava? Answer: November 1
Which famous Kannada film became a pan-India hit and put Kannada cinema on the global map? Answer: KGF (Kolar Gold Fields) series
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