Karnataka State GK

• 25 Feb 2026

Karnataka GK is an important part of preparation for KPSC, Karnataka Police, and other state-level examinations, as well as UPSC and SSC. This page covers essential facts about Karnataka’s geography, history, rivers, national parks, tiger reserves, state symbols, demography, mineral resources, and culture in a concise, exam-focused format. It works as a quick revision guide for static state General Knowledge.

As per the Census 2011
Total Population	6,10,95,297
Males	3,09,66,657
Females	3,01,28,640
Rural	3,74,69,335
Urban	2,36,25,962
Scheduled Castes	1,04,74,992
Scheduled Tribes	42,48,987
Population Density (Per Sq.Km.)	319
Literacy Rate	75.36%
Sex Ratio	973 Females/1000 males
Urban Population	38.67%

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• Formation: After Independence, Kannada-speaking regions were unified to form Mysore State in 1953; it was enlarged in 1956 and renamed Karnataka in 1973 (‘Rajyothsava’ day celebrated on 1st Nov every year); the 7th largest state in terms of area
• Capital: Bengaluru (“Information Technology Capital of India”; earlier famous as “Garden City”)
• High Court: Bengaluru
• State Legislature: Bicameral Legislature
• Divisions: Bangalore Division, Belgaum Division, Kalaburagi Division, and Mysore Division
• Geographical Area: 192000 Sq. Km.
  
  • Revenue Divisions: 4
  • District: 31
  • Taluks: 176
  • Forest Area: 43,382 sq. km
• State Animal: Elephant
• State Bird: Indian Roller
• State Flower: Indian Lotus
• State Butterfly: Southern Birdwing, Sahyadri Birdwing
• State Fish: Carnatic Carp
• State Tree: Indian Sandalwood
• State Fruit: Mango
• State Emblem: Ganda Bherunda, a two-headed mythological figure
• Major Languages Spoken in the State: Kannada (principal language of the state, is a Dravidian language with early evidence seen in Ashokan inscriptions), Telugu, Urdu, Tamil, Tulu, Konkani, Coorgi. etc.
• Geographical Location: Located between 11° 30' and 18° 30' N latitude and 74° 15' and 78° 30' E longitude 
  • Karnataka consists of a series of uplands with an average elevation of about 610 metres above sea level. 
• Coastline: 343.30 Km
• Bounded by: Arabian Sea (West), Goa (Northwest), Maharashtra (North), Telangana (Northeast), Andhra Pradesh (East), Tamil Nadu (Southeast), and Kerala (South). 
  • Its border touches all four southern Indian sister states.
• State is Divided Into: Coastal region, Western Ghats and vast plains from Ghats to the East.
• Major Rivers: The major river systems draining the entire state are Krishna, Cauvery, Godavari, North Pennar, South Pennar and Palar.
  • Major rivers such as the Sharavathi and Kalindi flow westwards. Several rivers in the region have torrential streams and are in full spate during the monsoon season.
  • Most of the major rivers originate in the Western Ghats and flow from west to east towards the Bay of Bengal. The Krishna River, along with its tributaries such as the Ghataprabha and Tungabhadra, is among the major rivers of the region. In the southern part of the state, the Cauvery River and its tributaries—Shimsha, Hemavati, and Kapila (Kabani or Kabini)—are prominent. 
• Climate: The state exhibits sub-regional climatic variations within the tropical monsoonal zone.
  • The state enjoys the benefit of two monsoons and hence it will be called the land of two monsoons because both southwest and northeast monsoons account for a major part of the rainfall.
• Scotland of India: Coorg
• Kunchikal Falls (Varahi River, Shimoga District): Highest waterfall in India (1,493 ft)
  • Karnataka is called the Land of waterfalls (over 500 waterfalls; ~10 m in height)
• Jog Falls (Sharavathi River): The 2nd highest plunge waterfall in India 
• Major Festivals: Ugadi; Pattadakal Dance Festival; Kambala; Hampi Utsav
• Famous Dance Forms: Yakshagana; Dollu Kunitha; Huli Vesha
• Famous Visual Arts & Crafts: Mysore Paintings; Ganjifa Art; Hase Chitra; Lacquerware; Bidriware; Karnataka Handloom
• First Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly: Shri. V.Venkatappa
• First Deputy Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly: Shri. Pullareddy
• First Chief Minister of Karnataka: Sri K.Chengalaraya Reddy (1947-52)
• First Leader of Opposition of Karnataka Legislative Assembly: Sri. G. V. Anjanappa (1969-70)
• First Woman Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly: KS Nagarathnamma
• President's Rule (For the First Time in the State): On 19th March, 1971- 20th March, 1972.
  • No. of times the President’s rule was imposed in Karnataka– 6 (after independence).
• Mullayanagiri Hill: The highest peak in Karnataka. It is the fourth-highest peak between Nilgiri hills and Himalayas, next to Vavulmala, Chembra Peak and Banasura Hill.
• Mysuru Palace: It is illuminated by over 97,000 light bulbs, making it one of the best-lit places in the world.
• Coffee Production: Largest Producer of Coffee in India, accounting for about 71% of the total coffee production in India. 

