Karnataka General Knowledge for Competitive Exams
Karnataka general knowledge for competitive exams helps you revise high-yield facts quickly with exam-oriented clarity. This page covers state symbols, geography, history, polity, economy, culture, and demographics—curated for KPSC, KSP, PDO, Banking, and RRB aspirants. Each section is concise, bilingual where useful (Kannada/English), and marked with “as of” notes for changing data. You’ll also find practice MCQs with explanations and smart memory tips to boost recall before the exam.
Karnataka — Quick Overview
Snapshot for exam revision. Variable facts carry an “as of” note. Update CM/Governor before publishing.
Capital
🏛️ Bengaluru
Formation (Ekikarana)
🗓️ 1 Nov 1956 (States Reorganisation)
Area
📐 ~1,91,791 km²
Population
👥 ~6.1 crore
Census 2011
Official language
🗣️ Kannada
Administrative divisions
🧭 4 — Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kalaburagi, Belagavi
Districts
🗺️ 31
as of Sep 2025 — verify latest before exam
Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)
🏛️ 224 seats
Council (Vidhan Parishad)
🏛️ 75 seats
Lok Sabha
🗳️ 28 seats
Rajya Sabha
🗳️ 12 seats
Governor / Chief Minister
👤 Update names (as of Month YYYY)
keep current for exam safety
Highest peak
⛰️ Mullayanagiri (~1,930 m)
Major rivers
🌊 Kaveri, Krishna, Tungabhadra
Key dams
🏞️ KRS, Almatti, Tungabhadra
UNESCO World Heritage
🏛️ Hampi, Pattadakal
State animal
🐘 Indian Elephant
State bird
🕊️ Indian Roller
State tree
🌳 Sandalwood
State flower
🌸 Lotus
State fish
🐟 Carnatic carp (Hypselobarbus carnaticus)
State emblem
🛡️ Gandaberunda (two-headed bird)
State sport
🏃 Kho-Kho
commonly cited; verify if updated
Memory hook: 4-31-224-28-12 → 4 divisions, 31 districts, 224 Assembly, 28 LS, 12 RS.
Karnataka Geography — Basic GK (One-Liners)
Quick Q→A on regions, rivers, peaks, dams, parks, soils, rainfall and more—with one extra line per card.
Main physiographic regions?
Malnad, Bayalu Seeme, Coastal Karnataka (Karavali).
Ghats (hilly), interior plains, and narrow coast define climate & crops.
Neighbouring states & sea?
Goa, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Arabian Sea.
North–east–south borders often appear in map-based MCQs.
Approximate coastline length?
~320 km along the Arabian Sea.
Supports ports, fishing harbours and monsoon-heavy rain belts.
Major east-flowing rivers?
Kaveri, Krishna, Tungabhadra.
Feed irrigation & hydel schemes across the Deccan.
Kaveri’s key tributaries?
Hemavati, Shimsha, Arkavati, Kabini.
Memory hook: “Ka–He–Shi–Ar–Ka”.
Krishna’s important tributaries?
Bhima, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Tungabhadra.
Questions often ask “river ↔ tributary” pairings.
Prominent west-flowing rivers?
Sharavathi, Nethravathi, Kali (Kalinadi), Aghanashini.
Short, swift courses create falls and hydel sites.
Dam on Kaveri near Mandya?
Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS).
Forms the Brindavan Gardens reservoir area.
Major dam on Krishna?
Almatti Dam (Basava Sagar).
Key irrigation & power project in north Karnataka.
Hydel projects on west-flowing rivers?
Linganamakki (Sharavathi), Supa (Kali).
Backbone of the state’s hydropower capacity.
Historic dam on Tungabhadra?
Tungabhadra Dam (near Hosapete).
Irrigates the Raichur–Ballari–Koppal belt; links to Hampi region.
Highest peak of Karnataka?
Mullayanagiri (~1,930 m), Chikkamagaluru.
Part of the Baba Budan Giri range in the Western Ghats.
Other notable peaks?
Baba Budangiri, Kudremukh.
Often paired with district/location in MCQs.
National parks in the state?
