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By rohit.pandey1
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Updated on 27 Oct 2025, 13:04 IST
GK Questions on Kannada Rajyotsava are among the most searched topics around Karnataka Formation Day, celebrated every year on November 1. This day marks the unification of all Kannada-speaking regions into the state of Karnataka, making it one of the most important cultural and historical observances for Kannadigas. Whether you’re preparing for competitive exams, school quizzes, or simply want to test your general knowledge about Karnataka state, this comprehensive guide has everything you need to master the topic.
From important facts about Karnataka’s unification to GK questions with answers, this page compiles all key information in one place.
Kannada Rajyotsava, also known as Karnataka Formation Day, commemorates the unification of Kannada-speaking regions into one state on November 1, 1956, following the States Reorganisation Act.
Before this, Kannada-speaking areas were spread across different provinces like Bombay, Madras, Hyderabad, and Coorg. The movement for a unified Kannada state was fueled by strong linguistic and cultural identity, championed by visionaries such as Aluru Venkata Rao—known as the Father of Karnataka Unification.
In 1973, the name Mysore State was officially changed to Karnataka to represent all Kannada-speaking people across the newly formed region. Since then, Kannada Rajyotsava is celebrated with immense pride—featuring flag hoisting, cultural programs, and the presentation of the prestigious Rajyotsava Awards (Rajyotsava Prashasti) by the Karnataka government.
| Fact | Detail |
| Event: | Kannada Rajyotsava (Karnataka Formation Day) |
| Date: | November 1 (Celebrated Annually) |
| Year of Formation: | 1956 (as Mysore State) |
| Year Renamed ‘Karnataka’: | 1973 |
| Based On: | States Reorganisation Act, 1956 |
| State Anthem: | “Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate” |
| Anthem Written By: | Kuvempu |
What is the Capital of Karnataka?
Answer: Bengaluru — the state’s largest city and IT hub.
When was Bangalore renamed Bengaluru?
Answer: 1st November 2014, to restore its original Kannada name.
When was Mysore renamed as Karnataka?
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Answer: 1973, by the government led by D. Devaraj Urs.
Which City is known as the Silicon Valley of India?
Answer: Bengaluru — due to its massive IT and startup ecosystem.
Who was the First Chief Minister of Karnataka (Then Mysore)?
Answer: K. Chengalaraya Reddy.
Who is the Longest-Serving Chief Minister of Karnataka?
Answer: D. Devaraj Urs — served for 7 years and 234 days.
Which Chief Minister of Karnataka became the Eleventh Prime Minister of India?
Answer: H. D. Deve Gowda.
When was Karnataka formed?
Answer: 1st November 1956, under the States Reorganisation Act.
Also Check: GK Questions in Kannada
Which Act was Passed when Karnataka was formed?
Answer: The States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
Which Sea is located on the Western Side of Karnataka?
Answer: Arabian Sea.
How many Indian States surround Karnataka?
Answer: Six — Goa, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
What is the Total Area of Karnataka?
Answer: 191,791 km² — the 6th largest state in India.
Which Country is Comparable with the Size of Karnataka?
Answer: Syria (185,180 km²).
What is the Coordinate of Karnataka?
Answer: 12.97° N, 77.50° E — centred near Bengaluru.
Which is the Largest City in Karnataka?
Answer: Bengaluru.
Also Check: GK Quiz on Indian Mythology
What is the State Language of Karnataka?
Answer: Kannada.
What is the State Nickname of Karnataka?
Answer: The “Land of Sandalwood” and “Silicon State of India.”
Which River is known as the Lifeline of Karnataka?
Answer: The Kaveri River.
What is the Official State Anthem of Karnataka?
Answer:Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate.
Who wrote the State Anthem of Karnataka?
Answer: Rashtrakavi Kuvempu.
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When is Kannada Rajyotsava celebrated?
Answer: November 1 — every year.
Kannada Rajyotsava marks the formation of which state?
Answer: Karnataka.
In which year was the state formed under linguistic reorganisation?
Answer: 1956.
What was Karnataka called before 1973?
Answer: Mysore State.
Who was the Chief Minister when the name changed to Karnataka?
Answer: D. Devaraj Urs.
Which Commission’s report guided the 1956 reorganisation?
Answer: Fazal Ali Commission.
Who is known as the Father of Karnataka Unification?
Answer: Aluru Venkata Rao.
What was the aim of the Karnataka Unification Movement?
Answer: To unite all Kannada-speaking regions under one administration.
Which day of the year is also called Karnataka Formation Day?
Answer: November 1.
What does Kannada Rajyotsava celebrate?
Answer: Unity, culture, and language of the Kannada people.
What is the highest civilian award of Karnataka?
Answer: Karnataka Ratna.
What is the second-highest award presented on Kannada Rajyotsava?
Answer: Rajyotsava Prashasti.
When were Rajyotsava Awards introduced?
Answer: 1966.
Who was the first recipient of Karnataka Ratna?
Answer: Kuvempu.
Name a Karnataka Ratna recipient from cinema.
Answer: Dr. Rajkumar.
Name a Karnataka Ratna recipient from science.