Historical Timeline

• The Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1646): Founded by Harihara I and Bukka Raya I of the Sangama dynasty, it reached its zenith under Krishnadevaraya of the Tuluva dynasty. It was a golden age for literature, architecture (evidenced by the ruins at Hampi), and trade. The empire effectively ended after the disastrous Battle of Talikota (1565) against the combined Deccan Sultanates.
• The Wodeyar Dynasty (1399–1947): The Wodeyars ruled the Kingdom of Mysore for over five centuries. Post-1800, under progressive rulers like Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and Diwans like Sir M. Visvesvaraya, Mysore became one of the most modernized princely states in India, pioneering hydroelectric power (Shivanasamudra) and establishing the Bank of Mysore and supporting the establishment of IISc.
• The Anglo-Mysore Wars (1767–1799): The Wodeyar rule was briefly interrupted by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, who fiercely resisted British expansion. This era is highly tested for its treaties:
  • First War (1767–1769): Ended with the Treaty of Madras.
  • Second War (1780–1784): Ended with the Treaty of Mangalore (restored the status quo).
  • Third War (1790–1792): Ended with the Treaty of Srirangapatna (Tipu Sultan ceded half his kingdom to the British and their allies).
  • Fourth War (1799): Resulted in the fall of Srirangapatna and the death of Tipu Sultan. The British reinstated the Wodeyars under a Subsidiary Alliance.

Protected Areas in Karnataka

• Wildlife Sanctuaries In Karnataka: Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary, Arabithittu WS, Arasikere Slothbear Sanctuary, Attiveri Bird Sanctuary, Bhadra WS, Bhimgad WS, Bramhagiri WS, BRT WS, Bukkapattana Chinkara WS, Cauvery Extension WS, Cauvery WS, Chincholi WS, Dandeli WS, Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary (Asia’s first Sloth Bear Sanctuary), Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary, Gudekote Extension WS, Gudekote Sloth Bear Sanctuary, Jogimatti WS,  Kammasandra WS, Kappathagudda WS, Malai Mahadeshwara WS, Melkote WS, Mookambika WS, Nugu WS, Pushpagiri WS, Ranebennur Black Buck Sanctuary, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Rangayyanadurga WS, Sharavathi Valley Lion Tailed Macaque WS, Shettihalli WS, Someswara WS, Sri Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary, Talacauvery WS, Thimlapura WS, Uttaregudda WS, Yadahalli Chinkara WS.

