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OurKarnataka.Com (OKC) would like to thank Vani Srikanta for translating
some of the Pages of History of Karnataka.
Karnataka has been home to many kings & emperors. Many empires have reigned Karnataka. It’s the center of fine arts and cultural splendor. There is unity in diversity, serenity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence amongst its people. Religious harmony is in the culture of Kannadigas. The rulers, saints, litterateurs, scholars, social reforms and artistes from this state have all preached religious tolerance.
The confluence of Aryan culture of the North & Dravidian culture of the South is evident here. It has a long tradition of sovereign governance, in fact the most compared to anywhere else in India(AD 230-1947 AD). From the Shaatavahanas to the Mysore Wodeyars, many kingdoms have ruled here. It has been the birthplace of valiant heroes like Mayuravarma, Gautami’s son Shaatakarani, Immadi Pulikeshi, Govinda-III, Krishnadevaraya, Keladi Chennamma, Kittoor Chennamma etc..
Kappe Arebhatta, a warrior, has described Kannadigas as:
"Good to the good, sweet to the sweet,
This exceptional man of Kaliyuga
Is a veritable Madhava himself (to the distressed)"
Karnataka has been home to many religions. There are many people here, speaking many different languages. Bahubali, Chandragupta Maurya, Ramanujacharya, Shankaracharya and many Muslim and Christian saints have all lived here. Non-casteism, idealism, broadmindedness, tolerance - now considered modern thinking, were always prevalent in Karnataka, as history indicates. For example, King Vishnuvardhana, who converted to Vaishnavism, did not force is wife Shantala to convert and she remained a Jain. In fact, he also built a Jain temple for her. There are many more such instances.
Intellectually, Karnataka boasts of starting a social revolution. Basaveshwara’s Vachanas(a special type of composition which was neither prose nor verse), Purandaradasa & Kanakadasa’s keerthanas(songs) have astounding social significance. The philosophy expounded by Karl Marx in 19th century can be seen in Basavshwara’s theory of “Kayaka”(work) in the 12th century. Gandhiji’s theories of Navodaya & casteless society have also been mentioned in the vachanas. Modern concepts of societal welfare and altruism have been followed by Kannadigas from a very long time.
There is one inscription that describes the generosity and ideals of the people aptly. It says
“Build lakes, dig wells, construct temples, help the needy, don’t let down people who believe in you and protect those who depend on you”
These values have been imbibed in Kannadigas since birth. The influence of spiritual leaders and saints have made the people pious and tolerant. They are not narrow minded. Historical evidence tells about how the Vijayanagar King Devaraya-I’s minister Lakshmidhara learnt about all these values when he was very young.
Translated by Vani Srikanta
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