Class : B.A 5th Semester Subject : History & Archaeology Title of the Paper : History and Culture of Karnataka(From Early Times to 1336) Paper II Optional Session: 7,8 & 9. Topic : Geographical Features of Karnataka. __________________________________________________________________________________ Introduction Karnataka State is situated in between 11.30 to 18.48 Northern latitude and 74.12 to 78.50 East longitude, Karnataka is surrounded by Maharashtra in North, Goa in Northwest, Tamilnadu & Keral in South, Andhara Pradesh & Telengana in East. Karnataka is 2000 feet above sea level. Present Karnataka is divided in to 30 Districts 230 Talukas 29733 Villages. The length of the state is 770 km and breadth is 400 km total extent of the State is 1,92,204 sq. km The main rivers of Karnataka is Krishna, Bhima, Tungabhadra, Malaprabha, Ghatprabha, Kali, Sharavati, Varadha, Kaveri, Netravati, Arkavati, Aghanashini etc. are the important rivers in the State. The region where two rivers joins is called as Doab. Shorapur Doab in Yadgiri district where river Bhima joins the Krishna. Raichur Doab where river Tungabhadra joins Krishna, the plateau of Raichur Doab & Tungabhdra referred as Rayalaseema. Geographical Classification of Karnataka 1. Coastal region 2. Sahyadri Mountains /Western Ghats 3. Northern Plain 4. Southern Plain Importance of Geographical Features : Richard Hakluyat, pointed out that “The Geography & Chronology are the Sun & Moon, the right and left eye of History”. Human history in a region is shaped by the physical features. The growth of civilization is depend upon the climate, fertility of soil, natural barriers. Geographically Karnataka is one of the oldest part of Deccan plateau. The history and culture of Karnataka has been molded by the Geographical features. Coastal Region-Introduction The region between Arabian Sea & sahyadri Mountains(Western Ghats) is known as Coastal region. In Kannada it called as Karavali By the side of Sahyadri slopes it spreads 300 miles. It is 8 to 20 miles wide in North.30 to 40 mile broad in the South.Annual rainfall is 100 inches 250 cms. It includes Uttar Kannada(Karwar), Udapi & Dakshina Kannada (Mangalore) Districts. The rivers; Sharavati, Tadri, Bedti, rising form the Western Ghats, are deposits alluvial soil. The river valleys of this region are densely populated, level land is limited. Agriculture is restricted, Paddy and coconut are grown, and fishing was another important occupation of the people. Important sea ports of the region are in North Karwar, Ankola, Kumta, Honnavar, Bhatkal and in South Mangalore, Malpe & Netravati river delta, the sea ports provided anchoring to ships these were the doorways to the foreign trade. Karnataka had commercial contact with abroad since Greco-Roman Civilization to the British. Sea ports of Coastal region maintained cultural contacts with Egypt, Africa, Portuguese, Dutch, French, & British. Religious centers of the region: Udupi, Gokarna, Idugunji, Murdeswara, This region is known for scenic beauty, Village of tall coconut trees, beautiful beaches Karwar beach, Om beach ( Gokarna) Full Moon Beach, Half Moon Beach (Kumta) Murdeshwar Beach, Someshwar Beach, etc .Ford Aptly remarks “ Nothing more beautiful is seen anywhere in Europe and Asia than the cost of Kanara” Historical influence: This region was served as the headquarters of Palegaras. The Hindu & Jaina architectural remains found at Karkala, Gerusoppa, Nagarabatikere, in medieval period this region was influenced by Bahmani’s Vijayanagara Empire, in modern it was occupied by the Portuguese and British. Shyahadri Mountain Ranges/ Western Ghats: Shyahadri Mountain Ranges extended from north to south in west up to the Nilgeri hills. These mountains rises 2000 to 3000 feet & in some region it rises above 6000 feet above sea level. Bababudan hill also called Dronaparvata its peak Mullayyangiri is 6151 feet high. Kudaremukha is 6207 feet high, Agumbeghat between Chikkamagalur & Manglore. Ghats like Kolluru, Charmudi, Shiradi are part of Western Ghat section. The districts of Shimoga, Chickamagalur, Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi & Hassan Kali, Tungabhadra, Aghanashi, Sharavati, Netravati