States PCS: Karnataka GK for KPSC and other Karnataka State Exams

Notes:
Karnataka’s digital economy was estimated at 159-165 billion in 2025-26. The state leads India in IT exports, which contributed approximately 165 billion. Services, including IT and ITES, account for 66% of Karnataka’s projected GSDP of Rs 30,70,103 crore in 2025-26.

Notes:
Karnataka ranks 5th in pulses production in 2025 with 1.80 million metric tonnes, contributing 7.56% to India’s total. It follows Madhya Pradesh (1st), Rajasthan (2nd), Maharashtra (3rd), and Uttar Pradesh (4th). Karnataka’s pulses output is higher than Andhra Pradesh, which ranks 6th with 1.20 million metric tonnes.

Notes:
Gundan Anivaritachari was a master craftsman during the Western Chalukya period. The Western Chalukyas are known for the Vesara architectural style, which is a combination of Dravidian and Nagara styles. This style flourished in Karnataka in the 10th to 12th centuries before the rise of Hoysala architecture. Temples in Lakkundi and Gadag represent this style with intricate ornamentation and structural innovation, marking an important phase in Karnataka’s temple architecture.

Notes:
Kuvempu, a Jnanpith awardee, authored Sri Ramayana Darshanam (his magnum opus), Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate (Karnataka’s state anthem), and Malegalalli Madumagalu (a famous novel). Kavirajamarga is not his work; it is a classical text on Kannada poetics attributed to Rashtrakuta King Amoghavarsha I.

Notes:
M. Venkatakrishnaiah, known as the “father of Kannada journalism,” founded the weekly Vrittanta Chintamani in 1885 in Mysore. He was a prominent journalist, social reformer, and educator, and contributed significantly to Kannada literature and journalism during the late 19th century.

Notes:
The correct match is: A. D.V. Gundappa – Sumathi; B. Mohare Hanumantha Rao – Samyukta Karnataka; C. P.R. Ramaiah – Tainaadu; and D. T.S.R. – Prajavani. These associations reflect their significant contributions to Kannada journalism during the freedom movement and regional literary history.

Notes:
Kamsale is a rhythmic folk art from Karnataka’s Old Mysore region. It involves brass cymbals called “Kamsale,” used by devotees of Lord Male Mahadeshwara during performances. The art combines synchronized movements and musical sounds to praise the deity of the Mahadeshwara Hills. It is distinct from Dollu Kunitha, Goravara Kunitha, and Yakshagana in its use of brass cymbals and spiritual focus.

Notes:
B.M. Srikantaiah, known as B.M. Sri, published “English Geethegalu” in 1921. It contains 63 poems, mostly translations of English Romantic poets like Wordsworth and Shelley. The work introduced modern Kannada lyrical forms, breaking away from traditional metres. B.M. Sri is called “Kannadada Kanva” for this contribution to Kannada literature’s Navodaya period.

Notes:

• ✅ A. It is a monolith hill (rock): Correct. Savanadurga is widely recognized as one of the largest monolithic hills in Asia, formed from a single massive granite rock.
• ❌ B. It is located in Bengaluru district: Incorrect. While it is about 60 km west of Bengaluru and a popular weekend getaway for residents there, it is administratively located in the Ramanagara district (specifically in the Magadi taluk).
• ✅ C. On the top of it lies Kote Sri Nandi Gudi: Correct. There is a small Nandi temple (mantapa) situated at the summit of the hill, which trekkers reach at the end of the trail.
• ✅ D. It is 1226m above the mean sea level: Correct. The hill rises to an elevation of exactly 1,226 metres above mean sea level.

Notes:
M. Venkatakrishnaiah started the Kannada weekly “Saadhvi” in 1899 to promote socio-political awareness. Prajavani and Sudha are more recent Kannada publications. Kesari is a Marathi newspaper founded by Bal Gangadhar Tilak. “Saadhvi” was aimed at educating the public on social and political issues during the late 19th century.