Namaste!
We, Indian Legion are taking you to the land of unity in diversity, India!
This book is a journey through the country of various cultures, languages, colours and festivals, India.
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Karnataka, the largest South Indian state (as of 2014), has a lot of things to offer, whether you’re visiting or moving. Situated by the Arabian Sea, it has everything from ultra-high-tech spaces to the remotest regions. Wildlife thrives in this state, with over 1000 species exclusive to the Western Ghats. The glory of the Western Ghats has been captured into the first 4k blue-chip natural history documentary, Wild Karnataka, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
Officially formed on November 1, 1956, it was initially known as the State of Mysore until it was renamed in 1973. However, the earliest unification of the region was under the Kadamba dynasty (345-525 CE), which ruled the northern parts of the state. The state also boasts a dynamic history with many prominent kingdoms, including the Mauryan Empire.
The golden era of Karnataka was established very early on, in the 6th century CE, under the Chalukyas of Badami. Poetry and literature flourished in both Sanskrit and old Kannada, and the style of architecture set a standard for all the other kingdoms to come. The temples in Badami, Aihole, and Pattadkal built under the Chalukyas are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Rashtrakutas succeeded the Chalukyas, and literature was heavily emphasized, with Kavirajamarga, theearliest work of literature in Kannada, being written by Amoghavarsha I.
By the end of the 12th century CE, the Hoysalas had already established themselves near the fertile Kaveri river delta, starting an important era of development in art, culture, literature, and religion. The Hoysala style of architecture was the highlight of the 300 years of the empire, with many famous temples in Belur and Halebidu. By the end of the Hoysala rule, the Delhi sultanate had started flourishing in the north. With the influx of Muslim emperors, two commanders from the Hoysala army set up a new empire to protect the rest of the subcontinent from Muslim invasion.
The Vijayanagara empire came into power around 1335 CE and expanded throughout South India. It was the most notable empire which hosted many European travellers. While protecting Hinduism was the driving force behind the empire, it wasn’t limited to religion. Music, architecture, trade (especially overseas), fine arts, and literature flourished, making the empire well known across the globe. The capital of Vijayanagara by 1500 CE was located in Hampi, making it the largest medieval city in India and second largest in Asia, with the Virupaksha temple and Stone Chariot being the main attraction of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