are the main rivers. Paddy, coconut, Arecanut, cashewnut, cloves, pepper, cardamom, tea, coffee are the commercial crops grown here. Shringeri, Horanadu, Sirsi, Dandeli, Ambikanagar, Kemmanagundi, yaana, Jog falls are tourist’s attractive centers, teak wood Sandal wood are grown in the southern part of this region. The region is rich in Minerals Manganese, Iron ore deposits. The Bamboo is evidence for the development of Paper mills at Dandeli & Bhadravati. Jog is famous for production of hydro- power. Kaiga near Karwar has Nuclear Power Plant. The region is watered by river Tungabharda in North, Kaveri in South,Pennar & Ponnayar in south east. These river valleys evidence for historical development Halsi, Banvasi, Belur, Halebid, Talakad were the headquarters of different dynasties. These Ghats are the natural barriers & protected the people from enemies. Northern Plain : The topography of black soil, patches of Red soil, river valleys & granite hills in the north of Karnataka called as Northern plain. Bidar, Gulbarga,Yadagiri, Ballary, Koppal, Vijayapur, Baglakot, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, & Belgaum districts comprise in Northern plan. Krishna and its tributaries, Bhima, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, are the main rivers. Dams at Naviltirtha, Hidakal, Munirabad, Alamatti are constructed Wheat, Jowar, Sugarcane, Pulses, Groundnut, Sunflower, Cotton are the main crops. Gold mine is at Hatti, Manganese deposit at Sondur, Granite at Ilakal is natural resources important for economic development. Scarcity of rain & hot summer is the feature of the Northern Plain. Belgaum district has many sugar factories highest in the state. Historical influence : Northern Plain has been the scene of Historical events. Badami, Pattadakallu, Aihole, Bijapur, Hampi, Malkhed, Lakkundi are the historical places. It was the land of many dynasties Satvahanas, Chalukyas, Rastrakutas, Chalukyas of Kalyana, Bahmani’s, Vijaynagara Empire, Adil shahi’s. Gulburga & Bidar had been the capitals of Bahmani’s Bijapur the capital of Adil Shahi’s, this region invaded by Mughals and Martahas. During the British rule it was under Bombay presidency. Southern plain : Southern plain is by irregular shapes with granite hills of 600-900 meter high. It is surrounded on the west by the Western Ghats and on the south and east by ranges of hills, in the Northern plains. Kaveri river along with its tributaries Shimsha, Arkavati, Kabini, Lakshamana thirtha and Hemavati. Palar, Ponniyar and Penneru rivers arise from the eastern region of this plateau at Nandi hills. It includes Districts Bangaluru urban, Bangaluru rural Chamarajnagar, Hassan, Kolar, Mandya, Mysore and Tumkur. Dams are built at Krishna Raja Sagara (Kannambadi), Vani Vilasa Sagara (Marikanive), etc. Mysore, Shravanabelagola, Talakadu, Melkote are the tourist places. Kolar Gold mines. Sugar factory at Mandya, Hydro-power generation at Shivansamudra have been known for the growth. This region is thinly populated. The brownish soil of the region brought to cultivation of Ragi, Paddy, oil seeds, cotton, sugar cane, coconuts. Hills at Madhugiri, Hagalawadi, Frenchrocks (Pandavapura), pavagad, Shivagange, Adicunchanagiri, Savanadurga, Devarayanadurga are important land structures. Nagarahole and Bandipur are wild life sanctuaries. Historical influence : Historically this region was the land of many dynasties. Northern dynasties Chalukyas & Rastrakutas extended their empire in south. Kolar the ancient city, the capital of Gangas, Mysore, Shrirangapattana were the capitals of Wodeyers, Hyder Ali & Tippu. Bangaluru the present capital of Karnataka the IT city, silicon city, it was the capital of Yalhanka Prabhu’s. Kempegouda. Devarayan Durga, Doddaballapur, Nandidurga, Madugiri have the Historical significance. Conclusion : The History and culture of Karnataka has been influenced by geographical features. The coastal region becomes the gateway for the foreigners. The rich Flora & Fauna in the Mountain Ranges Northern & Southern Plains are the home land of many dynasties. Karnataka's favorable geographical features helped in the growth of Kannada culture. .