Bandipur, Nagarahole, Bannerghatta, Kudremukh.
Tiger reserves include Bandipur, Nagarahole, Bhadra & Kali.
Noted wildlife sanctuaries?
Bhadra, Dandeli (Kali), Brahmagiri, Sharavathi Valley.
Expect “sanctuary ↔ district/river” matching questions.
Highest famous waterfall?
Jog Falls on the Sharavathi.
Gokak (Ghataprabha) and Abbey (Kodagu) are other known falls.
Monsoon pattern?
SW monsoon (Jun–Sep) major; some NE monsoon (Oct–Dec) in SE.
Explains heavy rain on coast/Ghats, lower in interior plains.
Broad rainfall zones?
High (coast & Malnad), moderate/low (interior).
Correlates with arecanut/coffee vs. ragi/jowar cropping.
Major soil types?
Red & lateritic (Ghats/coast), black cotton (north), alluvial (valleys).
Soil–crop link is a favourite concept question.
Biosphere Reserve touching Karnataka?
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (Bandipur–Nagarahole belt).
Shared with Tamil Nadu & Kerala in the Western Ghats.
Quick river mnemonic?
Ka–He–Shi–Ar–Ka → Kaveri’s Hemavati, Shimsha, Arkavati, Kabini.
One string to recall four tributaries fast.
History — Basic GK (One-Liners)
Quick Q→A facts with one extra exam-useful line each—compact, unique, and AdSense/GSC-safe.
Earliest known Kannada inscription?
Halmidi inscription (c. 5th–6th CE).
Marks early administrative use of Kannada; key epigraphy PYQ.
Kadamba capital?
Banavasi (early native Kannada dynasty).
Kadambas pioneered Kannada inscriptions and early polity in the region.
Western Ganga capital & landmark?
Talakad; Gomateshwara statue (981 CE).
Commissioned by Chavundaraya at Shravanabelagola; Jain art classic.
Badami Chalukyas — hallmark sites?
Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal.
Temple “laboratory” for Nagara/Dravida/Vesara; Pattadakal is UNESCO.
Rashtrakuta capital?
Manyakheta (Malkhed).
Amoghavarsha I authored “Kavirajamarga”; Ellora Kailasa credited to Krishna I.
Kalyani Chalukyas capital?
Kalyani (Basavakalyan).
Western Chalukya/Gadag style peaks—Itagi Mahadeva is a model temple.
Hoysala capitals & signature temples?
Belur & Halebidu.
Star-plan soapstone craft; also see Somanathapura (Kesava, 1268 CE).
Vijayanagara founded by?
Harihara I & Bukka Raya I (1336).
Capital Hampi on Tungabhadra; bazaars & Rayagopuras define cityscape.
Peak Vijayanagara ruler?
Krishnadevaraya (Tuluva).
Authored “Amuktamalyada”; high point in administration and culture.
Adil Shahi capital & monument?
Bijapur (Vijayapura); Gol Gumbaz.
Also note Ibrahim Rauza and the Malik-e-Maidan cannon heritage.
Founder of Bengaluru?
Kempe Gowda I (c. 1537 CE).
Erected four watchtowers; planned lakes/forts shaping early Bengaluru.
Tipu Sultan — notable for?
Mysorean rockets; fell at Srirangapatna (1799).
Treaty of Seringapatam (1792); boosted sericulture (Mysore silk roots).
State unification (Ekikarana) date?
1 Nov 1956.
Aluru Venkata Rao championed; merged Kannada regions incl. Coorg/Hyderabad-Karnataka.
“Mysore” renamed “Karnataka”?
1 Nov 1973.
Under CM D. Devaraj Urs; name reflects wider Kannada identity beyond Mysore region.
Earliest inscription naming “Ashoka”?
Maski (Raichur district).
Confirms “Devanampriya” refers to Emperor Ashoka—major epigraphic proof.
Ashokan edicts sites in Karnataka?
Brahmagiri, Siddapura, Jatinga-Rameshwara.
Also at Nittur & Udegolam (Ballari)—shows Mauryan reach in the south.
Kittur Rani Chennamma known for?
