Karnataka, formerly known as the state of Mysore, is a state in the southern part of India. Bengaluru is the capital city and the largest in the state. The local languages used here are Kannada, Konkani, Tulu, Marathi, Tamil, Malayalam, etc. Karnataka has the unique distinction of having three villages that have Sanskrit as their language.
Karnataka, being a southern state in India, has a lot of Dravidian influence in their architecture, lifestyle, cuisines and culture. There have been several Indian rulers and kingdoms like Nandas, Mauryas, Kadambas, Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas among many. There was a major geopolitical shift once the Vijayanagara Empire fell, as many Muslim rulers took over the place. The state was subsequently ruled by Marathas, British and other rulers. Karnataka has such immense history attached to it and can be seen through the various monuments and sites in the state.
The major cities in Karnataka apart from Bengaluru are Mysore, Gokarna, Bijapur, Mangalore, etc. The varied ethnic groups and locals provide a vibrant culture that is unique to this place.
