The impact of western scholarship on Karnataka has been admittedly profound. Mackenzie, Wurth, Fleet, Wilks, Kittel, Zeigler, Stokes and Rice not only studied historical material but Kannada literature.
This eulogistic description by Chikupadhaya fitted not only ancient Karnataka but also Mysore state, its attenuated version, fifty years ago. Although the British resident was at the helm of affairs, it was benevolent rule of the Maharaja the appellation of a model state, given by no less a person than Gandhiji during the stormy days of the freedom struggle.
A major belongs to the Deccan tableland and the western fringe is coastal plain. The southern half of the state is generally at a higher elevation and is held between the Sahyadri range on the west and the Eastern Ghats. The Cauveri and its tributaries in the north form the state’s prominent river systems, which have been harnessed for irrigation or power or both. The Sahyadri range provides the sate with its forest and mineral wealth –teak and sandalwood, manganese and iron ore. Karnataka has required a coastal line and is currently engaged in the development of fishing and boat building activities. Karnataka is the only state to produce gold at Kolar, where some of the world’s deepest mines are operated, and Hutti. Copper has also been discovered.
From a feudal state, Karnataka has graduated to become an important industrial, economic and educational center of modern India.
Karnataka’s potentials are well-known. Its history is chequered, but not without its significant contributions to the development of the southern peninsula or the whole country. It is where Hindu, Muslim and British cultures have fused. A large manpower and skills in ancient arts as well as modern technology are among its assets. Also among its plus points is a traditional sobriety and give and take. It has fewer angularities than many other states.