Answer: Prof. C. N. R. Rao.
What do Rajyotsava Awardees receive?
Answer: Gold medal, citation, and ₹1 lakh cash prize.
Who presents the Rajyotsava Awards?
Answer: Chief Minister of Karnataka.
On which date are these awards distributed?
Answer: November 1.
What do these awards represent?
Answer: Recognition of excellence and Kannada pride.
State Bird — Indian Roller (Blue Jay).
State Animal — Indian Elephant.
State Flower — Lotus.
State Tree — Sandalwood.
State Emblem — Gandaberunda (two-headed mythical bird).
Flag Colours — Red and Yellow.
State Song Genre — Patriotic.
Anthem Tune Composer — Mysore Ananthaswamy.
Official Language — Kannada.
State Motto — Satyameva Jayate (Truth Alone Triumphs).
What is hoisted during Kannada Rajyotsava?
Answer: The Red-and-Yellow Karnataka Flag.
Who delivers the main state-level Rajyotsava address?
Answer: Chief Minister.
Main venue for state celebrations?
Answer: Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru.
Common school events?
Answer: Flag hoisting, quizzes, cultural programs.
Popular Rajyotsava slogan?
Answer: “Jai Karnataka Mata.”
Common folk dance performed?
Answer: Dollu Kunitha and Veeragase.
Major student competition held?
Answer: Kannada Rajyotsava Quiz.
Primary colours of rallies and banners?
Answer: Red and Yellow.
Main theme of Karnatka Rajyotsava 2025?
Answer: Kannada Pride and Unity.
TV channels that air Karnatka Rajyotsva celebrations live?
Answer: DD Chandana, Udaya TV, TV9 Kannada.
UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Tungabhadra River?
Answer: Hampi.
UNESCO World Heritage Site known for Chalukyan temples?
Answer: Pattadakal.
Famous Hoysala architecture towns?
Answer: Belur and Halebid.
Karnataka’s highest peak?
Answer: Mullayanagiri (1,930 m).
Major waterfall on the Sharavathi River?
Answer: Jog Falls.
Coastal belt of Karnataka is called?
Answer: Karavali Region.
Plateau region covering most of interior Karnataka?
Answer: Deccan Plateau.
Karnataka’s largest district by area?
Answer: Belagavi.
Karnataka’s Smallest district by area?
Answer: Bengaluru Urban.
Karnataka borders which sea?
Answer: Arabian Sea.
River originating at Talakaveri? — Kaveri
Major dam on the Kaveri? — Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS)
Major dam on the Krishna? — Almatti
Major seaport of Karnataka? — New Mangalore Port
Major airport in Bengaluru? — Kempegowda International Airport
Famous IT hub in Bengaluru? — Electronic City
City known as the “Manchester of Karnataka”? — Davangere
Major coffee-producing region? — Coorg (Kodagu)
City known for silk industry? — Ramanagara
Major steel city of Karnataka? — Ballari (Bellary)
Premier science institute in Bengaluru? — Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
Space research centre headquartered in Bengaluru? — ISRO
Prestigious management institute in Bengaluru? — IIM Bangalore
Agricultural University in Dharwad? — University of Agricultural Sciences
Veterinary University in Bengaluru? — KVAFSU
Famous university city in Mysuru? — University of Mysore
University established by Kuvempu? — Kuvempu University
Technology university of Karnataka? — Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU)
City known for educational institutions and IT parks? — Mangaluru
First private university in Karnataka? — Azim Premji University
State dance of Karnataka? — Yakshagana
Traditional drumming dance? — Dollu Kunitha
Warrior dance form? — Veeragase
Famous temple town on the coast? — Murudeshwar
Famous pilgrimage town for Krishna Matha? — Udupi
Famous hill station near Bengaluru? — Nandi Hills
Popular Karnataka dish made with rice and lentils? — Bisi Bele Bath
Sweet delicacy from Mysuru? — Mysore Pak
Famous drink made of jaggery and spices? — Panaka
Overall theme of Kannada Rajyotsava? — Unity in Language and Culture
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It is celebrated on November 1st every year to commemorate the day in 1956 when all Kannada-speaking regions of South India were merged to form a single state, initially named Mysore State.
Here are 10 simple GK questions about Karnataka for beginners and students:
What is the capital of Karnataka? — Bengaluru
When was Karnataka formed? — 1st November 1956
What is the state anthem of Karnataka? — “Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate”
Who wrote the Karnataka state anthem? — Kuvempu
What is the official language of Karnataka? — Kannada
What is the state animal of Karnataka? — Indian Elephant
What is the state bird of Karnataka? — Indian Roller (Blue Jay)
What is the state tree of Karnataka? — Sandalwood (Santalum album)
What is the state flower of Karnataka? — Lotus
What is Karnataka’s coastline bordered by? — Arabian Sea
On November 1, 1973, under Chief Minister D. Devaraj Urs.
The "Rajyotsava Prashasti" award was instituted in 1966. (You can list a few of the very first recipients or a notable early one like Kuvempu).
You can download the free GK questions PDF directly from our page. Scroll up to the download section for the link.