National Parks & Tiger Reserves
Anshi National Park/Kali Tiger Reserve	Located in Uttara Kannada District. It is contiguous to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, and together Anshi National Park and Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary were declared as the Dandeli–Anshi Tiger Reserve in 2007, which has since been renamed as the Kali Tiger Resserve.  Flora & Fauna: Elusive Black Panther, Majestic Tigers, Asian Elephants, Indian Gaur, and over 200 bird species, including the Great Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Golden-backed Woodpecker, and Crested Serpent Eagle.
Bandipura National Park/Bandipur Tiger Reserve	It is an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, constituting Karnataka’s Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarahole) to its northwest, Tamil Nadu’s Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary to its south, and Kerala’s Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to its southwest. One of the thirty reserves identified across the country to save the tiger and its habitat, it is also one of the last refuges of the endangered Asiatic wild elephant.  Flora & Fauna: Several endangered animals such as sloth bears, gaurs, Indian rock pythons, jackals, muggers, and four-horned antelopes can be spotted in this national park. Bandipur also shelters sambar, mouse deer, chital, sloth bear, and the rare flying lizard. Over 200 species of birds and a rich diversity of flora add to its attraction. The park supports a wide range of timber trees, including teak, rosewood, sandalwood, Indian laurel, Indian kino tree, and giant clumping bamboo.
Bannerghatta National Park	This National Park is situated very close to Bangalore. It is named after the village Bannerghatta, a historical pilgrimage centre located very close to the Bannerghatta Biological Park, which lies in the northeast corner of the Bannerghatta National Park. A snake park and a butterfly park are located within the national park.
Kudremukh National Park	It derives its name from the highest hill peak known as Kudremukh Peak, which has an altitude of 1892 metres above sea level. Kudremukh is the second highest peak in Karnataka, after Mullayyanagiri. Kudremukh has been declared one of the 34 biological hotspots of the world due to its rich tropical biodiversity. Flora & Fauna: The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, gaurs, leopards, and several endemic species of birds and butterflies.
Nagarhole National Park/ Nagarhole Tiger Reserve	The National Park is named after the small river Nagarahole (literally meaning Snake Stream in Kannada), which meanders extensively within the park before joining the KabiniProject Elephant, and in 2000, it was constituted as part of the Mysore Elephant Reserve. In 2003, Nagarahole National Park was declared the core or critical tiger habitat of the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve. Flora & Fauna: Tiger, Panther, Wild Dog, Elephant, Bison, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Common Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Varieties of reptiles and Birds, etc.
Bhadra Tiger Reserve	It is situated in the midst of the Western Ghat regions of Chikmagalur and N.R. Pura. The sanctuary forms part of the Sahyadri hill ranges and constitutes a geographic barrier between the coastal areas and the hinterland. It was declared the 25th Project Tiger reserve of India. It is the first Tiger Reserve in the country to complete a successful village relocation programme, and is considered a success story in wildlife conservation. The highest peak in the sanctuary is the Kallathigiri Peak, with a height of 1875 metres. Flora & Fauna: Tiger, panther, wild dog, elephant, bison, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, sloth bear, wild boar, common langur, bonnet macaque, jackal, varieties of reptiles and birds, etc.
Biligiriranganatha Swamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve	The Biligirirangana Hills, commonly called B R Hills, is a hill range situated in south-eastern Karnataka, along its border with Tamil Nadu (Erode District) in South India. The area is known as the Biligiriranganatha Swamy Temple Tiger Reserve, or simply the BRT Tiger Reserve. It is a protected reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Located at the confluence of the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, the Tiger Reserve supports ecosystems unique to both mountain ranges. The site was declared a Tiger Reserve in January 2011. The Tiger Reserve is also part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. There are around 25 species of orchids that are endemic to the reserve.

Note: Karnataka currently has 563 tigers, the second-highest in the country after Madhya Pradesh. (Tiger Census 2022)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Hampi (1986): Once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi is famous for its stunning ruins, temples, and bouldered landscapes.
• Pattadakal (1987): This site features a group of temples showcasing the fusion of architectural styles from northern and southern India.
• Western Ghats (2012): Recognized for its biodiversity, the Western Ghats are also home to ancient temples and historical sites.
• The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (2023): This group of three temples in Karnataka, India, consisting of Channakeshava Temple Hoysaleswara Temple and Keshava Temple are known for their architectural excellence, sculptural art, and influence on later temples.

Mineral Resources

As per the National Mineral Inventory as on 01.04.2020, Karnataka hosts the country's 79% vanadium ore, 69% iron ore (magnetite), 41% tungsten ore, 36% asbestos, 25% limestone, 19% gold ore (primary), 25% manganese ore, 12% kyanite and 7% PGM (metal) resources.