1824 anti-British uprising at Kittur.
Pre-1857 resistance; associated with opposition to annexation policies.
First Kannada newspaper?
Mangaluru Samachara (1843).
Printed at Basel Mission Press (Hermann Mögling); birthed Kannada print culture.
Polity & Administration — Basic GK (One-Liners)
Type of state legislature?
Bicameral — Assembly (MLA) & Council (MLC).
Only a few Indian states have a Legislative Council.
Vidhan Sabha strength?
224 seats.
Lower house; 5-year term; government needs majority here.
Vidhan Parishad strength?
75 seats.
Upper house; permanent body—~⅓ members retire every 2 years.
Council composition (broad)?
Local bodies, MLAs, Graduates, Teachers & Governor-nominated.
Article 171 lays down these elector categories.
Lok Sabha seats from the state?
28.
Directly elected MPs; counts can change after delimitation.
Rajya Sabha seats?
12.
Elected by MLAs via proportional representation; 6-year terms.
State Executive (who forms it)?
Governor + Council of Ministers headed by the CM.
Council is collectively responsible to the Assembly.
High Court location & benches?
Karnataka High Court, Bengaluru; benches at Dharwad & Kalaburagi.
The red-brick building is popularly called “Attara Kacheri”.
State capital?
Bengaluru.
Houses Vidhana Soudha (Assembly/Council chambers) & Vikasa Soudha.
Administrative divisions?
4 — Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kalaburagi, Belagavi.
Used for revenue, policing and service delivery zones.
Number of districts?
31 (verify latest before exams).
District creation can change over time via notifications.
Local self-government setup?
3-tier Panchayati Raj & Urban Local Bodies.
Zilla–Taluk–Gram Panchayats; City Corporations & Municipalities.
Official language of administration?
Kannada.
Also recognised as a Classical Language of India.
Special constitutional provision?
Article 371J for Kalyana Karnataka region.
Provides regional development measures and specified reservations.
Who conducts which elections?
ECI for Assembly/Parliament; State Election Commission for local bodies.
Two separate constitutional authorities handle polls.
What is depicted on the state emblem?
Gandaberunda (two-headed mythic bird).
Appears on official state seal and government insignia.
Quick counts memory hook?
4-31-224-28-12.
Divisions–Districts–MLAs–Lok Sabha–Rajya Sabha.
Economy — Basic GK (One-Liners)
Quick Q→A on sectors, hubs, resources, power, trade, agriculture and crafts—each with one extra line.
Which city is India’s tech & R&D hub?
Bengaluru (“Silicon Valley of India”).
Large IT parks at Electronic City and Whitefield anchor global services.
Where is ISRO HQ located?
Bengaluru.
With HAL/DRDO labs, it powers an aerospace–defence ecosystem.
Major industrial areas around Bengaluru?
Peenya, Bommasandra, Bidadi, Dabaspet.
Known for auto parts, machine tools, electronics and MSMEs.
Automobile & components belt?
Bengaluru and Dharwad–Belagavi.
Buses, engines, forgings and precision parts feed Indian OEMs.
Aerospace manufacturing focus?
Aircraft, avionics, MRO, composites.
Vendors cluster near HAL/ISRO; Belagavi hosts an aerospace SEZ.
Key industrial corridors touching the state?
CBIC (Chennai–Bengaluru) & BMEC (Bengaluru–Mumbai).
Corridors improve logistics and attract new parks/clusters.
Only major sea port of Karnataka?
New Mangalore Port (Panambur).
Handles crude, fertilizers, containers and coastal cargo.
Important fishing harbours?
Malpe, Mangaluru, Karwar.
Support marine catch, processing and exports on the Arabian Sea.
Main air cargo gateway?
Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.
Electronics, pharma and perishables see high air-freight movement.
Hydel power basins?
Sharavathi and Kali rivers.
Linganamakki and Supa are well-known hydel projects.
Large solar park on the plateau?
Pavagada (Shakti Sthala).
One of India’s biggest solar installations by spread/capacity.
Major thermal power locations?
Raichur and Ballari.
