Today is Kannada Rajyotsava. At the time of Independence, the state of Mysore was in existence. Latter, Kannada speaking regions from Bomby, Hyderabad, and Mardas were added to Mysore to create a unified state of Mysore.

The map shows something strange: Madras state at one time spanned coast to coast! Today it is smaller than Karnataka in area with about the same population size.

But the new regions that came in were opposed to the state being called Mysore, which after all was one of the regions of the new state.

It was only in 1973 that the state of Mysore was renamed Karnataka.

The earliest Kannada dynasty is thought to be the Kadambas around 350-550AD.

They were followed by the Chalukyas, from 6 to 12th century.

Between 10 and 14th century were the Hoysalas who gave us the exquisite architecture of Beluru/HaLebidu.

And no history of Karnataka can be complete without mentioning the Vijayanagar empire in 14th-16th Century. The splendour and richness of Hampi is well known.

And finally the Wodeyars of Mysore from the 15the century onwards. They started as vassals to Vijayanagar. They were controlled by Hyder/Tipu at some stage and were under the sway of the British after that.

A state rich in every sense, with people who are friendly and tolerant, Karnataka is truly a diverse and unique modern state in India.

Bengaluru as the IT capital of India, has grown manifold times over the last 30-40 years.

So Happy Rajyotsava! And hoping we will continue to make Karnataka a better place in the years to come.