Portal:Karnataka
 THE KARNATAKA PORTAL Architecture | Culture | Economy | Geography | History | Literature | People | Politics  Karnātakā <phonos file="Karnataka.ogg">pronunciation</phonos> (Kannada: ಕನಾ೯ಟಕ) (IPA: [kəɹnɑːʈəkɑː]) is one of the four southern states of India. The state was created in 1956 with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act. Originally named state of Mysore, it was renamed as Karnataka in 1973. It is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, Goa to the northwest, Maharashtra to the north, Andhra Pradesh to the east, Tamil Nadu to the southeast, and Kerala to the southwest. The state covers an area of 1,91,791 km² or 5.83% of the total geographical area of India. It is the 8th largest Indian state by area, the 9th largest by population and comprises 30 districts. Kannada is the official and the most widely spoken language in the state. Several etymologies have been suggested for the name Karnataka. One accepted derivative comes from the Kannada words karu and nādu meaning elevated land. Karu nadu may also be read as Karu (black) and nadu (region); as a reference to the black cotton soil found in the Bayalu Seeme region of Karnataka. During the British Raj, the word Carnatic or Karnatak was used to describe this part of the region in general. With an ancient and rich history that goes back to the paleolithic hand-axe culture, some of the most powerful empires of ancient India called this region home. Great philosophers and musical bards belonging to Karnataka launched socio-religious movements whose ennobling effects have been felt far and wide. Karnataka is the only state in India that boasts of significant contribution to both forms of Indian classical music, the Carnatic music and Hindustani music traditions. Kannada language has received the highest number of Jnanpith awards in India. Bengaluru, popularly known as the Garden city of India is today at the forefront of the rapid economic and technological development that India is experiencing. Karnataka has also contributed great to the Indian Film Industry. Legends like actor Dr.Rajkumar and directors like Puttanna Kanagal, Vijay, Dore-Bhagavan have enriched the industry. Kannada film industry is also one of the maximum recipients of Swarna Kamala National award given for best movies in India. 
Profile of a Hoysala temple at Somanathapura
Hoysala architecture is the distinctive building style developed under the rule of the Hoysala Empire in the region known today as Karnataka, India, between the 11th and the 14th centuries. Hoysala influence was at its peak in the 13th century, when it dominated the Southern Deccan Plateau region. Large and small temples built during this era remain as examples of the Hoysala architectural style, including the Chennakesava Temple at Belur, the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu, and the Kesava Temple at Somanathapura. Other examples of fine Hoysala craftmanship are the temples at Belavadi, Amrithapura, Hosaholalu and Nuggehalli. Study of the Hoysala architectural style has revealed a negligible Indo-Aryan influence while the impact of Southern Indian style is more distinct.[1] The vigorous temple building activity of the Hoysala Empire was due to the social, cultural and political events of the period. The stylistic transformation of the Karnata temple building tradition reflected religious trends popularized by the Vaishnava and Virashaiva philosophers as well as the growing military prowess of the Hoysala kings who desired to surpass their Western Chalukya overlords in artistic achievement. Temples built prior to Hoysala independence in the mid-12th century reflect significant Western Chalukya influences, while later temples retain some features salient to Chalukyan art but have additional inventive decoration and ornamentation, features unique to Hoysala artisans. About one hundred temples have survived in present-day Karnataka state, mostly in the Malnad (hill) districts, the native home of the Hoysala kings. As popular tourist destinations in Karnataka, Hoysala temples offer an excellent opportunity for pilgrims and students of architecture to examine medieval Hindu architecture in the Karnata Dravida tradition. This tradition began in the 7th century under the patronage of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami, developed further under the Western Chalukyas of Basavakalyan in the 11th century and finally transformed into an independent style by the 12th century during the reign of the Hoysalas. Medieval Kannada language inscriptions displayed prominently at temple locations give details of the temples and offer valuable information about the history of the Hoysala dynasty.  The Palace of Mysore is a palace situated in the city of Mysore, southern India. It was the official residence of the former royal family of Mysore, and also housed the durbar (royal offices). Mysore has a number of historic palaces, and is commonly described as the City of Palaces. However, the term "Palace of Mysore" specifically refers to one of these palaces, Amba Vilas. The palace was commissioned in 1897, and its construction was completed in 1912. It is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in Mysore. The Wodeyar kings built a palace in Mysore in the 14th century, but this palace was partially damaged by a lightning strike in 1638. It was repaired and expanded, but fell into neglect by the late 18th century. It was demolished in 1793, and a new palace was built in its place in 1803. This palace was destroyed in a fire in 1897 during the wedding of Princess Jayalakshmanni. The Queen-Regent of Mysore at the time, Kempananjammanni Vanivilasa Sanndihana, commissioned a British architect, Henry Irwin, to build yet another palace in its place. The architect was requested to combine different styles of architecture in the construction of the palace. The construction was completed in 1912. The palace apparently cost Rs. 42,00,000 to build at the time. The architectural style of the palace is commonly described as Indo-Saracenic, and blends together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. It is a three-storied stone structure, with marble domes and a 145 ft five-storied tower. The palace is surrounded by a large garden. References
 where is AGRICULTURE Template:/box-footer May 2010 May 2008
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Indian States: Goa• Telangana • Gujarat • Maharashtra •Mizoram •Kerala • Tamil Nadu • West Bengal Template:/box-header Geography: Geography of Karnataka • Rivers of Karnataka • More History: History of Karnataka • Vijayanagar Empire • Chalukya Dynasty • Hoysala • More Districts and cities: Districts of Karnataka • Bagalkote • Bengalooru • Mysuru • More Culture: Kodavas • Tuluvas • Cinema • People • Deepavali • Dasara • More People: Sir M Vishweshwarayya • Annavaru • MoreTemplate:/box-footer 
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