Coal-based stations balance hydel/solar seasonality.
Famous iron-ore belt?
Ballari–Hosapete region.
Also note manganese and limestone in various districts.
Historic gold-mining centre?
Kolar Gold Fields (KGF).
One of the earliest modern gold mines in India.
Largest coffee-producing state?
Karnataka (Kodagu & Chikkamagaluru belts).
Shade-grown coffee with pepper/cardamom intercrops in the Ghats.
Millet & cereal staples?
Ragi, jowar, rice, maize.
Crop pattern follows rainfall and soil zones across regions.
Key commercial crops?
Sugarcane, groundnut, cotton, arecanut.
Irrigation and coastal humidity support these cash crops.
Sericulture hub near Bengaluru?
Ramanagara silk market belt.
“Mysore silk” connects mulberry rearing to weaving traditions.
GI crafts popularly associated with the state?
Bidriware (Bidar) & Channapatna toys.
Sandalwood carving and Ilkal sarees also feature in craft clusters.
Illustrative export basket?
Software services, engineering goods, coffee & spices, marine products.
Exports mirror strengths of tech hubs, Ghats plantations and coast.
SEZ focus areas?
IT/BT in Bengaluru; petro/engineering near the coast.
SEZs cluster investment with common infrastructure.
Tourism pillars in the state?
Heritage (Hampi), wildlife (Bandipur/Nagarahole), beaches (Gokarna).
Tourism supports hospitality, transport and craft livelihoods.
Top higher-education/R&D names?
IISc, IIMB, NCBS, NIMHANS (Bengaluru).
Universities and labs feed start-ups and innovation pipelines.
Culture & Heritage — Basic GK (One-Liners)
Quick Q→A on sites, arts, festivals, dances, crafts, music and literature—each with a tiny extra line.
UNESCO site on the Tungabhadra?
Hampi.
Capital of Vijayanagara; famed for bazaars and rayagopura temples.
UNESCO Chalukyan temple complex?
Pattadakal (on Malaprabha).
Blend of Nagara & Dravida styles after Aihole–Badami experiments.
UNESCO “Sacred Ensembles” of which style?
Hoysala — Belur, Halebidu, Somanathapura.
Star-plan, soapstone workmanship with intricate sculpture.
Mysuru palace known as?
Amba Vilas Palace.
Illuminated during Dasara; a key royal heritage landmark.
Folk theatre of coastal Karnataka?
Yakshagana.
Night-long dance–drama with live percussion and vivid costumes.
Drum dance of the Kuruba community?
Dollu Kunitha.
Semi-circular formations and synchronized, high-energy beats.
Heroic Shaivite dance form?
Veeragase.
Performed during festivals; vigorous steps and mythic themes.
Cymbal dance linked to Male Mahadeshwara?
Kamsale.
Dancers use hand-cymbals; devotional routes in southern districts.
Kannada storytelling with sung verses?
Gamaka.
Narration + melody; used for classics and epics in Kannada.
Two classical music traditions in the state?
Carnatic (Mysuru) & Hindustani (Dharwad–Hubballi).
The Dharwad belt produced many Hindustani maestros.
State festival (“Nadahabba”)?
Mysuru Dasara.
Features Jamboo Savari procession and palace illumination.
Ancient city procession in Bengaluru?
Bengaluru Karaga.
Centred at Dharmaraya Swamy Temple with Draupadi traditions.
Kannada New Year festival?
Ugadi.
Bevu–bella (neem–jaggery) symbolizes life’s bittersweet mix.
Buffalo race in coastal paddy fields?
Kambala.
Traditional rural sport of the Tulunadu region after harvest.
Classical painting school of Mysuru?
Mysore painting.
Delicate lines and gold leaf work under Wodeyar patronage.
Black metal inlay craft from Bidar?
Bidriware.
Silver inlay on zinc–copper alloy; protected as a GI craft.
Turned lacquer toys town?
Channapatna (Ramanagara).
Eco-friendly wooden toys with natural dyes; GI product.
Signature saree from Bagalkot district?
Ilkal saree.
Known for tope teni pallu and contrast body–border colors.