• The principal minerals produced in the state are Gold Ore, Gold Primary, Iron Ore, Kyanite, Limestone Limeshell, Magnesite, Manganese Ore, Minor Mineral and Silver. 
• Karnataka continues to dominate the gold sector, producing 94% of the country's gold ore and 93% of primary gold. The state saw steady growth in iron ore, with a 3% rise in production and a 21% increase in its value. 
• Limestone production grew by 5%, while magnesite and manganese ore production saw more moderate changes. 
• Karnataka also saw a remarkable surge in limeshell production, which increased by 256%, along with a significant rise in its value. 
• The number of mines in Karnataka that submitted Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR) returns during 2023-24 is 177.

Mineral	Districts
Bauxite	Belagavi, Chikkamagaluru, Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi
Chromite	Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Mysuru
Gold	Chitradurga, Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Hassan, Haveri, Hubli, Kolar, Raichur, Tumakuru
Iron ore (Haematite)	Bagalkot, Bellary, Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Dharwad, Davangere, Gadag, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Tumakuru
Iron ore (Magnetite)	Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga
Kyanite	Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Coorg, Mandya, Mysuru, Shivamogga, Dakshina Kannada
Limestone	Bagalkot, Belagavi, Bellary, Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Davangere, Gadag, Kalaburagi, Hassan, Mysuru, Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga, Tumakuru, Udupi
Magnesite	Coorg, Mandya, Mysuru
Manganese ore	Belagavi, Bellary, Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Davangere, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Tumakuru
Asbestos	Chikkamagaluru, Hassan, Mandya, Mysuru, Shivamogga
Pyrite	Chitradurga
Copper	Chikkamagaluru, Chitradurga, Kalaburagi, Hassan, Uttara Kannada, Raichur, Shivamogga
Graphite	Kolar, Mysuru
Molybdenum	Kolar, Raichur
Nickel	Uttara Kannada
Platinum Group of Metals	Davangere
Sillimanite	Hassan, Mysuru, Dakshina Kannada
Silver	Chitradurga, Raichur
Titanium minerals	Hassan, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga
Tungsten	Gadag, Kolar, Raichur
Vanadium	Hassan, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga
Vermiculite	Hassan, Mandya, Mysuru

Static GK remains a core pillar of success in state-level competitive examinations. Use this Karnataka GK page for consistent revision of key facts and data relevant to KPSC and other state exams. Integrating it with current affairs and previous year questions will sharpen conceptual clarity and improve accuracy in state-focused sections.

We hope this structured guide adds value to your preparation. Bookmark the page for quick pre-exam revision and revisit it regularly to strengthen retention and confidence.

Related Resources
KPSC KAS Exam Syllabus	Click Here
KPSC KAS Previous Year Papers	Click Here
KPSC KAS Exam Pattern	Click Here
Karnataka KAS Exam Strategy	Click Here
Monthly CA Consolidations	Click Here

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the highest peak in Karnataka? +

Mullayanagiri Hill is the highest peak in Karnataka. It is also the fourth-highest peak between the Nilgiris and the Himalayas.

2. How many districts and taluks make up Karnataka? +

Karnataka is divided into 31 districts and 176 taluks.

3. Which are the major west-flowing rivers in Karnataka? +

Major rivers such as the Sharavathi and Kalindi flow westwards.

4. What is the total tiger population in Karnataka? +

Karnataka has 563 tigers, giving it the second-highest tiger population in the country after Madhya Pradesh.

5. What are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Karnataka? +

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Karnataka are Hampi, Pattadakal, the Western Ghats, and The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas (which includes the Channakeshava, Hoysaleswara, and Keshava temples).

6. How much of India's gold does Karnataka produce? +

Karnataka continues to dominate the gold sector, producing 94% of the country's gold ore and 93% of primary gold.

7. What are the official state symbols of Karnataka?
+

The State Animal is the Elephant, the State Bird is the Indian Roller, the State Flower is the Indian Lotus, and the State Tree is Indian Sandalwood.