Last reviewed 4 Nov 2026 · Facts as of 4 Nov 2026 · 2 min read
1. Basic facts
| Item | Fact |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1 November 1956 as (new) Mysore State |
| Renamed Karnataka | 1 November 1973 (CM D. Devaraj Urs) |
| Capital | Bengaluru — founded by Kempegowda I in 1537 |
| Official language | Kannada — Karnataka Official Language Act, 1963; classical language status 2008 |
| State song | "Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate" — Kuvempu |
| Emblem | The two-headed bird Gandabherunda (an old Wodeyar symbol) |
| State animal / bird / tree / flower | Elephant / Indian roller / Sandalwood / Lotus |
| High Court | Bengaluru (Attara Kacheri), benches at Dharwad and Kalaburagi |
| Airport | Kempegowda International Airport, Devanahalli |
2. Awards
| Award | Notes |
|---|---|
| Karnataka Ratna | State's highest civilian honour; first given in 1992 to Kuvempu and Dr Rajkumar; later recipients include Bhimsen Joshi, Shivakumara Swamiji and (posthumously, 2022) Puneeth Rajkumar |
| Rajyotsava Award | Given on 1 November to achievers in many fields |
| Pampa Award | State's highest literary award |
| Basava Puraskara, Kanaka Puraskara | Social and cultural service |