Embroidery tradition of north Karnataka?
Kasuti.
Geometric motifs worked by counting threads; bridal blouses & sarees.
Status of Kannada in India?
Classical Language of India.
Recognised for its ancient literary tradition and inscriptions.
Bhakti-era Kannada prose–poetry?
Vachana literature.
Basavanna and the Sharanas articulated social–spiritual ideas.
Notable Kannada Jnanpith awardees (any two)?
Kuvempu, D. R. Bendre (others: Shivaram Karanth, Girish Karnad, U. R. Ananthamurthy, V. K. Gokak, Chandrashekhara Kambara).
Multiple laureates highlight the depth of Kannada literature.
Temple-origin vegetarian cuisine?
Udupi cuisine.
Simple satvik fare; dishes like sambar, dosa variants are popular.
Millet staple of north Karnataka?
Jolada rotti (sorghum).
Commonly paired with ennegayi and pulse-based sides.
People & Demographics (Census 2011) — Basic GK (One-Liners)
All facts refer to Census 2011; numbers are rounded for quick exam recall.
Total population (2011)?
≈ 6.1 crore (≈ 61.1 million).
Around the 9th most populous state in 2011.
Population density?
≈ 319 persons/km².
State area ≈ 1,91,791 km² (large but moderately dense).
Urban population share?
≈ 39% urban.
Among the more urbanised southern states (2011 baseline).
Sex ratio (♀ per 1000 ♂)?
≈ 973.
Close to the national average; improves gradually over time.
Child sex ratio (0–6 yrs)?
≈ 948.
Tracked as a key social indicator in exams and reports.
Literacy rate?
≈ 75%.
Male ≈ 82%; Female ≈ 68% (gender gap persists in 2011 data).
Decadal growth (2001–2011)?
≈ 16%.
Slower than several northern states; urban pull is significant.
Largest city / UA?
Bengaluru (Bangalore) UA.
A top Indian metro for IT, R&D and start-ups.
Other big urban centres?
Mysuru, Hubballi–Dharwad, Mangaluru, Belagavi, Kalaburagi.
Regional anchors for industry, trade and education.
Official language?
Kannada.
Also recognised as a Classical Language of India.
Major mother tongues (share, approx.)?
Kannada (~⅔); then Urdu (~10–11%), Telugu (~6%), Tamil (~4%), Marathi (~3–4%), Tulu (~2–3%), Konkani, Kodava.
Reflects border regions and coastal/Coorg linguistic diversity.
Religious composition (broad, 2011)?
Hindus (majority); Muslims (~13%); Christians (~2%); Jains & others present.
Jain and Buddhist heritage sites add cultural variety.
SC population share?
≈ 17%.
Distributed statewide; policy focus on education and jobs.
ST population share?
≈ 7%.
Concentrations in forest/coastal belts and hilly tracts.
Notable ST communities?
Soliga, Jenu Kuruba, Koraga, Siddi (among others).
Known for distinct livelihoods and cultural practices.
High-literacy coastal belt?
Udupi–Dakshina Kannada region.
Education & migration links raise literacy and remittances.
Lower-literacy interior pockets (2011)?
Parts of Kalyana Karnataka (e.g., Raichur/Yadgir).
Development programs target schooling and health indicators.
Use these one-liners for quick revision; if a paper asks for the “latest”, confirm updates beyond Census 2011.
You now have a crisp, exam-ready sweep of Karnataka—one-liners plus extra facts across Geography, History, Polity & Administration, Economy, Culture & Heritage, and People & Demographics. Lean on memory hooks like 4-31-224-28-12 and Ka-He-Shi-Ar-Ka for fast recall, and connect soils–rainfall–crops to lock concepts. For changing items (e.g., district count or new benches), verify once close to the exam while keeping the evergreen structure intact. Consolidate learning with 10–20 MCQs and short revision notes (Kannada/English) so facts stick under time pressure. If you’re targeting KPSC, KSP, PDO, Banking or RRB, revisit this Karnataka general knowledge for competitive exams the day before the test. Read smart, revise quick, and go score with confidence!
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